Playa del Carmen Inspects Beach Access After Complaint of Restrictions

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — The municipal government has inspected a beach access point after a resident reported that public entry was being restricted.

In a statement, the administration of Mayor Estefanía Mercado said staff from the ZOFEMAT, the federal maritime-terrestrial zone directorate, visited the site to verify compliance with current regulations and confirm that no obstacles were blocking the right of way to the sea.

The city reiterated that beaches are public property and that free access is guaranteed under Mexican law. It said it would keep carrying out permanent oversight to prevent any attempt to restrict passage for residents and visitors.

The inspection is part of a broader effort to keep beaches safe, dignified and suitable for both locals and tourists, the municipality said. It added that it will coordinate with relevant agencies and sectors to uphold the public character of the federal maritime-terrestrial zone and promptly address citizen complaints about possible restrictions.

Authorities urged the public to report any situation that limits free access to the coastline, so that officials can investigate and, where appropriate, apply the measures set out by law.

Free access to beaches in the Mexican Caribbean has been a recurring source of disputes among residents, tourism developers and authorities. Federal law establishes beaches as national public goods, and no individual or company may restrict access except for reasons of security or environmental protection provided for in current regulations.