🌴 Bull Shark Season, Climbing at Coba and Cruising for Charity

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🌴 Good morning Insiders! It’s a very chilly morning here on the Riviera Maya! If you are reading from the U.S. or Canada—send blankets! 🤣 

In today’s Riviera Maya Insider:

• Regularizing Tulum taxis

• Bull Shark season begins

• Nohoch Mul reopens for climbing

• Quintana Roo’s “Mobility Pass”

All this and more brought to you with support from Josephine’s, I Hate it Here and The Code.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

📸 Our beautiful Photo of the Week was taken at the Gran Altar in Puerto Aventuras during this year’s Día de los Muertos festivities. Thank you to Nancy Keister for sending us this great shot!

📸 If you would like to see your photo featured here, follow and tag @rivieramayainsidermx on Instagram or send it to [email protected].

And speaking of photos…..

📸 Enter the Caribbean Biodiversity Photo Contest!

Nature lovers and photographers, this is your chance to enter the “Caribbean Biodiversity: Species That Define a Paradise” photography contest! Submit your best photo of local wildlife—flora or fauna—by midnight on November 15 for a chance to be featured in the upcoming exhibition at the Puerto Morelos Cultural Museum, opening November 29. Six winning images will be showcased for three months, and participants can win incredible prizes.

To participate, send your photo (1 image per person, original work only) via email to [email protected] along with your full name and a short description of your image. This is your chance to share your talent, celebrate the incredible biodiversity of the Riviera Maya, and support local conservation awareness.

IN THE NEWS

News from the Riviera Maya and beyond. You don’t have to know everything—but you should know something. Here are a few stories that caught my eye in the news last week.

🚢 The Cuauhtémoc Docks in Progreso: How to See It Up Close
If you didn’t manage to make it over to Cozumel to see Mexico’s fabulous navy training vessel The Cuauhtémoc, the ship has made its way to the Port of Progreso in Yucatan. The tall ship will be in port from November 15 through 20 just in time for the festivities surrounding Mexican Revolution Day. Sounds like a good excuse for a road trip to Merida!

🚕 New Digital Fare System Aims to End Tulum’s Taxi Headaches
By the end of November, Tulum taxis will finally go digital with a new QR-based fare system set to bring long-awaited transparency to one of the Riviera Maya’s most complained-about services. Under the plan, every licensed taxi will display a scannable code showing official rates, making it easier for riders to confirm prices before hopping in. The initiative, backed by Imoveqroo and the Tiburones del Caribe taxi union, aims to stop overcharging and rebuild trust among travelers and locals alike.

🚧 Tulum’s On-Again, Off-Again Bypass Project
If you’re confused about the long-promised Tulum Bypass, you’re not alone. After headlines claiming the billion-peso megaproject was canceled, local officials now insist it’s simply being reworked. The original environmental impact report has been withdrawn, not scrapped, as new studies reveal hidden cave systems under the proposed route. Authorities say construction will proceed once a new declaration is approved. Whether that means months or years remains anyone’s guess.

🏡 New Vacation Rental Rules Coming to Quintana Roo
If you own a vacation rental, or plan to book one through Airbnb or VRBO, new rules are on the horizon. State officials have finalized updates to Quintana Roo’s Tourism Law that include short-term rentals for the first time. The next step is for each municipality, starting with Cancún, to align its local regulations. Expect clearer safety requirements, tax compliance, and official registration for all hosts. For travelers, this means better oversight and protection. For owners, it’s time to get compliant. .

ICYMI

These were the most popular new stories from last week’s newsletter.

🚗 Uber “Victory” Sparks Confusion Over Airport Rules
A recent court ruling has left travelers scratching their heads — does Uber now operate legally at Mexican airports or not? The short answer: No. The decision doesn’t authorize pickups at airports like Cancún International…

🏘️ Playa del Carmen Approves 2026 Property Value Update
Good news for Playa del Carmen owners. The City Council has approved new Unit Property Tax Values for 2026, but officials insist the update won’t mean steep increases for families or small hotels…

NOTES ON NAPKINS

Fun for foodies of all kinds! Here are some of the delicious gastronomic offerings that caught our eye and tempted our palate this week!

🌿 Step Off the Beaten Path at Josephine’s

Moments from the beach, down a quiet road framed by trees and moonlight, there’s a little place that feels like it’s been waiting just for you. Josephine’s Jungle Dining Experience isn’t your typical night out, it’s dinner reimagined, wrapped in candlelight and the sounds of the forest.

Tucked away in the jungle, this intimate bistro offers something rare: peace, privacy, and a connection to nature that turns a meal into a memory. Each plate is artfully presented, built around the season’s freshest local ingredients. The menu changes monthly, so no two visits are ever quite the same.

It’s the kind of place where you linger over a glass of wine a little longer, where conversation flows easily, and time seems to slow. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a small celebration, or simply an escape from the everyday, Josephine’s makes it effortless — a private dining experience just far enough from town to feel like a secret. It’s perfect for proposals, anniversaries, or those nights when you just want something extraordinary.

If you’ve been craving a touch of adventure without going far, step into the jungle and let Josephine’s remind you what dining in the Riviera Maya can be — fresh, elegant, and quietly unforgettable.

📍 Josephine’s is located just 15 minutes south of Puerto Aventuras

EXPAT LIVING

Sharing local insights, practical tips, and community stories to help you feel at home in Mexico, no matter how long you’ve been here.

🐾 Living in the Riviera Maya with Pets: Your Rights, Rules & Responsibilities

If you’re living—or planning to live—in the Riviera Maya with pets, there are a few things to know so you don’t run afoul of the law. Dogs and cats may be part of your family, but when it comes to property ownership, rentals, and public spaces, there are legal distinctions every expat should understand. A recent rental dispute here in Puerto Aventuras brought this issue to the forefront, sparking plenty of conversation and strong opinions on both sides.

Owning a Home with Pets
If you own your property—even inside a condominium—no neighbor, HOA, or administrator can legally ban you from keeping pets in your private unit. That right is protected under Article 13 of the Ley de Propiedad en Condominio de Inmuebles del Estado de Quintana Roo and supported by national jurisprudence, as long as your pets don’t pose a danger or nuisance. Condos can set reasonable rules like leash use, access to public areas, waste disposal, and noise control. But by state law, they cannot prohibit pets outright.

Renting with Pets
This is where things shift. In Mexico, pet permissions are at the discretion of the property owner and may be superseded by rules established by an HOA. Landlords can allow, restrict, or prohibit pets and may charge an extra deposit or require certain conditions (like size limits, breed restrictions or good behavior). If you’re renting—short or long term—always get the pet policies in writing from both the property owner and the HOA before signing a rental contract.

Beaches and Public Areas
Pet access to beaches isn’t uniform across the Riviera Maya. While federal law guarantees public beach access for people, municipal governments decide if pets are allowed and where. Some beaches welcome leashed pets, while others post clear prohibitions. Always check local signage or rules, and remember that leash use, waste pickup, and wildlife protection (especially during turtle nesting season) are non-negotiable.

Living with pets here is not just possible, it’s rewarding. A little knowledge of local laws will keep you and your pets safe, happy, and in good standing with both the law and the community.

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TRAVEL TALK

Planning a trip to the Riviera Maya? We will give you the information you need to take your trip to the next level.

🌴 Cobá’s Iconic Pyramid Reopens with New Staircase

If you thought you’d missed your chance to scale the towering pyramid at Cobá, good news! Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) has installed a new wooden stairway on the site’s iconic pyramid, Nohoch Mul, once again allowing visitors to climb one of the tallest ancient Maya structures in Quintana Roo.

Standing at 42 meters (140 feet), Nohoch Mul has long been a favorite for travelers seeking sweeping jungle views across the Yucatán Peninsula. In 2020, during the COVID shutdown, climbing was suspended to protect the fragile limestone steps and improve visitor safety. The steep slope had become eroded and uneven from decades of heavy foot traffic (up to 1,500 climbers a day during peak season) and remained closed for five years while restoration and infrastructure upgrades were carried out.

Now, INAH has unveiled the new wooden staircase, giving visitors the chance to once again scale the ancient pyramid and take in the spectacular views over the Maya jungle. The stairway is part of a broader project to modernize facilities, improve pathways, and better manage visitor flow site-wide.

Not everyone agrees with the design. Critics argue that a freestanding structure, like those used at Tikal in Guatemala, would better protect the original stonework. But visitors are simply thrilled to have access restored.

Beyond Nohoch Mul, Cobá features ball courts, observatories, stelae, and ancient causeways that once connected it to other great Maya cities. The site is an easy drive from anywhere along the Riviera Maya, making this newly reopened wonder the perfect day trip to rediscover one of the region’s most breathtaking views.

🦈 Bull Shark Season Returns to Playa del Carmen

It’s that time of year again — bull shark season has officially begun off the coast of Playa del Carmen. From November through March, experienced divers from around the world head to the Riviera Maya to witness one of nature’s most powerful marine predators up close.

Each winter, pregnant female bull sharks gather in the shallow waters near Playa’s famous Shark Point, just a five-minute boat ride from shore. The dives are carefully regulated to prioritize safety and conservation, allowing participants to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural environment — no cages, no feeding, just pure adrenaline and awe.

Bull shark dives are only open to Advanced Open Water divers, and choosing a responsible operator that follows non-baiting, eco-friendly practices is key to protecting the species and supporting local conservation efforts.

👉 Read more about diving with Bull Sharks in Playa del Carmen

🚗 Avoid Roadside Hassles with the Guest Mobility Pass 

If you’re planning to drive around the Mexican Caribbean — from Cancún to Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or beyond — here’s a valuable tool to have ready. The Guest Assist mobile app now offers a digital Pase de Movilidad Turística (Tourist Mobility Pass) that can help protect you during traffic stops.

Developed in coordination with the Quintana Roo Ministry of Tourism (SEDETUR) and local traffic authorities, this pass helps visitors avoid unnecessary hassles and makes driving smoother across the region.

How to Get It - It’s Easy and Fast!

1. Download the Guest Assist app from your mobile store.

2. Launch the app and select Guest Mobility Pass.

3. Fill out the online form.

4. Verify your details — your pass will appear in the app.

5. Keep it handy (screenshot it) so you can show it to traffic police if needed.

Tourists driving in the Riviera Maya often worry about unexpected police stops, language barriers, or unfamiliar rules. With this pass, you’re proactively prepared — reducing stress and confusion if you’re pulled over. By presenting your Mobility Pass, you may receive up to two courtesy traffic tickets for minor infractions.

It also helps prevent officers from withholding your license or personal documents during a routine stop. Overall, you’ll likely be treated as a traveler who knows the system and understands their rights.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

⚠️ It’s not a free pass for major violations — serious infractions still carry fines.
⚠️ Keep your rental agreement, driver’s license, passport page, and insurance info accessible.
⚠️ The pass is for tourists and visitors only, not residents.

Download the Guest Assist app now and add the Guest Mobility Pass to your phone before you hit the road. It’s a smart move for any traveler navigating the Riviera Maya, and one less thing to worry about while you enjoy the ride.

¿QUE PASA? SPONSORED BY THE CODE

Your go-to roundup of local events, festivals, and happenings—so you’ll always know what’s going on and where to be in the Riviera Maya.

Buen Fin 2025
November 13 - 17 | Locations Nationwide and Online

Expomoto Motocycle Expo
November 14 & 15 | Wyndham Garden Hotel | Playa del Carmen

Xel Ha Triathlon 2025
November 15 | Xul Ha Park | Tulum

Feria Trendy Artisans Market
November 15 | PA Bandstand | Puerto Aventuras | 5 - 9 PM

GFNY Cozumel 2025
November 16 | Cozumel | 7 AM Start

2nd Sustainability Forum for Quintana Roo
November 19 | Moon Palace Resort | Cancun | 8:30 AM - 4 PM

Women's Amateur Latin America Golf Tournament
November 20 - 23 | PGA Riviera Maya | Tulum Country Club

4th Annual Octopus Festival
November 21 & 22 | Various Locations in Rio Lagartos

The Addams Family - The Musical (Spanish)
November 22 & 23 | Teatro de la Ciudad ‘Xaman Ha’ | Playa del Carmen

Ironman Cozumel 2025
November 23 | Cozumel | 7 AM Start

Ch’i’bal Soundfest 2025 ft. Lila Downs
November 28 & 29 | Parque Fundadores | Playa del Carmen | 7 PM

The Chalky Challenge One-Man Show
December 1 | Nauti Burro | 4:30 PM

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4th Annual Playa Food for Families Fundraiser
December 3 | Buzo’s Restaurant | Playa del Carmen | 6 - 8 PM

Feria Trendy Artisans Market
December 6 | PA Bandstand | Puerto Aventuras | 5 - 9 PM

Puerto Aventuras Tree Lighting & Christmas Choir
December 6 | PA Bandstand | Puerto Aventuras | 7 PM

Tulum Half-Marathon 2025
December 7 | Explanada del Palacio Municipal | Tulum

Intl. Philharmonic Orchestra - Tribute to Williams & Zimmer
December 10 | Teatro de la Cuidad ‘Xaman Ha’ | Playa del Carmen | 7PM, 9PM

Paamul Art Show & Sale Benefitting Seaside Rotary
December 13 & 14 | Locations TBA | 12 - 5 PM | Info to come

The Nutcracker Ballet
December 20 | Teatro de la Ciudad ‘Xaman Ha’ | Playa del Carmen

Feria Trendy Artisans Market Christmas Edition
December 20 & 21 | PA Bandstand | Puerto Aventuras | 5 - 9 PM

Do you have information about an upcoming event that you would like to see shared on Riviera Maya Insider? Let us know by replying to this email.

DO GOOD RIVIERA MAYA

🛥️ Cruise for a Cause: H2Oh Sunset Sail Returns

Set sail this Thursday, November 13, for a sunset cruise that’s more than just a beautiful night on the water. It’s a fundraiser with heart. The Riviera Maya Resident Cruise is back aboard H2OH Sun Cruises, running every Thursday through December 12, with all proceeds benefiting the H2OH annual Christmas Event for Kids.

Your ticket isn’t just your boarding pass. It’s a donation helping bring holiday gifts and joy to underprivileged children in the poblado and throughout the Riviera Maya.

Enjoy an evening at sea with neighbors and friends, stunning coastal views, and that warm feeling of giving back.

📍 H2OH Sun Cruises | Gran Marina | Puerto Aventuras
📅 Thursdays until December 12, 2025 | 6 – 9 PM
🎟️ $15 USD | 300 MXN per person
🍹 Cash Bar & Snacks for Purchase (no outside alcohol)
📱 Reservations: +1 (469) 974-7641 | +1 (469) 318-1418 | +1 (469) 974-7642

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