Is Cancun Safe Right Now? A Thorough Guide on Safety in Cancun
Cancun is one of the most popular Mexican destinations, but is Cancun safe right now? I am sure you are wondering, and not only because of the recent health emergency.
So, in this post, I’ll try to answer this question for you comprehensively.
The short answer is yes. Otherwise, Cancun International Airport wouldn’t have had almost 7 million arrivals in the first quarter of 2022. Crazy! Of course, not all of them stayed in Cancun, but it gives you an idea.
Playa del Carmen and Tulum also get a great portion of the tourism, but nothing like Cancun.
Cancun is one of the most popular beach resorts in Mexico that attracts tourists from all over the world, especially from the US.
There is a lot to enjoy, and so many things to do in Cancun, and the city is basically developed with tourism in mind.
Couple that with the miles upon miles of beautiful white sand of the Cancun beaches, and it easily becomes one of the best vacation spots in the world.
But is Cancun safe to travel to right now? Read on to find out.
How Safe Is Cancun?
If you want a short answer, Cancun is generally a relatively safe city. The crime rates are much lower than in many other places in Mexico.
The government of Mexico tries as much as possible to make Cancun a safe place for tourists because tourism is the biggest source of revenue for this area.
However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take any precautions and can go everywhere when you’re in the area. There are some areas where you should stick to. I will tell you more later on in the post.
On the pandemic front, Cancun is relatively safe. Back when the pandemic initially started, it was one of the first cities in the world to adopt the hygiene and safety protocols suggested by the World Travel & Tourism Council.
The hotels still follow strict disinfection mask requirements and social distancing protocols.
Also, you should know that the few episodes of violent crime that sometimes occur are due mainly to cartel drug trafficking disputes, and they don’t really involve tourists.
The Mexico travel advisory on the US Government page invites US Citizens to “exercise increased caution,” which I agree with, but as I said already, almost like everywhere in a foreign country.
So if you were planning on visiting Cancun, you have a green light from me!
However, I would suggest you follow the safety tips below, which are basic common-sense rules you should follow, whether you visit Cancun, Mexico City, or any other place in Mexico, and probably whenever you are in a foreign country.
15 Safety Tips for Traveling to Cancun
Here are some Mexico travel safety tips about Cancun that you should observe if you want to have a seamless vacation in the Mexican paradise.
1. Never Travel Without Travel Insurance
First thing first, make sure you have good health insurance because healthcare in Mexico is really expensive for tourists.
There are travel insurance options that cover COVID-19 treatments, but please make sure you read all the clauses before purchasing one. I normally use Safetywing or WorldNomads.
Both are great but serve different kinds of needs. So make sure you read through what’s included and what’s not.
For example, Safetywing charges as little as 25 USD for full coverage for a week, and the daily rate decreases as you add more days, up to 42 USD for a month’s coverage.
That’s really little money if you think about all the peace of mind it gives you.
World Nomads is a little more expensive but also allows you to include more items and situations in the insurance coverage, for example, diving, hiking, or your tech devices. But it’s still affordable considering everything it includes.
I assure you that traveling anywhere knowing that for anything that happened you are completely covered and refunded for the expenses gives you tranquillity big time!
When I was in Peru, I had to go to the hospital multiple times for a stomach bug (I think). I had World Nomads at the time, and they refunded me immediately.
A friend of mine had to cancel her trip to Africa last minute because she got sick, and World Nomads refunded her the flight tickets and the portion of the trip that she had booked.
That is why I think it’s really worth the money, but you should really check what each insurance has to offer.
⬇️ Get Your Free Travel Insurance Quote on World Nomads ⬇️
⬇️ Get Your Free Travel Insurance Quote on Safety Wing ⬇️
2. Don’t Be Naive
Be friendly and smile but make sure to remain alert and aware of your surroundings. If you notice that the people you are talking to are getting too close or ask personal questions, don’t be afraid to move away.
3. Wander Around but Know Where You Are Going
It’s natural to want to wander around and sightsee a little, but don’t do it aimlessly. Always know where you are and where you’re going. Avoid deserted streets, especially at night.
4. Avoid Going Out at Night Alone
Try to avoid going out at night if you are alone. Or, if you do, try to do so in a group and stick to areas that are crowded and lit.
The only areas that are really safe for tourists to go out at night are the Hotel Zone, malls, and Isla Mujeres.
5. Watch Out for Pick-Pocketers
These are everywhere, but especially in Downtown Cancun, where there are fewer tourists, and we are more in the spotlight. Make sure you keep your personal belongings in a safe place.
Protect your personal belongings from pickpocketers!
6. Be Careful When Withdrawing Cash
Be careful when withdrawing cash at ATMs. Always try to use the ATMs in a bank or a mall. Never use roadside ATMs, and most of all at night.
7. Use Your Hotel Safe Box
Store your passport in your hotel room’s safe. Keep a photocopy of the passport with you when you’re out and about because the police can legally ask for it.
Also, remember to keep the immigration card in the passport and take a copy of that as well, with the entry date and the immigration stamp.
8. Don’t Get Wasted if You Are Alone
Drinking is generally a bad idea. But if you have to do so, drink in moderation unless you’re part of a group you trust.
9. Don’t Flaunt Your Wealth
Dress plainly, and don’t flaunt your wealth. Being flashy is the easiest way to get noticed by criminals.
Carry a little bit of cash with you at all times, in local currency (not US$). So that if you encounter criminals, you can give it over without a lot of regrets.
10. Get a Local SIM Card
Having a local SIM card has many advantages. First of all, it allows you to stay in touch with your family and friends, but the main reason is that it gives you access to Google Maps, so that you can find your way around easily.
You don’t want to get lost when you don’t know the place, trust me!
You can call a taxi, your hotel or anyone. And all that gives you more security. I always buy a SIM CARD when I travel, even for a week. It makes me feel like a local and safer.
11. Don’t Drink Tap Water
Tap water in Mexico is not safe to drink. You won’t die if you do, but you will be more exposed to stomach bugs and other unpleasant situations.
Also, tap water seems to have a lot of heavy metals that are not good for your health, and last but not least, it runs into old rusty pipes most of the time.
So, all in all, drinking tap water is gross!
But worry not. Most of the hotels offer free bottled water in the room and the bathroom for brushing teeth. And you can find bottled water everywhere for purchase.
Even better if you carry your own water bottle to refill. Hotels usually have big water tanks (garrafon) for the guest to use, and restaurants will be happy to refill your bottle. Here below are the ones I use.
12. Book a Safe Hotel
If you are concerned about safety in Cancun, booking a safe hotel located in a safe area is the wisest thing to do for your peace of mind (I always look for peace of mind, especially when I travel)
The Cancun hotel zone is definitely the safest place for a vacation in Cancun, and here below, I am sharing my favorite hotels.
Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancun
The spectacular Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancun is for adults only. Expect exceptional service and world-class food and amenities from this property.
The moment you get there it is like walking into a paradise.
Keith | august 2023
Secrets The Vine
Another amazing high-end option is the Secrets The Vine Cancun, a stylish property featuring 6 restaurants, 3 outdoor swimming pools, and a spa.
All inclusive service was amazing from table service, silver service, wine tasting, & room service at no additional charge. Staff could not do enough to make each guest feel welcomed.
Michelle | august 2023
Hyatt Ziva
The great Hyatt Ziva Cancun is on one of the best beaches in Cancun. Hyatt brand guarantees excellent service and spacious, stylish rooms.
Everything was awesome… There was another side of the hotel that I didn’t even get to explore, just because my stay was very short, hence, I will be returning.. I loved everything about the Ziva. The food, the location, the services, etc.
Hay | august 2023
13. Be Aware of the Rip Tide Currents When You Go Swimming
Cancun Beach is one of the most spectacular, and the turquoise waters are definitely an invitation to a good swim.
However, don’t be fooled! Unfortunately, these spectacular waters can be dangerous sometimes.
Rip tides are a thing in Cancun and can be fatal.
One time I was swimming with many people around, but I couldn’t touch the bottom with my feet, and while I was trying to swim towards the shore, I couldn’t move forward an inch.
I got scared and waved to the lifeguard, who, luckily, was watching in my direction.
Then I learned that if this happens you need to swim to the side and move out of the current. You will be naturally pushed to the shore by the waves.
Do not panic, and do not waste your energy because that would make things worse.
Here is a definition of a rip tide: “A rip tide is a localized current that flows away from the shoreline toward the ocean, perpendicular or at an acute angle to the shoreline. It usually breaks up not far from shore and is generally not more than 25 meters (80 feet)”
You may also like: Mexico Travel Tips: How to Stay Safe While Traveling to Mexico
Is Cancun Safe Right Now to Travel Alone?
Traveling in Cancun alone is generally safe, as long as you follow a few simple rules.
✔ Avoid drinking as much as possible. It’s not a good idea to get drunk, especially when you’re alone.
✔ Stay in well-populated areas, and avoid deserted streets.
✔ Unless you’re part of a group or on a tour, avoid going to the areas around Cancun.
✔ It’s thrilling to travel alone. You can do whatever you want, whenever you want. But it’s important that you know your limits. Listen to your gut feeling if something feels too dangerous to do alone.
✔ Do plenty of research about which areas and hotels to stay in.
What Are the Safest Places to Visit in Cancun?
There are three places I can heartily recommend as the safest in Cancun. I’ll list them below.
✅ The Hotel Zone
The Hotel Zone (or Zona Hotelera) is, by far, one of the safest areas in Cancun.
As its name indicates, The Hotel Zone is a long strip along the Cancun beach lined with hotels, most of them all-inclusive.
It was made especially for tourism, although now you can find quite a lot of luxurious residential homes as well.
Security is also very tight here, as tourism is the biggest source of revenue for Cancun.
Even at night, you can walk around here. Just be careful to stay clear of the secluded areas.
If you feel like going to the beach, try to do it in front of your hotel and make sure that the hotel security is present.
You may also like: Where to Stay in Cancun: The Best Hotels for Each Budget
✅ Downtown Cancun
Downtown Cancun is basically the city center, although there is no proper center as you would call it.
There is no main square, just a few parks and commercial centers, cafes, and residential areas scattered around the city in a badly organized plan.
In short DownTown, Cancun is not an attractive place to walk around, like Puerto Vallarta or Oaxaca, for example.
It is generally a safe area to visit during the day. However, I would avoid it during the night unless you have your own car and go straight where you need to go.
Many restaurants have valet parking which is super safe and saves you from parking on obscure streets.
If you have to travel from one place to another, whether within Downtown Cancun or outside, always take a taxi. Don’t go anywhere on foot, especially if you’re alone. There is no Uber in Cancun, unfortunately.
✅ Isla Mujeres
In case you have never heard of it, Isla Mujeres is a gorgeous island situated just off the coast of Cancun. If you’re visiting Cancun, you should definitely visit Isla Mujeres.
Just like the Hotel Zone is made for tourists, the whole of Isla Mujeres is also made for tourists.
As such, there’s plenty of security, and it’s very safe. When in doubt, you can always ask your hotel to arrange tours, excursions, or trips for you; the hotel staff does their best to accommodate their guests.
Make sure you include swimming with whale sharks if you travel in the summer.
Is It Safe to Visit Outside the Hotels in Cancun?
As mentioned earlier, Cancun is generally very safe. In fact, if you look at crime statistics, Cancun is safer than a lot of the cities in the US.
Most of the crimes don’t involve any tourists, and, when they do, they’re usually petty crimes.
Still, you should be careful when you’re outside your hotel in Cancun and always take plenty of precautions. If possible, have your hotel arrange any tours or excursions for you.
You can also ask the hotel staff when you’re in doubt about whether an area is safe or not, and they’ll tell you.
You may also want to check out
Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun: Which One Is Better?
Cancun vs Tulum: Which One to Choose?
Cancun vs Playa del Carmen: Where Should You Go?
Is Cancun Safe for Female Travelers?
It is! I’m a female, and I’ve lived in Cancun for years. It is a safe city for female travelers. Just take precautions and use common sense, following the tips mentioned below.
Walking around during the day is okay if you’re traveling alone, but make sure you stick to the touristy areas at night.
Avoid deserted areas at all times and trust your gut feeling regardless of which area you’re in. If you feel uncomfortable at any time, join the nearest group of people.
Cancun Safety FAQ
What are Some Dos and Don’ts in Cancun?
Let me share 5 dos and 5 don’ts for staying safe in Cancun.
Dos
✅ Stay in the hotel zone or in the nearby downtown area.
✅ Cancun is pretty sunny, so pack plenty of the best sunscreens for Mexico.
✅ Visit Isla Mujeres.
✅ Get travel and health insurance before you travel.
✅ Learn enough Spanish to communicate and understand the basics.
Don’ts
🚫 Don’t use the money exchange services at the airport.
🚫 Don’t carry too much money when walking around, and preferably use PESOS. Shops accept the USD but at a very bad exchange rate (for you).
🚫 Don’t drink tap water.
🚫 Be kind and friendly but not naif. If somebody approaches you, trust your gut feelings; if you feel uncomfortable, move away. Use common sense.
🚫 When shopping, you can try to bargain, although sometimes vendors prefer to miss a sale rather than lower the price. In any case, be aware that souvenir prices will most likely be inflated.
Is There Uber in Cancun?
Unfortunately, there is no Uber in Cancun, and anywhere in the state of Quintana Roo.
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Is It Safe to Take a Taxi in Cancun?
Yes, it’s generally safe to take a taxi in Cancun. However, if you feel even a little bit uneasy or something doesn’t feel right to you, feel free to refuse the taxi driver and hail another one.
Also, make sure to agree on the fare beforehand. If you don’t, the drivers demand exorbitant amounts when you get to the destination, and it results in unpleasantness.
Is Cancun Safe to Walk in at Night?
If you’re in the Hotel Zone or Isla Mujeres, you can easily walk around at night.
However, stick to crowded places and, if you want to enjoy the beach at night, go to the beach right in front of your hotel; make sure that there’s security.
Avoid deserted areas and streets at night. If you need to get from point A to point B, take a taxi. Don’t use public transport at night.
Is There Cartel Activity in Cancun?
Cartels are the elephant in the room regarding tourism and Mexico. There’s cartel activity all over Mexico, and Cancun is no exception.
You can rest easy, though, because cartels don’t bother tourists. The cartel-related crimes happen between rival cartels, or between drug dealers.
You won’t be their target as a tourist unless you are involved in any drug-related matters.
Is Cancun Dangerous for Tourists?
So, we’ve come here finally. Cancun is not dangerous for tourists. It’s one of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations and serves hundreds of thousands of tourists every year (rightly so).
In fact, if you look at the crime statistics, Cancun is safer than most US cities! I, myself, have lived in the city for years without any issues.
That being said, you must remember that you’re always in Mexico. Take plenty of precautions. The safety tips I’ve mentioned above are just some of the precautions you need to take.
Trust your gut feeling; if anything feels unsafe, just bail out of there.
As long as you are careful, you have nothing to worry about in Cancun. I highly recommend visiting it (and Isla Mujeres). Happy traveling!
Is There a Risk of Going to Cancun?
Generally, Cancun is a safe city to visit. Compared to other Mexican cities, it has a relatively low crime rate. Plus, residents are friendly and law enforcement is making a great effort to make the city safe.
Nevertheless, it is still best to stay in crowded areas and to refrain from walking alone at night like you would do everywhere else!
Before You Go…
Here are some useful posts that you may be interested in…
- Mayan Ruins in Cancun That You May Have Never Heard Of
- Visit Cancun in August
- Best Cancun Boat Tours You Must Do in 2023
- Cancun Cenotes: The Most Spectacular Cenotes Near Cancun
- When Is the Best Time to Visit Cancun?
✨ Mexico Travel Planning Guide ✨
👉 Do I Need Travel Insurance to Travel to Mexico?
I would do it if I were you. You never know what can happen and know that no matter what, you will be covered with any expenses will give you peace of mind, and make your travel worry-free.
You can check out SafetyWing which I have used and find it affordable and comprehensive and also Travel Insurance Master which is great because you can insert all your information and what kind of insurance you need and their system will pull out the best insurance for your need.
🚰 Can I Drink Tap Water in Mexico?
No, you can’t! Maybe in some areas or in some homes where they have installed water filters but to be on the safe side, I would say, never drink tap water in Mexico. Carry a water bottle with you and fill it up where you find available potable water sources. Most of the hotels have those.
🚗 Is It Safe to Drive in Mexico?
The short answer is: depends on where you are. Although in general if you stick to the main roads and don’t drive at night you should probably be safe. In lesser tourist areas you should probably check the local news to stay up to date.
Driving in the Yucatan Peninsula is easy everywhere, even at night, although I would still avoid it. I recommend Discover Cars because the site offers the option to compare prices among different car rentals and you can add their own full coverage.
Read more on my guide on Renting a car in Mexico.
📱 Will My Phone Work in Mexico?
It will probably work, especially if you have a European or US phone, but your roaming rates may be to the stars (check with your SIM provider).
Even if have an affordable international rate, you will be much better off by buying a Mexican SIM Card. It’s cheap, easy to set up, and it will keep you connected with your friends, family, and, more importantly, Google Maps so you will never get lost!
🤕 Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico Right Now?
The short answer is, yes it is. However, there are parts of Mexico that are indeed troubled and you should avoid for now, and others that are super safe and easy to travel around.
Regardless of where you are, you should always use some common sense rules such as, never flaunting expensive clothing, accessories, electronics, or money and keeping a low profile.
Read more on my detailed guide on safety in Mexico. If you are traveling to a specific destination I have got you covered as well:
💉 Do I Need Any Vaccine to Travel to Mexico?
No, there is no vaccine requirement (of any kind) to travel to Mexico
🇲🇽 Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Mexico?
If you are coming from the US or Europe you don’t need a VISA to enter Mexico. Once you get in you need to fill out a form that you need to keep with you until you leave. If you don’t have it you will pay a fine.
Although the tourist visa for US and European travelers used to be 6 months long which you could easily renew by leaving the country for a couple of days and going back, nowadays they have been stricter. You may be asked how you would sustain your living and other similar questions. Sometimes they even ask you to show your credit cards.
It seems odd but they can do that. If you intend to stay longer than a usual couple of weeks’ vacation time, just be honest and explain your plans. If you are not from the US, check this site to see if you need a visa
💸 Where Do I Find the Best Travel Deals for Mexico?
A trip to Mexico can be expensive if you love to travel with all the comforts (like I do). There are a few tricks that will help you find the best deals. Here are my tips:
👉 DO NOT travel in the high season, which is Holy week, Christmas and winter in general, and August.
👉 Book months in advance to find early booking discounts
👉 Use aggregators such as Discover Cars to find price comparisons and VRBO for vacation rentals!
👉 Look for packages flights+hotels on Expedia.
👉 Check on Booking.com or Hotels.com for hotel deals
Happy travels!!
Isabella, author, editor, and founder
A passionate traveler and photographer, in love with life and adventures, Isabella is the founder and editor of Letstraveltomexico where she shares her love for Mexico, a fascinating country that she’s proud to call home. When she’s not exploring a new place you will find Isabella in a cafe, writing on this blog, or on her other sites Boundless Roads, Mexico Cenotes and Ruins and Letstraveltocancun.com where she loves to share her travels on and off the beaten path in Mexico and around the world.