Mexico rejects Royal Caribbean water park plan in Mahahual

Mexican officials rejected Royal Caribbean's plan to build a large water park on the Caribbean coast after weeks of opposition from residents and environmental groups.

Environment Secretary Alicia Bárcena announced the decision at a press conference on Tuesday, May 19. She said the Perfect Day project would not be approved and that the company was also preparing to withdraw it.

President Claudia Sheinbaum voiced similar concerns the day before. She said the area has an important ecological balance and is particularly important for the reefs.

A Royal Caribbean spokesperson said the company was disappointed but respected the role of Mexico's environmental authorities. The spokesperson added that Mahahual deserves care and protection and that the company remains optimistic about future investment in Mexico.

The cruise line first announced the project in October 2024. It had been scheduled to open in 2027 and was to include a water park, pools, beaches, restaurants and bars.

A Change.org petition calling for the project's immediate cancellation collected more than 4.8 million signatures. The petition described Mahahual as a fishing town whose residents depend on access to the sea, beaches and mangroves.

Mahahual lies near the Mesoamerican Reef, the world's second-largest barrier reef system. The town has drawn growing numbers of scuba divers and tourists interested in coral and marine life.