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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09/01/2025 - Numbers go down this week in Cozumel as cruise ship arrivals show 15 ships registered to dock as we celebrate Labor Day. This is 1 less ship than last week and 5 less than the "20 in port" which marks a "high season" number. There were 16 ships in port during the same week of 2024. An estimated 52,500 people will visit Cozumel this week via these cruise ships leaving an estimated US$ 5.6 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 7 ships docking there, 5 ships will dock at SSA International pier while Punta Langosta pier will see 3 arrivals and the downtown San Miguel pier will have -0- arrivals with passengers tendering in.
On Monday 2 ship will dock, 2 ships will dock on Tuesday, 2 ships on Wednesday, 3 ships on Thursday, 4 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
Island Investing 33 Million To Rehabilitate Main Roadways
State officials have announced a 33-million-peso investment into repairing island streets. Governor Mara Lezama says funds from the Cruise Passenger Rights Trust will be used to rehabilitate Cozumel’s main streets and avenues. Mara Lezama stated that these actions for the benefit of Cozumel residents were approved by the members of the Cruise Passenger Rights Trust, who contribute to continuing to improve the quality of life on the island.
The Secretary of Public Works, José Rafael Lara Díaz, toured the area with Governor Lezama and Mayor José Luis Chacón Méndez, responding to the many requests from Cozumel residents. “And when we say investment, we mean it clearly. It’s the people’s money that returns to the people through quality projects that last longer, withstand the rain and make travel safer,” Lezama said. Secretary Lara Díaz reported that more than 13,600 square meters of streets such as 2 Norte and 10th Avenida Sur are being rehabilitated with higher-strength hydraulic concrete. Storm drains are being releveled, new signs are being installed, and sidewalks are being improved, all designed to ensure safe, efficient transportation with less flooding. During the street tour, Governor Mara Lezama emphasized that “Cozumel is the country’s leading cruise ship destination and deserves worthy streets that are worthy of its hardworking people and the thousands of visitors who arrive every day.”
According to Mayor José Luis Chacón Méndez, the project is a joint effort between the state government and the Cozumel City Council to promote social well-being and urban development.
Renán Sánchez Tajonar Celebrates Sheinbaum's Decision To Cancel Fourth Pier In Cozumel
From the Senate of the Republic, Representative Renán Sánchez Tajonar, supported by the Green Party, celebrated President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo's decision to cancel the fourth pier project in Cozumel, calling it a victory for citizens and the environment.
During a press conference, accompanied by Karen Castrejón Trujillo, national leader of the Green Party and vice-coordinator of the parliamentary group in the Senate, as well as Carlos Puente, the coordinator of federal deputies, Senator Virginia Magaña, and Juan Carrillo Soberanis, Sánchez Tajonar highlighted Governor Mara Lezama's stance on promoting sustainable development in the state. "This is a victory for the people, for the Cozumel residents who for years defended our reefs, and today the federal government demonstrates that it listens and acts in favor of nature," the legislator stated. He recalled that on May 7, during the People's Day Address, Sheinbaum was clear: "A project that puts Cozumel's reefs at risk will not be permitted," a stance that led to the official suspension of the project on July 22.
Sánchez Tajonar emphasized that the cancellation protects the second largest barrier reef in the world and safeguards the livelihoods of thousands of families who depend on sustainable tourism. "It's a collective victory: residents, activists, scientists, environmental organizations, and the Green Party of Quintana Roo have brought this cause to the national agenda," she stated. Karen Castrejón Trujillo acknowledged that Sánchez Tajonar's strong opposition was instrumental in raising the issue's profile at the national level and affirmed that the historic decision sends a clear message: in Quintana Roo and in Mexico, economic development and environmental protection can and should go hand in hand, guided by science and commitment to the population. This statement reaffirms the stance of the Green Party of Quintana Roo legislators in favor of responsible economic growth, in harmony with the conservation of ecosystems and the quality of life of local communities.
Government Reports 13.8 Percent Increase In International Tourism During First Six Months
The Government of Mexico reports an increase of 13.8 percent in international tourism this year. According to the Secretary of Tourism, 47.4 million international tourists entered the country during the first six months of 2025.
Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, the Secretary of Tourism of the Government of Mexico, reported the figure is 13.8 percent higher than that recorded in the same period in 2024. “41.7 million from January to June 2024, and from January to June 2025, 47.4 million visitors. Tourists are staying longer in Mexico and visitor spending has increased,” she said. She detailed that of those visitors, 5.7 million were cruise passengers at the country’s different ports, 9.6 percent more than in 2024. She also highlighted that between 2024 and 2025, considering only the month of June, the number of international tourists increased from 3,697,844 to 4,069,368, reflecting a significant growth of 10 percent. “This increase consolidates Mexico as one of the most attractive and competitive destinations globally, demonstrating the confidence of international travelers in the country’s tourism offerings,” she said adding that foreign currency inflows from international visitors to Mexico has increased by 6.3 percent.
“Tourism continues to grow and strengthen its contribution to the national economy thanks to coordinated efforts with the private sector and all levels of government. Through the administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum, we continue working to ensure that the benefits of these figures translate into well-being for the resident communities, promoting community tourism as a tool for inclusive development,” she stated.
Maya Train Project Loses 5.8B Pesos In 2025
The Maya Train, one of the Mexican government’s flagship infrastructure projects, has recorded a financial loss of 5,807 million pesos in the first six months of 2025, according to a recent report. The figures reveal a significant setback for the initiative, which was originally intended to boost tourism and economic development in the country’s southeastern region.
The breakdown of the financial losses indicates that operational and investment expenses have surpassed generated revenue, directly impacting the project’s expected profitability. The situation has raised concerns among various sectors, given the substantial public funds allocated to the Maya Train and the high expectations surrounding its launch.The reported losses contrast sharply with initial promises that the project would drive sustainable development, create jobs, and enhance regional infrastructure. However, administrative challenges, construction delays, and other factors appear to have contributed to the negative financial outcome. Despite the financial difficulties, authorities have confirmed that the project remains active, with strategies under evaluation to reverse losses and optimize resources. The Maya Train continues to be a central component of the federal government’s tourism and infrastructure policy, aimed at connecting key cultural and natural destinations across Mexico.
The reported losses for the first half of 2025 have prompted calls for a reassessment of the project’s management and approach to ensure its objectives are met and public investment justified. Public and investor attention is now focused on how the government will address these financial challenges in the coming months.
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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09/01/2025 - Numbers go down this week in Cozumel as cruise ship arrivals show 15 ships registered to dock as we celebrate Labor Day. This is 1 less ship than last week and 5 less than the "20 in port" which marks a "high season" number. There were 16 ships in port during the same week of 2024. An estimated 52,500 people will visit Cozumel this week via these cruise ships leaving an estimated US$ 5.6 million dollars behind in the local economy. 
