Cozumel Beach Club Kuzá Targets 4,000 Daily Visitors in Protected Area With CONANP Backing

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — Club Beach Kuzá is seeking to expand its footprint on Cozumel to as many as 4,000 visitors a day, operating a 66-hectare tourism project that includes conservation areas and holds the backing of Mexico’s National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (CONANP) to preserve 22 hectares.

The scale of the operation stands in contrast to the conservation message that accompanies the project, which represents a $30 million investment and has drawn more than 500,000 visitors since opening in April 2025.

The complex sits close to the Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park and near Playa Palancar.

Fourfold Growth Planned

Germán Osorio, global director of Global Cruises, said the complex currently receives around 1,000 passengers a day but has the infrastructure to quadruple that flow and reach up to 4,000 visitors in a single day.

Osorio said the growth is intended to be carried out through tourism use of natural resources while limiting the amount of land developed.

“Within the framework of the entire project, we have only intervened on 7 percent. The remaining 93 percent is in its natural state,” he said.

CONANP Approves Conservation of 22 Hectares

One of the company’s main environmental arguments is the conservation of 22 hectares of the project, equivalent to about 33 percent of its total surface area.

Osorio said CONANP approved the company’s request to conserve that land in July as part of the environmental protection measures the complex carries out.

The project covers a total of 66 hectares, and according to the executive only 7 percent has been developed for tourism infrastructure. The company says the rest remains in natural condition and that it employs a specialized sustainability team handling conservation, ecosystem recovery and resource management, including water treatment.

Still, the challenge for the complex will be demonstrating that the rise in visitors is compatible with protecting Cozumel’s ecosystems, particularly with a capacity that could reach 4,000 tourists a day.

Cruise Industry Drives Demand

For Global Cruises, Cozumel is one of the most important destinations for the international cruise industry, which is why the company decided to make the $30 million investment together with two cruise lines.

About 70 percent of Kuzá’s visitors arrive from cruise ships. Since operations began in April 2025, the club has accumulated more than 500,000 visitors, including domestic tourists, foreign travelers and island residents.

The expansion of visitor numbers represents one of the main challenges for the project, since its commercial appeal revolves around natural attractions such as beach, jungle, wildlife and marine ecosystems. Osorio said the goal is for more visitors to enjoy these spaces without compromising their conservation.

Local Economic Impact

Beyond tourism growth, the company says its investment is already generating economic benefits for the local population. It currently reports 280 direct jobs and expects to increase that figure as operations expand.

Osorio said most of its suppliers are based in Cozumel, though some supplies also come from Cancún and Playa del Carmen.

Kuzá has also signed an agreement with the Fundación de Parques y Museos de Cozumel to take part in coral restoration programs and other environmental efforts. The project includes one kilometer of beach, walking trails, ziplines, a water park and snorkeling activities, along with food service.