Cozumel Mayor Rejects Cruise Ship Expansion for Fourth Pier

Cozumel, Mexico is one of the busiest ports of call in the world in terms of cruise passenger traffic.  With over 4.5 million cruise visitors every year, it’s not uncommon for tens of thousands of cruisers to disembark on the island in a single day.

With three cruise piers already in operation, plans for a fourth pier have been in the works for several years.  But according to a recent announcement from Cozumel’s mayor, there won’t be another pier under construction any time soon.

Cozumel’s Current Piers

As a major hub for cruise lines, Cozumel currently operates three main cruise ship piers:

1. Punta Langosta: This pier is located closest to downtown San Miguel, allowing cruise passengers easy walking access to local shops and restaurants.
2. SSA International Pier (also known as SSA Mexico): Situated south of downtown, this pier is a primary docking point for large cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and MSC Cruises.
3. Puerta Maya: Located furthest south, this pier is a frequent stop for Carnival Cruise Line vessels.

The Pier Plans Rejected

While commonly referred to as the “fourth pier,” the recent proposal was actually an expansion of the existing SSA Mexico Pier (sometimes called International Cruise Terminal).

The goal was to allow it to accommodate even larger “deep-draft” cruise ships, which would have increased the port’s overall capacity.

The plan also included a private beach club, “Cabo Mantarraya,” raising concerns about restricting public access to the island’s coastline.

Environmental and Local Concerns

Not everyone was on board with the plans.  There was a concern among the local community that the new project would harm Cozumel’s coral reefs, among other issues.

Some local residents voiced concerns that increased ship traffic and larger pier infrastructure could lead to coral damage, increased pollution, infrastructure strain, and reduced public access to beaches.

The Mayor’s Stance

Mayor Chacón Méndez’s decision to reject both the pier expansion and the beach club project, reportedly reflected the decision of Cozumel’s community.

The mayor stated, “In Cozumel it’s the people who rule, who decide. Cozumel will first protect its environment and development.”

“I have already signed the no-vote on the Mantaraya issue and I have also already signed the no-vote on the SSA Mexico. That’s how we’re working together,” he continued.

The city council’s formal “no” to the SSA Mexico Pier expansion came after a technical review from Mexico’s environmental ministry (Semarnat). This review is a key part of how such projects are approved or rejected.

This decision will probably involve more negotiations in the future, with more legal challenges for both sides of the argument.