Royal Caribbean's Mexican Caribbean Expansion Faces Mounting Environmental Backlash
COZUMEL, Mexico – Feb. 2 A broad alliance of environmental watchdogs is urging Mexican federal authorities to halt two flagship tourism projects by cruise giant Royal Caribbean, citing what they describe as potentially catastrophic risks to fragile coastal ecosystems and local communities on the Yucatán Peninsula.
The proposed ‘Royal Beach Club’ on Cozumel island and ‘Perfect Day at Mahahual’ are currently under environmental review by Mexico’s Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT). The company submitted its impact statements late last year, but permits have not been granted.
Critics argue the projects represent an aggressive, high-volume tourism model ill-suited for sensitive areas. In Mahahual—a quiet fishing village of under 3,000—Royal Caribbean’s plans could bring over 21,000 visitors daily, a figure local activists say would overwhelm infrastructure and devastate nearby mangroves, jaguar habitats, and sea turtle nesting sites.
“The experience of Cancún and the Riviera Maya is a cautionary tale we cannot ignore,” said a statement from the coalition, which includes Greenpeace Mexico, Salvemos Mahahual Collective, and several indigenous and forestry groups. “Large-scale tourism has led to irreversible damage, privatized coasts, and marginalized local populations who bear the ecological cost.”
Adding to the controversy, groups allege Royal Caribbean has been promoting the developments as if they were already approved. This week, a district court in Quintana Roo granted a provisional suspension regarding land-use changes for over 264 acres in Mahahual, following a lawsuit by the defense group ‘Defendiendo el Derecho a un Medio Ambiente Sano’.
Environmentalists stress that the projects arrive as the peninsula grapples with cumulative pressures from rampant development, other megaprojects like the Maya Train, and climate change. They are calling for a transparent, precautionary evaluation process that prioritizes long-term ecological health over short-term gains.
“The Maya Forest is not an amusement park,” the coalition asserted, framing the fight as pivotal for Mexico’s natural and cultural heritage.
Voices from the Ground
Carlos Mendez, Ecotourism Guide, Mahahual: “This isn’t development; it’s displacement. Our community livelihoods depend on a healthy reef and coast. Seven thousand percent increase in daily visitors? It’s a death sentence for our mangroves and our way of life.”
Anya Petrova, Travel Industry Analyst, New York: “Royal Caribbean is responding to market demand for exclusive experiences. With proper mitigation and community benefit agreements, such projects can bring needed investment. The key is ensuring environmental reviews are rigorous and adhered to.”
Dr. Elena Ruiz, Marine Biologist, University of Quintana Roo: “The science is clear. The Mexican Caribbean reef system is already stressed. Concentrating such immense visitor numbers in two specific nodes will accelerate coral disease, water pollution, and habitat fragmentation. SEMARNAT must consider the systemic impact.”
Miguel Soto, Activist with ‘Selvame MX’ (sharply): “It’s colonialism wrapped in a brochure. They’ll carve up our coast, funnel profits overseas, and leave us with the rubble and polluted water. The court suspension is a first step, but we need permanent cancellation. We won’t let our home become their perfect day.”