Beginning August 1, access to Puerto Aventuras will work a little differently—for better or worse, depending on who you ask. In an effort led by the Centro Marina Association in coordination with Colonos, new visitor protocols aim to streamline entry while maintaining the area’s controlled, private atmosphere.
A message was sent out across various social media channels including Puerto Aventuras Living group and the responses have been “mixed” to put it lightly. This is the message that was published on behalf of the business owners in PA.
Hey everyone! Exciting updates from Puerto Aventuras – our private, secure paradise! We’ve listened to your feedback and teamed up with Colonos to make entry smoother while prioritizing safety. Starting on August 1st, The QR system remains the most convenient option: it’s faster, easier, and guarantees access even if we reach our infrastructure’s welcome capacity – simply request one from a restaurant, or shop in advance. But in case you are not provided with a QR code and you want to explore the shops and restaurants, no problem – just leave an ID, grab wristbands for your group, and enjoy the vibe. To pick up your ID on the way out, you will have to show a receipt from one of our restaurants or shops. Come rediscover our amazing stores, delicious dining and gelatos and that unbeatable Puerto Aventuras charm – we can’t wait to welcome you back!
For several years, the aforementioned QR code has been required for guests to enter the gated community. This could be obtained from a restaurant in advance of your visit while making a reservation. This was fine for those familiar with the businesses inside PA and for those who like to plan ahead.
But, if you wanted to meander around the marina until you decided on a place to dine were out of luck—unless you could sweet talk your way through security. The new system allows non-residents to enter the community. Upon entry, you will need to leave an ID at the gate and obtain a wristband to be worn whilst inside the gates. When leaving, you will be asked to show a receipt from a local business but this will not be required for the return of your ID.
Restaurant owners hope this will make visiting easier and ultimately boost their numbers. Others feel it’s just another layer of red tape that reinforces a sense of exclusion. While most of the comments were positive, may people pointed to a pattern of elitist and potentially racist control at the PA gates that has been going on for many years. Some even question the legality of retaining certain types of official ID.
Here are just a few of the critical comments that were posted:
I’m sorry but I have to ask, I have my doubts, in terms of security it means that anyone can enter. Leaving an ID doesn’t guarantee much security in itself. So the QR code will be faster? But if there are people in the line trying to leave their ID Or pick it up on the way out, it will be very slow for everyone. Honestly, I don’t see a real solution. It seems to me that the low sales are due more generally to a general decline in tourism throughout the Riviera Maya, to the fact that rents have become more expensive and everything has gone up. But we’ll see if security doesn’t get worse over time, if sales really do increase and if the beach doesn’t become saturated.
And what if we leave our ID’s to shop and find nothing we want to purchase? You steal our ID’s? This new procedure appears like you are extremely desperate for business. You obviously didnt think it through completely. Your attempt therefore appears quite insincere.
That’s legally unacceptable since Puerto Aventuras holds a Public Access which by law they should open and allow free entry and exit to the beach and ocean. So this is not a solution.
We haven’t been back to PA in many months.. Just such a pain to get in.. So I guess that sounds good, but I really don’t like leaving an ID… if lost they are so hard to replace! I would rather leave a deposit! Only kidding … What do the wristbands prove?
The change at the gates will begin on August 1st. I imagine it will take us at least through the high season to see what impact this has on local business and security in Puerto Aventuras.
I’d love to hear your thoughts—is this a step toward progress or just more gatekeeping? What does this change in access to Puerto Aventuras mean for you? Let me know in the comments or send an email to [email protected] if you prefer to stay anonymous.
If you found this interesting, you may want to read:
Is Puerto Aventuras Safe? An Honest Opinion
