Residents and tourists of Isla Mujeres are bracing for higher expenses as new port infrastructure fees take effect on Wednesday, April 16. The Quintana Roo Comprehensive Port Authority (APIQROO) has authorized a nearly 5% increase in charges for berthing, docking, and passenger embarkation and disembarkation for road, tourist, and cargo vessels using its facilities along the Mexican Caribbean coast.
Under the updated fee structure, ferry operators will pay 1,273.15 pesos per operation for berthing and docking, limited to two hours. Additionally, passenger boarding or disembarking will cost 6.36 pesos per person. For a typical operation involving an Ultrajet-type vessel, the smallest in the Ultramar fleet, APIQROO will collect a total of 3,476.28 pesos—611.28 pesos for docking and 2,865 pesos for the 250 passengers onboard.
The fee hike has sparked concerns among Isla Mujeres residents, who fear that ferry operator Ultramar may further increase crossing fares. The company recently raised round-trip ticket prices for residents by 10%, from 100 to 110 pesos. Such increases are expected to impact on the cost of basic goods and supplies transported to the island, as Ultracarga is likely to adjust its vehicle transport rates.
Earlier this year, nautical entrepreneurs in Quintana Roo reported a decline in demand for their services following the implementation of higher fees for accessing Protected Natural Areas (PNA), which came into effect on January 1, 2025. The new port fees add to another layer of financial strain for travelers and businesses in the region.
Source: Reportur
