Illegal Boat Tours Boom in Mexico’s Caribbean Coast

Cancún, Q. Roo — At the docks of Cancún, Puerto Morelos, Cozumel, and Bacalar, vessels that should never sail depart daily. They operate without registration, insurance, trained crew, or proper permits—yet they carry tourists by the dozens and charge for the service.

This scene is commonplace, even visible on social media, where private tours are advertised as "all-inclusive," regardless of whether the boats meet legal requirements. An improvised sign reading "Registration in process" taped to the bow of one vessel—which in reality has flouted regulations for years—is not an exception but the norm in a phenomenon known as nautical piracy.

A Growing Problem

The issue is not new but has become increasingly evident. According to estimates from the nautical sector, 20% of maritime tourism services in the Mexican Caribbean operate under irregular conditions. In Cozumel, over 150 unregistered boats are in operation. In Bacalar, at least 200 offer tours without permits, insurance, or certification.

The situation not only violates the law but also endangers passengers and undermines legitimate businesses that comply with international tourism standards.

Ricardo Muleiro, director of the Nautical Associates of Quintana Roo, warns that regulations are clear: any vessel used for tourism must carry mandatory insurance covering third-party damages and civil liability. Yet many private boats lack these protections, and authorities fail to intervene.

Institutional Inaction

Port authorities, the Navy, and the Port Coordination Office have received complaints but have not acted decisively. The institutional response has been minimal, while illegal vessels continue operating with impunity.

The risks are not hypothetical. If an accident occurs and commercial insurance is absent, tourists are left unprotected. Beyond personal safety, environmental damage is a concern: these boats navigate protected areas like the Costa Occidental National Park of Isla Mujeres and the reefs of Punta Nizuc without adhering to protocols or respecting boundaries.

Unfair Competition

The unregulated market has pushed established businesses—which pay for permits, train staff, and maintain strict compliance—to the brink. Some have already closed; others are struggling to survive.

The lack of enforcement has allowed nautical piracy to flourish, leaving both tourists and the environment at risk while crippling legitimate operators.