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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03/09/2026 - Numbers go up considerably this week in Cozumel as cruise ship arrivals show 37 ships registered to dock as we head towards Spring. This is 4 more ship than last week and 17 more than the "20 in port" which marks a "high season" number. There were 31 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 $ 13.8 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 15 ships docking there, 13 ships will dock at SSA International pier while Punta Langosta pier will see 9 arrivals and the downtown San Miguel pier will have -0- arrivals with passengers tendering in.
On Monday 6 ships will dock, 7 ships will dock on Tuesday, 5 ships on Wednesday, 6 ships on Thursday, 7 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
Mexico’s Environment and Natural Resources Ministry has definitively canceled the Fourth Cruise Pier project in Cozumel, ordering the permanent closure of the project file after a comprehensive environmental review. The ministry denied authorization for the “Muelle Cozumel, Terminal de Cruceros” project, commonly known as the Fourth Pier, following a thorough re-evaluation of the Environmental Impact Statement submitted by project developers.
Oscar Eduardo Ramírez, director general of Environmental Impact and Risk, announced that the ministry fully complied with an order to invalidate a December 2021 document that had conditionally approved the project. “We re-evaluated the Environmental Impact Statement based on the complete file information and technical recommendations,” the official said. Federal authorities considered elements previously omitted from the original evaluation, including recommendations from the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas, the existence of a marine flora and fauna refuge on Cozumel’s western coast, and applicable marine conservation regulations. The Mexican Center for Environmental Law stated that the denial represents an unusual precedent in Mexico’s Environmental Impact Assessment history, demonstrating that legal mechanisms can function when technical arguments, legal reasoning, and active citizen participation combine.
The organization claims this decision reaffirms the obligation to protect highly sensitive ecosystems like Cozumel’s reefs and marine biodiversity, ensuring large-scale projects undergo evaluation with strict adherence to legality, prevention, and environmental precaution principles. Activists noted that local communities played a significant role in environmental defense and pressuring authorities to correct previous decisions. According to the environmental defense group, this case should mark a turning point in authorization procedures for coastal and tourism projects in Mexico to prevent negative impacts on vulnerable ecosystems.
Cozumel Foundation Promotes Monarch Butterfly Protection And Native Plants To Boost Biodiversity
The Cozumel Parks and Museums Foundation (FPMC) is promoting environmental education to protect the monarch butterfly and encourage the use of native plants to boost the island’s biodiversity, following recent documentation of the species’ life cycle in the area. The foundation organized a hands-on workshop titled “SOS Pollinators: Design Your Own Pollinator Garden” to raise environmental awareness among children and strengthen conservation efforts. The event took place at Cozumel Flower Child, where children aged 7 to 12 participated in educational activities to understand the importance of pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and birds in ecosystem balance and learned how to create green spaces that serve as refuges for these species.
Rafael Chacón Díaz, director of Conservation and Environmental Education (CEA), explained that pollinator gardens help restore urban biological corridors by integrating suitable plants in homes, parks, and schools, creating habitats that support the survival of diverse species. During the workshop, participants observed various stages of the monarch butterfly’s life cycle up close, including caterpillars, chrysalises, and adult specimens present in the area. This experience highlighted the importance of residents being able to identify each developmental phase to protect the insects if found in gardens or public spaces. The FPMC encourages the public to care for these natural stages and promote the planting of host plants, such as milkweed (Asclepias curassavica), which is essential for the monarch’s feeding and reproduction. The species faces multiple threats and is at risk.
FPMC General Director Juanita Alonso Marrufo noted that these actions are part of a comprehensive strategy to strengthen environmental culture in Cozumel, aligned with the New Agreement for Well-being and Development of Quintana Roo led by Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa. She emphasized that by learning about and protecting emblematic species like the monarch butterfly, children become advocates for environmental care, understanding that planting native plants not only beautifies spaces but also directly contributes to preserving biodiversity and the island’s natural future.
Cozumel Water Authority To Open 22 New Wells To Boost Supply Amid Tourism Demand
The island’s water authority is expanding its infrastructure with 22 new wells to increase supply capacity and address growing demand during peak tourist seasons. Manuel Gurigutia Barrientos, manager of the Comisión de Agua Potable y Alcantarillado (CAPA) in Cozumel, announced that new equipment has arrived to begin drilling the additional wells. This will expand the system from 113 to 135 wells. “The equipment we requested to open more wells and have greater supply opportunity has arrived,” Gurigutia explained. “We had 113 and we’re looking at the possibility of reaching 135 wells, which will allow us to operate without problems.”
Water demand increased by up to 30% during the high season in February, which includes holidays and high visitor numbers. This surge caused low-pressure episodes in some areas, though Gurigutia assured that water supply was never interrupted. “We did have a low-pressure issue, but we’re addressing it immediately,” he said. “It should be resolved in the coming days.” Regarding daily consumption, Gurigutia noted there’s no exact figure since it depends on individual usage but emphasized that CAPA maintains operations at major reservoirs like Base 1 and Altamar to ensure service.To maintain pressure amid fluctuating demand, the authority implements a zoning rotation system that supplies water for four-hour periods in different areas. The new wells will allow for longer pumping times with greater stability.
With the expansion to 135 wells, CAPA aims to ensure that Cozumel’s urban and tourism growth is supported by sufficient water infrastructure, addressing consumption needs during peak seasons and the constant increase in demand for the vital resource.
Jaguar Sighting Intensifies Debate Over Royal Caribbean’s Mexican Caribbean Development
The discovery of a jaguar at the site of a planned Royal Caribbean resort in Mahahual has intensified opposition to major tourism developments along Mexico’s southern Caribbean coast, pitting conservation against economic development. Nighttime camera trap images showing the protected feline moving through vegetation at the Mahahual property have been circulated by conservationists, who argue the evidence proves the land is part of the Maya Jungle biological corridor. The footage was captured within the area designated for Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day water park and resort complex. Cristóbal González, a diver and conservationist with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors and regional representative for Whale Guardians, shared the images. He explained that the jaguar’s presence confirms the area is not isolated but an active ecosystem with high ecological value species.
The controversy comes as residents of Mahahual and Cozumel have increased their opposition to Royal Caribbean’s planned developments, which include the Perfect Day water park in Mahahual and the exclusive Beach Club Cozumel. The Mahahual project would feature dozens of water attractions and themed areas designed for cruise passengers, with capacity for up to 21,000 daily visitors. Environmentalists warn that such massive tourist flows could irreversibly transform the natural and social dynamics of Mahahual. Following the release of the jaguar images, residents reported increased restrictions on access to the property. Beaches & Islands. Community groups have begun fundraising for legal advice and independent studies to support their defense of the territory. In Cozumel, environmental organizations have launched petition campaigns and informational forums to highlight the potential cumulative effects of developments planned for both destinations.
While the company claims it has social support for the projects, critics question the lack of public data to verify the extent of that support. The jaguar discovery has turned the debate into a broader symbol of the conflict between tourism development and conservation in one of Mexico’s most emblematic ecosystems.
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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03/09/2026 - Numbers go up considerably this week in Cozumel as cruise ship arrivals show 37 ships registered to dock as we head towards Spring. This is 4 more ship than last week and 17 more than the "20 in port" which marks a "high season" number. There were 31 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 $ 13.8 million dollars behind in the local economy. 
