Royal Caribbean Faces New Environmental Controversy Over Mangrove Clearing in Cozumel

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — Royal Caribbean is facing fresh environmental allegations after activists accused the cruise line of clearing mangrove forest without permits to build a road for its controversial beach club on the island.

Members of the campaign group “No a la privatización de las playas” (No to Beach Privatization) said surveyors working for the Miami-based company have been spotted taking measurements near the construction site of the Royal Beach Club Cozumel. The group warned that the new access road would cut through a mangrove area, causing severe ecological damage.

“The mega-company will soon begin opening and clearing another path to the beach. They don’t have a permit! It’s a mangrove area,” the group said in a statement.

Environmentalists called on Cozumel residents to help monitor the site and document any activity. “Today more than ever we need the resistance and participation of the population. Take photos of the mangroves. If you see people working, we need evidence,” they urged, according to local news outlet Noticaribe.

The Royal Beach Club Cozumel was announced in 2024 with a $75 million investment. According to its Environmental Impact Statement (MIA), the facility will accommodate up to 4,000 tourists per day and include restaurants, swimming pools, showers, direct beach access, and support infrastructure.

Activist María González launched a petition on Change.org more than six months ago warning of the social and environmental impact of the beach club. The petition has so far gathered 89,849 signatures opposing the project.

Royal Caribbean has been embroiled in controversy in recent weeks over its planned “Perfect Day” project in Mahahual. Following strong opposition from activists, Mexico’s Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) announced it would not approve that project on the Costa Maya coast of Quintana Roo.

The federal government, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, and the state government of Quintana Roo, headed by Governor Mara Lezama — both from the Morena party — have expressed differing views on the issue. The state is also facing an ecocide controversy at its most famous park, Xcaret, amid allegations of animal mistreatment.