Yes, Cancun is generally safe for tourists, especially in resort areas, but as needed in every other tourist place, precautions are necessary.
After living in Cancun for several years, I learned firsthand about safety in this popular beach destination.
To learn more about these stats and see more, visit: Crime in Cancun.
Numbeo ranks Cancun as the 98th most dangerous city in the world, which is lower than many US cities.
Even more telling, a Stanford University report cited by Grand Velas Riviera Maya shows that the murder rate for Americans in Cancun is just 1.83 per 100,000 visitors, which is lower than many US cities.
These numbers tell an important story: Cancun is safer than many U.S. cities in terms of violent crime, but tourists should be aware of some risks associated with petty theft.
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U.S. Embassy Safety Advisory for Tourists in Cancun
The U.S. Embassy in Mexico regularly updates its safety information for Americans visiting Cancun. Learn more here.
As of early 2025, the Embassy advises visitors to “exercise increased caution” in Quintana Roo state, where Cancun is located.
This is a Level 2 advisory on their 4-level scale, meaning Cancun isn’t considered highly dangerous.
While living in Cancun, I’ve noticed that embassy warnings sometimes sound more alarming than reality.
These advisories take a “better safe than sorry” approach, which is understandable.
The Embassy notes explicitly that most tourist areas are well-policed and generally safe.
Their main concerns focus on areas far from the Hotel Zone and downtown tourist districts.
They advise tourists to:
- Stay in tourist areas and avoid isolated locations
- Be extra careful at night
- Use only licensed taxi services or reputable rideshare apps
- Keep family and friends informed of your travel plans
- Follow local news for any safety updates
These are smart tips for traveling anywhere, not just Cancun.
Contact Form for U.S. Citizens Services in Mexico
Current Safety Status in Cancun
According to official data from the Mexican government and international monitoring organizations, Cancun’s crime rates affecting tourists will remain relatively low in 2025.
Mexico Travel Advisory mentioned: “Criminal activity and violence may occur in any location, at any time, including in popular tourist destinations”
In 2024, less than 0.1% of tourists reported any criminal incident during their stay.
The trend shows steady improvement compared to previous years.
Since 2022, reported crimes against tourists have decreased by about 15%, primarily due to increased security measures in tourist areas.
Living here, I’ve seen this improvement firsthand.
The visible police presence in tourist zones has grown, and hotel security has become more professional and thorough.
Types of Crimes
The most common issues tourists face in Cancun are:
- Petty theft: includes pickpocketing in crowded areas, items stolen from unattended beach bags, and occasional theft from hotel rooms if valuables are left out. During my years in Cancun, I’ve had friends who experienced pickpocketing, mostly when they weren’t careful with their belongings.
- Tourist scams: include overcharging by unofficial taxis, counterfeit goods, timeshare presentation scams, and sometimes ATM skimming. I’ve seen many tourists fall for the classic “free gift” offers leading to aggressive timeshare pitches. Learn more about the most common tourist scams.
- Vendor harassment: While not a crime, persistent beach vendors can annoy or intimidate some tourists. Most are honest people trying to make a living, but their persistence sometimes makes them uncomfortable.
More serious crimes against tourists are rare.
Violent crimes like robbery, assault, or kidnapping targeting tourists are uncommon, especially in the Hotel Zone and downtown Cancun.
When more serious incidents do occur, they typically happen:
- Late at night
- In isolated areas away from tourist zones
- When tourists are involved in drug purchases or other illegal activities
- When excessive alcohol makes tourists vulnerable
During my time here, nearly all the serious incidents involving tourists that made the news included at least one of these risk factors.
Local Authorities’ Measures to Ensure Cancun Tourist Safety
Increased Security
Cancun’s importance to Mexico’s tourism economy means the government invests heavily in security here.
The measures I’ve seen implemented include:
- Tourist Police Forces – Specially trained officers who speak English and focus exclusively on tourist areas. They’re easily spotted in their bright uniforms and are generally helpful and professional.
- Military Presence – The Mexican Marines maintain checkpoints on major roads into the Hotel Zone and patrol beaches regularly. Their presence is meant to be reassuring rather than alarming.
- Security Cameras – A network of security cameras monitored 24/7 covers the entire hotel zone and downtown area.
- Hotel Security – Major resorts employ professional security teams that control property access and patrol the grounds.
Living here, I see these security forces daily. Their visibility alone prevents many potential problems.
Tourist Assistance Programs
Cancun has developed several programs specifically designed to help visitors:
- Tourist Assistance Hotline – A dedicated phone line (078) with English-speaking operators who can help with any emergency or problem.
- “Guest Assist” Program – This provides medical and legal assistance to tourists who experience problems during their visit.
- Safe Beach Operations – Additional lifeguards and security personnel monitor popular beaches during high seasons.
- Hotel Zone Safety Corridor – This initiative ensures the main tourist strip is well-planned and monitored.
Is Cancun Safe at Night?
Nighttime safety in Cancun varies greatly depending on the location.
Based on my experience living here:
👉 In the Hotel Zone: The main tourist strip remains generally safe at night. The area is well-lit, busy with people, and heavily patrolled. Major nightclubs employ security staff who monitor the surrounding areas.
👉 Downtown Cancun: The main areas like Avenida Tulum and Avenida Yaxchilan are reasonably safe until midnight when restaurants and shops open. After the businesses close, taking a taxi rather than walking is smarter.
👉 Outside Tourist Areas: Residential neighborhoods in Cancun vary widely in safety. Some are perfectly fine, while others are best avoided, especially by visitors unfamiliar with the city. Here is a list of the best neighborhoods in Cancun.
💡 Safety tips for nighttime in Cancun:
- Travel in groups when possible
- Use only registered taxis or Uber
- Stay on main, well-lit streets
- Keep your phone out of sight when walking
- Avoid wearing flashy jewelry or watches
- Limit alcohol consumption to maintain awareness
The most common problems happen when tourists drink too much and lose awareness of their surroundings.
Is Cancun Safe for Solo Travelers?
Solo travel in Cancun can be rewarding and safe if you take proper precautions. I’ve met many solo travelers who had terrific, trouble-free experiences here.
For solo travelers, I recommend:
- Staying in well-reviewed hotels or hostels in the Hotel Zone or downtown
- Joining group tours for excursions to ruins, cenotes, or other attractions
- Being extra cautious about alcohol consumption
- Sharing your itinerary with someone back home
- Using transportation apps that track your journey
- Being confident and purposeful when walking around
- Trusting your instincts if a situation feels wrong
Solo female travelers should know that Mexico’s culture can include more catcalling and unwanted attention than in some other countries.
While usually harmless, this can feel uncomfortable. Setting clear boundaries and avoiding isolated areas can help manage these situations.
The good news is that Cancun has a large expat community and tourism industry where English is widely spoken, making it easier for solo travelers to get help if needed.
Is Cancun Safe for Families?
Cancun ranks among the most family-friendly destinations in Mexico.
It’s an excellent choice for family vacations.
All-inclusive resorts cater specifically to families with:
- Supervised kids’ clubs
- Family-friendly pools and beaches
- Security staff monitoring the grounds
- Activities appropriate for all ages
The biggest risks for families are usually:
- Sunburn and heat exhaustion
- Waterborne illness from swimming in contaminated water
- Minor injuries from beach activities
- Stomach issues from unfamiliar food or water
These risks can be easily managed with common-sense precautions, such as sunscreen, drinking bottled water, and checking beach conditions before swimming.
Is Cancun Safe for Women?
With appropriate awareness, female travelers can have a safe and enjoyable experience in Cancun.
The tourist areas are generally protective environments where staff are trained to ensure women’s safety.
The biggest complaints usually involve verbal harassment rather than physical threats.
➡️ Women-specific safety tips for Cancun include:
- Avoiding isolated beach areas, especially alone at night
- Being cautious about accepting drinks from strangers
- Using reputable transportation rather than walking long distances alone
- Dressing somewhat modestly when outside tourist areas to avoid unwanted attention
- Being firm but polite when declining unwanted advances
The hospitality industry in Cancun takes women’s safety seriously, with many hotels training staff specifically on handling harassment complaints and providing safe escort services when needed.
Safety Tips for Tourists Visiting Cancun
After years of living in Cancun and helping friends and family visit safely, these are my top general safety tips:
- Research your specific destination – Safety can vary between different areas of Cancun and the surrounding region.
- Register with your country’s embassy. The U.S. offers the STEP program (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program), which informs travelers about safety conditions.
- Purchase good travel insurance – Make sure it covers medical emergencies and trip interruptions.
- Keep digital copies of important documents – Store scans of your passport, insurance cards, and hotel reservations in cloud storage you can access anywhere.
- Learn basic Spanish phrases – Even simple words like “help” (ayuda) and “police” (policía) can be valuable in an emergency.
- Use hotel safes – Never leave passports, excess cash, or expensive electronics unattended in your room.
- Maintain situational awareness – Stay alert to your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night.
- Avoid illegal activities – Purchasing drugs not only supports criminal organizations but significantly increases your risk of being targeted for other crimes.
Specific Recommendations
Transportation Safety
- Use the official airport shuttles or pre-arranged hotel transportation when first arriving.
- Take only registered taxis (look for the numbered plates and company logos) or use Uber.
- Be wary of unmarked vans or cars offering rides.
- If renting a car (I recommend Discover Cars), stick to toll roads (cuotas) for long journeys and avoid driving at night outside tourist areas.
- Keep car doors locked and windows up when driving through unfamiliar areas.
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs located inside banks or hotels, not street-corner machines.
- Carry only the cash you need for the day.
- Consider using a money belt under clothing for extra security.
- Be discrete when counting money or using expensive phones in public.
- Leave expensive jewelry and watches at home.
Beach and Water Safety
- Observe flag warnings on beaches (red flags mean dangerous conditions).
- Never swim alone or when intoxicated.
- Be cautious of strong currents, especially on the eastern side of the Hotel Zone.
- Apply reef-safe sunscreen 30 minutes before entering the water.
- Keep hydrated and watch for signs of heat stroke.
Nightlife Safety
- Go with friends and look out for each other.
- Watch your drinks being prepared and never leave them unattended.
- Set a drink limit before going out and stick to it.
- Have your hotel’s address written down to show taxi drivers.
- Pre-arrange transportation back to your hotel.
Other Countries’ Safety Advisories
For comparison, here’s how other nations currently rate Cancun’s safety:
➡️ United Kingdom: The UK Foreign Office advises standard precautions in Cancun and the state of Quintana Roo, noting it has fewer safety issues than other parts of Mexico.
➡️ Canada: The Canadian government suggests a “high degree of caution” throughout Mexico but acknowledges that tourist areas of Cancun have significantly lower crime rates.
➡️ Australia: Australia’s advisory suggests “exercising a high degree of caution” in Mexico generally but notes that tourist areas in Cancun are relatively safe.
These varied perspectives all reach a similar conclusion: Cancun requires regular to slightly elevated travel precautions but isn’t considered a high-risk destination by any major government.
So, Is Cancun Safe for Tourists?
After living here for years and experiencing daily life, I can say Cancun is safe for tourists who exercise reasonable caution.
Most of the 7+ million annual visitors (10.04 Million in 2023) experience nothing worse than sunburn and perhaps a traveler’s diarrhea.
Cancun remains one of Mexico’s safest and most rewarding destinations for families, couples, and even solo travelers willing to take basic precautions.
The stunning beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, vibrant marine life, and warm local culture make it well worth visiting in 2025.
Remember that headline-making incidents, while troubling, represent a tiny fraction of the millions of safe, happy visits to Cancun each year.
By staying informed, making smart choices, and following local guidance, your trip to this Caribbean paradise can be both safe and unforgettable.
