Is Cancun safe?

Hi i just came back from Cancun and everything was cool, you should just do as this article says common sense things.

Andy

At any popular tourist area you always have to keep alert because thieves are looking for unattentive targets. And if you are not associated with any drug cartel then you are not going to have any problems with that issue. Cancun is a lot of fun, enjoy.

Dear…Cancún is so safe, because is not associated, whit any drug cartel…
I’ts the same problem with New York…Manhattan is safe, but the bronx not….

Just returned from Cancun in December from a family vacation, we were 7 people and all had a great time. Stay with in the hotel zone and enjoy the sun and beaches.

Thanks for your reassurance. I’ve had some misgivings as my son is planing a trip South of the Border soon.

A member of my church and her husband went to Cancyun on their honeymoon few months ago. Booked a nice mainline “resort hotel”. Having drinks in the bar before dinner, they woke up; wife beaten and raped, husband beaten and robbed. Mexican police were more concerned with denying the assult than investigating.
Good luck going to Mexico.

Hi Dallas,

Rapes and assaults occur in Cancun, as they do in other big cities around the world. If something like that should happen to you while you are on vacation, get in touch with the nearest US Consulate. Part of their mandate is to help US citizens in emergency situations.

I think it’s also important to take note that being in a resort is not like being in your own home. Just because you’re in a resort does not mean that nothing can happen to you. Avoid getting so drunk that you can’t keep your wits about you. (I don’t know if that’s what happened to your acquaintance – and probably neither do you, so in the future please restrict your comments to your personal experience). Thanks for your comment.

I have been many, many times to Cancun and in general it is safe. The problem for kids is that drink cards are available at very low cost, all you can drink at several nite spots for a very low price for the week. Often IDs are barely looked at. So they become high risk for crime and date rape, as much from other tourists as from the locals. Although most drug dealers and pimps don’t approach groups or family types, they do approach single men esp., all the time. So if you have kids going down there, at least sit them down so they’re safe not sorry.

My boyfriend and I are staying at the Riu Cancun hotel and resort in April 2009. Is it safe to still go there? Also, is it safe to go off the resort during the day or night? Please advise!

Myself and a girlfriend are going to cancun the first week in may and staying in a resort? is it safe?

I am staying at a resort with two of my buddies in May; are there any precautionary steps I should take before going, regarding shots, certain travel items, etc.??? My parents are not to hot about the idea but I am a college graduate and the decision is solely up to me.

I am thinking about booking a trip for me an my girlfriend and I was wondering how safe for 2 women at ME Cancun resort? Plus, she likes to venture out in the evening and visit the nightlife at the clubs. Please advice..we were thinking of taking the trip in June.

Frequent Tourist – you’re right that alcohol can be an important factor for people on vacation getting into trouble. That’s why it’s really important to party smart!

Rays, lb21, John and Venus – There has been no increase of violence in or near the resorts of Cancun. Cancun is not even mentioned in the updated travel alert put out by the State Department. I don’t see any reason why you shouldn’t go and have a great time. Just be cautious (as you should always be when traveling) and don’t drink so much that you’re not aware of what’s going on around you.

Please continue this discussion on our Mexico Travel Forum: Mexico Travel Safety Issues

You people have nothing to worry about. I have been to Cancun over twenty times and have never had anything less than a blast. I would suggest sticking to the hotel zone at night and don’t venture into the “drug” alleys. You will have a great time. Don’t let the bible thumpers tell you differently. Party on amigos.

I have been to Mexico numerous times. I have in the past stayed in downtown Cancun. The local culture and traditional food there is better than the “hotel zone”. I have walked around there at night and not had any problems. I do not carry a lot of cash and take precautions.

I have been to Mexican border towns from California to Texas and know there is also a ugly side that is dangerous. That ugly side can spread if there are large amounts of money and drugs intermixed with poverty and official corruption. It is then hard to tell who are the good guys and the bad guys.

If drug wars are going on in the local area you plan to visit you are not “safe”.

Hi! Thanks for all of your comments and help!

I was awoken this morning by my brother on the phone in tears. He and a group of his friends are on spring break this week in Cancun. Last night they ventured out to one of the popular clubs downtown like all the spring breakers do. One of the girls in the group didnt feel good and needed to be taken back to the hotel safely. My brother offered. On their way to catch the bus my brother was knocked out and beaten as they took the girl. a search went on for hours looking for her. they even filed a report but the police down there did nothing. they returned back to the hotal and there she was. NO CANCUN IS NOT SAFE. NOT EVEN IN A GROUP!!! NOT EVEN WITH GUYS IN UR GROUP. WOULD U PUT UR NEED TO HAVE FUN BEFORE UR SAFETY???

Colorado, I’m sorry about what happened to your brother. Cancun is a big city and there is crime there. But please keep in mind that bad things can happen to you anywhere. You need to practice caution wherever you go. This is true of travel in Mexico and in big cities in the United States and around the world. I hope your brother was not too badly hurt and I’m glad the girl turned up at the hotel.

Sounds like Suzanne may have been involved with what happened to the people that was raped and robbed. Its a warning to all and she wants us to only comment on our own experince. This person is concerned of other peoples safty you seem to think people get raped and robbed all the time which they do but If it was your friend or family you would be posting a warning. Maybe you should reconsider your comment

I am planning a trip with my grown children and grandchildren in August to Cancun. We are staying at the Crown Paradise Club, Cancun Q. Roo Mexico. Is this a safe area.
Can we leave the resort to shop at the mall?

To the person staying at the Riu Cancun, you will have THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE! My husband (then fiance) and I stayed there April 2008 and it was the best time I’ve ever had anywhere. I’d go back to Cancun in a heartbeat and I wouldn’t stay anywhere but the Riu!!

As far as safety…we did leave the hotel to do some shopping during the day and we went to Senior Froggy’s for dinner one night. We were with a large group so we made sure to keep tabs on each other. I never once felt scared or in danger. It wasn’t any different than being in a large U.S. city at night time. You just have to watch your back. Just keep tabs on each other and watch your drinks and you’ll be fine. You’re going to have a blast!!!!

I have been to cancun 4 years in a row and stay at the moon palace, there is no worries about your safety here. I cant speak for other resorts but this one makes you feel relaxed and lets you enjoy your vacation.

For more information and updates about travel safety in Mexico, please visit our forum: Mexico Travel Safety.

From the US Dept of State:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/spring_break_mexico/spring_break_mexico_2812.html

Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Cozumel: Cancun is a fairly large city, approaching 500,000 inhabitants, with increasing reports of crime. Crimes against the person, such as rape, commonly but not exclusively occur at night or in the early morning hours, and often involve alcohol and the nightclub environment. Therefore, it is important to travel in pairs or groups, be aware of surroundings, and take general precautions. To protect against property crimes, valuables should be left in a safe place or not brought at all. If you are a victim of a crime, immediately notify the U.S. Consular Agency in Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Cozumel or the U.S. Consulate in Merida at the telephone numbers provided below.

If you rent a moped or other vehicle in Cancun, it is advisable to purchase third-party insurance, as the insurance offered on some credit cards will not cover you in Mexico. Should you have an accident or cause damage to the vehicle, you may be required to pay the full amount of any repairs, in cash, as determined by the rental agency, or face arrest.

In Cancun, there is often a very strong undertow along the beach from the Hyatt Regency all the way south to Club Med. Already this season, several U.S. citizens have drowned when overwhelmed by ocean conditions. In Cozumel, several drownings and near-drownings have been reported on the east coast, particularly in the Playa San Martin-Chen Rio area.

I was just there in Cancun a month ago. I go every other month to Cancun and I have NEVER had a problem. I ride the buses and walk the stip of the hotel zone to the malls and no one ever bothers me actually everyone is always every nice and helpful. STOP SREADING RUMOURS WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT!! THE MEXICAN PEOPLE NEED THE TOURIST TO DEPEND ON INCOME. MOST OF THE MEXICANS ARE HARD WORKING NICE HONEST PEOPLE JUST TRYING TO SURVIVE. I HAVE BEEN GOING THERE FOR 6 YEARS EVERY MONTH OR EVERY OTHER MONTH SO I KNOW BETTER THAN ANY ONE.IT IS A BEAUTIFUL PLACE TO GO, AND LIKE ANY PLACE YOU GO YOU SHOULD BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS.

I am going to Cancun April 25th – May 2nd. Has anyone recently returned? Did it seem less crowded than in past years. I will do my best to be aware of my surroundings, but we DO plan on checking out the clubs. There will be 4 couples going and we do plan on staying together as much as possible, but you know how that goes with a lot of people.

hello, thinking about going to cancun to see the ruins alone.. just concerned about the drug-cartel war..any advice?

Myself and my best mate are also going to cancun april 25-2nd may, staying at the viva oasis hotel. has anyone ever stayed there?
we are both in our mid 20’s and plan on checking out the clubs. is it safe to go? can anyone offer any advice please?

I went to cancun recently and it was safe. just don’t drink the water. i did see police on streets and stuff, tho. Overall, i woudn’t not go because you think it’s dangerous.

I am pleased to hear that so many of you had a great time.My son,unfortunately is not able to agree with you.He drowned at the Plya del Carmen about four weeks ago.He was 43 and had a family with a 6 year old doughter.My doughter in law was told that two weeks prior to my sons drowning there were 6 others.The beaches are dangerous and this fact is hushed up in the travel literature.I personally have been to Mexico for at least 20 times and could write a book about the good,the bad and the ugly of Mexico.
All I know I have lost my only son who was straight as an arrow and had two Masters degrees.
If you consider getting drunk on cheap Tequila and have some one night relations keep going.The odds will catch up with you.

I am getting married March 2010 at the Moon Palace resort in Cancun, people are starting to back out of the trip due to some news reports on drug cartel murders and even safety issues resulting in deaths at many resorts. I have been researching and found lots of stories about kids being sucked into pool drains (that were not properly covered) or people falling down empty elevator shafts, and not given proper medical attention and left to die. Do they have the same safety standards, do the life guards know CPR? I know that murders and deaths happen everyday, everywhere, I am just trying to ease my guests concerns. I also have a 4-yr old that will be travelling with us, and have told everyone attending that we all need to constantly watch her like hawks, but if she starts running (as kids do) by the pool and slips and hits her head, do the staff know the proper medical procedures…or am I taking a chance?

my fiancee and i booked a trip to a resort called the Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda. Its in the Riviera maya and 35 mins south of the Cancun airport. is it safe? has anyone ever been there? our trip is for the 1st week of august. thanks

Our Family just returned from the Princess Resort in Plya del Carmen. We all had a great time. Even our two teenage kids had a great time. I had worried about swine flu, drug wars, drinking the water, before we left. I worried for nothing. If your concerned about MEXICO then stay at a good resort and don’t leave. They have gates and check all vehicles and passengers that go in and out. The serve bottled water and purify ice cubes. We had 9 persons in our group and no one got sick from the food or the water. The beach at the resort was great, no problems. But swim at your own risk, life guard was on duty, but with all the people in the water, not sure if one person on duty could see someone in trouble. In the evening no life guard on our beach. We had so many swimming pools at our resort, we only went to the beach two times. We took a cab to the Plya del Carmen market. Did a little shopping for souvenirs and gifts. Also had a great time. Shop owners are a little bothersome to try to get you to enter their shops and buy something. But you get used to it after 10 minutes. They all spoke English and all you have to do is say no thank you. I was having a great time joking with most of them. Police were on every corner (very safe) I never had a concern. You can buy drinks at bars or gift shops and walk into all stores with your beverage. The street was closed to all traffic. We also went on a dinner cruse in the evening in Cancun (45 minutes from our resort). No problems (except for the $120 per person was WAY OVER PRICED for what we got) but it is a resort town and you kind of expect to get gouged. We would not do it again because of the price. Our Safety was never a issue. Large Federal Police presence on the highway there and back. All in all we had a GREAT time. Would go back for sure. DON”T WORRY – HAVE FUN!

Be aware that folks are often robbed by the local police — for example, there’s a 3 mph speed limit as you are ready to turn into the Cancun airport to return your rental car. Since it’s almost impossible to go that slowly, police stop a lot of people to pay the “Cancun airport tax” — essentially what amounts to the salary of the arresting officers. You can usually negotiate the fine on the spot, after they threaten to take you downtown and fine you $150+USD. After all, you’ve got a plane to catch and they know it. We agreed on $60, but some assertive folks have gotten it down to $20, I’ve heard. We were planning to make Cancun and destinations south of there a regular destination until this happened, but we crossed it off our list. We are trying Cozumel one more time, to see if it has also gone this way. We’ll let you know.

I had read many of your comments about safety, war with drug cartels and so. But let me tell you something, Cancun and all mexican resorts are safe just as any othe resort in the world, yes, sometimes things happens as everywhere else. Just don’t buy all what news says. Cancun and all the state receives almost 9 million tourist a year from all over the world, is the mexican jelew. Would you beleive mexican authorities allowes bad people to do their mess here?? of course not. Mexicans are worried about cartels war, but finally is happening, now they all are going to jail and Mexico is becoming a safer country. So chill out! come to Mexico, the only things you have to worry about is to book your flight and hotel, the rest is only sun, sand and fun!!! Yes I’m mexican. SALUDOS!!!

Has anyone visitied Crown Paradise Club in Cancun? What did you think???

Jenny,
I have been with my family to CPC in Cancun. Great place for kids…mini water park, kids never wanted to leave. It was very secure. Main pool entertainment a little annoying, no mini bar in room, up on a hill, so you walk down steps to a very small beach area. Food was pretty good. We are going again next week.

Has anyone else started to notice…

every good trip story here starts with
“we stayed at a resort in the hotel district…”

every rape/assault/theft story starts with
“we went out to a nightclub and had some drinks…”

Just got back from Cancun October 2009. We stayed at the Royal Sands. Beautiful Resort….beautiful Beaches…ON THE RESORT! Young folks….Spring Breaker’s BE CAREFUL! The discotech’s as they all them have wrist bands you purchase for about 45 USD and this intitles you to “open bar”…AKA cheap, mystery alcholol….Im 43, my husband is 48…We watch these young kids come in, drinking whatever was given to them. Dancing with ANYONE…no, not all…but booze will make decision making poor. On the resorts there are always nice clubs…stay there and party. Even with an adult, or responsible party along, those places get SOOOO crazy. There is no way, even sobor you can keep trac of everyone. Tip..Dont rent a car. Dont say yes to the ones who offer Pot, or all the other illigel stuff (they could be working for a police officer),,,Stay on the resort…or, take excursions that are including transportation! Be SMart…it only takes one horrible bad decision. If it feels uncomfortable, dont do it!

Hi,my name is Jessie. I am going to Cancun March 27th for spring break. Me and my group of 16 friends booked our trip through Student City. I personaly got TOTALLY freaked out by almost all of these posts. I want to know if anyone has heard of Studentcity being a safe place to go through vs privatly going or if it even makes a difference. I am totally freaked out and rethinking my trip.

Anyone been to the Oasis Palm, we are going next month for a week, been to Cancun but it’s been years,plan to stay on the resort and just chill out, just recovering from some cancer surgery,want to relax,don’t think many party goers will be there in Nov?

Will visit Mayan Palace Riviera Maya in spring 2010.
Anyone familar? What should we expect as a couple vacationing with a teen? Best places to go, see, do? How safe to take a resort sponsored tour to the Mayan Ruins near by? Thanks for any info or suggestions. KMcMillan

Hi there, I am a single mother of 15 and 5 year old girls, we are travelling this winter to cancun alone the 3of us and staying at a resort, I have been hearing horrible stories about Mexico and am starting to panic whether or not I should travel alone with my two daughters. I don’t plan on leaving the resort or doing any drinking of alcohol or any activities without my kids, as I work so much and it’s our time to be a family alone but I beginning to wonder if I shoud cancell this trip and start looking for somewhere safer like Orlando.. This trip is bought and paid for already and I would hate to have to cancel it. Any advice??????