Mexico Denies Permit for Royal Caribbean Project

Why this is here: In February 2024, the world’s largest cruise ship, ‘Icon of the Seas’ from Royal Caribbean, arrived at the Grand Costa Maya pier in Mahahual carrying about 10,000 tourists.

Mexico’s Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, Alicia Bárcena, announced Tuesday that the government will not permit Royal Caribbean to build its “Perfect Day” tourism project in Mahahual. Mahahual is a small coastal city in the municipality of Othón P.

Blanco, Quintana Roo, located 356 kilometers from Cancún. The proposed megaproject raised concerns among environmentalists, biologists, and local residents due to Mahahual’s proximity to the world’s second-largest barrier reef. Activist groups like Salvemos Mahahual organized protests and collected signatures opposing the development.

Mahahual permanently houses 2,636 people, according to the 2020 census. The area surrounding Mahahual includes protected natural zones like Xcalak Reef National Park and the Uaymil Flora and Fauna Protection Area. Royal Caribbean’s plans for “Perfect Day” included 30 water slides, a “Loco Waterpark” with a sombrero-shaped structure, and a tower intended to be the tallest in America.

The government’s decision leaves the future of tourism in Mahahual open to other possibilities, though further evaluation of environmental impact will likely be necessary for any large-scale development.