Last Updated on March 31, 2024
Are you craving a trip to Mexico’s Cozumel Island, with its beautiful beaches, sea turtles, coral reefs, and beach clubs? If so, one question to ask might be: Is Cozumel safe?
The short answer is—yes! Cozumel is one of the safest destinations in Mexico, boasting a relatively low crime rate, great local hospitality, and tons of fabulous activities.
That said, visitors still need to take basic safety precautions. In this post, take a closer look at petty crime, hurricane season, water quality considerations, and helpful safety tips.
Is Cozumel Safe For Visitors?
Cozumel is a safe destination for visitors—and a popular one!
A total of 8,986,271 tourists flooded Cozumel in 2023, some arriving by sea to the ferry terminal and others by air to Cozumel International Airport. Roughly half that number came on cruise ships.
Local authorities have made safety on the island of Cozumel a priority. The police presence is strong, with routine patrols helping safeguard tourist areas and monitor the cruise port.
Fortunately, there are few drug-related crimes and drug cartels in Cozumel. The rates of violent crime are much lower than in the rest of Mexico.
Of course, tourists shouldn’t throw caution to the wind. safety concerns to keep in mind include the possibility of tropical storms, petty theft, and getting overcharged.
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Cozumel Safety For Families And Solo Travelers
Are you considering traveling to Cozumel with your family? Or as a solo traveler? If so, I have good news.
Low crime rates and a strong police presence make this beautiful island a great place for a vacation.
According to Numbeo, this welcoming destination is a very safe place to walk around during the day. It’s generally safe to walk around at night as well.
Still, you should use your common sense, especially while snorkeling with marine life, enjoying water sports, and relaxing on the white sand beaches.
Cozumel’s UV index is usually moderate to high, so you should use sunscreen or rashguards, stay hydrated, and seek out shade to protect yourself and your kids from overexposure.
Other hazards to be aware of include jellyfish stings and insect bites.
The tap water in Cozumel is not safe for drinking, so drink only purified or bottled water.
As a solo traveler (especially a female solo traveler), be sure to choose safe accommodations, preferably one that is not isolated and where there are other guests.
Although drink spiking isn’t a huge problem in Cozumel, it’s still a good idea to exercise caution.
Don’t leave your drink unattended, and avoid overindulging in alcohol.
It’s always smart to let someone know your plans and tell them when to check in if they haven’t heard from you.
How About Safety In Cozumel At Night?
Yes—Cozumel is still quite safe at night. It isn’t quite as safe as during the day, but visitors can enjoy walking the streets of tourist areas after dark without too much concern.
Downtown San Miguel de Cozumel is a vibrant area bustling with restaurants, clubs, and bars.
Just take measures to prevent pickpocketing and avoid leaving your bags, purses, and wallets unattended.
Simple precautions such as leaving valuables in your hotel safe, keeping an eye on your drinks, avoiding illicit activities, and limiting your after-dark outings to the center of the main town should be enough to prevent potential safety situations.
Which Parts Of Cozumel Are Safe, Risky?
Cozumel is a safe destination and doesn’t have risky areas per sé. That said, one of the most common crimes is pickpocketing.
Areas with a higher potential for attracting pickpockets include main tourist areas like San Miguel de Cozumel (the main town).
Pickpocketing is especially common in crowded areas such as the center district, the ferry terminal, and any area where tourists and cruise passengers gather en masse.
One of the best ways to avoid problems is to leave valuables in your hotel safe.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and use a secured bag to keep your on-person valuables secure.
A high level of situational awareness will help in crowded areas.
Note that the northern section of Cozumel is a lot more lonely but tends to have a low crime rate.
Still, it’s best to avoid going out at night in that area simply because it is more isolated.
Is Cozumel’s Crime Rate High?
No—Cozumel’s crime rate is one of the lowest in the region.
According to Numbeo, the island has a safety index of 65 out of 100 (with 100 being perfectly safe and 0 being a safety nightmare).
The crime index is 34.5 out of 100 (with 100 being off-the-charts bad and zero being no crime at all.)
The island is located in the state of Quintana Roo. Although it isn’t the safest sector in Mexico, it is one of the safer ones, according to the U.S. State Department.
Cozumel safety levels are better than the state’s as a whole.
Are There Travel Advisories For Cozumel?
Yes and no. The U.S. Department of State has a travel advisory for Quintana Roo in which it urges travelers to “exercise increased caution.”
U.S. government employees are allowed to travel to Quintana Roo without restrictions but are encouraged to avoid areas with increased criminal activity, especially Tulum, Cancun, and Playa del Carmen.
Natural Disasters In Cozumel
One thing to keep in mind when planning a trip to Cozumel is the hurricane season.
From June to November, there’s an increased risk of tropical storms and hurricanes affecting the island.
Weather conditions in this season can include heavy rains, high winds, and thunderstorms leading to power outages, flooding, and canceled flights.
Stay informed about the weather, heed warnings issued by the local Mexican government, and don’t go out in severe weather.
Is It Safe To Travel To Cozumel?
Yes–it is generally quite safe to travel to Cozumel.
Although it is possible to be offered drugs or to get pickpocketed, the island is one of the safest places to visit compared to other parts of Mexico.
U.S. citizens and visitors from other countries around the world flock to Cozumel to enjoy the natural beauty, sandy beaches, excellent scuba diving, and local customs.
Be sure to check out the basic precautions I recommend in the safety tips section below.
Is Cozumel Swimmable?
Yes! As a rule, the west-facing beaches on Cozumel are the best for swimming.
They are usually calmer and ideal for young kids. However, these beaches are also more crowded, and you may have to pay fees to enjoy the beach.
The beaches on the east coast of Cozumel tend to be wilder and more rugged, with more intense waves, rip tides, and fewer amenities.
However, this side also has some of the island’s coolest and most unique beaches. Exercise more caution if you choose to swim on this side.
If you prefer secluded beaches sans crowds, consider checking out Chen Rio Beach, Playa las Rocas, and Passion Island.
Is Cozumel Expensive?
According to Budget Your Trip, travelers to Cozumel spend on average $23 on meals, $23 on local transportation, and $137 on hotels per day.
The average daily cost of a vacation in Cozumel is 115 USD per day.
Why Is This Area So Popular?
Are you wondering why Cozumel is one of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations?
Besides being fairly safe, this island off the Yucatan peninsula is a paradise for divers and snorkelers.
It’s one of the best places in the world for those water activities thanks to the proximity of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System.
Colorful coral, tropical fish, and sea turtles live here in abundance.
Cozumel’s beaches are also a big draw, featuring white sand and beautiful turquoise water.
Swimming here can be a lot of fun. Besides, what could be better than relaxing on the beach in a hammock?
Inland, Cozumel offers even more natural delights, including ecological reserves and parks populated by lagoons, mangroves, lighthouses, and panoramic views.
Visit the ruins of San Gervasio for insight into ancient Mayan cultures.
Downtown San Miguel de Cozumel is a mecca for shoppers, foodies, and bar-hoppers.
Cozumel Safety Tips
1. Be Aware of Your Surroundings:
Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas where there may be pickpockets. For example: the Ferry Terminal/Cruise Port and the center of San Miguel.
Avoid using your phone excessively while in public areas because you’ll be more of a target.
2. Limit the Cash and Valuables You Carry:
Refrain from carrying large amounts of cash or flaunting valuable items to avoid tempting pickpockets.
Use secure, zippered cross-body bags or front pockets for your belongings. That way, you won’t be as easy a target.
Never leave your valuables unattended, especially on the beach.
3. Don’t Drink The Tap Water:
The tap water in Cozumel isn’t safe for drinking. Opt for bottled water to prevent waterborne illnesses.
4. Currency Exchange Tips:
Obtain Pesos (the local currency) from a Cozumel bank rather than using US dollars for transactions.
Paying in Pesos will help you avoid pricey exchange rates from street vendors.
5. Agree to Taxi Fares Ahead:
Cozumel’s taxis are generally safe, but be sure to agree on prices with the taxi drivers before starting the journey to avoid being overcharged.
Pay taxi fares in Mexican pesos to ensure a fair exchange rate.
6. Exploring on Foot? Wear Good Shoes
If you’re taking a taco tour, walking tour, or bar hop tour, make sure you wear comfortable shoes for walking to avoid foot injuries.
7. Beach Safety:
Avoid areas with red or black flags on the beach, indicating dangerous seas.
Wear shoes on the beach to prevent injuries from sharp objects.
React to changing conditions to maintain in-water safety.
8. Travel Insurance:
It’s wise to purchase travel insurance for comprehensive coverage during your visit to Cozumel. That way, you’ll be covered in case of injuries, accidents, or emergencies.
9. Sun Protection Essentials:
Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats to protect yourself from the intense Cozumel sun.
If you’re snorkeling, consider using a rash guard so you don’t get burnt.
10. Use Your Hotel Safe:
Use the hotel safe for storing passports, credit cards, valuables, electronics, and large sums of cash.
Make sure the safe is bolted down.
Keep your belongings secure and only carry what you need for daily activities.
11. Scooter and Moped Safety:
Scooter and moped accidents are common. Only rent a scooter or moped if you already KNOW how to drive safely.
Drive carefully, stay alert, and be aware of road conditions and potential drunk drivers.
Don’t drink and drive.
12. Stay Informed
Stay up-to-date on local laws, customs, and safety advisories issued by authorities.
If you are in Cozumel during hurricane season, keep an eye on weather conditions and warnings.
13. Be Responsible:
Drink responsibly to avoid impairing your judgment.
Don’t leave your drinks unattended, and be aware of the possibility of drink spiking.
Do not buy drugs or engage in any illegal activities.
14. Learn Basic Spanish Phrases
Since Cozumel’s primary language is Spanish, it can’t hurt to know how to say a few basic things in the language.
In truth, you might actually be able to get by without any Spanish, but it couldn’t hurt to be able to use a bit of Spanish to talk to tour operators, guides, taxi drivers, and friendly vendors.
Safe Places To Stay In Cozumel
One of the top ways to stay safe on any trip is to choose quality accommodations.
After doing some research, I decided that these lodgings are the best options for a Cozumel trip from the United States or elsewhere.
Photo credit – Casa Isabella Cozumel
⭐️ Rating: 8.3/10 📌 Location: Centro Cozumel Check Rates Here
Stay in a spacious, colorful guest house with artsy touches, cozy vibes, and great amenities.
Casa Isabella is a 3-star guest house with a pool, hot tub, and free Wifi. Some of the rooms have a terrace and a living-room-style area with a TV.
There are even barbecue facilities if you fancy grilling out. Private parking is available at an extra cost.
Guests liked the location of the guest house and the great host.
Photo credit – Casa Real Cozumel
⭐️ Rating: 9.7/10 📌 Location: Near Centro Cozumel Check Rates Here
Casa Real Cozumel is an attractive modern vacation rental house with tasteful tropical touches.
It is located in Cozumel and features a private pool, free private parking, airport transfers, and bicycle rental services.
The house itself has three bedrooms, four bathrooms, a patio, an outdoor dining area, an equipped kitchen, and a living room. There’s even an area for playing tennis.
The flat-screen TV in the living room includes streaming services for your viewing pleasure.
Guests loved the facilities, especially for longer-term stays. One guest commented that it was perfect for his family with kids.
They had a blast in the pool.
Photo credit – Casa Frida Cozumel
⭐️ Rating: 7.8/10 📌 Location: Avenida Norte Check Rates Here
Spacious, airy, elegant, and upscale are four words that describe Casa Frida.
This beautiful villa features five air-conditioned bedrooms, five bathrooms, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a private pool, a terrace, a fully equipped kitchen, and a coffee shop with packed lunches available for purchase.
Guests loved the gorgeous facilities, great staff, and the location. It is only a few steps from the Caribbean Sea, ideal for watching the sunset.
One guest commented that this villa was a bit more expensive than what they typically spend but that the cost was well worth it.
Final Thoughts: Is Cozumel Safe?
Cozumel is a beautiful island off Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula famous for its world-class diving, scuba diving, and dreamlike beaches.
Even better, this island is one of the safest destinations to visit in Mexico, thanks to its robust police presence and low crime rates.
Although travelers still need to take precautions to avoid petty theft, scooter accidents, and over-exposure, Cozumel is a safe place to vacation.
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