Is Cancun safe to visit?

By Ian Packham
Published: July 18, 2024
A view across a Cancun beach in the hotel zone

Cancun welcomes millions of visitors each year eager to relax on its white sand coastline, party night long in its clubs and explore the historic remains of the Riviera Maya.

As one of North America’s top beach resorts, this family-friendly destination has something for everyone. The Caribbean Sea offers extraordinary snorkeling, sultry year-round temperatures ensure the beaches are alive with sunbathers and those in need of a little retail therapy won’t be disappointed either. So far, so incredible.

But is Cancun safe for travelers? Here’s the truth behind the headlines.

How safe is Cancun?

Image of Adult, Male, Man, Person, Sunbathing,

The very thought of voluntarily traveling to Cancun scares some would-be visitors witless. However, millions take their vacations here each year, begging the question, how safe is Cancun?

Taken as a whole, crime rates in Mexico are higher than other nations with similar economies. But burrow down into these figures and you’ll discover that the vast majority of these crimes take place far from the shores of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Safer than US cities including Detroit and New Orleans, the Yucatan has some of the lowest crime rates in the country and a murder rate lower than that of another popular tourist destination with a very different reputation – Thailand.

The Mexican government makes huge efforts to keep tourists safe. The tourist areas of Cancun and the Riviera Maya more generally are well policed, with a dedicated tourist police service. This hasn’t stopped sporadic attacks taking place linked to the country’s drugs trade, but tourists are not directly targeted and rarely get caught up in them.

Most crimes take place away from the tourist areas and hotel zone, in neighborhoods such as Lopez Portillo, far from anywhere of interest. If in doubt, make use of a local guide, who will know where is and isn’t safe for you to explore.

How to stay safe in Cancun

Image of Urban, City, Backpack, Bag, Road, Street, Adult, Male, Man, Person, Hat, Shoe, Walking, Chair, Handbag, Night Life,

One thing to watch out for when looking for a trustworthy guide is people stopping you on the side of the street and offering their services. Unfortunately, they are almost always scammers. Instead, be sure to make use of guides you know to be trustworthy, such as those suggested by hotels and those used by Go City who lead tours to Chichen Itza and Valladolid.

In general, you shouldn’t let the stunning beaches and nightlife put you into a false sense of security. Whilst it’s unlikely you’ll be the victim of a crime on vacation in Cancun, petty crime can take place anywhere.

You should keep a close eye on your belongings at all times, and not leave them unattended when you head to the bar if you’re traveling alone. You should also avoid wearing flashy items such as jewelry and watches, or carry expensive-looking electronics. They are always best left in a hotel safe.

To sum up, you should follow the common sense precautions that you should be taking wherever you go in the world.

Is Cancun safe at night?

Image of City, Urban, Road, Street, Person, Handbag, Glasses, Adult, Female, Woman, Hat,

It is always wise to be extra cautious after sunset, which takes place between 6:30PM and 7:30PM throughout the year. Secluded areas of beach are best avoided, as are roads away from the main strip of the hotel zone.

It’s considered safe to walk around this area of bars, restaurants and nightclubs, but if you’re intending to travel further afield, a taxi is recommended.

If you are deemed to be drunk the police can arrest you. You will have to pay a fine for your release from the nearest cells. Likewise, you should stay clear of illegal drugs. There are now no legal penalties for carrying or consuming small amounts deemed to be for personal use (equating to 5g of marijuana), but harsh penalties exist for higher amounts and being a foreign national will not save you from prosecution or imprisonment.

Cancun’s hotel zone is also a safe place for members of the LGBTQ+ community, with a good number of gay bars welcoming locals and visitors alike.

Are buses safe in Cancun?

Image of Bus, Vehicle, Person, Car,

Buses are the main form of public transportation around Cancun and are generally considered safe, though you may want to avoid using them after dark. Routes R1 and R2 are of particular interest to travelers since they connect downtown Cancun with the lagoon-side hotel zone.

The US State Department recommends pre-booking taxis – most hotels will have a function for this – rather than hailing them from the road side, since you’ll have more control over your security. You will however need to agree a price before setting off on any journey. Hotel receptions will be able to suggest the approximate amount you should be paying.

Alternatively, it’s also possible for most foreign nationals to rent a car for the day, giving you the freedom of the road. Watch out for bus drivers, who tend to travel at speed and weave in and out of traffic without warning. Other than that, roads along the Riviera Maya are pretty quiet and relaxed affairs. Parking is often free at resorts (excluding any tips) and available at most major attractions too.

Natural dangers in Cancun to be aware of

Image of Tree, Vegetation, Tree Trunk, Land, Nature, Outdoors, Woodland, Rainforest, Jungle, Grove,

Your biggest risk when heading to Cancun might actually be natural, depending on what time of year you choose to visit. If you head to the Yucatan during the budget-friendly wet season, heavy downpours can lead to localized flooding.

June through the end of October is also hurricane season. The chance of Cancun being struck by a hurricane is so small it’s not seriously worth worrying about. Landfall is most likely to happen in either September or October.

Also be aware – and pay attention – to signs at lagoon-side locations warning of crocodiles, and don’t swim nearby under any circumstances.

Is the water safe to drink in Cancun?

Image of Photography, Bottle, Shaker, Swimwear,

Locals drink the water straight from the faucet, but as a traveler you should avoid this to be on the safe side. Only drink bottled mineral water.

For the same reason you might want to avoid ice in drinks or any foods that will have been washed in municipal water supplies, such as salads, however tasty they appear. You should stick to fruit you can peel yourself. Hotel buffet tables are often identified as the source of food poisoning – ensure all foods are piping hot and protected from flies.

Enjoying your time in Cancun safely

Speak to anyone who has traveled to Cancun personally and they are sure to tell you that Cancun is safe. Governments around the world broadly agree.

With your safety in Cancun sorted, the only thing left is to enjoy your time in this jewel in the crown of Mexican destinations. Explore the range of beaches, historic sites and modern attractions with Go City and you’ll have access to reduced admission prices to some of Cancun’s top attractions without losing flexibility during your stay. Who can say no to that?

Ian Packham
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

Speedboat with parasail inflated above it in Cancun
Blog

Top tips for Cancun in April

When it comes to attractions, Cancun has a lot to shout about. There are the long stretches of pure white sand lined on the one side with palms and on the other by the coral-rich waters of the Caribbean Sea. And there’s nightlife so good it’s a favorite with the spring break crowd. But there’s also a rapidly-evolving food scene, as well as an extraordinary array of sites left by the Maya – to the extent that this part of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is known as the Riviera Maya. There’s probably no better time to check them out than Cancun in April. Eager to know why? We explain all below! Tip 1 – Cancun weather in April is excellent Cancun’s climate can be split into just two seasons – wet and dry. April sits at the end of the dry season, when daytime temperatures range from 23 – 33°C. This means that even in the evenings you’ll need little more than a light sweater or shawl. Largely cloud free, visitors can expect ten hours of sunshine per day, so don’t forget your sunscreen! Rainfall is limited to around 20 mm for the entire month, falling over three days. It makes April the driest month in the Cancun year. Anyone looking to jump on a jet ski will be happy to hear that sea temperatures remain at 26°C throughout. Tip 2 – the beaches are sublime April is the perfect month to enjoy a beach getaway in Cancun. Even if you stick to the shores of the hotel zone (and as gorgeous expanses of soft white sand we can’t see why you wouldn’t) you’ve got 11 different beaches to choose between, half of which fly a Blue Flag – the international gold-standard for cleanliness. Amongst them, Playa Delfines is known for its laid-back vibes, since it’s largely undeveloped and all but free from beach hawkers and water sports. Worth the taxi fare for a selfie with the brightly-colored Cancun sign, the surf also regularly welcomes dolphins – hence the name. For the complete antithesis of Playa Delfines try the likes of Playa Chacmool. Lined with some of the chicest hotel options, there’s jet ski rentals and a surf school as well as the chance to observe it all from the viewpoint of a bird with a parasailing adventure. Tip 3 – don’t forget to head beneath the waves From above, you’ll see just how much of the Yucatan remains primary jungle alive with the hoots of howler monkeys, chattering of birds and scuttling of armadillos. This wall of vegetation can be explored in a number of ways, including by taking the controls of your very own speedboat on Nichupté Lagoon on the way to snorkeling on the reefs at Punta Nizuc. Elsewhere, snorkeling at Isla Mujeres should be high on the list of anyone keen on their own underwater adventures. Forming part of the largest reef system in the western hemisphere, it provides vital habitats for around 500 different species of tropical fish, alongside visiting sharks and sea turtles. For guaranteed child-friendly encounters, look no further than Interactive Aquarium Cancun. The interaction comes from both touchscreen displays and tanks where you’re free to submerge your hands to be tickled by starfish and rays. Tip 4 – April’s a great month for discovering Mayan history The fact it was almost lost to the surrounding jungle and has been known to the outside world for less than 200 years as a result takes nothing away from the breathtaking beauty and accomplishment of Chichen Itza, a city built by the Mayan people roughly a thousand years ago. One of the literal pinnacles of their empire is the city’s El Castillo pyramid, rising 30 meters over the surrounding plain and topped with a temple to the feathered serpent god Kukulcan. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of a cluster of major ruins that provide an alternative face to the beaches of Cancun in April. Immediately behind Playa Delfines, El Rey Archeological Site comprises 47 individual structures and is perhaps the easiest to visit for those with just a casual interest, whilst the remains of the pyramid at Coba is not only tops out a full 12 meters above that of Chichen Itza’s El Castillo, but can also be climbed. Tip 5 – Pick April in Cancun for a slice of festive life The start of April sees rooms up and down Cancun’s hotel zone busy with the end of spring break from US colleges, but the rest of the month is decidedly family orientated. If you need proof of this, look no further than Children’s Day on April 30. Although schools remain open, it can be thought of as a Christmas in miniature, with special classroom events, gifts from parents and hotels going all out to welcome their youngest guests. Most years April will also coincide with Easter celebrations, which means several weeks of festivities for the country’s Catholic faithful. In the week leading up to Easter Sunday, or Domingo de Gloria — the ‘Sunday of Glory’, churches such as Catedral de la Santisima Trinidad in downtown Cancun are richly decorated. Processions and passion plays reenact the religious events of the period, whilst Easter Sunday sees people enjoy street food, ice cream and fruit ices flavored with pineapple, chia seeds and melon after mass. Other special Easter treats include roscas enriched bread rings and muéganos – cubes of deep-fried dough doused in honey and other syrups. A salad made from the fleshy leaves of the nopal, or the prickly pear cactus, is also common at this time of year. For a broader view of Cancun’s mouthwatering cuisine, don’t miss the chance to explore the city’s markets and street food stalls in the presence of an expert guide. Your stomach will thank you for it! Save on attraction admission with Go City The biggest tip of all for traveling to Cancun in April has to be Go City! Your friendly go-to pre-pay pass will help you save big on admission to many of the top things to do in Cancun in April, whether they are attractions or activities. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook to see the latest happy vacationers who’ve made use of our passes before adding your own snaps to our growing collection!
Ian Packham
El Castillo Pyramid at Chichen Itza near Cancun
Blog

Things to do in Cancun in November

November holds an unusual position in the Cancun calendar since it’s not quite the dry season but not quite the wet season either. Referred to as the shoulder season by some, Cancun in November offers visitors a combination of low tourist numbers, great deals on flights and accommodation and very decent weather as well. On average, rain is only seen on eight days in the month, with the start of November having the highest risk of rain and highest humidity levels too. However, showers don’t usually last more than two or three hours in any case. November is also technically at the end of Cancun’s hurricane season, although it’s highly unlikely you’ll be affected by a tropical storm. Instead, Cancun in November delivers air temperatures of around 25°C, seas that are even warmer, the chance to catch hatching turtles and one of the biggest days in the Mexican calendar. Keep reading and you’ll discover all there is to do in November in Cancun! Meet the locals Situated between Nichupté Lagoon, the jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula and the Caribbean Sea, Cancun is able to boast an astonishing array of native species of flora and fauna. And you don’t have to travel far to catch sight of them. For one thing, November is the end of the turtle hatching period. Head to Isla Mujeres (perhaps by Get Up and Go catamaran cruise) and you can stick to the fine beaches of its south by day and by night – when hatchlings appear from beneath the sands and charge towards the waves for the very first time in their lives. Fully-grown turtles are frequently encountered on the reefs that together form the largest coral system in the western hemisphere, with snorkelers also able to swim amongst sharks, rays and hundreds of types of brightly colored tropical fish at Native Park and other biodiversity hotspots. But if a mask and snorkel aren’t for you, Interactive Aquarium Cancun is the perfect alternative. Its tanks host around 140 different species of fish alone, including angelfish, parrotfish and surgeonfish, whilst a touch tank allows you to get close to rays and starfish before enjoying the nightly dolphin show. However, your best chance of spotting Cancun’s resident crocs is by taking the wheel of your very own speedboat and roaring across the waters of the lagoon. Grab your sports gear Cancun’s subtropical climate makes it a great destination for all manner of sports on and off the water, and November is no different. You won’t find it hard to hire a jet ski for a couple of hours or find all you need to surf or kitesurf. There’s also the opportunity to take in the hotel zone’s extraordinary run of beaches from the air – suspended beneath a parachute on a parasailing adventure. Keep your heart in your mouth by then taking on the Extreme Canopy Tour at Selvatica Park. No previous experience is necessary to soar through the trees on any one of its ten zip-line circuits, although a good head for heights is recommended! A steady hand rather than a love of altitude is all you’ll need at Pok Ta Pok Golf Club, whose 18-hole course has been challenging golfers of all handicaps since it was first drawn up in 1976. To learn how it should be done, look no further than the Mayakoba Golf Classic a short distance along the coast at Playa del Carmen. Part of the PGA tour, it takes place each November, and attracts professionals from right around the world. Experience Cancun culture Although primarily considered a beach resort, there’s plenty of culture that awaits in Cancun, particularly in November. The month begins with the Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations on November 2. A joyful commemoration of lost loved ones, ofrendas (altars) decorated with marigold flowers, sugar skulls, candles and alcohol appear across the city. In Cancun and the wider Yucatan it is also known as Hanal Pixan. Pronounced ‘Janal Pishan’ and translating as ‘Food of the Spirits’, its origins go back to the Maya. During this time of year markets are filled with flowers and seasonal foods such as mucbipollo, a tamale-like food filled with pork or chicken. Cancun’s Parque de las Palapas in the downtown area is one of the best places to head to experience an authentic Day of the Dead. Bask in 1000 years of history Hanal Pixan isn’t the only survivor from the period when the Yucatan was dominated by the Maya. The region around Cancun is also rich in important archeological remains from their period of rule, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chichen Itza. Its impressive ruins help uncover the way the Maya lived, from their dedication to the gods at Kukulcan pyramid to their love of sport at the great ballcourt. Covering around five square kilometers, many of its structures are connected by paved causeways called sacbeob. Nearby Tulum is another important Maya site with a location as dramatic as they come, nestled on cliffs rising up to 12 meters above the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Existing beyond the arrival of the Spanish in Mexico, the city flourished from the thirteenth to the fifteenth centuries. The visitor center provides a detailed overview of the site, which includes landward defensive walls and several palaces. Although it isn’t the best preserved of cities, Coba is also well worth the trip since it hosts a pyramid rising an extraordinary 42 meters high, as well as the chance to climb to its summit for views across the unbroken tree canopy towards the seashore. Its sites are split between several groups of structures separated by cenotes and lakes with no other signs of human life. Save on Cancun November attraction admission Make the most of the reduced visitor numbers by enjoying the attractions of Cancun in November without the crowds. Then make your budget go even further by taking advantage of the significant discounts possible on attraction admission with Go City!
Ian Packham
Woman by the Beach in Cancun
Blog

48 Hours of Fun: The Ultimate Cancun Itinerary

Max out your Cancun adventure with this jam-packed two-day guide!

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.