Crime In Cozumel
When deciding if Cozumel is safe, you must consider crimes that happen against tourist. How often they happen and the types of crime. In my 17 times visiting Cozumel Mexico I experienced crime once, but others have different experiences.In this blog I will tell you about my experience with crime in Cozumel and also fill you in on tourist traps.
Cozumel, a slice of paradise but no place on earth is entirely crime-free. This is 1 of 7 articles in my is Cozumel Mexico safe guide for tourists. In this article I’ll cover the most recent crime rate, common crimes against tourists and briefly explain tourist traps.
Cozumel stands out as a safe and welcoming destination for tourists from all around the globe. In this article, we’ll shed light on the overall safety of Cozumel, highlight its low crime rates, and provide helpful tips to ensure a carefree and secure vacation.
Cozumels Crime Rate
Cozumels Crime Rate is rated as low. On Nov 15th, 2023, the Cozumel Crime Index was at a low 34.54, according to Numbeo, a reputable site that tracks crime statistics and the cost of living worldwide. However, over the past 5 years crime in Cozumel has Increased. As of today November 30, 2025 the crime index had dropped to 34.22. So, yes Cozumel is safe for tourist right now.
Crime exists in various forms and intensities throughout Mexico, but when we talk about Cozumel, we’re looking at one of the safest spots in the country.
It’s a haven in comparison to other territories. Of your curiosity about is Cozumel safer than cancun I answer that too. Boasting impressively low crime rates. However, just like any tourist hotspot, it’s not entirely immune to drug dealing or theft I found that out first hand .
Crime Rates By Category
Now, don’t get me wrong, while the tranquility of Cozumel is well-known, tourists must stay vigilant. Petty crimes like theft or bribery can happen, especially if you find yourself in less-than-ideal situations. Now is the perfect time to tell you about the 11 things tourist should not do while in cozumel.
When it comes to the question of “Is Cozumel safe for tourists the answer is yes. Does Cozumel have crime? Yes, but is Cozumel dangerous, no. Cozumel Mexico remains very safe for families and solo travelers of you avoid a few things
Crime History Snapshot
Interestingly, the crime dynamics on this beautiful island are subject to change year after year. Take 2018 to 2019 as an example; We witnessed a whopping 50% drop in crime rates. That’s huge! But it’s vital to understand that the majority of criminal activities that do occur here have their roots in nearby areas like Cancun or Playa del Carmen. The trouble tends to spill over to Cozumel since there’s a lot of back-and-forth travel between these places.
Now, you might be wondering about the nature of these crimes. Well, drugs are a part of the picture. For instance, in late 2022, the Cancun Sun reported that authorities found 13 bricks of cocaine washed ashore on Cozumel’s beach. However, it’s crucial to note that, in Cozumel, drugs are not as openly visible as they might be elsewhere. But yes, the drug movement is a reality.
Is Playa Del Carmen Safer Than Cozumel
When comparing overall safety for tourists, Cozumel is generally considered safer than Playa del Carmen. As an island, Cozumel has a lower crime index, a more relaxed atmosphere, and is easier for authorities to monitor. While both are relatively safe for visitors, Playa del Carmen’s location on the mainland and its rapid growth have led to a higher incidence of drug-related violence and petty crime in some areas.
READ: 11 Things To Avoid In Cozumel
Tourist Traps In Cozumel
Cozumel is great, I love it here! But as an American tourist it really ticked me off being taken advantage of or when they attempted to. The sheer popularity means that tourist traps are a REAL and common thing. Especially around the cruise ship docks and in downtown San Miguel.
The most frequent traps involve overpriced souvenirs, inflated taxi fares for short distances, and being lured into timeshare presentations disguised as free tours or discounted excursions. Even simple transactions can lead to scams, like vendors using a poor Peso-to-USD conversion rate when you pay with a credit card.
What places are tourist traps?
To list our all the tourist traps I found in Cozumel I feel would be unprofessional, but I feel a obligation to share my list of places I highly recommend you avoid. I could not post it publicly but you can still download it and use it to navigate the island.
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Types of Crimes in Cozumel
Theft and Burglary
Incidents of theft and burglary are relatively low in Cozumel, especially in comparison to other tourist hotspots around the world. The island’s community and local authorities work tirelessly to maintain a secure environment. Of course, just like anywhere else, it’s smart to keep an eye on your belongings and stay mindful of your surroundings.
Drug-Related Crimes
Cozumel is not a hotspot for drug-related crimes. The local law enforcement agencies are vigilant and proactive, ensuring that such activities are kept at bay. As visitors, staying clear of illicit substances and maintaining awareness in crowded settings is always a good practice.
Trafficking and Human Smuggling
When you see the two terms smuggling and trafficking together you have to ask… Is Cozumel safe from drug cartels? These are global issues and are not specific to Cozumel. The island’s authorities are committed to ensuring the safety and security of both locals and tourists, and they work diligently to prevent such activities.
How Dangerous is Cozumel?
Now, let’s talk safety. Cozumel is pretty high up there with a safety index of 85%. It’s a stark contrast to its neighboring states, making it a relatively peaceful paradise. You can find a good summary of why it’s so peaceful in our 5 reasons Cozumel is safer than you think. The Mexican government isn’t taking any chances either; they’ve deployed officers and navy officials diligently to monitor the area and curb any potential criminal activity.
READ: Is Cozumel Safe For Tourists
My Personal Experience With Crime in Cozumel
As I promised I would tell you about my solo experience with crime. It was in January 2024, me and the girlfriend were staying in Cozumel for 3 weeks after deboarding the Norwegian Cruise where we went to Belize, Costa Maya, Honduras. Cozumel was the last stop and we rented scooters from my favorite local spot.
On the 3rd day we came outside after grabbing brunch in our search of the best coffee spots in Cozumel. When we went back to our scooter we noticed that our seat was partially lifted. Immediately I caught my attention because we store the helmets under the seat and it’s just habit to grab them first before riding. When I lifted the seat up BOTH helmets were gone. I was shocked.
I couldn’t believe someone had actually stolen from us. Keep in mind this is my 16th time visiting and never had a issue with crime so I was genuinely surprised it happened. I ended up going back to Antonio and telling him what happened. He was understanding but we still had to pay $25 for each helmet which was no big deal.
I was more so surprised that for someone to take our helmets they would need to check to make sure the seat was latched it wasn’t like the helmets we’re hanging from the handlebars. So, the takeaway is Cozumel does have crime and you should be conscious of that, but Cozumel is not dangerous.
Measures to Combat Crime
Cozumel is constantly enhancing its security measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Police and Law Enforcement
The local police and law enforcement are visible, approachable, and committed to maintaining the island’s peaceful atmosphere.
Community Involvement
The strong sense of community in Cozumel plays a crucial role in its safety, with locals and authorities working hand in hand to keep the island secure.
My Summary: Crime In Cozumel
Cozumel’s reputation as a safe tourist destination has only strengthened over the years, thanks to the collective efforts of the community and local authorities. Tourists can relax and enjoy all that this beautiful island has to offer, with peace of mind.
If you found any of this valuable you should check out our Is it safe to eat and drink in Cozumel? Navigating food and water safety. Travel bugs and food poisoning are real learn how to avoid them.
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