Royal Caribbean Accused of Continuing Demolition Work in Mahahual Despite Environmental Shutdown

Mahahual, Quintana Roo — An environmental group has accused Royal Caribbean of continuing demolition work, debris accumulation, and vegetation removal at its Perfect Day Mahahual project site despite a federal shutdown order issued last month.

The civil association Defendiendo el Derecho a un Medio Ambiente Sano (Dmas) released videos on social media showing heavy machinery, including excavators, operating in the area along with extensive cleared vegetation. The footage also shows workers, other equipment, and warning signs labeling the area as a “demolition zone,” which the organization says demonstrates ongoing activity.

Dmas accused the developers of continuing to remove jungle vegetation and handle debris without the necessary environmental permits and in open violation of the shutdown imposed by Mexico’s Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) on January 30. The group said these actions worsen environmental damage and could constitute contempt of federal authority.

Profepa issued the shutdown after documenting unauthorized demolition work, infrastructure dismantling, debris collection without environmental impact authorization, and the filling and compaction of a rustic road in an area of low jungle with mangrove presence. The federal agency determined that the affected area exceeds 17,000 square meters within an inspected area of more than 79,000 square meters.

Evidence collected by environmental authorities during their inspection confirmed that the activities weren’t from previous work but were ongoing at the time of inspection, with heavy machinery operating and personnel performing demolition and material movement tasks.

The new allegations from Dmas highlight contradictions between Royal Caribbean’s public statements and official evidence, putting renewed focus on the need for federal authorities to verify compliance with the shutdown order and determine appropriate sanctions for possible continued work in an ecologically sensitive area.