Key Cruise Destinations in Quintana Roo
Cancún, QRoo. – Cozumel and Mahahual have already surpassed 5.1 million visitors from January to September of 2025, according to the statistical report prepared by the Ports Directorate of the Secretariat for Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation.
Cozumel’s Performance
Cozumel alone has captured 3.3 million cruise passengers aboard 908 ships, representing 42% of the total passengers captured nationally, which amounts to 7.7 million.
Mahahual’s Performance
Mahahual has reported the capture of 1.7 million passengers on 404 cruises, representing 22% of the national total.
Together, Cozumel and Mahahual account for 66% of all cruise tourists that visit Mexico.
Growth and Future Goals
Mahahual has sustained double-digit growth in passenger capture since 2024 and throughout 2025, attributable to the increased frequencies and routes implemented by Royal Caribbean, owner of the Gran Costa Maya port.
The American company aims for the Gran Costa Maya port in southern Quintana Roo to reach 5 million cruise passengers annually by 2030, surpassing Cozumel, Mexico’s leading cruise port and the entire Caribbean region.
Cozumel’s Current Status
Cozumel remains close to 2024 levels, expected to finish the year with over 4.5 million cruise passengers, excluding crew members.
Revenue Generation and Infrastructure Improvement
Maintaining high volumes of cruise visitors will enable the state government to meet its revenue target, as a $5 fee per cruise passenger was first implemented in June 2025 for both Quintana Roo ports.
This revenue will be directed to the Fideicomiso para el Bienestar del Turismo de Cruceros de Quintana Roo (Fbtcqroo), with a revenue collection goal of 600 million pesos for improving Mahahual and Cozumel port infrastructure. Additionally, 30% of this fund will support the state’s first disaster natural disaster relief fund, unique in Mexico.
Cozumel’s Proposed Resource Allocation
Mayor José Luis Chacón has presented proposals for resource allocation, including:
- Construction of a police station with an estimated cost of 83 million pesos
- Building a multipurpose facility for sports events
- Pavement project licitation in Cozumel’s center
