Profepa Shuts Down Los Rápidos Swimming Spot in Xul-Ha Over Missing Environmental Permit

Xul-Ha, Quintana Roo — Mexico’s Federal Environmental Protection Agency (Profepa) has shut down the Los Rápidos swimming area in Xul-Ha, in the Juan Sarabia ejido, along with an adjacent property, after determining that the site lacks the required Environmental Impact Statement (MIA) authorization for its construction and operations.

Officials said the closure responds to the failure to bring the site’s environmental status into compliance. The property belongs to businessman Rodolfo Valle Villaseñor.

According to information available on the case, the owner had previously paid a fine for carrying out construction without the necessary permits. Officials stressed that paying that penalty did not remove the obligation to obtain the corresponding environmental authorization.

Structures Flagged by Inspectors

Among the works identified by authorities were a palapa and other structures built inside the swimming area. Inspectors flagged the construction because the required permits were missing.

The earlier financial penalty did not exempt the owner from completing the environmental procedures needed to keep the facilities in place and continue tourism activities at the site.

With no regularization completed, Profepa placed closure seals on both the swimming area and the adjoining land.

What Would It Take to Reopen?

Any reopening depends on the owner addressing the environmental authority’s requirements and moving forward with the procedure to regularize the property.

Authorities noted that formally submitting an application for an Environmental Impact Statement review — where applicable under the terms of the closure order — would not automatically grant the project authorization to operate.

The final decision will rest on the evaluation and rulings issued by the competent authority, as well as compliance with whatever conditions are set.