Royal Caribbean International’s plans for a new private island destination in Mexico have been dashed after the country’s authorities rejected the company’s proposal

The cruise line has been promoting the $800 million Perfect Day Mexico development, with itineraries on sale since last Autumn. Plans for the 200 acre plot feature beach clubs, pools, bars and more than 30 waterslides, including the tallest waterslide in North and South America at 170 feet.

It was slated to open in 2027 in Mahahual, a beach town on the Costa Maya on the Caribbean coast, home to fewer than 3,000 people.

According to Reuters, at a press conference in Mexico City this week, environmental minister Alicia Barcena said there has been backlash from residents and environmental groups over the development’s ecological impact, and the project has been rejected.

“It is not going to be approved,” she told reporters.

Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, added: “We must not do anything that affects that area, which has a very important ecological balance, and is particularly important for the reefs.”

Environmental group Greenpace has publicly stated the project and its link to expanded tourism could cause significant environmental consequences, and a change.org petition demanding the project be halted, launched in July 2025, has reached nearly five million signatures.

Royal Caribbean has previously stated Perfect Day Mexico would be the “crown jewel of our new portfolio”, and was going to be “bigger, better and more incredible” than its first private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

A spokesperson for Royal Caribbean International said: “We are disappointed by SEMARNAT’s decision and respect the role of Mexico’s environmental authorities.

“Mahahual is a special place that deserves care and protection. We continue to believe in Mexico, and are optimistic in the potential to advance our investment responsibly.

“Over the coming weeks, we will re-engage stakeholders to move forward in a way that delivers shared prosperity through the development of essential environmental infrastructure, the creation of thousands of local jobs, and community programs that support the people of Mexico.”