Is Cancun Safe? 5 Safest Destinations and What to Worry About?
Cancun is known as one of the most famous tourist destinations in Mexico. However, a question might arise: Is Cancun safe or not? If you’re wondering about this, you’re not alone.
No matter where we plan to travel, it’s always wise to gather information about our destination and learn about its safety. With the help of this article, you can learn about Cancun and make an informed decision.
To truly enjoy your vacation, exploring new places and gaining new experiences is key. Yet, being well-informed about your destination is essential to make the most of it. The first step? Knowing the perfect time to visit.
Perfect Time To Visit Cancun
Cancún’s summers are mostly hot, humid, and stifling; the winters are comfortable, muggy, and mostly clear. Over the year, the temperature typically varies from 67°F to 90°F and is rarely below 58°F or above 93°F.
Based on the beach/pool score, the best times of year to visit Cancún for hot-weather activities are from late January to early May and from mid to late December.
This graph indicates the weather in Cancun throughout the year.
Safe Destinations To Visit In Cancun
1. Playa Delfines
Playa Delfines is a beautiful destination known for its soft, sandy shores and clear blue waters. This serene beach is located along the coastline and offers travellers a peaceful vacation where they can unwind, soak up the sun, and enjoy the beauty of nature.
The beach is surrounded by Palm trees, providing shade for those seeking a break from the sun’s rays. For anyone looking for a place to escape the everyday hustle and bustle, Playa Delfines is the perfect place.
- Best Time to Travel: The ideal time to visit Playa Delfines is during the dry season, from December to April when rainfall is minimal and May to August if you want to soak up the sun.
- Top Accommodation: Emporio Cancun
- Best Restaurant: Restaurante Sakura
- Local Transportation: The bus and taxi are the best way to get around Cancún.
- Fun activities: Travellers can do sightseeing on a double-decker bus and bodyboarding on the beach.
2. Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is a picturesque island off the coast of Cancun, Mexico. This beach is a jewel known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and caves. If you would love to explore hidden caves, this is the best destination for you.
With soft sandy beaches, colourful downtown areas filled with shops and restaurants, and opportunities for snorkelling and diving, add this spot to your next travel destination if you want the perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural charm.
- Best Time to Travel: the best time to visit Isla Mujeres is February or March.
- Top Accommodation: Izla Beach Front Hotel
- Best Restaurant: Kin ha Isla Mujeres Restaurant
- Local Transportation: Travellers can go around in a rental Golf Cart, scooter, or even a bicycle to explore the island by themselves. Taxis and local buses are also available.
- Fun activities: Travellers can do snorkelling, scuba diving and even explore the coral reefs.
3. The Riviera Maya
The Riviera Maya, also known as a tourist haven with its white-sand beaches, picturesque ruins, and exciting cenotes, is perfect for a road trip. It is the ideal spot to try water activities while soaking up the exquisite view.
- Best Time to Travel: The perfect time to visit Riviera Maya is between November to April.
- Top Accommodation: Barceló Maya Tropical – All Inclusive
- Best Restaurant: Brasserie
- Local Transportation: Buses and Taxis are the most effective way to travel in The Riviera Maya.
- Fun activities: You can swim along with turtles, take private yacht tours, try scuba diving and snorkelling,
4. Tulum
Explore the stunning combination of ancient ruins and pristine beaches. Tulum, situated along the Caribbean coastline, has well-preserved Mayan ruins perched on cliffs overlooking the sparkling clear waters below.
Travellers can delve into the archaeological site and learn about the history of the ancient Mayan civilization while enjoying panoramic views of the sea.
Tulum is not only famous for its ancient ruins but it also has beautiful beaches with powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. The town itself offers a charming atmosphere with boutique shops, eco-friendly resorts, and a variety of dining options serving up delicious Mexican cuisine.
- Best Time to Travel: The best time to visit is between February and May.
- Top Accommodation: Kipton Aluna Resort Tulum, an IHG Hotel
- Best Restaurant: La Negra Tomasa
- Local Transportation: The best way to get around Tulum is by taxi. Travellers can also rent a bike or car to travel.
- Fun activities: To have fun in Tulum, travellers can hit the beach any day, book a beach club, enjoy water sports, and check out the ancient ruins.
5. Mayan World Museum
Mayan World Museum is ideal for travellers who would love to learn about the Mayan Civilization. This museum is a cultural institution dedicated to showcasing the rich heritage of the ancient Mayan civilization.
The museum houses an extensive collection of artefacts, artwork, and archaeological finds that offer insights into Mayan history, culture, and way of life.
If you are visiting Cancun, then learning about Mayan Civilization will simply make your trip worth it. Here, you can also explore exhibits featuring intricate pottery, sculptures, textiles, and ceremonial objects crafted by the Mayan people.
- Best Time to Travel: Late January to early May and from mid to late December are great months to travel to the Mayan World Museum.
- Top Accommodation: Kempinski Hotel Cancún
- Best Restaurant: Ukami
- Local Transportation: The best way to get around is by taxi. Travellers can also rent a bike or car to travel.
What To Worry About While Traveling Cancun
Hurricane Information and Precautions
Even though Cancun is a safe place to visit all around the year, travellers must be aware of the months when they should be more aware of the weather. The Cancun hurricane season officially runs from the beginning of June to the end of November.
During these months, rain showers are more common than in the winter, and there is a rare chance for a hurricane to hit.
Cancun is a safe place and it rarely gets hit by hurricanes. According to the date of 2005, the last hurricane to cause major damage was Wilma in 2005; before that was Gilbert in 1988.
Travellers must stay tuned to local media and news, know the emergency hotlines and stay indoors.
Earthquake Information and Precautions
Cancun usually has few earthquakes. However, Mexico is in an area where earthquakes might happen. If a situation like this occurs, places like Cancun might also feel them. It’s important to know this so people can be prepared
It is advised to stay informed and keep an eye on local news and weather reports, know the Safe Zone and learn emergency numbers.
The Safety of Cancun’s Beaches
While Cancun’s beaches are generally safe, especially outside of hurricane season, taking precautions is wise. Travellers must remember who their lifeguard is and pay attention to their instructions. It’s also a good idea to carry essentials like sunscreen, water, and a hat to stay protected from the sun.
Crime Rate
The crime rating in Cancun is 56.16.
| Types Of Crimes | Crime Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Things stolen | 55.47 | Moderate |
| Car Stolen | 49.22 | Moderate |
| Things Stolen from Car | 56.19 | Moderate |
| Usage of Drugs | 62.23 | High |
| Vandalism and Theft | 57.99 | Moderate |
| Corruption and Bribery | 72.85 | High |
This information comes from people’s thoughts about crimes in Cancun over the last 5 years.
Places Travelers Should Avoid Visiting In Cancun
1. Bonfil
Bonfil is on the edge of Cancun and is about 7 kilometres from the city centre. Currently, around 20,000 people live there, mostly working in tourism.
However, Bonfil has a reputation for having many cartel members living there. The situation worsened because lately, there’s been more violent crime in the area. Travellers are advised to skip Bonfil or travel with precautions.
2. Colonia Tres Reyes
Colonia Tres Reyes is a small town in Cancun and is about 11 kilometres from downtown, along the Cancun-Merida highway. This hometown is home to just a few thousand people.
Lately, the town has been in the news because there have been more homicides happening there. It is advised to skip Colonia Tres Reyes while travelling to Cancun for safety.
3. Valle Verde
Colonia Valle Verde is situated off the Cancun-Merida highway which is a few kilometres away from downtown Cancun. Unfortunately, Valle Verde has seen an increase in violent crimes and drug-related incidents lately.
This place came to light in September 2023 when the police conducted raids on some houses in Valle Verde. They arrested several individuals and seized a significant amount of illegal drugs, weapons, and vehicles.
Things To Remember
1. Travellers would not have to worry about language barriers since most resort and hotel staff speak English, and you’ll also find English speakers outside your hotel.
However, it’s advised to learn a few basic phrases before your trip, as it shows politeness and consideration for the local culture.
2. Carrying US Dollars and Pesos is the safest option. Many businesses accept both US dollars and pesos. When you dine at restaurants, you’ll often receive a bill showing the total in both currencies but it’s recommended to use pesos more often.
3. Since Cancun is famous for its beaches, travellers will spend most of their vacation in the water, enjoying its stunning beaches. But remember, the tide can be strong, so watch out for the undertow. But do not worry, Mexico uses a flag system to show how safe the water is. For instance, a yellow flag means be careful, red means it’s dangerous, and black means no swimming.
Is Cancun Safe Or Not?
Countries all around the world have some sort of danger. In the case of Cancun, violent crimes, especially in touristy places, are very rare. Usually, cartel violence mostly happens in faraway areas outside the city where tourists don’t usually go.
For travellers, it’s important to be safe when we visit locations we’re not familiar with. According to the statistics, the Government of Mexico is taking huge steps to protect Cancun.
For any country, more crimes indeed tend to happen after dark, but with the right precautions and sticking up to known places, tourists can protect themselves from any sort of danger.
The Mexican government sent nearly 3000 soldiers to secure Cancun in 2022. In 2023, the force is even more powerful. The government deployed 4,724 soldiers to Cancun, with 3,800 soldiers more patrolling the country’s highways.
In conclusion, the short answer to this question is: Yes. While crime and cartel activity do exist in Cancun, the majority of tourists have incredibly positive experiences. While there are safety concerns when visiting Cancun, the local authorities and tourism sector work hard to assure visitors’ safety.
FAQs
1. Is Cancun safe for tourists?
-Cancun, like any tourist destination, has its safety considerations. Generally, it’s considered safe for tourists, but like any place, it’s wise to take precautions.
Stick to well-traveled areas, avoid wandering alone at night, and be cautious of petty crimes like pickpocketing. Additionally, be aware of any travel advisories issued by your government regarding specific areas or situations.
Overall, with sensible precautions, many tourists enjoy their time in Cancun without incident.
2. Is it safe to walk around Cancun at night?
-Cancun can be safe at night, especially in well-traveled tourist areas like the Hotel Zone and downtown where there are typically plenty of people and security measures in place.
However, like any city, it’s important to exercise caution and common sense.
3. Is Cancun worth visiting?
-Absolutely! Cancun is a stunning destination with beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and a wealth of activities to enjoy. Whether you’re seeking relaxation on the pristine shores, diving into the region’s rich history and Mayan heritage, exploring the underwater wonders of the Great Mesoamerican Reef, or indulging in the vibrant nightlife, Cancun has something for everyone.
It’s a place where you can unwind, have adventures, and create unforgettable memories. So, if you have the opportunity, visiting Cancun is worth it!
