Mexican Navy Ship Visit Cozumel: Road Closures

Cozumel, Mexico — The Buque Escuela Cuauhtémoc, a training ship belonging to the Mexican Navy, will arrive in Cozumel this Sunday. The magnifiscent tall ship serves as a training vessel for naval cadets to learn their responsibilities and is often refered to as “The Ambassador of the Seas”.

Authorities have disclosed the specific streets that will be blocked to allow residents and commuters in the area to plan their travel times accordingly. The activities are scheduled to begin on Sunday, November 2, and will continue through Friday, November 7. Citizens are advised to take the necessary precautions to avoid delays.

A Vessel of Tradition & Training

Built in Spain’s Celaya Shipyards in Bilbao and launched in 1982, the Cuauhtémoc is the last of four sister training barques constructed for Latin-American navies. Since its commissioning, this steel-hulled, three-masted tall ship has logged hundreds of thousands of nautical miles—serving as the “floating classroom” for naval cadets from the Heroica Escuela Naval Militar and participating in goodwill voyages around the world.

Recent Incident & Repair

In May 2025, the Cuauhtémoc was involved in a high-profile accident when it collided with New York’s Brooklyn Bridge. Two crew members were killed and several injured when all three of the ship’s masts snapped during the allision. The vessel underwent repairs and technical verification before resuming its mission, and the Mexican Navy announced it was back in full operational condition.

Planned Activities for the Cuauhtémoc’s Visit

As part of the Navy’s program for this visit, a flag-raising ceremony is scheduled for November 3, followed by a parade to welcome the ship on November 5. Residents will have the opportunity to view the vessel, which will be in port to resupply for its upcoming voyages. The ship will be open for public viewing daily from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

The Municipal Government of Cozumel and the Secretariat of the Navy invite you to the events and activities for the arrival in Cozumel of the Navy Training vessel Cuauhtémoc on the following days.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2
Arrival of the Cuauhtémoc Training Ship to Cozumel
Punta Langosta at 10:00 AM

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3
Civic Ceremony — Raising of the Monumental Flag, corresponding to the month of November
Participation of the commander, cadets, and crew of the Cuauhtémoc Training Ship.
Explanada de la Bandera at 8:00 AM

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5
Welcome Parade in Cozumel for the arrival of the Cuauhtémoc Training Ship
Cadets and crew of the ship will participate, along with the Cozumel Naval Sector and public and private schools from preschool to high school levels.

Begins at 8:00 AM: Rafael E. Melgar Avenue with 6th North Street, Museum of the Island
Ends: Municipal Palace

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7
Farewell of the Cuauhtémoc Training Ship
Punta Langosta at 10:00 AM

Schedule of Road Closures in Cozumel

The arrival of the vessel on Sunday, November 2, is expected to cause increased traffic congestion in the area surrounding the Terminal Punta Langosta.

On Monday, November 3, Avenida Rafael E. Melgar will be closed from its intersection with Avenida Juárez to Calle Rosado Salas. Passage will be prohibited in both lanes from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

A more extensive closure is planned for Wednesday, November 5, from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. During this time, vehicle access will be prohibited on the following roadways:

• Avenida Rafael E. Melgar, from Boulevard Aeropuerto to Avenida Xel-Há.
• 5th Avenue, from Boulevard Aeropuerto to 9 Bis Street.

The government has requested the collaboration and understanding of the public during the events.

This stopover is not merely ceremonial. The Cuauhtémoc symbolizes Mexico’s naval tradition, global outreach, and educational mission. For residents and visitors of Cozumel, the visit offers a tangible connection to maritime heritage—while the open-ship access provides a unique perspective on the lives and training of Mexican naval cadets.

Whether you’re a ship enthusiast or simply curious, this week provides a special occasion to step aboard a piece of Mexico’s seafaring story and witness the Cuauhtémoc up close.