Cozumel’s 4th Cruise Terminal Divides Locals Over Reef Risk

Cozumel, Mexico — Muelles del Caribe S.A. de C.V. has announced it will proceed with construction on a fourth cruise terminal in Cozumel despite opposition from local residents and environmental activists. The project, approved by Mexico’s Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat), has drawn criticism for its potential harm to the island’s coral reefs and public beaches.

Project Approved Despite Local Opposition

The company stated that the new Cozumel Terminal underwent over three years of technical, legal, and environmental studies before receiving authorization. However, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum claimed as recently as last month that the project had not been formally approved.

Muelles del Caribe asserts that the terminal will position Cozumel as a leading Caribbean cruise destination, accommodating larger vessels. In 2024, Mexico welcomed 2,852 cruise ships, with Cozumel receiving 1,263 of them—a 9.3% increase from 2023, according to data from the General Coordination of Ports and Merchant Marine. Despite this, cruise tourism generated only 849 million pesos ($83.6 per passenger) from 10.1 million excursionists last year.

Environmental and Social Concerns

Local activists and residents argue that the terminal will damage the Villablanca Reef, a biodiverse marine ecosystem, and eliminate the last remaining public beach access. Protests have highlighted broader grievances, including inadequate infrastructure and minimal economic benefits for locals.

"No to the fourth dock," residents have declared. "We lack water, proper drainage, and public beaches. We don’t want more cruise terminals owned by wealthy corporations that prioritize foreign interests. Locals are left with low wages, poor public services, and when tourism slows, cruise ships are the first to leave and the last to return."

Mitigation Efforts and Next Steps

Muelles del Caribe stated that construction will begin in August, accompanied by a 21-point environmental mitigation plan to protect marine systems. The company has partnered with Star Center to conduct advanced docking simulations under various weather conditions, supervised by Mexico’s Secretariat of the Navy.

The dispute underscores tensions between tourism development and environmental preservation in one of Mexico’s most visited cruise destinations.