Cozumel’s New Dry Marina to Boost Vessel Security

Cozumel, Mexico — A project to construct a dry marina within the Banco Playa maritime refuge in Cozumel is planned to begin in 2026 with the definition of its budget. The initiative aims to address growing demand and reinforce the security of vessels.

The Director General of the Integral Port Administration of Quintana Roo (APIQROO), Vagner Elbiorn Vega, announced that between 40 and 50 spaces for vessel storage will be made available with the construction of the dry marina at the Puerto de Abrigo, also known as Marina Banco Playa de Cozumel.

He stated that there is existing demand for space within the Marina Banco Playa, which is still managed by APIQROO and currently provides refuge for 148 vessels. Given the number of requests, the creation of this dry marina has been proposed to add up to 50 more spaces in a suitable area near the access point and crane.

"This year the budget was not sufficient, but we are already working on the budget for the expansion of this marina, and not just this one, but many major projects are coming that need to be done at Banco Playa, and we are indeed considering the marina because there is no more space for so many vessels, there are already too many," he said.

Elbiorn Vega indicated that conditions for the dry marina project will begin to take shape in 2026 through the integration of the project plan. As of now, there is no assigned budget, though there is clear intent to provide this service within the Puerto de Abrigo, the only maritime refuge managed by APIQROO on the island.

The project seeks to guarantee security and increased capacity for local vessels.

Although there is also a future intention to expand the body of water by utilizing adjacent land owned by the municipal government, this is considered a future possibility. It has not been ruled out given the growth in the number of vessels on the island that require refuge services.

The dry marina would also streamline the entry and exit of vessels and guarantee their security within the facility. However, a preliminary project plan or blueprint for approval is not expected until January 2026, to be followed by the public tender for the construction work.