According to the new General Law of National Assets, recently approved in Mexico, hotels must allow public access to beaches through their facilities, at least on Sundays and during designated hours, announced Renato Ocampo Alcántar, SEMARNAT’s coordinator in Sinaloa.
“The goal is to guarantee more public access points to beaches — they are public spaces, and entry cannot be prohibited,” Ocampo explained. “Even if a hotel holds a concession, people must have the right to access the beach. The law stipulates that hotels without a direct public entrance must open a pathway through their property on Sundays during specific hours.”
He noted that some hotels have previously restricted beach access through their premises. “You know how some hotels used to block passage — well, now, by law, everyone will be able to pass through hotels to reach the beach.”
However, Ocampo clarified that visitors may only pass through and cannot use hotel facilities. “People can access the beach but not make use of hotel amenities. That’s now established by law, with specific hours still to be defined. It’s approved but not yet published,” he said.
Once the reform is officially published, a transition period will be granted for implementation. The reform — approved unanimously by the Chamber of Deputies and now sent to the Senate for discussion and final vote — ensures free and unrestricted access to all beaches in Mexico.
The legislation specifies that the Ministry of the Environment (SEMARNAT) must guarantee free access to federally protected natural areas at least one day per week.
It also mandates that federal, state, and municipal authorities ensure safe and well-marked public pathways leading to maritime beaches and adjacent federal coastal zones.
Additionally, the reform prohibits fees, quotas, or restrictive conditions for beach access, except in cases explicitly established for environmental protection, public safety, or national interest as defined by administrative regulations.