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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02/23/2026 - Numbers go down this week in Cozumel as cruise ship arrivals show 35 ships registered to dock as we reach the end of February. This is 1 less ship than last week and 15 more than the "20 in port" which marks a "high season" number. There were 35 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 15 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 7 ships will dock, 7 ships will dock on Tuesday, 5 ships on Wednesday, 7 ships on Thursday, 4 ships on Friday, 3 ships on Saturday and Sunday will see 2 ships in port. To see a complete list of this week's ship arrivals, please visit Insider's Weekly Cruise Ship Schedule
Isla Pasión In Cozumel,Quintana Roo Named World’s Best Beach by TripAdvisor
Isla de la Pasión (Passion Island), a natural island gem off the coast of Cozumel, has been named the world’s best beach for 2026, topping TripAdvisor’s annual Travellers’ Choice Awards ranking. The recognition is based on the quality and quantity of reviews from travelers worldwide. Located just a 10-minute boat ride from Cozumel, the island is celebrated for its crystal-clear waters, pristine environment, and rich flora and fauna, including rays, flamingos, and pelicans. The ranking places Isla Pasión above other internationally renowned beach destinations, solidifying Quintana Roo’s status as a global reference for sun and beach tourism and its branding as the “World Capital of Vacations.”
Governor Mara Lezama highlighted that such awards strengthen the local economy, generate shared prosperity, and confirm that the state’s tourism promotion and environmental care strategy is yielding results. Lezama has reinforced the state’s presence at global tourism fairs and markets, promoting a model of sustainable, inclusive tourism.
According to local tour operators, the best time to visit this Caribbean spot is between November and March, when the climate is ideal for activities like kayaking, relaxing in seaside hammocks, and enjoying Mexican culinary experiences.
Greenpeace Demands Semarnat Reject Megapark In The Mayan Jungle
Greenpeace and local communities have asked Semarnat (the Mexican Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources) to establish a moratorium on megaprojects and land-use change authorizations in Quintana Roo, Yucatán, and Campeche. Greenpeace stated that there is a need to establish clear ecological limits and binding guidelines based on the carrying capacity of the ecosystems and communities in the states of Quintana Roo, Yucatán, and Campeche.
The environmental organization Greenpeace Mexico demanded that the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) reject and halt new tourism and real estate megaprojects in Quintana Roo and the rest of the Yucatán Peninsula, warning that the region faces accelerated ecosystem degradation, water pollution, and increasing pressure on its environmental services. The demand was made during the first round of dialogue sessions between communities from the Peninsula, civil organizations, and federal environmental authorities, held in Mexico City on November 28, 2025. According to the Greenpeace statement, community representatives asked the environmental authority to establish a moratorium on megaprojects and land-use change authorizations such as the Royal Caribbean proposal, as well as to design and implement a Peninsular Restoration Program that comprehensively addresses the accumulated damage to the Mayan Jungle. Ornela Garelli, Campaigns Director for Greenpeace Mexico, pointed out that the capabilities of environmental authorities are limited by a lack of resources, and therefore considered it necessary to allocate a budget commensurate with the magnitude of the environmental crisis in the region.
During the meeting, residents of Quintana Roo, Yucatán, and Campeche described the impacts of the numerous tourism, real estate, and agribusiness developments under construction in those states, as well as large-scale infrastructure projects undertaken by the government. They indicated that environmental degradation is already resulting in illnesses associated with water pollution, fragmentation of the social fabric, and insecurity in their communities. Greenpeace indicated that among the priority issues is the need to establish clear ecological boundaries and binding guidelines based on the carrying capacity of ecosystems, with community participation. Greenpeace also proposed strengthening environmental inspection and monitoring due to staff and budget shortages in agencies such as the Federal Attorney General's Office for Environmental Protection (Profepa) and other related departments. In the statement, the organization noted that representatives from the National Forestry Commission (Conafor), the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Conanp), the National Water Commission (Conagua), and the National Institute of Ecology and Climate Change (INECC), among other areas within the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat), participated in the meeting. However, Greenpeace emphasized the absence of authorities linked to the federal railway project and representatives from state governments, whose participation it considered crucial for advancing inter-institutional commitments. Greenpeace highlights that one of the central points was the immediate halt to the impacts associated with the Maya Train, which they described as a catalyst for territorial reorganization that has triggered tourism and real estate developments in various areas of Quintana Roo. The organizations requested a comprehensive assessment of cumulative and synergistic damages and impacts, as well as regional restoration with a territorial approach and the participation of Mayan peoples and communities.
Other demands made by the international organization included halting projects that exceed ecological limits, particularly those related to energy, the use of agrochemicals, pig farms, and real estate developments. Specifically regarding coastal destinations like Mahahual, they demanded a regional prevention strategy with environmental monitoring and effective sanctions. Carlos Samayoa, coordinator of the "Mexico Crying 'Jungle!'" campaign, stated that while they acknowledge the opening of the dialogue, resolutions are still pending that would compel authorities to expedite protective measures.
Greenpeace reported that the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) committed to providing responses within 20 days to continue the dialogue. The organization stated that it will maintain public pressure until concrete actions are defined that guarantee the protection of the Mayan Jungle and respect for the communities that inhabit the territory.
Rare Nurse Shark Mating Caught On Film In Cozumel
Two nurse sharks (Ginglymostoma cirratum) were recently observed in the Punta Sur ecotourism park during a marine wildlife monitoring effort conducted by the Cozumel Parks and Museums Foundation in collaboration with videographer and documentarian Sean Rowan. The recording captured a rare mating behavior of the species, marking a significant discovery for researchers in the area.
Biologists at the site emphasized that nurse sharks, listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and protected under Mexican regulations, play a critical role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region. As apex predators in reef and coastal ecosystems, their presence serves as a natural bioindicator, reflecting the health of the southern island’s marine environment. Specialists noted that such non-invasive observations help assess the quality of the marine habitat. Continuous monitoring in the reserve is part of broader conservation efforts aimed at safeguarding keystone species like the nurse shark and preserving the equilibrium of Cozumel’s coastal ecosystems. The findings underscore the importance of ongoing research and protection measures to ensure the survival of these ecologically significant marine creatures.
Study Warns Of 70% Biodiversity Loss In Caribbean Coral Reefs
Human activity has reduced the trophic complexity of Caribbean coral reefs by up to 70%, according to an international study published in Nature and led by Jessica Lueders-Dumont of Boston College. The research team found that food chain length decreased by 60% to 70%, while the functional diversity of fish declined by 20% to 70%. This simplification process has reduced ecological resilience and endangered both marine diversity and the food security of millions of people.
Coral reefs host at least 25% of marine species and provide coastal protection and food for approximately 1 billion people, according to Boston College data. In the Caribbean, these ecosystems have lost more than 50% of their coral cover since the 1970s, compromising their productivity and ecosystem services. The study used nitrogen isotope analysis of otolith fossils and coral fragments from Panama (Bocas del Toro) and the Dominican Republic (Enriquillo Basin), covering a period of 7,000 years. This method allowed researchers to compare food chain structure before and after human impact. The team analyzed 136 fish otoliths and various coral samples to assess trophic range and dietary specialization. According to co-author Xingchen Wang of Boston College, this approach enabled direct reconstruction of ancient food webs. Results show that in ancient reefs, fish communities consumed a greater variety of resources, promoting ecosystem stability and resilience. Lueders-Dumont explained, “In healthier Caribbean reefs, fish communities fed on a greater variety of resources.” In contrast, contemporary reefs show homogeneous diets, with multiple species relying on the same food sources and limiting adaptive capacity.
The study documented significant contraction of trophic complexity: both in Panama and the Dominican Republic, food chain length fell by approximately 60% and fish functional diversity decreased by 20% to 70%, depending on region and group. The Dominican Republic showed more marked simplification, attributed to greater overfishing pressure, loss of coastal habitats, and pollution. Fish such as gobies (at the lowest trophic level), as well as grunts and cardinal fishes (at intermediate and higher levels), experienced reductions in both diet diversity and trophic position. The detected homogenization and shortening of food chains pose immediate risks to reef ecological resilience. The article warns that dietary convergence and reduced specialization increase ecosystem vulnerability to sudden changes. When resource diversity disappears, the entire fish community faces similar pressures, limiting its response and recovery capacity to disturbances. The authors maintain that loss of functional diversity raises the probability of collapse in current reefs. The team linked this simplification primarily to human activities such as rising global temperatures, overfishing, excess nutrients from agriculture, and coral habitat deterioration. Additionally, loss of mangroves, decreased habitat connectivity, and reduction of top predators altered energy flow, affecting the entire food web.
The paleoecological reconstruction developed in the research not only documented loss of complexity in coral reefs but also established an ecological baseline before human impact, essential for defining marine conservation and restoration goals. “We can now glimpse what pristine coral ecosystems were really like and how we might restore them,” concluded Lueders-Dumont. The study’s findings indicate that modern coral reefs operate with fewer trophic pathways and present less functional redundancy than in the past, limiting their resistance to new pressures and increasing the risk of future ecosystem collapse.
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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02/23/2026 - Numbers go down this week in Cozumel as cruise ship arrivals show 35 ships registered to dock as we reach the end of February. This is 1 less ship than last week and 15 more than the "20 in port" which marks a "high season" number. There were 35 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. 
