🌅 Stingrays, SIM Cards and Sahara Sands

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🥵 It’s Tuesday May 27 and today’s newsletter you will find:

• A massive Sahara dust cloud bearing down on Mexico

• New CURP requirements for SIM card purchases

• Would you take your pet to Dr Simi? [Poll Results]

• A visit to Brasa Nova in Puerto Aventuras

• Feeding the Future with Seaside Rotary

— Michele Kinnon

*This newsletter may be clipped for length by your email provider. For the best reading experience, scroll up and select the option to READ ONLINE. The text is bigger. The images are crisper. It’s a just a better reading experience. Trust me. 😄 

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

📸 Our Photo of the Week was taken by professional photographer and Puerto Aventuras resident, Marc Andrew. You can find more beautiful photos from Marc on Instagram @funinthesunweddings and @mymarcart.

📸 If you would like to see YOUR photo featured here, follow and tag @rivieramayainsidermx on Instagram.

RIVIERA MAYA ROUNDUP

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 this week.

🏌️‍♀️ Japanese golfer Chisato Iwai claimed victory at the Riviera Maya Open at Mayakoba with a dominant performance, finishing at 12 under par. The 22-year-old rookie delivered a stellar final round of 66, securing a six-stroke lead over American Jenny Bae.

🪸 Once thought abundant, stingrays in the Mexican Caribbean are now endangered—putting the region’s ecosystem at risk. Marine biologist Ximena Arvizu is leading efforts to protect them through research, community action, and citizen science. Read more.

🚗 Foreigners with temporary residency in Quintana Roo can now apply for driver’s licenses valid for up to 12 months. The move aims to support long-term visitors, particularly from the U.S. and Canada, by simplifying legal driving and insurance processes.

🌊 Tulum’s beach access battle heats up as expats and locals continue to protest entry restrictions at Jaguar Park. With conservation, tourism, and equity all in play, the clash is reshaping ideas about who gets to enjoy paradise—and how. Get the full story.

🌘 Good news from Teotihuacán: the iconic Pyramid of the Moon has reopened to visitors after conservation work. While access is limited to the first level, the views—and the symbolism—remain awe-inspiring. Find out more.

🚆 Records show that just 6% of Tren Maya riders have been foreign tourists since its launch in 2023. Only 77,027 international passengers have used the service, with most concentrated on the Mérida-Cancún route. The project continues to face financial challenges and scrutiny over its viability.

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ICYMI

In case you missed it, these are the most popular news stories from last week.

🎶 Sting lit up the jungle with a free concert for 22,000 fans at the first-ever Mexican Caribbean Music Fest. The event, presented at Zamna Park, gave Tulum a cultural boost, spiked hotel bookings along the Riviera Maya, and showed why the Quintana Roo government is betting big on concert tourism.

🚢 A tragic accident involving Mexico’s naval training ship Cuauhtémoc claimed the lives of two young cadets after a collision with the Brooklyn Bridge. As investigations unfold, tributes pour in from across Mexico for América Sánchez and Adal Marcos. Read what we know so far about the crash, response, and national mourning.

EXPAT LIVING

🐾 Simi Pet Care Is Coming—Will You Use it?

Last week, we asked readers their opinion about Simi Pet Care and specifically, would you take your pet to a Simi vet? The poll indicates that the majority of our readers WOULD consider using Simi Pet Care services if given the option—a result that actually surprised me!

Several of our readers asked what my opinion is of Simi Pet Care and whether I would make use of those services should they become available in the Riviera Maya. My answer is a firm… maybe.

Over the past 20 years, I have utilized the services of many fine veterinarians. Paco (back when Sanimal was on the corner of 30 and 38) has saved two of my dogs from poisoning, put my terrier back together after I ran over him with the truck, and saved two baby coatis from terrible hookworm infestations.

We’ve also made many visits to Lalo (Hospipet), Diego (Playa Pet), and welcomed Oscar (El Especialista) into our home many times to care for our too many pets. I can never thank him enough for helping our K2 cross the rainbow bridge peacefully at home, surrounded by his people. These days, I see Dr. Zair (Playa Pet PA) every six weeks or so with my Henry for “spa day.”

I can safely say that for domestic pet care (because we do NOT want to get into the vet bills for the horses), I have spent upwards of 150,000 MXN over the past 20 years with my posse of veterinarians. That’s roughly 8,000 USD, which averages out to about 400 USD per year. That’s doable—for me. It’s not doable for everyone, and I recognize that.

One could argue that people should not have pets if they can’t afford them. But they do, and they will continue to do so. If easy access to affordable healthcare translates to more dogs and cats getting the care they need when they need it—preventative vaccinations and parasite prevention included—then I’m all for it.

If Simi Pet Care offers affordable surgical procedures, then maybe these clinics will take some of the pressure off organizations like Coco’s Animal Welfare that provide no-cost or low-cost spay and neutering and other basic health services.

If easy access to affordable pet care means fewer unwanted animals left to fend for themselves on the streets, then our tireless local rescue organizations—such as SOS El Arca and Playa Animal Rescue—might not be so overwhelmed.

So yeah—if Simi Pet Care opened up nearby, I might use their services for non-emergent visits. If they offer more affordable flea and tick medications, that would be attractive to me. But to be honest—most of my support is going to stay with the fine and kind vets I know and trust—who have taken care of me and my four-legged companions for the past two decades.

Could you afford $3,500 to remove a chew toy?

From $3,500 to remove a chew toy, to $7,000 for a hip replacement, keeping your pets healthy is getting more and more expensive. Fortunately, pet insurance can help offset these rising costs. Pet insurance can cover eligible accidents and illnesses with up to 90% reimbursement. Get your buddy covered today with plans starting at just $10 a month.

PROTECT YOUR PET

TRAVEL TALK

😷 Saharan Dust Cloud Set to Blanket the Yucatán

Are you traveling along the Riviera Maya this week? The sargassum may not be your only lament! A massive Saharan dust cloud is on its way to the Yucatán Peninsula, bringing with it hazy skies, reduced visibility, and serious air quality concerns.

According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center, the plume has already begun crossing the Caribbean and will likely settle over parts of Quintana Roo and Yucatán by Saturday—affecting popular destinations like Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cancún, and Mérida.

While these annual dust events are nothing new, this one is arriving earlier than usual and could be particularly intense. The dust may look pretty at sunset, but the health effects are real. If you’ve noticed itchy eyes, sore throat, fatigue, or trouble breathing in recent days, the dust could already be playing a role.

Find out more!

📱 Buying a SIM Card in Mexico? You May Need a CURP!

In the new era of connectivity, phone SIM cards have become an essential communication tool. However, their indiscriminate and often anonymous use has also made them an ideal vehicle for committing fraud, extortion, and online scams.

Many of these calls originate from numbers associated with prepaid SIM cards purchased without requiring official identification, complicating efforts to trace the perpetrators.

According to cybersecurity specialists, criminal networks purchase large quantities of phone SIM cards for operations involving phishing, identity theft, extortion, and even virtual kidnappings.​

Amid the debate on privacy and digital security, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum announced this Thursday a federal executive initiative aiming to make it mandatory to register mobile phone SIM cards with the Unique Population Registry Code (CURP) and official identification.​

This proposal, recently sent to Congress, aims to strengthen public security by preventing the anonymous use of phone lines, a common practice among criminal groups to commit fraud, extortion, and other crimes without leaving a trace.​

What does this mean for you? Read more here.

NOTES ON NAPKINS

🥩 Brasa Nova Brings the Rodizio Experience to Puerto Aventuras

🔥 A new Brazilian steakhouse has opened its doors on the central marina, and it’s already turning heads. Brasa Nova brings the full rodizio experience to town—skewers of grilled meat carved tableside, a generous buffet with everything from ceviche to cheesecake, and a full range of wine, beer and cocktails.

We stopped in last Tuesday for their opening night to meet the owners and see what all the buzz was about. The space feels fresh and warm, the father-son team is clearly proud of what they’ve built, and the service has just the right amount of flair.

Read more about Brasa Nova!

(If you would like to see the menus, reply to this email and I’ll send them to you!)

RIVIERA MAYA REAL ESTATE

🌴 Steps to the Sand - Coco Beach Condo with Rental Potential

If you've been waiting for the right opportunity in Playa, this 1-bedroom, 2-bath condo in Coco Beach is worth a serious look—especially if you're thinking vacation rental + personal escape. It's in a prime spot between 5th Ave and the beach, so you're literally steps from the best dining, shopping, and sun-soaked fun Playa has to offer.

The unit itself is bright, breezy, and fully furnished, with a garden-level terrace that walks right out to the pool—great for morning dips or guests who love easy access. The layout is smart and simple, making it ideal for short-term rentals or laid-back living. Bonus: the building has a tranquil interior courtyard, a community pool, gated entry, and secure parking.

At this price point and location, it’s a solid investment in Playa del Carmen’s vacation rental market. Click here to check out the full listing and book your showing with Marieke.

¿QUE PASA?

Check out the events and happenings we found for the next month or so on the Riviera Maya and beyond.

May 24 - 31 | Mexico en Playa Cultural Fair- Guest State Queretaro. Plaza 28 de Julio Playa del Carmen. Performances staerting from 7Pm. Free admission.

May 28 | Inauguration of the exhibition “The Artist who Lives in Me” from the Hanal Pixan artists collective. 7 PM at the Cozumel Island Museum. Free Admission

May 29 - June 1 | Kickboxing Mexican Open 2025 at Occidental Xcaret in Playa del Carmen. Registration and Info

May 30 & 31 | “La Fabrica de Chocolate” presented by Comunidad Educativa El Papalote at the Teatro de La Ciudad in PDC. Showtime 6PM. Tickets at the door.

May 30 - June 1 | Roll Over Cancun Roller Dancing event at the Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancún. Info & Tickets.

May 30 & 31 | 2025 ONP National Grand Championship of Cheerleading at the Cancún Convention Center.

🐎 16th Copa del Rey Polo Tournament Returns to Puerto Morelos

Get ready for one of the Riviera Maya’s most stylish sporting events—the 16th annual Copa del Rey at El Rey Polo Country Club. Happening on Saturday, May 31, 2025, this all-day celebration kicks off at 2 PM and promises much more than just polo.

Guests will enjoy the thrill of the grand final match, followed by the traditional divot stomp, live music from a DJ throughout the day, and a concert and closing party to end the evening on a high note.

Expect a full culinary experience with a dedicated food area and both national and international bars. Fashion lovers can take part in a stylish hat contest and catch the action on the runway, while shoppers and art enthusiasts can browse a curated bazaar and art showcase. Families are welcome too—there’s a Kids Club on site to keep the little ones entertained.

The dress code is all white, so come dressed to impress. Parking is available for $200 pesos, and tickets can be reserved in advance via WhatsApp at 998 660 1930.

Don’t miss this unforgettable day of sport, style, and celebration at El Rey Polo Country Club in Puerto Morelos.

May 31 | 2025 Puerto Morelos International Sport Fishing Tournament, in celebration of Navy Day. Starts from the public dock in Puerto Morelos at 9AM

May 31 | Tiny Jazz Festival 1st Edition at La Sirena in Puerto Morelos 7PM - 11PM. Tickets.

June 5 - 8 | Cancun Pride Festival on the Tajamar Boardwalk in Cancun.

June 7 | “Les Miserables” (Student Edition) presented by Academia Play at the Teatro de la Ciudad in Playa del Carmen. Show times 4PM and 8PM. Tickets at the door.

June 13 & 14 | ”The Divine Comedy, the Musical” presented at the Teatro de la Ciudad as part of the VII Italian Cultural Festival in Playa del Carmen. Showtime 7PM. Tickets.

June 19 - 29 | Festival PAAX-GNP 2025 at Hotel Xcaret Arte in Playa del Carmen. Program, tickets and packages.

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 or sending it to [email protected].

DO GOOD RIVIERA MAYA

🥣 Help Us Feed 90 Kids This Month in Playa del Carmen

Since 2017, the Rotary Club of Playa del Carmen Seaside’s Feeding the Future program has been providing 90 children with healthy meals, three times a week, in the remote community of Torres de la Paz. Most families here live in extreme poverty, in one-room homes or makeshift shelters. Public services are scarce. Hunger is common.

In a small community school, Seaside Rotary has installed solar power, a clean water system, biodigester, and a modest kitchen where volunteers prepare meals for the students. For just $1,200 USD per month, Feeding the Future feeds all 90 children—but that cost is increasingly hard to meet. The video above was made during COVID but the need is the same and our funds are dwindling.

Here’s how you can help:

• Sponsor a full month for $1,200 USD—perfect for Rotary Clubs, businesses, church groups, or generous donors.

• Donate any amount—every peso counts.

• Share the link and spread the word.

💛 Click here to donate securely
📩 Or email [email protected] for other ways to help.

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