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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06/01/2026 - Numbers go down a bit this week in Cozumel as cruise ship arrivals show 19 ships registered to dock as we head towards the Summer season. This is 2 fewer ships last week and 1 less than the "20 in port" which marks a "high season" number. There were 16 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, 5 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, 3 ships will dock on Tuesday, 5 ships on Wednesday, 2 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 Cruise Passenger Numbers Rise 7.1% In First Four Months Of 2026
Cozumel recorded a 7.1% increase in cruise passenger arrivals during the first four months of 2026, reinforcing its position as one of Mexico’s leading cruise destinations, according to the federal Tourism Secretariat (Sectur). Data from Sectur and the Mexican Navy (Semar) show that between January and April, Cozumel’s port received 1,987,695 cruise passengers and 571 ship calls, a 5.2% rise in vessel operations compared to the same period in 2025.
Federal Tourism Secretary Josefina Rodríguez Zamora reported that Mexican ports overall handled 4.8 million cruise passengers in the first four months of the year, a national increase of 14.8%. The number of ship arrivals across the country reached 1,425, up 10% from the previous year. Rodríguez Zamora emphasized that cruise activity boosts local economies through spending at restaurants, shops, transportation, and tourism services. “The arrival of cruises generates direct benefits for host communities by driving consumption in restaurants, shops, tourism services, transportation, and recreational activities,” she said. The Gulf-Caribbean region, which includes Cozumel, accounted for 3.1 million passengers and 885 ship calls during the period, with increases of 4.6% and 3.5%, respectively. Rodríguez Zamora added that these results solidify Mexico’s standing as a key destination for the international cruise industry and create direct and indirect jobs in the country’s main ports.
The Perfect Day Decision Signals End Of A 50 Year Development Agreement Born In Puerto Aventuras
In the 1980s, businessman Román Rivera Torres coined a phrase that would define half a century of development in Quintana Roo: “It’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission.” With that motto, he built Puerto Aventuras, without all the permits, without all the studies. Authorities, whether through complicity or convenience, let it slide. Since then, the model has repeated itself: build first, negotiate later, and trust that political pressure will eventually bend the authorities. The situation in Mahahual is not an isolated case. It is the latest chapter in a long history of a business community that learned to operate by breaking rules in the name of family welfare.
Last year, the fourth cruise ship pier in Cozumel was canceled. This year, Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day project in Mahahual met the same fate. Two megaprojects halted for the same reason: they did not respect the environment. What is extraordinary is not the cancellation itself, but that capital and connections are no longer enough. Business chambers in the south have declared that Perfect Day was “a strategic project that would diversify the economy.” But what diversification? It is exactly what already happens with current cruise ships, multiplied by five: more garbage, more pressure on the aquifer, more collapse of services, and the same crumbs as always. The project included no investment in drainage, drinking water, or community infrastructure. Tourists would be captive inside the complex, with minimal economic spillover into the town. They speak of progress but offer the same model from fifty years ago: arrive, extract, leave costs, and leave with the profits. What is needed now is not hesitation, not a “sometimes yes, sometimes no” depending on social pressure. What is needed is a single criterion, applied evenly, without distinction of who invests or how much lobbying they bring. That is the real certainty, both for responsible businesses that do want to comply and for communities that have been paying the costs of those who do not.
Rivera Torres’ phrase marked an era. Perhaps what we are seeing is the closing of that era. It is no longer enough to ask for forgiveness afterward. Now you have to ask for permission first and comply.
San Miguel Arcángel Church In Cozumel Marks 80 Years Of Faith And Tradition
The Catholic community of Cozumel celebrated the 80th anniversary of the San Miguel Arcángel Parish, one of the island’s most significant historical, spiritual, and cultural landmarks. The festival committee announced the preparations that took place to commemorate eight decades of history for the religious site, which has accompanied generations of Cozumel families and visitors. A commemorative mass was held on May 26 at 7:00 p.m. at the church, located in the city center, where faithful and ecclesiastical authorities gathered to remember the parish’s founding.
According to historical records, construction of the church began in 1945 and it was officially consecrated on February 14, 1947, becoming a gathering point for faith and traditions on the island. The Municipal Culture Department also joined the celebration with a special program of artistic and cultural activities aimed at strengthening the identity and roots of the Cozumel community. Among the most anticipated events is the traditional procession dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel, for which a special call was issued to all residents named Miguel, who participated in this unique display of popular devotion. Authorities and organizers said the anniversary aimed to bring together local families, tourists, and believers in an atmosphere of coexistence, tradition, and community pride, highlighting the historical value of the parish in Cozumel’s daily life.
Venezuelan Training Ship Simón Bolívar Arrives In Cozumel To Strengthen Mexico Ties
The Venezuelan training ship Simón Bolívar arrived last Wednesday to Cozumel, where it was welcomed with traditional music, folk dances, and displays of fraternity between Mexico and Venezuela in a festive atmosphere of cultural exchange. During the official ceremony at Punta Langosta pier, civil and naval authorities from both countries were present. Representing Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa, Juanita Alonso Marrufo, director general of the Cozumel Parks and Museums Foundation (FPMC), welcomed Major General Alirio Cruz Ortega, Venezuela’s military attaché in Mexico; Captain Carlos D’ Suze Santos, commander of the AB Simón Bolívar; and the 219 crew members, men and women of Venezuelan youth participating in the 36th Overseas Training Cruise “Seas of Union for Bolívar’s Dream.” Venezuelan Ambassador to Mexico Stella Marina Lugo highlighted that Mexico and Venezuela share the heritage of indigenous peoples, love for their roots, and libertarian values that unite both nations. She recalled that in 1824, liberator Simón Bolívar was proclaimed a Mexican citizen, a historic symbol of closeness between the two peoples.
Captain Carlos D’ Suze Santos noted that the training ship functions as a floating academic classroom for the formation of naval cadets and as a goodwill ambassador promoting mutual respect among nations. He said these voyages strengthen cultural exchange and tighten the bonds of friendship between Venezuela and Mexico, thanking the Cozumel community for its warm welcome. Eva Cristina Calderón Mihai, head of chancellery at the Mexican Embassy in Venezuela, emphasized that the ship’s visit represents the closeness and friendship between both countries. Rear Admiral Oscar Antonio González Huerta, commander of the Cozumel Naval Sector, recognized the crew’s commitment as representatives of Venezuela in the world.
The AB Simón Bolívar and Mexico’s ARM Cuauhtémoc are considered sister training ships, both built at the same shipyards in Bilbao, Spain, and sharing the mission of training naval cadets and strengthening international diplomacy. The arrival of the Simón Bolívar, known as “The Ambassador Without Borders,” has generated excitement among the Cozumel community, which were able to visit the iconic vessel during its stay on the island. The ship later departed for Cuba before concluding its voyage and returning to Venezuela.
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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06/01/2026 - Numbers go down a bit this week in Cozumel as cruise ship arrivals show 19 ships registered to dock as we head towards the Summer season. This is 2 fewer ships last week and 1 less than the "20 in port" which marks a "high season" number. There were 16 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. 
