This Event Will Transform Cabo’s Marina This November — Here’s When To See It

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We at The Cabo Sun love a good reason to stroll the boardwalk, and this one’s extra special: from November 1–4, the Bay and Marina of Cabo San Lucas will light up for the 5th annual Day of the Dead Nautical Festival, turning the water into a living, glowing tribute with floating altars, dances, and cultural performances.

Think marigolds, candles, and ofrendas… but gently drifting across the sea.

Announced this week, the festival brings Mexico’s most beloved tradition to the water with “Altares en el Mar” (Altars on the Sea)—a mesmerizing sight you won’t catch in many other beach destinations. Organizers say the four-day program blends ancestral customs with the marine setting so both locals and visitors can experience the spirit of Día de Muertos in an innovative way.

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What you’ll see on the water (and on land)

Beyond the floating ofrendas, expect nautical parades, live performances, traditional dances, and cultural activities based around the marina. A popular fair-style atmosphere (“verbena”) will add artisan and gastronomy stands, so you can snack between shows and snap those marigold-drenched photos.

One highlight on November 1 is set to be the “Mujeres que Navegan” international conversation spotlighting women’s leadership in nautical tourism and coastal sustainability—very on-brand for Los Cabos.

Local officials underscored the festival’s role in preserving indigenous roots through inclusive programming. As Councilwoman Petra Juárez Maceda put it at the announcement, the community embraces Day of the Dead at sea—decorating platforms and altars to honor loved ones—creating a one-of-a-kind celebration in Baja California Sur.

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When to go (and the best vantage points)

• Dates: November 1–4 (four days). Aim for twilight into evening when the altars glow and the marina is at its photogenic best.
• Where to watch: The Marina Cabo San Lucas walkway provides prime views without boarding a boat. Early birds can claim rail-side spots near popular docks; night owls should wander the inner curves of the marina for reflections on the water. (If you’re planning a full fall trip, our seasonal round-up has more festive picks, including Día de Muertos boat parades across town.)
• What to bring: Light layers (breezes pick up after sunset), comfortable shoes for the boardwalk, and a reusable water bottle.

If you’re building a culture-forward itinerary, pair the nautical festival with other Day of the Dead happenings around Los Cabos; many resorts and venues host altar contests, workshops, and tasting events on Nov 1–2. We’ve covered how travelers can experience the celebrations locally—from makeup and costume pageantry to storytelling and music—plus those crowd-pleasing boat parades.

How this fits into Cabo’s festival season

November is quickly becoming the heart of culture season in Los Cabos. Last year we spotlighted fall experiences ranging from culinary showcases to marigold-garnished mixology—much of it time-slotted around Day of the Dead. Expect hotels and restaurants to lean in with themed menus (hello, pan de muerto) and hands-on activities like sugar-skull painting. If you love planning your trip around big local moments, our guide to late-2025 marquee events (which includes Día de Muertos boat parades) is a great place to start.

Practical tips for smooth sailing

• Go car-free at peak hours. Parking around the marina gets tight on event nights; ride-share or walk from Médano and the downtown grid.
• Dine on the edges. Book dinner slightly before sunset or after the main flow of performances to avoid the crush—then meander the boardwalk with an ice cream while the altars glow.
• Be respectful of ofrendas. These altars are acts of remembrance; admire and photograph from a polite distance.
• Check the daily program. The organizer, Festivales Náuticos MX, is promoting multiple themed moments across the four evenings; keep an eye on announcements for specific parade times and special showcases.

Bottom line

If you’ll be in Cabo the first week of November, don’t miss this. The Day of the Dead Nautical Festival transforms the marina into a heartfelt, shimmering canvas—equal parts culture, community, and pure visual magic. And if you’re still deciding when to visit, consider timing your trip to catch these nights on the water; Día de Muertos is one of the most meaningful, memorable ways to experience Los Cabos.