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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01/12/2026 - Numbers go down slightly this week in Cozumel as cruise ship arrivals show 37 ships registered to dock as we head towards the middle of January. This is 2 fewer ships than last week and 17 more than the "20 in port" which marks a "high season" number. There were 34 ships in port during the same week of 2025. An estimated 129,500 people will visit Cozumel this week via these cruise ships leaving an estimated US$ 13.9 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 17 ships docking there, 10 ships will dock at SSA International pier while Punta Langosta pier will see 10 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, 6 ships on Wednesday, 6 ships on Thursday, 7 ships on Friday, 6 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
Mangrove restoration in the Laguna Colombia State Ecological Reserve, located in the Punta Sur ecotourism park, is advancing with solid and measurable results that confirm the success of the program promoted by the Cozumel Parks and Museums Foundation (FPMC).
During 2025, the work covered an area of 5,500 square meters, with actions oriented toward maintaining hydrological flow, raising terraces, and dispersing propagules in development zones, strengthening the recovery of the wetland. The director of Punta Sur, Jesús Benavides, highlighted that the efforts have allowed for the observation of an increase in key environmental health indicators. “The return of sensitive species and the recovery of the ecological balance of Laguna Colombia confirm that the restoration program is successful. Punta Sur has become a living laboratory where nature responds when worked with dedication and knowledge,” he stated. Among the most relevant evidence is the nesting of roseate spoonbills on the central islet of Laguna Colombia, which was intervened by Cozumel’s children and youth since 2007, a clear indicator of ecosystem recovery, as well as the presence of pink flamingos in the Chun Chacaab lagoon. This demonstrates that the wetlands are reaching a more stable ecological balance, results that reinforce the institutional commitment of the FPMC to environmental conservation and education, showing that ecological restoration is possible. The program is distinguished by a practical approach based on experiential learning, where people of all ages learn in direct contact with nature. Additionally, community participation stands out, as schools, social and environmental groups, and local volunteers have joined the restoration days, strengthening belonging and promoting environmental education in new generations. Furthermore, the FPMC also conducts theoretical and practical workshops that explain the importance of mangroves and techniques for their recovery, consolidating a comprehensive work model.
Finally, the general director of the FPMC, Juanita Alonso, emphasized that these community advances are fundamental for environmental conservation. “The success in Laguna Colombia demonstrates that when institutions and citizens work together, restoration is possible, and the FPMC will continue strengthening these programs to protect Cozumel’s natural heritage,” she noted.
AI & Facial Recognition Boost Port Security In Quintana Roo
Port security in Quintana Roo is entering a new phase with the implementation of an intelligent surveillance system incorporating facial recognition technology, artificial intelligence, and license plate reading. The Quintana Roo Integral Port Administration (APIQROO) reported the initiative aims to strengthen the protection of the millions of passengers who pass through these facilities annually. According to the agency, this strategy is part of a comprehensive plan to modernize port security, aimed at crime prevention and strengthening surveillance efforts in coordination with state and municipal authorities. The new system will allow for more efficient identification of people and vehicles, as well as a more timely response to risky situations.
As a pilot project, the technology has already been installed at the San Miguel maritime terminal in Cozumel, where the first state-of-the-art cameras were deployed. Following the positive reception and initial results of the project, APIQROO announced that the modernization will be replicated this month in Isla Mujeres and subsequently extended to Puerto Morelos. The initial investment in Cozumel was approximately 4 million pesos, an amount that is expected to be similar for the installation of the system in Isla Mujeres. However, the possibility of expanding the technological infrastructure in this destination is being analyzed, since it receives around six million visitors a year, double the number that arrive in Cozumel, which registers about three million annually, despite having a larger territorial extension.
APIQROO clarified that, while video surveillance systems existed under previous administrations, they did not include advanced tools such as facial recognition or artificial intelligence. The incorporation of these technologies represents a key step in raising security standards at Quintana Roo's ports and ensuring greater confidence for both residents and tourists who use these terminals daily.
Cozumel’s Christmas Bat Count At Cha’an Ka’an Planetarium
The Municipal Government of Cozumel joined the 2025 Christmas Bat Count with an event held at the Cha’an Ka’an Planetarium, highlighting the importance of these flying mammals for environmental balance and ecosystem conservation. With this activity, Cozumel has joined the count that began in Costa Rica and now takes place in at least 16 countries. The objective is to promote knowledge and protection of bats, as well as to drive a change in social perception about these species that inhabit the island.
The Subdirectorate of Ecology led an informative exhibition about the ecological role of bats. Biologist Noel Rivas gave a conference in which he explained the benefits they provide to nature, while attendees enjoyed the documentary Architects of the Leaves and walked the monitoring trail during a nighttime activity typical of the season.Approximately 40 people, mostly children, participated in the event and showed interest in learning about the only flying mammals. The activity aimed to debunk myths and raise awareness about their function as seed dispersers, pest controllers, and pollinators. As a result of the count, nine specimens of the common fruit bat Artibeus jamaicensis were recorded, a key species for forest regeneration as it disperses seeds in disturbed areas.
Quintana Roo Updates Biodiversity Conservation Plans For 2026
The Institute of Biodiversity and Protected Natural Areas of Quintana Roo (Ibanqroo) has announced the implementation of a series of measures to strengthen its institutional structure and improve coordination with municipal governments in 2026. These actions have allowed for optimized management, promoted greater inter-institutional communication, and increased efficiency in local biodiversity conservation processes, according to its director, Javier Carballar Osorio.
A key component of this strategy is the update of the State Strategy for Biodiversity Conservation, which is expected to be completed between February and March 2026. This roadmap will be fundamental in defining concrete and sustainable actions for the protection of species and critical habitats in the region. In parallel, protocols for wildlife care are being finalized, with the goal of ensuring a coordinated and effective approach in responding to incidents and emergencies in the natural environment, benefiting both local administrations and communities near protected areas. At the financial level, the budget allocated to the environmental sector remains at approximately 12 million pesos for 2026, although experts and officials recognize the need to increase these resources. The conservation and restoration of ecosystems requires greater investment to address challenges such as habitat loss and climate change.
To reduce budgetary limitations, the management of international funds is being promoted, including partnerships with programs such as Marfond in coordination with the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (Conanp). Strategic projects prioritize the protection of lagoons such as Chacmuchuc and Manatí, as well as initiatives to strengthen the protection of sea turtles in Xcacel -Xcacelito and collaborate with Belize in the conservation of manatees in Chetumal Bay. Carballar Osorio also highlighted the importance of territorial planning, clarifying that although beaches are under federal jurisdiction, many natural areas are located in zones of high ecological and touristic value, meaning municipal Urban Development Programs will play a central role in protecting these ecosystems. Finally, he emphasized that effectiveness in conservation will depend not only on existing laws and regulations, but also on citizen participation and environmental education. Citizen reporting and awareness are essential tools for activating and strengthening environmental protection and restoration actions. This comprehensive approach aims to consolidate a more transparent, participatory, and effective environmental policy in Quintana Roo, aligned with current challenges and biodiversity conservation goals in the region.
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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01/12/2026 - Numbers go down slightly this week in Cozumel as cruise ship arrivals show 37 ships registered to dock as we head towards the middle of January. This is 2 fewer ships than last week and 17 more than the "20 in port" which marks a "high season" number. There were 34 ships in port during the same week of 2025. An estimated 129,500 people will visit Cozumel this week via these cruise ships leaving an estimated US$ 13.9 million dollars behind in the local economy. 
