Royal Caribbean Pledges Mitigation for Cozumel Beach Club

Royal Caribbean said it will implement mitigation, restoration and conservation measures to reduce environmental impacts from its planned Royal Beach Club in Cozumel, as outlined in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) submitted to Mexico’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT). The project, located on oceanfront land adjacent to Quintana Roo’s Playa Sol and Playa Mía, covers a total area of 17.1 hectares. Of that, the company said only 5.39 hectares would be used for construction, while 12.03 hectares would remain undeveloped and free of buildings.

According to the EIS, 15 environmental elements were assessed, with six expected to experience severe impacts during at least one phase of the project. The most significant effects identified include reductions in vegetation cover—particularly medium sub-evergreen forest—impacts on mangrove specimens, the loss of some native plant species and reduced habitat for wildlife. Seven additional environmental elements are expected to face moderate impacts, including changes to soil quality and infiltration, groundwater quality, landscape alteration and the loss of native fauna. Only air quality and noise were classified as compatible impacts, with minimal expected effects.

Royal Caribbean said the filling includes a “robust mitigation, restoration and conservation plan” designed to address each identified impact. According to the document, the plan involves relocating flora and fauna and restoring affected areas, with 85% of the cleared flora projected to survive through restoration programs. For wildlife, the company projects that nine out of 10 animals would be captured, relocated, or deterred without injury. According to the filing, relocated fauna would be transferred to nearby areas with similar environmental conditions to increase survival rates. 

Cozumel is Mexico’s main cruise destination, receiving a large share of the country’s cruise passengers each year. Some residents argue the island already has sufficient tourism infrastructure to accommodate visitors without additional large-scale developments.

Local opposition has argued that the Beach Club would effectively privatize what they describe as the last public beach in the area. Community members have asked the federal government to deny the permits required for the project to move forward.

Meanwhile, a petition circulating on Change.org states that a private beach club would limit access for volunteers and environmental groups involved in protecting local flora and fauna. Environmental activist Rodrigo Huesca said the project’s proximity to the Cozumel Reefs National Park could increase its environmental footprint. “This project would reduce public access and increase dependence on services linked to cruise operators,” Huesca said.

Royal Caribbean said the project does not constitute beach privatization. The company said it would operate under a federal concession, which allows use of the beach under Mexican law. “Obtaining a federal concession does not constitute privatization in a strict sense,” the company said, adding that clarifying the distinction could help address public concerns.

Opposition to large Royal Caribbean tourism projects has precedent in Cozumel. In April, citizen groups gathered more than 200,000 signatures opposing the company’s plans to expand a cruise ship pier at the Villa Blanca Reef. The reef, which has undergone nearly 20 years of coral restoration efforts, is considered a critical marine habitat and a popular site for diving and snorkeling. While the project was initially halted in 2022 due to environmental concerns, SEMARNAT ultimately authorized it, reigniting fears of coral loss, sedimentation, and water pollution.