🌴 Your Insider Update from the Riviera Maya - October 13

🌴 Good morning, Insiders!

We're halfway through October, and the Riviera Maya is waking up. Restaurants are getting busier, calendars are filling up, our snowbirds are starting to return and there seems to be something happening just about every night of the week.

This week, we've got some welcome good news out of Tulum, plenty to put on your calendar and, as always, a few things you’ll want to know about living and traveling around our little corner of Mexico.

Pour the coffee. There’s plenty to catch up on.

— Michele Kinnon

Today’s newsletter and the Riviera Maya Events Calendar are brought to you with support from our Featured Sponsor Launa Brockman with Paradise Professional Services.

For the very best newsletter experience, choose the option above to Read Online.

📸 Congratulations to everyone who guessed that last week’s photo was taken on the beach in front of Ventana del Mar in Puerto Morelos. Kimberly B., reading from Playa del Carmen, was the first one to spot it!

Where am I today? Reply back with your best guess. Be the first reader to guess correctly and look for your name in next week’s newsletter! If you are reading online, pop me a quick email!

🏠 Mexico’s New Real Estate Rules: What Buyers Should Expect
Buying a vacation home or investing in a development may soon involve more questions about who owns the property and where the purchase money comes from. Mexico’s expanded anti-money laundering rules take effect November 30, with further deadlines in 2027 and 2028. Here’s what the changes mean for buyers, agents and developers. Read more

🦈 Has Playa’s Bull Shark Dive Tourism Reached Its Limit?
Bull shark diving has reached the tourism capacity set for its protected site, according to the director of the Mexican Caribbean Biosphere Reserve. The dives are still operating. This is not a closure. But it could limit how much the activity can grow at that spot. What does that mean for dive shops, guides and visitors hoping to book an encounter? Read more

🌊 Puerto Aventuras’ Sargassum Barrier Has Arrived—When Will It Go In?
After months of waiting, the new barrier has been delivered to Puerto Aventuras. Shipping delays have put off installation, so it is not protecting the beaches yet. The homeowners association is working with the Mexican Navy to provide a vessel and crews to help collect sargassum at sea and on shore. Here’s what still needs to happen and why the barrier alone won’t make the seaweed disappear. Read more

☕ A Familiar Tulum Coffee Stop Closes Its Doors
After 11 years beside Ahau Tulum, the Starbucks on the beach road has closed. It joins other well-known businesses that have paused or ended operations during a tough year for the destination. The company that runs Starbucks in Mexico has not said why this café shut, so its closure does not tell the whole story. We look at what the tourism numbers show, which other businesses have closed, and what remains uncertain. Read more

🍺 Could Sargassum Help Grow the Barley in Your Beer?
A company collecting sargassum in Quintana Roo is turning it into a product used on barley fields. The seaweed doesn’t go into the beer. Rather, it’s applied while the crop is growing. The company reports promising yields and says the barley is supplying major beer brands. Could this become a useful new destination for some of the seaweed removed from our beaches? Learn more

🏗️ Alux 33 Ruling Raises Questions for Property Buyers
A federal court found that Quintana Roo’s environmental agency had no authority to approve the Alux 33 condominium project on coastal wetland in Puerto Morelos. The state has since withdrawn its permit, and a separate ruling voided the project’s municipal construction license. For anyone considering a coastal property, the case is a reminder to check which permits a development actually needs—and whether they remain valid. Learn more

Full disclosure: I’m a little biased about this one. Marina Turquesa is the building we built when we first came to the Riviera Maya, and it’s also where I live. So yes, the $399,000 price includes the added bonus of having me as your neighbor. 😂 But even without that considerable perk, this condo is a steal at this price.

This fully furnished 3-bedroom, 3-bath penthouse is spread over three levels, with lovely marina views from the main terrace and a private rooftop terrace where you can catch both sunrise and sunset.

Marina Turquesa is a small quiet building with just 10 units. It is family-friendly and pet-friendly and it’s remarkably easy to own here. The HOA costs are reasonable and the unit has solar panels which take your CFE bills down to practically nothing. We have snowbirds who rent here year after year if you want to offset expenses with rental income.

I know I am biased but I think this one deserves some serious attention. You can pop me a message if you want more details.

We've had quite a bit of not-so-great business news out of Tulum lately, so I'm particularly happy to share this one: Hoyo19 has opened a second location.

Hoyo19 Tulum by Niik celebrated its grand opening October 3 at Hotel Niik in Aldea Zamá. If you know the original Hoyo19 at the Puerto Aventuras Golf Park, you'll recognize the same casual, social approach, but the Tulum version has been adapted to its surroundings.

Instead of golf, there's a pool! Hoyo19 is already promoting afternoon pool experiences, pizzas and cocktails, happy hours and Saturday DJ nights, along with specials throughout the week. The owners say they’ll be bringing in live music soon.

I particularly like that this isn't some big outside restaurant group arriving in Tulum. It's a business that started right here in our little corner of the Riviera Maya, did well enough to grow, and is now taking a shot at a second location.

Given all the business closures we've been reporting lately, it's awfully nice to get to write about someone opening a door instead of closing one.

👉 Follow Hoyo19 Tulum on Instagram.

You’ve made it through immigration, found your suitcase and are ready to start your vacation. Then someone asks you to open your bag at customs.

Tourism industry leaders, thinks it’s time to end those manual searches. They say random searches leave travelers with a frustrating first impression, especially when luggage has already been X-rayed.

Everyone would welcome a smoother exit from Cancún Airport, but nothing is changing yet. Opponents say that Customs still has to check declarations and look into items that may be restricted or subject to tax. An X-ray can’t settle every question.

What seems more realistic is fewer bag searches for travelers whose luggage raises no concerns, while keeping the option to inspect when there’s a valid reason. That could get more of us on our way to the beach a little faster.

Until then, leave some breathing room in your arrival plans and check what you can and cannot bring into Mexico before you pack.

High season is almost here, but this year’s flight numbers tell a more complicated story.

Airlines have added more than 66,000 seats between Canada and Cancún, Cozumel and Tulum for the final three months of 2026, an increase of 5.5% over last year. Porter Airlines is leading much of that growth, with WestJet and Air Canada also expanding service from several Canadian cities.

The picture from the United States is very different. Available seats to the Mexican Caribbean are down 12.8%, representing roughly 435,000 fewer seats and 2,600 fewer flights through December. Domestic capacity is nearly flat.

None of this means Canadians are about to rescue the entire winter season. But with colder weather settling in, sargassum season behind us and more flights available, they are looking increasingly important to the region’s hoped-for high-season recovery.

We may be hearing quite a few more Canadian accents around town this winter, eh?

28 Wishes sells ice cream in Los Angeles. Below 70°F, sales fall about 20%. So the owners put about $20 a day into Kalshi weather markets, taking the cold side. The days that keep customers away now pay something back. See how other owners are doing it

See how hedging works

Get excited, foodies! October is looking delicious. From desserts and wine to not one, not two, but three separate grill festivals, there are plenty of reasons to clear your calendar, loosen your waistband and arrive hungry. This is what you have to look forward to.

Playa Food Week October 12–18 Playa Food Week spreads across participating restaurants throughout the city, each offering its own menu, promotion or special experience. There is no single ticket or set price, so this is less about attending one big event and more about choosing a few places you have been meaning to try. The theme is “Flavors That Bring Us Together,” with an emphasis on supporting Playa’s independent restaurant community. Check the participating-business list before heading out, since offers, hours and reservation requirements vary by restaurant.

Festival del Postre in Playa del Carmen October 14–15 | Playa’s first dessert festival gives local bakeries, pastry chefs and small food businesses two evenings to tempt us with cakes, cookies, pastries and whatever else they have been working on. Admission is free and the location in Plaza 28 de Julio makes it easy to stop by for a look, but don’t fool yourself thinking you are only going to browse. The event runs from 5 PM to 10 PM and is family-friendly.

Tulum Parrillero Fest October 17–18 | Tulum is firing up the grills for a two-day festival filled with smoky food, local vendors and live entertainment. Expect grilled specialties and other dishes for sale, along with music, cultural performances and activities for the whole family in the Municipal Palace plaza. It is a free public event, so you can wander in, see what looks good and build your own dinner as you go. The event runs from 4 PM to 11 PM.

Wine Fest XI at The Fives Xcalacoco Beach in Playa del Carmen October 17 | Wine Fest returns for its 11th edition in a new beachfront setting at Distrito Xcalacoco. Admission includes tastings from more than 80 wine labels, plus charcoal-grilled meats, seafood, seasonal mushrooms, artisan cheeses, charcuterie, vegetarian dishes and desserts. There will also be premium cocktails, craft beer, live music and a bluefin tuna-cutting demonstration by Chef Yusuke Kogure. Get your tickets here.

Cozumel’s Festival Parrillero del Caribe Mexicano October 18 | Cozumel’s new Caribbean grill festival is being presented alongside the inaugural Pueblos Mágicos Triathlon, which should make for a lively Sunday in Parque Benito Juarez. Local and international food vendors will fill Parque Benito Juárez with grilled dishes, drinks and cocktails, while live music keeps things moving through the afternoon and evening.

Festival Parrillero del Caribe 2026 in Puerto Morelos October 24–25 | The fifth Caribbean Grill Festival takes over Ventana al Mar and Parque Fundadores in Puerto Morelos with 22 grill specialists serving fire-cooked meat, fish and seafood. The two-day program runs from 1 PM to 10 PM each day and includes grilling demonstrations and masterclasses, wine, craft beer and chocolate tastings, plus 40 food, drink and experience stands. This is a family-friendly event. Get your tickets here.

Want to give back locally but aren’t sure where to begin? The Rotary Club of Playa del Carmen Seaside is hosting a casual Tapas Social Hour for people interested in making a meaningful difference in the community. The event will take place on Monday, October 19 from 6 PM to 8 PM at Off the Vine on 5th Avenue.

Stop by to meet current members, hear about projects supporting children and families in Playa del Carmen, and learn where your time, skills or connections might be useful. There is no formal presentation, membership pitch or expectation that you commit to anything. It’s simply an opportunity to ask questions and see whether Seaside Rotary might be a good fit.

The club is English-speaking, nonreligious and nonpolitical. Everyone is welcome, even if you don’t live in the area full-time. Look for the club members wearing yellow, navy blue or white Seaside Rotary shirts.

Noami is a 6 year old bundle of love.  She makes friends quickly with both dogs and Humans. She would love to be the center of your attention. Naomi is spayed, vaccinated, parasite free and has received all her monthly preventatives. If you would like to learn more about Naomi, send an email to [email protected].

Below are a few standout events coming up in teh next week. Some may even require rservations in advance. This is just a small selection curated from the full calendar. Browse the complete list by clicking HERE. Don’t forget, you can add your own events for free.

The Beatles Tribute with Los Beatlips October 15 | La Vagabunda de la 38 | Playa del Carmen | 8 PM - Los Beatlips bring Beatlemania to Calle 38 with an evening of familiar favorites from throughout The Beatles’ career. Make a night of it with dinner and cocktails; table reservations are recommended.

Maya Legends After Dark: Ghost Horses of Cozumel October 16–17 | Marte’s Place at La Patrona | Cozumel | Tours from 6:30–7:30 PM - Take a guided journey through the darker side of Maya folklore, with theatrical encounters inspired by the Alux, Xtabay and Waay Chivo. The 30-to-40-minute experience combines storytelling, ritual elements, playful scares and a few surprises.

Coral Swim Puerto Aventuras 2026 October 17 | Bahía Fátima | Puerto Aventuras | From 7 AM - The first Coral Swim Puerto Aventuras combines an open-water competition with support for local reef recovery. Distances range from 200 meters for younger swimmers to two kilometers for experienced competitors. Registration is $500 MXN and includes a swim cap and finisher medal.

Mercado Circular PDC: Día de Muertos & Halloween Edition October 17 | Mercado Circular PDC | Playa del Carmen | 5:30–10 PM - Shop local crafts, fashion, art, home décor, organic products and pet accessories at this seasonal market near Colegio Pápalote. The family-friendly evening also includes food, drinks, live music, workshops, children’s activities and a juggling clown. Costumes are encouraged.

Cancún Vinyl Market Vol. 10 October 18 | Las Hijas de la Tostada, Zona Hotelera | Cancún | 3–6 PM - Vinyl lovers can browse records, CDs, posters, T-shirts and other music merchandise while DJs spin live sets throughout the afternoon. Admission is free with registration, and the family- and pet-friendly event also includes food, drinks, giveaways and a $200 MXN paint-your-own-record workshop.

Pink Floyd Tribute: The Dark Side of the Moon October 18 | Parque Benito Juárez | Cozumel | 7:30 PM - Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon and other classics get the full audiovisual treatment with live music and projection mapping across Cozumel’s iconic clock tower. The free outdoor concert is part of the festivities surrounding the island’s first Pueblos Mágicos Triathlon.

📆 Did you know you can also submit your own event to appear on the calendar? Give it a try! The more people who use it, the better it gets.

To access the full list of Riviera Maya events and happenings for this week and beyond, click on the link below!

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