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.
01/26/2026 - Numbers remain the same this week in Cozumel as cruise ship arrivals show 35 ships registered to dock as we enter February. This is the same amount of ships than last week and 15 more than the "20 in port" which marks a "high season" number. There were 38 ships in port during the same week of 2025. An estimated 122,500 people will visit Cozumel this week via these cruise ships leaving an estimated US$ 13.1 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 14 ships docking there, 10 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 4 ships will dock, 7 ships will dock on Tuesday, 7 ships on Wednesday, 6 ships on Thursday, 5 ships on Friday, 5 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
Citizen Science Project Tracks Monarch Butterflies In Cozumel
The Cozumel Parks and Museums Foundation (FPMC) has joined a citizen science project to record and study the presence of monarch butterflies in the Yucatan Peninsula, with particular focus on Cozumel Island, as part of efforts to promote scientific outreach, community participation, and biodiversity conservation. In coordination with the community group Alas Mayas, FPMC presented the conference “Monarch Butterfly, the Route of the Mayab” at the Island Museum, creating a space for learning and reflection about research advances on the migration of this emblematic species in southeastern Mexico and the Caribbean region.
The activity took place in the museum’s auditorium and brought together individuals interested in environmental conservation, who learned firsthand about the scope of this collaborative project that seeks to identify and document the migratory route of the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) through citizen observation. The presentation was led by María Cecilia Álvarez Ricalde, Roger Iván Sosa Pinto, and Juan Flores Valadez, members of the Alas Mayas group, who collaborate with Dr. Cristina Dockx from the University of Florida in researching the passage of monarch butterflies through the Yucatan Peninsula.
During the session, it was explained how, through the use of digital platforms like iNaturalist, key sightings have been recorded in the states of Quintana Roo, Campeche, and Yucatan, as well as on islands including Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, and Contoy. It was highlighted that this collective effort has gathered nearly 400 observations in the Yucatan Peninsula, as well as identified monarch butterfly reproduction zones in the northeastern region. Additionally, the first results of BioRegistro 2025 were presented, an initiative that calls on the population to document sightings and contribute to the scientific knowledge of the species at an international level. Through such activities, FPMC provides spaces open to knowledge, scientific outreach, and community collaboration, fostering an active environmental culture that contributes to the conservation of emblematic species and the strengthening of social fabric in Cozumel and the region.
The conference was organized by the Conservation and Environmental Education Directorate, headed by biologist Rafael Chacón Díaz, who along with his team of biologists and natural resource management graduates has been a pioneer in observing and recording monarch butterflies on Cozumel Island. In this context, FPMC General Director Juanita Alonso Marrufo mentioned that these actions align with the New Agreement for Well-being and Development of Quintana Roo, led by Governor Mara Lezama, by placing people and the environment at the center of public policies. “Promoting citizen science is fundamental to generating awareness and social co-responsibility in caring for our natural heritage, placing people and the environment at the center of public policies,” she concluded.
Submarine Cable Threatens Cozumel Reef Species
At least 48 marine species in the Francisco I. Madero reef are at risk if a submarine cable project promoted by the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) to Cozumel is executed. The project has been approved since 2023 by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat).
Juan Carlos García Prado, a member of Cenotes Urbanos, reported that on January 4 they conducted an aquatic monitoring of the seabed and found that, if drilled for the passage of the submarine cable to Cozumel, it would affect various important species in a site that is of utmost importance to the community. The site is located about 500 meters from where the last wave reaches the access to public beach 88, which has Blue Flag certification. The area has records of various species, such as the parrotfish, which feeds on coral. Likewise, there are various aquatic specimens that roam the natural site. Despite this, in the Environmental Impact Statement (MIA) submitted to Semarnat, it was reported that there was no risk to the ecosystem, although this verification exposes probable environmental damage if the project is executed. The project was in the hands of federal authorities since 2022. It was approved one year later. García Prado commented that they will continue disseminating these findings so that authorities take these considerations into account before executing actions.
The CFE reported that it will use the “directional drilling” technique, meaning it will reach the seabed without touching the beach dune. The same will occur when reaching the island of Cozumel. The project aims to reinforce the electricity supply to the island, where the cabling will arrive starting from the Ejidal neighborhood, entering via submarine from beach 88 to finally connect at Chankanaab. An investment of 88 million pesos is planned.
Royal Caribbean Pledges Mitigation For Cozumel Beach Club
Royal Caribbean said it will implement mitigation, restoration and conservation measures to reduce environmental impacts from its planned Royal Beach Club in Cozumel, as outlined in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) submitted to Mexico’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT). The project, located on oceanfront land adjacent to Quintana Roo’s Playa Sol and Playa Mía, covers a total area of 17.1 hectares. Of that, the company said only 5.39 hectares would be used for construction, while 12.03 hectares would remain undeveloped and free of buildings.
According to the EIS, 15 environmental elements were assessed, with six expected to experience severe impacts during at least one phase of the project. The most significant effects identified include reductions in vegetation cover,particularly medium sub-evergreen forest impacts on mangrove specimens, the loss of some native plant species and reduced habitat for wildlife. Seven additional environmental elements are expected to face moderate impacts, including changes to soil quality and infiltration, groundwater quality, landscape alteration and the loss of native fauna. Only air quality and noise were classified as compatible impacts, with minimal expected effects. Royal Caribbean said the filling includes a “robust mitigation, restoration and conservation plan” designed to address each identified impact. According to the document, the plan involves relocating flora and fauna and restoring affected areas, with 85% of the cleared flora projected to survive through restoration programs. For wildlife, the company projects that 9 out of 10 animals would be captured, relocated, or deterred without injury. According to the filing, relocated fauna would be transferred to nearby areas with similar environmental conditions to increase survival rates.
Cozumel is Mexico’s main cruise destination, receiving a large share of the country’s cruise passengers each year. Some residents argue the island already has sufficient tourism infrastructure to accommodate visitors without additional large-scale developments. Local opposition has argued that the Beach Club would effectively privatize what they describe as the last public beach in the area. Community members have asked the federal government to deny the permits required for the project to move forward. Meanwhile, a petition circulating on Change.org states that a private beach club would limit access for volunteers and environmental groups involved in protecting local flora and fauna. Environmental activist Rodrigo Huesca said the project’s proximity to the Cozumel Reefs National Park could increase its environmental footprint. “This project would reduce public access and increase dependence on services linked to cruise operators,” Huesca said.
Royal Caribbean said the project does not constitute beach privatization. The company said it would operate under a federal concession, which allows use of the beach under Mexican law. “Obtaining a federal concession does not constitute privatization in a strict sense,” the company said, adding that clarifying the distinction could help address public concerns. Opposition to large Royal Caribbean tourism projects has precedent in Cozumel. In April of 2025, citizen groups gathered more than 200,000 signatures opposing the company’s plans to expand a cruise ship pier at the Villa Blanca Reef. The reef, which has undergone nearly 20 years of coral restoration efforts, is considered a critical marine habitat and a popular site for diving and snorkeling. While the project was initially halted in 2022 due to environmental concerns, SEMARNAT ultimately authorized it, reigniting fears of coral loss, sedimentation, and water pollution.
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 - 2025 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.
01/26/2026 - Numbers remain the same this week in Cozumel as cruise ship arrivals show 35 ships registered to dock as we enter February. This is the same amount of ships than last week and 15 more than the "20 in port" which marks a "high season" number. There were 38 ships in port during the same week of 2025. An estimated 122,500 people will visit Cozumel this week via these cruise ships leaving an estimated US$ 13.1 million dollars behind in the local economy. 
