Is Cancún Safe? The Truth About Travel In 2024 By An Expert

Last Updated on April 28, 2024 by Ashlea J. Russell

Is Cancún Safe To Travel In 2024? What You Need To Know Before You Go.

Safety is a major concern for any traveller and with some of the news coverage Mexico receives it’s easy to wonder if it’s even a good idea to go.

Although it’s been Mexico’s top travel destination for years, you’re probably still asking yourself: is Cancún safe?

As a Mexico expert who has travelled the country without incident for years, I have the answer plus important tips you need to stay safe in Cancún and have the best possible time.

Let’s get into it!

Is Cancún Safe?

Yes, Cancún is generally a safe destination but there are some conditions to that.

If you’re the average traveller looking for a flop and drop beach vacation, water sports and adventure, or even enlightening experiences like Chichén Itzá and Mayan culture, then yes, Cancún is safe for you.

For party animals and spring breakers, you have a bit more to be concerned about.

For the average traveller the main safety concerns in Cancún are petty theft, scams, dehydration, and self-inflicted injuries, all of which are easy to protect yourself from.

Anything worse than this is usually precipitated by overdrinking, involvement in drugs, and bad behaviour.

Here are a few basic safety measures you can use to stay safe in Cancún and below, I’ll dive into a few of the common pitfalls travellers experience as well as how to stay safe when you venture off the resort.

Is Cancún Safe For Tourists?

Yes, Cancún is safe for the average tourist and they do a great job at creating an outstanding experience for the right type of traveller.

Until the 1970’s, Cancún was jungle and mangrove when it was selected by the government to be developed as a purpose-built tourist destination.

This means that Cancún was literally designed with the tourist experience in mind.

Most tourists visiting Cancún will stay in the Hotel Zone, a 22.5km/14 mile long strip of beachfront resorts full of restaurants, bars, and entertainment.

The main issue here is that because this is a tourist hotspot, prices are much higher than you’d see outside this zone.

Many people visiting Cancún will also want to spend time outside the resort area.

This could be for excursions like snorkelling or ATVing, tasting local tacos, visiting nearby towns, or even shopping at the local markets and malls.

All of these things are perfectly safe for tourists to do but there is something you should be aware of.

Almost all of the locals in this area moved here for the jobs and opportunities that come along with a tourist town. And while most of these people are regular hardworking folks, there are also some opportunists looking to get a little extra out of the tourist crowd.

As a visitor it’s easy to stick out as a potential target for simple scams like overcharging for purchases, activities, or even taxis.

If you’re ever unsure about the price of something or you feel pressured into spending money, don’t be afraid to just say “Gracias!” with a smile and walk away.

Most vendors and tour operators in Cancún offer similar things, so by shopping around a little or doing some online research you’ll soon get a sense for how much things should cost.

Is Cancún Safe At Night?

Much of Mexico is hot during the day, so when night falls things often start to come to life. This is also true in Cancún!

But, as with anywhere in the world, things change after dark so there are a few things you should know.

Cancún is generally safe at night, especially if you’re staying on the resort or at your hotel. The only area of Cancún I do not recommend exploring at night is the Centro/downtown area. But that doesn’t mean you have to avoid it altogether.

If you’re downtown at night to visit the mall, bus station, or restaurants, take a taxi and avoid wandering the streets.

If you want to go for a walk at night, the Hotel Zone is a much safer place to take a stroll.

Cancún is also a well known party town, so if you’re planning to indulge in the nightlife you’ll want to keep yourself safe by staying hydrated, monitoring your drinks, and knowing your limit.

Mexico has some tough drug and alcohol laws so stay out of trouble by avoiding drugs, being drunk in public, and fighting.

Be mindful of your pockets and bags in crowded clubs or bars, and when packing for Cancún you may want to leave your valuables at home.

Another thing to be careful of at night is the ocean. It can be tempting to go for a moonlight dip but I don’t recommend entering the ocean at night, especially if you’ve been drinking.

If you really want to check it out at night I recommend taking a night snorkeling tour instead with a local guide who knows the water.

Is It Safe To Go To A Resort In Cancún?

Yes, it is safe to go to a resort in Cancún. It’s also popular!

In fact, according to a recent study, 17.5% of all flights booked from the US to an international destination (January – August 2023) were headed to Cancún.

Vacationers have been visiting Cancún’s white sand beaches for years, and the majority of them stay on resorts along the Riviera Maya without issue.

Many of the world’s best known resort names have beachfront properties here, like Grand Fiesta Americana, Secrets, and Westin.

If you’re looking for a few days in paradise then a resort in Cancún could be a great choice.

Important Cancún Safety Tips

Here are a few things you can do to keep yourself safe while in Cancún.

Know Your Limits

So many problems in Cancún are caused by overindulging in alcohol, so I don’t say this lightly: Know your limits and stay within them.

Overdrinking can result in dehydration, heat stroke, alcohol poisoning, vacation-ruining sprains, broken bones, or worse.

Mexican authorities are not tolerant of public drunkenness, drinking in public places, or fighting, and are even harsher on drug-related crimes.

It’s best to play it safe and imbibe responsibly.

Walk Away As Needed

Being a tourist in a touristy place can be overwhelming at times. Walking around Cancún you might be approached by tour reps, restaurant hosts, or market merchants, to name a few.

The best thing you can do if you want to avoid any of these interactions is to smile, say “gracias” and walk away.

It’s important to remember that most of these people are just doing their jobs and often that means drumming up business. These types of encounters can feel pushier in Cancún than in other parts of the country but that’s mostly just because the competition is high here.

If you aren’t interested, don’t like a price, or simply don’t like the vibes, just keep walking and they’ll move on to the next person.

Explore With Kindness

The best way to get the most out of any place you visit is to interact with the locals.

Luckily, in Cancún more people speak English than in other parts of Mexico and this makes communicating a lot easier.

Be friendly, ask questions, and remember to smile.

If you enter a store, greet the people who work there. Remember to say thank you when you leave or make a purchase. If you visit a local restaurant, it’s common for guests to greet each other, so don’t be afraid to return the favour.

Operating with kindness is a great way to start conversations, make friends, and even get better prices or insider tips on where to eat or what to do during your trip.

It’s also a great way to improve safety by lowering your likelihood of being taken advantage of and increasing the likelihood of locals wanting to help you when you need it.

If you really want to impress people, why not try practicing your Spanish?

Pay In Pesos

Nothing says “tourist” in Mexico quite like trying to pay for things in US Dollars.

This is something that comes up a lot and I see people arguing this point, so let’s put this to bed once and for all: The currency of Mexico is the Mexican Peso.

Unlike other parts of Mexico, in Cancún it’s not uncommon to see businesses accept US Dollars, however this is an adaptation that occurred over years of tourists not having the local currency.

When you pay for things in US cash you have a much higher chance of being scammed or overcharged. This is true of anything from taxis to shopping and even tours.

If anyone encourages you to pay in USD or lists prices in USD instead of Mexican Pesos, you’re likely in a tourist trap and are all but guaranteed to overpay.

Some people will argue that businesses want USD because it’s “better” but that is largely a myth.

Cash is king in Mexico and many people live their lives entirely in cash.

Let’s say you pay for a souvenir in cash but you use USD, the person you bought it from can’t spend that money on food or to pay bills until they change it into Mexican Pesos.

Many banks won’t change small amounts of cash so they’ll need to save up USD over time and will have to wait to be able to use their money.

It’s better for everyone to just use the local currency.

Insure Your Experience

In my years of travel I’ve sprained an ankle, got sick in the jungle, and been stranded overnight due to cancelled flights. Travel insurance has bailed me out every time.

If you’re spending a decent amount on your trip, plan to venture off the resort for activities and excursions, or don’t want to spend a lot for unexpected out of pocket expenses I strongly recommend you take out a travel insurance policy before your trip.

At a minimum your policy should cover medical expenses and emergency transportation.

You’ll also have the option to add coverage like trip cancellation and interruption, lost bags, extreme sports, and even valuables like jewellery or phones.

Insurance is often the sort of thing you never think of until you need it, but I think it’s worth spending a small amount now rather than potentially thousands later.

Getting Around Safely

Visiting a place like Cancún doesn’t mean you have to be tied to your resort or hotel. I’m going to cover the safest ways to get around Cancún and a few things you’re better off skipping.

Walking Around Cancún

Unlike other parts of Mexico, Cancún doesn’t really have a walkable Centro/downtown area.

Downtown Cancún is busy with traffic, has large US-style roads, and lacks the charm you get in other places like Puerto Escondido or Oaxaca.

Frankly, it’s just not the sort of place you’re likely to want to spend much time exploring on foot unless you’re staying in this area, and it’s not somewhere I recommend anyone walk around at night.

If you do decide to walk around Centro then follow these safety tips:

The Hotel Zone on the other hand is a safer place to walk with plenty of tourist-friendly businesses, shops, restaurants, and bars.

You can also walk along the beach here which is nice for catching a breeze.

Walking around the Hotel Zone can be hot and even sticky, depending on what time of year you visit Cancún. Remember to carry water, wear sunblock, and take breaks as needed.

Uber In Cancún

Uber in Cancún is a tricky situation so stop scrolling, because you need to read this.

Technically, Uber exists in Cancún. If you open the app, you will see drivers. If you order a ride, someone will show up.

But it’s not as simple as it seems.

The taxi driver union in Cancún does not want Uber to operate in the area and as such, since Uber launched in Cancún there has been conflict.

In Cancún it’s not uncommon for Uber drivers and riders to be targeted by the taxi association.

This could mean anything from confrontations to aggressive driving or being followed.

Acts of intimidation are the primary way that the taxi union aim to get their point across and sometimes that means full-scale protests closing down roads.

In an attempt to not appear as ride-share operators, Uber drivers will often aim to hide in plain sight. This means not having any Uber markers on their vehicle, hiding their phone while driving, and making riders sit in the front seat so they appear to be friends rather than customers.

There are also some restrictions as to where Ubers can even operate. You may be able to get an Uber at the airport but they are not allowed to service many resorts, where the taxis rule the territory.

Although taxis cost more and lack some of the benefits of Uber like ride tracking, they are ultimately the safer choice in Cancún at this time.

Taking an Uber in Cancún is not something I do and not something I recommend you do, until an actual resolution brings change.

Taxi Safety

For quick trips around the Hotel Zone and the city of Cancún, taxis are a good option but there are a few ways to keep yourself as safe as possible when using this service.

If you’re leaving a hotel, resort, or restaurant you can ask a member of staff to call a taxi for you and give you an idea of how much it’s likely to cost.

This adds a layer of security to the transaction and takes some of the awkwardness out of getting a taxi for yourself.

If you’ve headed to a tourist attraction or popular part of Cancún there may also be taxi stands known as “sitios”. Only authorized taxis are allowed to use these stands and here’s what to look out for to make sure your taxi is legitimate before getting in:

When taking an authorized taxi in Cancún the biggest concern is making sure you’re being charged a fair price.

Unfortunately, while it’s not true of every driver, there are taxi scams that operate in Cancún to take advantage of the wealthier travellers.

While it’s not always advertized, the taxis actually do have a fare card they are supposed to adhere to. So the best way to make sure you’re paying a fair price is to ask for the fare card, known in Spanish as la tarifa.

La tarifa outlines how much it costs to go between popular areas of Cancún such as the markets, Hotel Zone, airport, bus terminal, and even Walmart.

Here are a few safety tips you’ll need to know before taking a taxi in Cancún:

The majority of the time, taxi scam victims in Cancún are people who don’t know how the process works, want to pay using US Dollars, and appear to have a lot of money (carrying designer bags, wearing expensive jewellery, etc).

If you’re ever unsure or uncomfortable, trust your instincts and let the taxi go. There are plenty of others to choose from!

Public Transportation

Public transportation in Cancún is safe, cheap, and easy once you know what you’re doing.

The easiest way to get around the Hotel Zone or even from the Hotel Zone to places downtown is by bus.

The R1 and R2 buses cost $12MXN [$0.70USD/$1CAD] and run in a loop between the southern end of the Hotel Zone all the way to downtown.

If you’re travelling within the Hotel Zone then you can hop on any bus that comes along, as both routes service all stops in this zone.

Bus stops are easy to find because they’re marked with signs and there’s usually a few people waiting.

Buses on the ocean side of the road are heading north and buses on the inland or lagoon side are heading south.

The good news is, all the buses turn at the bottom of the Hotel Zone so even if you get on the wrong one, you’ll eventually end up where you wanted to go.

Once you reach the top end of the Hotel Zone, this is where the two routes split.

The R1 heads toward the bus terminal while the R2 heads toward Walmart and other locations deeper in downtown Cancún.

These buses are not tourist buses, they are public transportation that are used by locals and visitors to get around.

This means that sometimes they can be busy, so you’ll want to keep your backpacks and bags in front of you and be mindful of your personal space and belongings.

Driving In Cancún

Some people visiting Cancún like the option of having their own vehicle to explore other areas in the Yucatán Peninsula and Riviera Maya, and if that’s you, we need to talk about a few things, including what to do in a traffic stop.

In terms of road safety, the rules of the road can be fairly loose in Cancún. It’s important to be diligent but also drive confidently.

If you’re flying in, rental cars are readily available in Cancún at the airport and downtown, but for the best prices you’ll want to reserve online to avoid any overcharging.

The number one safety concern when it comes to driving in Cancún is being pulled over for traffic offences, both real and fictional.

So let’s talk about traffic stops and what to do if it happens to you.

It is not uncommon for legitimate police checkpoints to pop up along the highway between Cancún and Tulum. These checkpoints will stop foreign and Mexican drivers.

It’s also possible that when driving in an unfamiliar country you could make a mistake or break a law you weren’t aware of. This can also result in a legitimate traffic stop.

Unfortunately, in Cancún a racket exists that sees some cars targeted for scams and extortion. While rental cars are often a prime target, anyone can also fall victim to these schemes including Mexicans.

So here’s what should happen if you are pulled over and ticketed by the police in Cancún:

Here are a few things the police should never do in a legitimate traffic stop:

Every situation is unique and it’s easy to speculate on what you should do and would do if you were ever in this position. Reality is often another story.

Knowing how things should go and what red flags to look out for can help keep you safe but ultimately it’s up to you to read the situation in the moment and decide what the best course of action is for you.

If an officer demands money during a traffic stop try to remain calm, firm, and polite.

Often the best thing to do is insist on going to the station to pay your fine. This will often deter scammers and they will let you go.

Do not argue, even if you think you haven’t done anything wrong. This is a foreign country and sometimes paying the $20USD fine is better than getting into a legal dispute with the police.

Always read the situation and follow your instincts. If you find yourself in a dangerous predicament it may be better to hand over some money to ensure your personal safety and get out of there.

Although I don’t endorse giving in to criminal activity, sometimes it’s the safest choice.

Here are a few other tips to keep you safe while driving in Cancún:

FAQs

You’ve got questions about safety in Cancún and I’ve got answers!

Which Is Safer Cancún or Cabo?

According to Numbeo, the crime rate in Cancún is higher than that of Cabo however both places are safe to visit. Drug related crimes are more common in Cancún but these do not involve the average traveller. Anyone visiting Mexico can stay safe by never purchasing or seeking to purchase drugs.

Is Cancún Safe for US Citizens?

Yes, Cancún is safe for US citizens! In fact, Cancún is the top international travel destination for US travellers and a great place to relax in paradise. While Mexico can get some bad press, Cancún actually has similar crime and safety ratings as popular cities like Seattle and Miami.

Is Cancún Safe From Cartels?

Cartels do operate in the Cancún area but it’s important to understand that this does not impact the average traveller. A cartel is a criminal organization that is operating a business and most travellers are not in that world. The majority of travellers who do have encounters with cartels do so through drug use and purchase.

Summary: Is Cancún Safe?

Cancún is one of the world’s top beach destinations and for good reason! It’s a beautiful place to vacation or even spend the holidays, and with countless activities and excursions to choose from, it’s sure to be a memorable time.

Staying safe in Cancún is easy when you know what to look out for and this article should have you feeling comfortable and equipped to start exploring paradise.