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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02/02/2026 - Numbers go down a bit this week in Cozumel as cruise ship arrivals show 30 ships registered to dock as we welcome February. This is 5 fewer ships than last week and 10 more than the "20 in port" which marks a "high season" number. There were 36 ships in port during the same week of 2025. An estimated 105,000 people will visit Cozumel this week via these cruise ships leaving an estimated US$ 11.2 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 12 ships docking there, 7 ships will dock at SSA International pier while Punta Langosta pier will see 11 arrivals and the downtown San Miguel pier will have -0- arrivals with passengers tendering in.
On Monday 3 ships will dock, 5 ships will dock on Tuesday, 6 ships on Wednesday, 7 ships on Thursday, 4 ships on Friday, 4 ships on Saturday and Sunday will see 1 ship in port. To see a complete list of this week's ship arrivals, please visit Insider's Weekly Cruise Ship Schedule
Cozumel Horse And Carriages Must Go Electric Within A Year
Horse and Carriage workers in Cozumel have a municipal council agreement that gradually requires them to replace horses with electric motors, Rafael Hernández Kotasek, director general of the Quintana Roo State Mobility Institute (Imoveqroo), announced recently following a public hearing with Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa on the island. He specified that the tolerated time for the change is one year, but some have already begun the transition, with five of ten horses replaced by electric carriages to continue operating. “If I remember correctly, the permit expires in June or July,” he added. He emphasized that the change from horses corresponds to the implementation of the Animal Welfare Law, which is already in effect in Quintana Roo; therefore, each carriage operator has until mid-year to complete the necessary procedures and continue providing service.
On another topic, when questioned about the increase in permits for mototaxi operations in Cozumel, Hernández Kotasek reported that the census shows 540 units, and owners must comply with legal procedures to obtain license plates and receive the hologram required to work. “A major concern for us is the rates they may charge; this legal process, which had not started, has now begun with these 540 units. If they do not have plates in the coming months, they will not be able to operate,” said the head of the state mobility institute.
He was reminded that the census from two years ago was 350 mototaxis, but due to alleged corruption by the Imoveqroo delegate on the island, who charged 30,000 pesos to include them in the new census, this number increased to 540. Rafael Hernández explained that the official census is 180 per organization and invited citizens to report any acts of corruption, as there should be no charge to be included in the census. He justified that the mototaxi service will be “well limited,” as it will cover areas where taxi drivers consider it unprofitable to go, which is why this service emerged so that people in neighborhoods are not left without transportation. He recalled that the licensing process is very important so that everyone operates legally, as those without plates will be reported to the corresponding authorities. “This issue must be addressed for order, regardless of whether resources will be obtained; it is a matter of security and order,” he added. Finally, the official stated that those who do not have a permit from the existing unions cannot operate, so if someone promises them a place “on the list,” “they are deceiving them.”
5,000 Signatures Oppose Royal Caribbean Cozumel Beach Club
The petition platform Change.org reported it has gathered five thousand signatures against the mega-project for a beach club that the cruise line Royal Caribbean intends to build in Cozumel. Under the title “No to the Royal Caribbean Mega Project in Cozumel,Stop Royal Beach Club!! Rescue Playa Mia!!”, Change.org outlines the reasons why this beach club should not be built. It also highlights that Cozumel is a natural paradise famous for its spectacular beaches and rich biodiversity.
“The construction of Royal Caribbean’s new beach club threatens to destroy the balance of this pristine island. This new facility will not only privatize the last public beach on the west side of Cozumel but will also severely affect local businesses, which are the soul of our community,” state the promoters opposing the project. In this sense, the complainants add that Cozumel has long been a destination that welcomes tourists from around the world, who come to enjoy its beauty and local hospitality. Both local families and tourists enjoy the beach known as “Playa Mia.” The arrival of a large corporation like Royal Caribbean, with its private beach club will mean (and petitioners estimate) that Royal Caribbean will use Cozumel’s resources without contributing to the local economy.“The profit from Royal Caribbean’s visitors stays in the hands of this company, and it also privatizes our beautiful beach, pollutes our island, and causes serious consequences for the environment,” they add.
The publication on Change.org further states that, according to studies conducted in other locations where similar phenomena have occurred, a decrease of up to 40% in the earnings of small local businesses has been observed, leading many to close their doors. According to the complainants, this not only affects business owners but also their employees and the local economy in general, increasing unemployment and reducing the quality of life in the region. In their view, the privatization of the last public beach could mean that Cozumel residents may soon be prevented from enjoying their own natural resources. The petitioners consider that the importance of keeping these areas accessible cannot be underestimated, as they are fundamental to the emotional and social well-being of the community, as well as for environmental conservation.
In addition, the promoters against this project emphasize that the barrier imposed by a private beach club would also negatively impact conservation efforts by limiting the participation of volunteers and environmental groups working to protect the area’s flora and fauna. For this reason, they believe the government should not allow this type of project, and they called on local authorities and the government of Quintana Roo to listen to the people’s demands and take a clear stance against the construction of this beach club. “Cozumel already has sufficient infrastructure to receive tourists while preserving its natural charms and supporting its community. Sign this petition and together let’s fight to protect public access to Cozumel’s beaches. Let’s not allow the interest of a few to prevail over the common good and the natural beauty we all share,” they conclude.
Quintana Roo Unveils Mexican Caribbean Great Fishing Circuit At FITUR 2026
Quintana Roo has set its sights on becoming a leading sports fishing destination with the presentation of the Great Fishing Circuit of the Mexican Caribbean at FITUR 2026, one of the world’s most important tourism trade fairs. The initiative, unveiled by Governor Mara Lezama alongside Cancún Mayor Ana Paty Peralta, aims to diversify the state’s tourism economy by capitalizing on the region’s established reputation for world-class sport fishing. The proposed circuit links Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, and Puerto Morelos, creating a coordinated calendar of tournaments and events across the northern Mexican Caribbean.
Officials said the project is designed to attract high-value, specialized travelers while extending tourism activity beyond traditional peak seasons. Sport fishing is already a proven draw in the region, with long-running tournaments such as the Cozumel International Billfish Tournament, the Rodeo de Lanchas Mexicanas in Cancún, and Isla Mujeres’ Don Martín Fishing Tournament drawing anglers from the United States, Europe, and Latin America each year. Peralta stressed that sustainability is a core pillar of the circuit, with an emphasis on catch-and-release practices, species conservation, and collaboration with local fishing cooperatives. Governor Lezama described the circuit as a first-of-its-kind, statewide effort that reflects Quintana Roo’s broader strategy to position itself not only as a sun-and-beach destination, but as a global hub for responsible sports tourism. If implemented as planned, the Great Fishing Circuit would place the Mexican Caribbean alongside renowned sport fishing destinations such as Los Cabos and the Pacific coast, while reinforcing the region’s economic and environmental stewardship goals.
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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02/02/2026 - Numbers go down a bit this week in Cozumel as cruise ship arrivals show 30 ships registered to dock as we welcome February. This is 5 fewer ships than last week and 10 more than the "20 in port" which marks a "high season" number. There were 36 ships in port during the same week of 2025. An estimated 105,000 people will visit Cozumel this week via these cruise ships leaving an estimated US$ 11.2 million dollars behind in the local economy. 
