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.
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06/29/2026 - Numbers go up a bit this week in Cozumel as cruise ship arrivals show 21 ships registered to dock as we celebrate the USA's 250th Birthday. This is 3 more ships than last week and 1 more than the "20 in port" which marks a "high season" number. There were 15 ships in port during the same week of 2025. An estimated 73,500 people will visit Cozumel this week via these cruise ships leaving an estimated US $ 7.8 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 9 ships docking there, 6 ships will dock at SSA International pier while Punta Langosta pier will see 6 arrivals and the downtown San Miguel pier will have -0- arrivals with passengers tendering in.
On Monday 4 ships will dock, 4 ships will dock on Tuesday, 5 ships on Wednesday, 3 ships on Thursday, 2 ships on Friday, 3 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 Captures 4 Of Every 10 Cruise Passengers In Mexico
Cozumel has solidified its position as Mexico’s leading cruise port, capturing 4 out of every 10 cruise passengers who visited the country between January and May, according to data from the Mexican Navy. Of the 5.6 million cruise passengers who arrived at Mexican ports during that period, 2.3 million, or 40%, docked on the island, marking a 7% increase compared to the same period in 2025. The port also received 659 ships, a 6.6% rise year-over-year.
The island, home to more than 88,000 residents, continues to be a favorite among cruise travelers. The nearby port of Mahahual, part of the Costa Maya region in southern Quintana Roo, saw roughly 1.08 million maritime visitors, maintaining levels similar to the previous year. Average spending per cruise passenger in Cozumel and Mahahual ranges from $80 to $83.9, generating an estimated annual economic impact of about $600 million from the cruise sector. Mexico currently charges a $5 per passenger cruise tax, which is set to increase to $10 in July and reach $15 by 2027. Officials say the fee has not dampened demand, and a state-level tax on cruise arrivals has also been implemented without noticeable effect.
The top five Mexican ports by passenger volume are Cozumel, Mahahual, Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas, and Puerto Vallarta.
Could Cozumel Be Home To A Newly Recognized Crocodile Species?
Cozumel’s crocodiles may be more unique than previously understood, and ongoing research could eventually change how scientists classify the island’s population. Héctor González Cortés, deputy director of Punta Sur Ecotourism Park, recently told visitors that studies are underway to determine whether the crocodiles living in the protected area could represent a distinct species. Punta Sur, located on the southern end of Cozumel, includes Laguna Colombia, one of the island’s most important crocodile habitats.
González Cortés said Mexico is currently recognized as home to three crocodilian species, and that Cozumel is considered a privileged location for crocodile research and conservation. He said the studies being carried out in Punta Sur are intended to better understand the animals and support protection of their natural habitat. The statement follows a growing body of scientific interest in Cozumel’s crocodiles. For years, the island population has generally been identified as the American crocodile, Crocodylus acutus, a species found in coastal, brackish, and mangrove environments across parts of the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. But recent research suggests the crocodiles of Cozumel may not be the same as mainland populations. A 2025 scientific study, developed by researchers including McGill University scientists and Mexican collaborators, identified significant genetic, ecological, and morphological differences in crocodile populations from Cozumel and Banco Chinchorro. The findings suggest that each island population may represent a previously unrecognized species within a broader complex of Neotropical crocodiles. If formally accepted by the scientific community and taxonomic authorities, the discovery could mean Mexico has five recognized crocodilian species instead of three. That would make the country even more important for crocodile conservation.
For Cozumel, the implications are significant. Island populations are often especially vulnerable because they live in limited habitats and may be affected by development, pollution, storms, changing water conditions, tourism pressure, and conflict with humans. If Cozumel’s crocodiles are confirmed as a distinct species, protection of their habitat would become even more urgent. Punta Sur has already become a key site for research and public education. Local authorities have previously reported hundreds of crocodiles in the Laguna Colombia area, and the park has hosted monitoring projects, educational talks, and nighttime observation activities designed to teach visitors about the ecological role of crocodiles. Crocodiles are apex predators, meaning they help regulate ecosystems by controlling prey populations and maintaining balance in wetlands and lagoons. Their presence is often a sign of a functioning habitat, even if their reputation makes people nervous. Researchers have also studied the diet and behavior of the crocodiles in Laguna Colombia, adding to the scientific record of how the island population lives and feeds. Those details matter because they help distinguish whether the animals are simply an isolated population of American crocodiles or something more biologically distinct. For now, the responsible wording is “possible new species,” not confirmed new species. The research is promising, but species recognition is a careful scientific process that requires peer review, comparison, and acceptance beyond a single local statement. Still, the possibility is exciting. Cozumel has long been known for endemic and unusual wildlife, from its dwarf mammals to island bird populations. The idea that its crocodiles may also be distinct adds another layer to the island’s conservation value.
The message from Punta Sur is clear: these animals are not just tourist curiosities. They may be part of a much larger scientific story, one that makes protecting Cozumel’s wetlands even more important.
$3M For Quintana Roo’s Protected Natural Areas
The Fund for the Latin American Reef System (MAR Fund) is currently financing six active conservation projects for ecosystems in protected natural areas across Quintana Roo, with a total investment of approximately $3 million dollars. Each project receives around half a million dollars in funding. The conservation initiatives are located in several key areas, including the Chacmuchuch-Manatí corridor in the north of the state; Cozumel; Xcacel and Xcacelito; the Caribbean Mexican Biosphere Reserve; Isla Contoy; and Puerto Morelos. María José González, the executive director of the 20-year-old fund, stated that the supported projects aim to improve the management of protected areas while simultaneously promoting the participation of local communities. The initiatives focus on fisheries, coral reefs, mangroves, and small-scale Blue Economy projects.
One project, the Chacmuchuch-Manatí coastal marine corridor, is being conducted in conjunction with the Institute for Biodiversity and Protected Natural Areas of Quintana Roo (Ibanqroo). This environmental initiative for ecological tourism has an investment of 500,000 dollars over two years. “One of our projects is focused on protected natural areas, which is around 500,000 dollars for two years, and the other window is for coral restoration, 300,000 and something dollars for 18 months,” González said. “But in projects like the one in Cozumel aimed at reefs, the amounts can vary from 300,000 to 700,000 dollars depending on the project or each activity.” Regarding Blue Economy support, the fund is assisting a company that reuses sargassum. It is also conducting community work with various very small-scale entrepreneurs to help them organize and register for this type of activity.
González explained that the fund protects 31 areas across four countries Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras to increase community activity, provide equipment, and offer training to make the management of these conservation sites more efficient. “It is an honor to work in Quintana Roo,” the director stated. “The work that the people do here in the field of conservation and protection is inspiring.”
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?!
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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.
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06/29/2026 - Numbers go up a bit this week in Cozumel as cruise ship arrivals show 21 ships registered to dock as we celebrate the USA's 250th Birthday. This is 3 more ships than last week and 1 more than the "20 in port" which marks a "high season" number. There were 15 ships in port during the same week of 2025. An estimated 73,500 people will visit Cozumel this week via these cruise ships leaving an estimated US $ 7.8 million dollars behind in the local economy. 
