Is Cancun Safe? Top Safety Tips for Cancun in 2025

Is Cancun Safe Right Now? What are the biggest risks travelers should be aware of in Cancun?

Short answer is Yes!

Cancun, Mexico is considered generally safe for tourists especially in hot spots like the Hotel Zone, Excursion destinations (Cenotes, Chichen Itza, Tulum Mayan Ruins, Cozumel, Playa Del Carmen – 5th Avenue, Etc.) and other main hot spots.

Like any major tourist destination, this does not mean it comes risk free.

Millions of tourists visit Cancun yearly without incident but there are plenty of things that need to be known about this region.

Lets dive into into the facts, address common scams and help you make an informed decision for your next trip!

How Safe is Cancun Compared to Other Destinations?

Cancun, Mexico is one of the most popular Central America destinations to travel to.

Known for its turquoise waters, phenomenal Mayan culture and of course who can forget… the all inclusive resorts!

Cancun’s Crime Rate

Cancun’s Crime Rate is on par when comparing it next to other major Central America tourist destinations.

The vast majority of violent crime happens away from the tourist zones and rarely involve tourists.

I can say first hand that it is very common to see police patrolling the streets and emphasizing in being present in tourist zones.

You have to remember – Tourism is how this region vastly makes a living. If violent crime ramps up, tourists stop visiting. The government knows this and invests heavily in keeping these areas as safe as possible.

As of 2025 the U.S. Department of state rates Cancun and its surrounding regions as a “Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution” which is the same as major destinations in Europe (France/UK).

The Most Common Risk: Petty Theft & Scams

Petty theft and scams are common in Cancun and its surrounding regions.

Pickpocketing, ATM fraud and “bait and switch” overcharging is common but easily avoidable.

Pickpocketing

Pickpocketing happens. Don’t go into large crowds of shoulder to shoulder people. Zippers on pockets as well as keeping bags/purses in your front view is recommended.

Pickpocketing can happen even while touring major sites like Chichen Itza.

ATM Fraud

ATM’s in shady areas are not recommended.

You will be surprised how many times I see tourists going to any ATM on the street.

I highly recommend ATM’s at your resort if you are staying in one or making sure you show up to your trip with cash.

Scams/Bait & Switch Type Scams

I understand that this all sounds scary but follow me…

Being that I have been to Cancun more than 20 times in the past 5 years, I can tell you first hand that common sense and “no thank you” is needed in Mexico more than anything.

Some common scams are timeshare style baiting where you are offered “free excursions” or “free hotel stays” if you just sign a contract to watch a timeshare style presentation.

No matter how good the deal sounds, keep walking. Nothing in this world comes without a price.

Vendors/Locals Persistency

As explained before, the locals rely heavily on your spending and tourism. There for they can be very persistent.

From the moment you exit the airport in Cancun, there is a hallway leading you out of the airport where more than 30 vendors are waiting for you to walk by.

From car rental companies to excursion/time share people. Once they see you, they will start shouting their services at you from their booths and waving you to come to them.

KEEP WALKING!!

Unless you see the booth of the car rental company you reserved with before your trip… It is very easy to pay attention to these people because they are in your field of view.

The major brand car rental car companies are harmless (Avis, Budget, Enterprise) and they just want you to rent a car. If you need one or have a reservation, go ahead.

All the others… DON’T DO IT.

There might be some good vendors there but if you ask me… keep it pushing. They’re usually “bait and switch” or they want you to sign a contract stating you’re buying something else.

I highly recommend either booking your excursions online through verified companies (Viator, Trip Advisor, Etc) or waiting to get to your resort. Resorts are usually working with verified and quality vendors.

Playa Del Carmen/5th Avenue/Cozumel

When you get to Playa Del Carmen’s popular street 5th Avenue or Cozumel’s Ferry/Cruise port, you will walk by hundreds of vendors.

Just like the airport, my advice is to keep walking and say “No Thank You” when a vendor is persisting you speak to them.

Are they all bad? Not at all.

The chances that they’re good people is very likely. However, I am a big believer in social proof and you can’t find quality social proof walking down a street.

Book your excursions, rental cars and beach clubs in advance online. You save so much headache even if it costs a little more.

Shopping for souvenirs can be overwhelming because vendors will walk up to you. Have thick skin. If it is something you don’t want – turn your attention away and ignore them.

Yes some of them can be very persistent. It just comes with the territory.

Staying as safe as you can is planning ahead. Check out my post on 20 phenomenal things to do in Cancun!

Drug Related Crimes

Incidents that are drug related are usually in confined areas and affect the locals unfortunately.

That doesn’t mean that you won’t be offered drugs in some areas.

5th Avenue (Playa Del Carmen) comes to mind more than anything. While walking at 5th Avenue you will be approached by someone that will offer you drugs.

Of course just like anything else, keep walking. “No Thank You” will usually get them to leave you alone.

If they offer other things like clubs, bars, etc. then you know they wouldn’t lead you to anywhere worth visiting.

Again, keep walking. Common sense will always prevail.

Natural Hazards

Hurricane season is a real thing. It runs from June to November and can mean dealing with rain more than “good” seasons.

Resorts have protocols that they follow to try and keep visitors as safe as possible but some research ahead of time can help you save time and headaches.

Some of the best trips I have ever had were during Hurricane Season, don’t let it stop you from visiting but have the right expectations.

Health & Water Safety

Stick to bottled water. There are plenty of grocery store options in Cancun to go to to pick up packs of bottled water. Do this before you go to your resort.

Your resort will most likely provide bottled water as well. Call ahead of time and double check if they provide bottled water.

Food Bourne illnesses are rare at resorts however that doesn’t mean it is impossible.

If the food doesn’t look fresh, don’t eat it.

Again, you will be surprised how many visitors will be eating anything.

If it doesn’t look good, there are plenty of options around you. Make the trip for better food. It is worth it in the long run.

Transportation Safety

Do you see the common theme here? Common Sense.

Use officially marked taxis and shuttle services.

In Cancun and the surrounding regions, almost all the taxis look the same. White with baby blue lettering. Stick to these taxis or resort called taxis.

Uber and ride-shares are available in Mexico. Of course like anything else, if you order a ride and you get paired with a driver with low ratings, cancel it and get the next driver that has more and better reviews.

Yes – the app might charge to cancel, however paying the fee is safer than getting in a car with a not so appreciated driver.

Absolutely stick with taxis at night. What we always do is tell our taxi driver to be ready to pick us up wherever we get dropped off. Most will give you their Whatsapp phone numbers and you can text them when you’re ready to be picked up.

If you’re making your way to Cozumel and are wondering which beaches are best, check out my favorites here!

Put Away or Don’t Bring Expensive Jewelry

Having on an expensive watch or chain might make you feel good, but it will also make someone that has nothing to lose feel even better.

Pickpockets have great eyes and will try and get close to you if you have on anything they want or they view as “expensive”.

Keep your un-needed jewelry at home or in your resort safe.

Wearing all this jewelry will make you stick out to the locals/vendors and they will see you as a person to hound even more.

Again, it is not worth it.

Stick to a wedding ring, inexpensive watch and maybe a basic necklace. Always go for less.

Don’t be scared, just use common sense.

Night Time Caution

Keep it as simple as sticking to well lit areas and avoid any dark or shady looking areas.

Cancun and its surrounding regions are loads of fun and worth a visit. But like anything else, stay away from any areas you wouldn’t take your family to.

Areas to Avoid in Cancun

The outskirts of Cancun can get pretty rough.

Of course, I would strongly suggest staying in downtown Cancun and also downtown of all the other major cities near Cancun.

That includes:

• Tulum
• Playa Del Carmen
• Costa Maya
• Valladolid
• Cozumel
• Isla Mujeres

Public beaches at night should also be avoided. Yes, it is tempting but stick to the beach access you already have at your resort if you insist on taking a stroll at night.

FAQ’s

Are taxis safe in Cancun?

Official taxis (white cars marked in baby blue) are absolutely the safest route to go with. Ride sharing apps are fine as well but I highly recommend sticking with official taxis.

Is it safe to leave the resort in Cancun?

Absolutely! The Yucatan region is generally safe to travel around. Stick with high tourist sites as well official excursions/tours. Avoid shady areas at night.

Is Cancun safe for solo female travelers?

Yes! However common sense prevails. Don’t walk alone at night and stay at the resorts in the after hours. Excursions/Tours are totally fine during the day.

Is Cancun safe for families?

Yes! I have taken my kids to Cancun plenty of times. Resorts usually have activities for kids and security is usually present in these areas. I will never recommend you leave your kids alone, however with parental supervision, everything will be ok.

What is the crime rate in Cancun?

The crime rate in Cancun (specifically in the Hotel Zone) is considered low. Petty theft, ATM fraud and scams are still generally present. Use common sense when visiting.

Is Cancun safe at night?

Cancun has some of the best nightlife I have ever experienced. That said I would highly stick to heavy tourist areas including the Hotel Zone and other public areas.

Are there travel advisories for Cancun?

Check the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory website before you go. Cancun is currently a Level 2: “Exercise Increased Caution” in 2025.

Final Thoughts: Is Cancun Worth Visiting in 2025?

Cancun is absolutely worth it! I love this region with all my heart and consistently travel to the Yucatan multiple times a year.

Cancun is still perfect for solo travelers, families, first time visitors, honeymooners and all that are looking for a great time!

Use this guide to avoid petty theft and tips on how to stay safe.

Safe travels!

About the Author

I’m Kam, the creator of Kam’s Travel and the face behind the YouTube channel Kam’s Kamera.

For more than a decade, I’ve been driven by a love for travel—whether I’m setting sail on the world’s top cruise lines or exploring new destinations on land.

My adventures have taken me from popular cruise ships to hidden gems around the globe, and I’m passionate about sharing every honest detail along the way.

I started this blog and my vlog channel because I believe travelers deserve real, unfiltered insights—not paid opinions or polished ads.

What you see and read here is always based on my firsthand experiences, with all the highs, lows, surprises, and lessons that come with true exploration.

Whether you’re planning your first trip or you’re a seasoned explorer, my goal is to offer genuine stories, practical tips, and raw feedback to help you make the most of your own adventures.