Beginning in December 2002, Insider was proudly the first website to provide readers the Cozumel News in English.
Articles are slected from local newspapers which we feel will be of interest to our diverse audience. These articles are then translated into English. We cannot always investigate the veracity of a particular article but offer these translations as a reflection of the Cozumel community news just as reporters write it for Por Esto, Diario de Quintana Roo, Novedades and El Seminario and many other sources.
We appreciate hearing from our readers and welcome your questions, suggestions and comments. Please send them to: questions@cozumelinsider.com
Note: All translated articles are the property of Cozumel Insider and cannot be used, displayed or reproduced without express written permission from Cozumel Insider.
09/07/2026 - Numbers go up just a bit this week in Cozumel as cruise ship arrivals show 19 ships registered to dock as we celebrate Labor Day. This is 1 more ship than last week and 1 less than the "20 in port" which marks a "high season" number. There were 17 ships in port during the same week of 2025. An estimated 66,500 people will visit Cozumel this week via these cruise ships leaving an estimated US $ 7.1 million dollars behind in the local economy.
High season for cruise ship arrivals typically runs from November 15 - April 15 each year with the remaining 7 months of the year considered "low season." This week Puerta Maya pier will be host to 8 ships docking there, 4 ships will dock at SSA International pier while Punta Langosta pier will see 7 arrivals and the downtown San Miguel pier will have -0- arrivals with passengers tendering in.
On Monday 2 ships will dock, 3 ship will dock on Tuesday, 3 ships on Wednesday, 6 ships on Thursday, 3 ships on Friday, 2 ships on Saturday and Sunday will see 0 ships in port. To see a complete list of this week's ship arrivals, please visit Insider's Weekly Cruise Ship Schedule
Cozumel To Get Special Viva Aerobús Flights From AIFA For Ironman 70.3
Cozumel will again welcome special flights from Mexico City’s Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) on September 20 to handle the arrival of triathletes competing in the Ironman 70.3. Elías Farah, the island’s municipal tourism secretary, said Viva Aerobús will operate between two and three flights ahead of the race, one of the world’s premier triathlon competitions. He said seat reservations have been strong among athletes and their companions. “This type of sporting event is another reason to visit the island and generate economic revenue for the municipality,” Farah said.
Farah said the municipal government expects about 2,000 athletes from more than 50 countries to take part in the upcoming Ironman 70.3. He added that officials are working with airport operator Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste (ASUR) on possible new connections from Guadalajara and Europe. The Guadalajara route is nearly confirmed and would be operated by Volaris, while Cozumel has already recovered several European routes.
A news conference will be held in the coming days to announce more details, Farah said. “It’s very important. We’re working on it, and hopefully we’ll be giving the good news in the next few days,” he said.
18th Cozumel Bird Festival Set For October 7-11, 2026
Cozumel will host the 18th edition of its annual bird festival from Oct. 7-11, 2026, bringing together specialists, birdwatchers, and nature lovers for five days of birdwatching, conferences, workshops, exhibitions, and environmental education activities. The festival coincides with World Migratory Bird Day 2026 and aims to promote knowledge and conservation of the resident and migratory species that are part of the island’s ecosystems. Organizers have designed a program that appeals both to experienced birders and to families, students, residents, and visitors looking to learn about Cozumel’s biodiversity.
One of the festival’s main attractions will be guided birdwatching tours, known locally as “pajareos.” Participants will explore different habitats around the island to spot resident and migratory species, accompanied by guides with knowledge of Cozumel’s wildlife. The tours also serve as a form of nature tourism, helping visitors appreciate local ecosystems and understand the importance of preserving them. The festival will offer conferences and hands-on workshops covering biodiversity, conservation, and bird observation. Activities include citizen science projects and scientific illustration sessions, giving attendees a chance to take part in observing, identifying, recording, and sharing information about birds. The sessions are designed for both newcomers and those already familiar with birding. On the cultural side, the festival will feature a special screening of the documentary “Flamingos: Life After the Meteorite.” The film offers a closer look at wildlife and complements the festival’s birdwatching and scientific outreach programming. The event will also include an environmental fair with exhibitions, information booths, projections, and artistic activities. These exhibits aim to inform residents and visitors about Cozumel’s biodiversity and the importance of conserving the habitats that provide food, shelter, and stopover points for many species. The festival also strengthens the link between environmental protection and sustainable tourism, a key issue for an island whose tourism industry is closely tied to its natural resources.
The festival is organized with participation from environmental institutions, civil organizations, and local groups dedicated to biodiversity conservation. Partners include the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (CONANP), the Cozumel Parks and Museums Foundation (FPMC), and the Cozumel Birding Club.
Those interested in attending can get information about venues, schedules, tours, and registration through the festival’s official contact channels:
Email: avescozumel@gmail.com Phone: 987 872 4689 Facebook and Instagram: @avescozumel
Organizers recommend checking these channels in advance, particularly for activities that require registration, as spaces and requirements may vary.
Now in its 18th year, the Cozumel Bird Festival has become a key event for connecting people with the island’s natural heritage and fostering a culture of conservation. This year’s edition will once again blend birdwatching, science, culture, and environmental education, offering visitors a nature-focused alternative when they come to Cozumel in October.
Cozumel Unveils Monumental Mural Inspired By The Sea And Conservation
Cozumel unveiled a monumental mural on Monday, Aug. 24, next to Benito Juárez Park, a project organizers say will become a cultural and artistic landmark for the island.
The initiative, promoted by Cozumel Vivo with Colectivo ADN and artist Tatiana Siqueiros, seeks to connect art, community and nature. Beatriz Tinajero Tarriba, president of the Cozumel Hotel Association, said the mural turns an emblematic facade into a symbol of identity, conservation and community pride, and serves as a meeting point for residents and visitors. The mural marks the start of a broader series of urban interventions designed to involve local artists and collectives in Cozumel’s evolving cultural narrative. It is made up of two large pieces: “K’áan, el guardián del arrecife” (“K’áan, the Reef Guardian”) on the side facade, and “El pulso del Caribe” (“The Pulse of the Caribbean”) on the front. Together, they portray the island’s deep connection to the sea through sea turtles, whale sharks, fish and corals, along with symbols of light and movement that evoke the responsibility to protect the ocean. Organizers said the mural uses materials built to withstand the marine environment, with an estimated lifespan of more than five years and the option of periodic restorations. The goal is for the piece to remain a living icon that can evolve over time and keep its place in the island’s urban landscape.
The project was developed with support from Hotel B Cozumel, Hotel B Unique, Aquí y Ahora and the municipality of Cozumel. Plans also include transforming an arch into a space for collective artistic participation, where residents can leave their own mark and help expand the island’s network of cultural expressions. The initiative aims to give Cozumel a space where art is part of its identity and serves as a driver of environmental awareness, adding a new icon that unites tradition, creativity and the future.
Need a LEGAL U.S. Notary Service? THIS is your solution!
It has happened to ALL of us U.S. Citizens who spend significant amounts of time living / working in Cozumel: reading the dreaded words on a document from back home: "Notarized Signature Required." It's such a simple thing and no one wants the added expense of travelling back to the U.S. just to have their signature notarized but there are many legal processes in the U.S.A. where nothing BUT a notarized signature will be accepted.
Some common documents that U.S. Citizens need notarized while living abroad are: Real Estate Deeds or Mortgages, executing Wills, Powers of Attorney, requests for Birth / Marriage / Death Certificates, Permission for a parent to get a minor’s US Passport, banking / insurance / bonding documents, permission for a minor to travel without parents or application for duplicate or replacement vehicle titles just to name a few.
In the past, the most common solution was for a U.S. Citizen to make their way to the nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy where notaries are always available but the fees involved can be quite expensive. In addition there is the cost of actually travelling to the Consulate and who knows if appointments will even be available especially if the notarized signature is needed urgently. Plus from Cozumel that Consulate visit includes the cost of a ferry round trip to get to Playa del Carmen. All of these complicating factors just create more of a headache for something that is supposed to be relatively easy and inexpensive.
Another option frequently used has been that of a U.S. Notary operating outside of their country and jurisdiction. While this option is usually easy and cheap (often free or for a donation), it is one of those situations where "you get what you pay for" because technically these U.S. Notaries are operating ILLEGALLY as they are outside the legal jurisdiction for which they are authorized to notarize documents. In theory an illegal notarization could be attacked and challenged in the future and nullified causing legal issues with the documents signed. A fraud challenge to a Notary operating outside of the USA, simply involves a court asking the Notary to present their passport to the judge. Immigration stamps inside the passport will prove the Notary's whereabouts when documents were signed and if this was done inside the Notary's legal jurisdiction or illegally outside their authorized jurisdiction.
So do yourself a favor and avoid any future Signature Notary problems by utilizing an ON-LINE NOTARY SERVICE. Thanks to remote online notarization (RON), you can notarize a document from anywhere in the world, using your computer or mobile device and the internet. It takes only 10 minutes and is quite an easy process right from the comfort of your own home or office any hour of the day or night.
All you need to do is click this link 24/7 Online Notary Service To use this service, the fee is $25 USD and you must have a device with audio- visual capabilities (like a smart phone, tablet or PC) and proof of identity (a valid US Government-issued photo ID such as a Driver’s License or Passport). You can then access and meet with a licensed Notary Public who will notarize your papers in a matter of minutes. The process is easy, quick, efficient and AVAILABLE 24/7 online!! So WHY take a chance doing it any other way?!
If You Are Reading This .....
Then FOR SURE you will want to sign up for our Cozumel Travel Talk Bulletin!
With monthly or bi-monthly publication to a voluntary "opt in" mailing list already exceeding 10,000 subscribing Cozumel travelers, we never share your information and promise not to flood your mailbox! Just great stories and good information for Cozumel travelers who want to get the most out of their vacation time on the island! So scroll up to the menu bar at the top of this page and enter your email address to SUBSCRIBE and start receiving our Cozumel Travel Talk Bulletin!
September 6, 2024 (Most Recent) Comprehensive Mexico Travel Warning
U.S. State Department Travel Advisory for Mexico Issued SEPTEMBER 6, 2024 shows the Mexican State of Quintana Roo (includes Cozumel, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, and Tulum) to be a LEVEL 2 Advisory - Exercise Increased Caution (Level 4 Advisory is Highest Risk):
There are "NO RESTRICTIONS" on U.S. government employees for travel to "ANY PARTS" of Quintana Roo state, which includes tourist areas such as: Cozumel, Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya and Tulum. However, U.S. government employees are advised to exercise increased situational awareness and caution after dark in the areas of Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen, and to remain in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones.
U.S. citizens should as always exercise increased caution and be aware that according to Government of Mexico statistics, criminal activities and violence, including homicide, remain a concern throughout the State. While most of these homicides appeared to be targeted, criminal organization assassinations and turf battles between criminal groups that have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens. Bystanders injuries, while rare, have occurred. While not directed at tourists, shootings between rival gangs have killed or injured innocent bystanders. Additionally, U.S. citizens have been the victims of both non-violent and violent crimes in tourist and non-tourist areas.
The Mexico Travel Warning dated September 6, 2024 from the Department of State can also be viewed in its entirety on the Department of State website.
Copyright 2000 - 2026 Sherri Davis, All Rights Reserved. Contributors retain the copyright to their work. Please do not take art or written content without permission. Other graphics and reference materials are used and attributed as per the Fair Use Provision of The Copyright Act and individual terms of use.
09/07/2026 - Numbers go up just a bit this week in Cozumel as cruise ship arrivals show 19 ships registered to dock as we celebrate Labor Day. This is 1 more ship than last week and 1 less than the "20 in port" which marks a "high season" number. There were 17 ships in port during the same week of 2025. An estimated 66,500 people will visit Cozumel this week via these cruise ships leaving an estimated US $ 7.1 million dollars behind in the local economy. 
