🌴 Puerto Aventuras Welcomes a Baby Dolphin But Not Everyone is Celebrating

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🌴 Good morning Insiders! If you are a reader from the U.S. you are probably already up to your ears in Thanksgiving prep. In our house, we have four turkeys defrosting in anticipation of our 8th annual Thanksgiving potluck! I hope whereever you are celebrating, you are surrounded by friends and loved ones.

In today’s Riviera Maya Insider:

• Jaguar poaching uncovered in Mexico

• Profeco cracks down on Tulum overpricing

• Dolphin calf born in Puerto Aventuras

• Cancun ramps up for the International Boat Show

All this and more brought to you with support from Medik8, Morning Brew and The Daily Upside.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

📸 Our beautiful Photo of the Week features a school of Atlantic Spadefish taken by @saltwatervagabond during a dive in Playa del Carmen.

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

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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.

⚠️ Profeco Cracks Down on Pricing Abuses in Tulum
Profeco inspectors issued a sharp warning to Tulum’s tourism sector this week after uncovering serious pricing violations across hotels, restaurants, and even supermarkets. During a sweep of 29 businesses, authorities found inflated rates, missing price displays, misleading menus, pressure to tip, and other practices that violate federal consumer law. Several beachfront hotels were sealed on the spot for failing to comply with transparency requirements. With federal oversight ramping up, businesses may need to rethink how they operate.

🐆 Jaguar Trafficking Reaches Mexico
Researchers are sounding the alarm as Mexico confirms its first cases of jaguar poaching linked to the illegal Chinese wildlife trade. Fangs, bones, and skins, worth up to $15,000 USD, are now being trafficked from the Lacandon Jungle, threatening one of the country’s most vulnerable species. Habitat loss and conflict with livestock owners are making the situation even more critical, despite years of conservation progress. With jaguar populations under growing pressure, scientists and NGOs are urging stronger enforcement, expanded reserves, and cross-border collaboration.

📱 Mexico Proposes Tough New Rules for Influencers
Lawmakers in Mexico City are pushing a sweeping new law to regulate social media influencers, introducing fines of up to 1.1 million pesos and even channel suspensions for misleading or harmful content. The proposal targets undisclosed advertising, AI-manipulated posts, promotion of alcohol or tobacco without authorization, and the sexualization or unauthorized participation of minors. A national complaint platform would allow anyone to report questionable content. Officials say the goal isn’t censorship, but transparency and consumer protection in a digital landscape where millions make decisions based on influencer recommendations.

✈️ Delta Adds Four New Winter Routes to Cancún
Just in time for peak holiday travel, Delta is rolling out four new nonstop routes to Cancún, giving winter travelers in Austin, Nashville, Indianapolis, and Kansas City a direct path to the Caribbean sun. Beginning December 20, these flights will dramatically cut travel times during one of the busiest weeks of the year, especially for cities that usually rely on long, weather-prone connections. More seats mean fuller terminals, so plan ahead for transportation and crowded arrival times.

🧀 Mexico Wins Big at the World Cheese Awards
Mexico made an impressive mark on the global stage this year, taking home six medals at the 2025 World Cheese Awards in Switzerland, a competition that evaluated more than 5,200 cheeses from 46 countries. Producers from Jalisco and Querétaro stood out with gold, silver, and bronze wins celebrating everything from artisanal sheep’s milk cheese to Mexican-style panela and Mennonite classics. The awards highlight a growing movement toward high-quality, small-producer cheeses that reflect Mexico’s identity, technique, and terroir.

ICYMI

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

🚨 Protest Paralyzes Playa del Carmen
A major traffic shutdown unfolded near Centro Maya this week as residents from the San Judas Tadeo settlement blocked a major intersection in Playa del Carmen to protest the arrest of one of their community leaders, keeping Playa at a standstill for over 3 hours…

🏗️ Crackdown on Illegal Developments in Quintana Roo
Real estate enforcement is ramping up across Quintana Roo. Sedetus has filed criminal complaints against rogue developers, issued more than 1.1 million pesos in fines, and publicly listed 116 projects operating without permits…

RIVIERA MAYA REAL ESTATE

🌴 10-Unit Apartment Building for Sale in Coco Beach

If you’ve been dreaming about living in Playa del Carmen but need a steady income stream to make it work, this is the kind of opportunity that doesn’t come around often. I know this building personally, and it’s a proven favorite among returning vacationers and mid-term renters on a budget. Why? The location. Just minutes from 5th Avenue and the beach in the desirable Coco Beach neighborhood, this building sits in one of the most walkable, rentable, and in-demand areas in town.

This 10-unit building includes 8 cheerful studios, 1 spacious 1-bedroom, and a top-floor penthouse. All are fully furnished, decorated with colorful murals and art and equipped with AC, ceiling fans, and flat-screen TVs. Most units have a balcony or terrace, and the building itself is secure, walled-in, and features a shaded patio with hammocks—a favorite spot for guests.

It’s ideal for someone ready to be self-employed with sustainable, ongoing rental income, right in the heart of Playa. Whether you live onsite and manage yourself or hire help, the numbers make sense and the lifestyle is unbeatable.

Click here to view the full listing and schedule a showing. The owner is open to all offers. Why not see if this opportunity might work for you and make your Playa-life dream a reality.

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.

🐬 A Newborn Dolphin in Puerto Aventuras Raises Big Questions

A baby dolphin was recently born at Dolphin Discovery in Puerto Aventuras, surprising many locals who believed captive breeding was already banned in Mexico. The confusion is understandable. In June 2025, Mexico approved major reforms to the General Wildlife Law that prohibit breeding, capturing, or using marine mammals for entertainment. So how did a calf appear?

The short answer: the law exists, but the enforcement rules haven’t been published yet. Mexico is still in a transition period, and facilities continue operating under their old permits until the new regulations take effect — likely mid-2026. Pregnancies already underway are not penalized.

What does this mean for Puerto Aventuras? The newborn calf will likely be part of the last generation of dolphins legally held in Mexico. Once the rules are finalized, no new dolphins may be bred or otherwise acquired, and the entire industry will shift away from interactive programs toward education-only models. The dolphins already here, including the new calf, will remain under human care for life.

Still confused? Concerned? I’ve put together a full breakdown of what the law says, what changes are coming, and what this means for Dolphin Discovery in Puerto Aventuras.

👉️ Read the complete article here.

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⚓ Cancun International Boat Show & Marine Expo 2025

The Cancun International Boat Show & Marine Expo returns December 5 - 7, transforming La Isla Shopping Village in Cancun into the Caribbean’s most exciting playground for ocean lovers, families, and anyone who enjoys a great day on the water. Far more than a showcase for luxury yachts, this three-day festival blends thrill-seeking action, world-class entertainment, gourmet food, marine innovation, and a lively atmosphere that keeps people coming back year after year.

Across the marina, visitors can explore more than 40 brands of yachts, boats, personal watercraft, Sea-Doos, foils, engines, electronics, accessories, kayaks, scuba equipment and more. Even if you’re not in the market for a vessel, it’s a treat to step aboard multi-million-dollar yachts, chat with experts, and get a close-up look at what’s new in the marine world.

The real magic, though, happens on the water. The show features nonstop live demonstrations, including high-speed pro-watercross racing, MotoSurf action, foil shows, and jaw-dropping FlyBoard performances by Ro Delgado. Add in a sailboat regatta, live music, great food, and tons of hands-on fun, and you’ve got one of Cancun’s most dynamic events.

For those who want the full VIP experience, two exclusive lounges offer premium cocktails, gourmet tastings, a fashion showcase, DJs, and unbeatable views of the marina action. Cenacolo Restaurant also hosts a special VIP lounge complete with air-conditioning and upscale dining. Whether you want to drool over the yachts, cheer on the racers, enjoy great food, or simply soak up the nautical vibes, the Cancun International Boat Show is one of the season’s best events.

📍 The 2025 Cancun International Boat Show & Marine Expo will be held at La Isla Shopping Village Cancun. Advance tickets recommended.

NOTES ON NAPKINS

Riviera Maya Restaurant Climbing 50 Best List

The newly released Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants extended list (places 51–100) has once again put Mexico in the spotlight with seven of Mexico’s top restaurants landing on this year’s ranking. It’s a strong showing that highlights just how diverse, mature, and competitive the country’s fine-dining scene has become.

Much of the national conversation still gravitates toward Mexico City and yes, heavyweights like Pujol and Sud 777 are still in the mix. But one of the most exciting shifts this year comes from outside the capital, right here in the Mexican Caribbean.

Tucked inside the Azul Beach Resort between Puerto Morelos and Cancun, Le Chique continues its steady climb, jumping to #58 this year, up from #64 in 2024. It’s another well-deserved recognition for chef Jonatán Gómez Luna and his team, who have built one of the most theatrical, technically precise, and emotionally resonant tasting menus in the region.

Le Chique, which was awarded a Michelin Star in 2024, has long been one of the Riviera Maya’s most ambitious kitchens. Its upward movement on this prestigious list reinforces what serious local and visting gourmands already know: this restaurant isn’t just “good for a resort.” It’s world-class, full stop.

Travelers and Riviera Maya residents don’t have to fly to Mexico City to experience one of Latin America’s top rated restaurants. You can enjoy it right here on the Caribbean coast — ocean breeze included. If you needed an excuse to book that long-overdue splurge dinner at Le Chique, consider this your sign.

📍 Le Chique is located inside the Azul Beach Resort in Bahia Petempich. Reservations required.

DO GOOD RIVIERA MAYA

Looking for a way to give back or get involved in your community? There is always some GOOD to do! Let us connect you with reputable non-profit organizations and charities working in the Riviera Maya.

💧 Community Power Brings Clean Water to Torres de la Paz

This week, I had the privilege of standing alongside my fellow members of the Rotary Club of Playa del Carmen Seaside, community leader Martha Honorina Herrera, and my friend Lori Gold, as we cut the ribbon on a brand-new clean water filtration system for Torres de la Paz.

If you’re not familiar with Torres de la Paz, it’s a rural community on the outskirts of Playa where families have long struggled with water quality—among other things. The new system, installed on the grounds of the Contando con un Amigo community school, now gives children and their families daily access to safe, reliable drinking water, something many of us take for granted.

This project was made possible through a beautiful chain of collaboration. Copper Control oversaw the installation and will handle ongoing maintenance. The Rotary Club of Cambridge Preston-Hespeler in Canada partially funded the project. Lori Gold, founder of Mexperts®, generously donated the necessary resources to bring it across the finish line, and Seaside Rotary provided coordination, logistics, and a whole lot of heart.

This marks Seaside Rotary’s second clean water project in the region, and we’re already working toward more. Clean water doesn’t just hydrate. It keeps kids healthy which improves school attendance, supports families, and strengthens our most vulnerable communities. More clean water projects are coming. If you’d ever like to get involved, I’m happy to connect you.

 🛥️ Riviera Maya Resident Cruises Set Sail for a Good Cause

All aboard for a sunset sail that gives back! The H2OH Riviera Maya Resident Cruises are back and will go out every Thursday through December 12!

Enjoy a relaxed evening at sea with friends and fellow Puerto Aventuras neighbors while supporting a great cause. Your $15 USD (or $300 MXN) ticket doubles as a donation to the H2OH Annual Christmas Event for Kids, which provides holiday gifts to underprivileged children in the poblado and across the Riviera Maya.

It’s the perfect way to unwind, connect, and make a difference with the best ocean views. Reserve your spot and set sail for a good cause!

 📍 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 external alcohol allowed)
📲 Reservations: +1 (469) 974-7641 | +1 (469) 318-1418 | +1 (469) 974-7642

¿QUE PASA?

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. 

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

TUI Socca World Championship 2025
November 28 - December 7 | Malecón Tajamar | Cancun

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

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

Cancun International Boat Show & Marine Expo 2025
December 5 - 7 | La Isla | Cancun | Tickets

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Southern Zone Regional Motorcross Championships
December 6 & 7 | José Quíam Chan Track | Playa del Carmen | 10 AM

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 
December 13 & 14 | Locations TBA | 12 - 5 PM | Info to come

Puerto Aventuras Traditional Christmas Posada
December 19 | PA Bandstand | Puerto Aventuras | 6 PM

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.

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