Is Cozumel Safe?

Jet Ski Cozumel. Cozumel Tours You Can Trust

Is Cozumel safe for tourists to visit, or does it just seem like a safe place? What are the travel advisories for American tourists? These are all questions I will answer in an easy-to-read format, along with others you probably haven’t even considered.

Is Cozumel Mexico safe? Yes. As of 2025, Cozumel remains one of the safest destinations in Mexico, with a violent crime rate significantly lower than popular mainland spots like Cancun or Tulum. But “safe” doesn’t mean “risk-free.”

It wasn’t too long ago that I had the same questions back in 2018 when my fiancée and I booked our first 7-day all-inclusive vacation to Cozumel, Mexico. It was just two months ago I took a cruise back to Cozumel, making it my 17th visit to the island.

Many of the locals wave and honk at me throughout the day because I’ve spent so much time here. I take personal pride in sharing my full Cozumel experiences in a genuine and raw way so you have a complete understanding of how safe Cozumel is for you and your family.

view parasailing in Cozumel prices and availability

 

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My Note To Travelers

All photos are taken by me and content is from my personal experience not generic stuff written by A.I. My goal is to help Cozumel tourists with real info and tips from my hard lessons (and near death experience) to ensure that when you visit it’s the best experience possible. Now let’s talk Cozumel safety!

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Cozumel Safety Overview

Cozumel is safe for tourists and has maintained its status as one of Mexico’s safest destinations for decades. The way the island is isolated from the rest of the mainland is a game changer.

 

When you combine that with an economy that is 100% dependent on tourism, it makes our safety as foreign travelers even more important to police and local authorities. We are their biggest resource.

However you get here, arriving by plane or cruise ship you can arrive with a peace of mind knowing that it is safe to get off the cruise ship in Cozumel unlike other countries. Cozumel is widely considered to be one of the safest ports of call in the Caribbean.

 

Cozumels Cruise Ports

Punta Langosta, International Pier, and Puerta Maya are all heavily trafficked and secure areas more than any place on the island.

Unlike many other ports, it is safe to walk directly off your ship. Exploring the downtown area, which extends safely for roughly four blocks from the waterfront. Cozumel taxi rates in 2026 are affordable and if you read the blog you can save 50% on a ride.

Your biggest danger in any of these (port) areas is your pocketbook by spending more money than you planned. I mean buying the same old repetitive souvenirs and regretting it later.

There is zero danger in these places so go out and explore but I recommend against booking activities with people like these. Instead try these inexpensive and free things to do in cozumel. They are selling the most heavily marked up tours and activities on the island, aside from the cruise lines own tour options.

There are a few things you should be careful about that I cover in this dedicated article about what not to do in Cozumel.

Let’s take a closer look at the safety myths and realities of safety in Cozumel, Mexico. The but short answer, Cozumel is safe to travel to as we enter the start of 2026 nothing has changed in regards to safety.

 

Cozumels Crime Rates & Stats

Let me help you shed any remaining fears with objective, no-bias data. The island’s commitment to safety is reflected in its Safety Index rating, which is consistently reported as High by Numbeo, a respected global crime stat tracking site. 

For example, on November 15th, 2023, the Cozumel Crime Index was 34.54; as of today (December 13, 2025), it has dropped to 34.22. So, yes, Cozumel is safe for tourists right now. 

You see different types of police presence that at first might make you a little concerned, but you quickly realize it’s what makes everyone actually feel safe.

Diving deeper into the stats for 2025, only 7 homicides were reported in Cozumel’s municipality, mostly isolated acts of violence far removed from the frequented tourist spots on the island. These things happen with the locations. That’s a drop of 14 in less than 2 years! The rate of other violent crimes echoes this trend – notably low.

Common Crimes

Since my original writing of this article back in 2023 the common crimes haven’t changed. I did myself experience having my stuff stolen while in one of the shopping areas near the beach, but overall theft has reduced along with the overall crime. Here are some of the most common petty crimes.

• Theft from parked cars: 

• Credit Card Scams: This is one not many people know about. Vendors are able to change the peso – USD conversion rate and set it at whatever they choose. Ask “What is your conversion rate?” before using your card.

• Purse Snatching: Young youth here still purse snatch just as they do in other countries. Carry the minimum when walking about.

• Theft: Theft can happen in any part of the world and keep your valuables in a safe place.

Yes, you should exercise caution when traveling abroad but nothing more than any other place. I walked every night and seen women along other Americans walking alone during the night.

With a comfortably low violent crime rate in cozumel, (significantly lower than many other (popular vacation destinations), and a strong police presence, it sets a gold standard for security

 

 

 Read: Best Public Beaches In Cozumel

 

Cozumel Travel Advisory: Is It Safe for Americans

Yes, there is currently an active Level 2 Travel advisory for Mexico. It was issued on August 12, 2025 which includes Cozumel San Miguel. Should you cancel your plans or what does this mean for American tourists? I’ll explain:

The U.S. The State Department publishes these official advisors to inform Americans on potential travel dangers when leaving the country. There was one issue when I came for the first time. Don’t let this scare you, keep reading to understand why Cozumel is safe for American tourists to visit in spite of the advisory.

The “Level 2” designation is the same level currently applied to many popular and safe European destinations like France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom. It simply signals that you should use the same level of common-sense vigilance you would in any major international city. 

The advisory is specifically for the Mexican state of Quintana Roo not Cozumel. It’s important to know the difference. Now I will explain what the advisory level really means.

The U.S. State Department uses a four-level risk system. Level 2 is not a “Do Not Travel” warning; it’s actually a common international standard that advises visitors to exercise increased caution but that should be done anytime you visit a foreign country. Wouldn’t you agree?

What it does NOT mean: It does not mean Cozumel is life-threatening or dangerous.

What it means: Be careful, cautious and follow these simple tips when traveling:

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Keep an eye on your belongings
• Don’t carry large amounts of cash
• Be careful to accept drinks from strangers
• Be aware of potential scams

All of these things you would tell someone you care about to do on a night out in America. Cozumel is a very calm and relaxing island. I previously had other things on this list to keep people safe but as the years have gone on I decided to remove some things. Just know it’s a great place to visit and even buy a condo.

As an American tourist myself I can honestly say Cozumel is very safe for Americans and any other foreigner to visit and walk around safely any time of day. If you just stay on the cruise ship or in the resort you’re missing out. The cool bars come alive at night and during the day activities like parasailing are a quick and safe way to get some u forgettable memories under your belt. 

Cozumel is a tourist island and American tourists make up the largest chunk of visitors. Everywhere you look you will see an American traveler. You will also see any of these four types of police presence:

• Local Policia
• Marina Police
• Federal Police 
• National Guard

They are constantly driving around showing us we can relax, walk and shop peacefully. Their biggest source of revenue is tourism making us Americans their most valuable commodity whether we like it or not. The island’s economy runs on money we bring for tours, food, hotels and lodging.

If you’re staying at an all inclusive resort you will get the chance to get to know the resort workers personally and learn they make just $2/day working there so the jobs that allow them to meet American tourists are highly coveted because they pay so well(tips).

Lastly, when you see how the native community lives you will feel safer instantly. For this reason I encourage you if you’re staying for more than a 8- hour port call to rent a vehicle and REALLY explore the island. It’s really a calm, relaxed environment. Fathers dropping their daughters off to school. Families piling onto a scooter to grab a late night bite to eat. 

Speaking of food, I tried over 36 restaurants both in the main Centro area and .5 miles away from the ferry where the owners were a wife and husband who turned their garage into a dining area. This was my #2 favorite place but the food is unmatchable to what you typically see near the ferry.

The photo above is from there. I forgot the owners name but they were the sweetest couple and the most flavor packed authentic tacos. As you can see the locals are the frequent customers. If you’re looking for an authentic experience you have to get my Cozumel Food Guide. With my favorite top 8 local hidden gems.

 

Is It Safe To Drink The Water In Cozumel

No, you should not drink the water directly from the tap in Cozumel. While the island’s water supply is treated, contamination can occur in the distribution pipes or in the holding tanks of individual buildings. Not even the locals drink the water from the faucets. 

Hotels and established restaurants use purified water to make ice, and it is safe to use tap water for showering and general washing, but use bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth.

For this reason, the safest practice is to always drink bottled water or purified water, which is widely available and used by everyone. If you want to learn more about the legal drinking age in Cozumel or of your curious about eating and drinking in Cozumel the article covers that too.

 

What not to do in Cozumel

For a safe and enjoyable trip, here are a few key things to avoid in Cozumel, based on common tourist concerns:

• Don’t Use Credit/Debit Cards – Conversion rates are hidden in the sale and are often higher than normal. Use cash if possible.
• Don’t Drink the Tap Water – Stick to bottled or purified water for drinking and brushing your teeth.
• Don’t Touch Marine Life – Avoid touching the coral or other marine life while snorkeling or diving.
• Don’t Flash Valuables – Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics to prevent opportunistic theft.
• Don’t Rent Mopeds – if Inexperienced Opt for taxis or reputable transportation, as mopeds can be risky.
• Don’t Buy from Questionable Street Vendors Be cautious when buying goods from street vendors.
• Don’t Engage in Illegal Activities – Avoid any involvement with illegal substances.

For a complete guide to avoiding tourist traps and common mistakes, be sure to read our full article: 11 Things To Avoid In Cozumel

 

Is Cozumel safer Than Cancun

Yes, Cozumel is widely considered a safer destination for tourists than Cancun. Cozumel is a smaller island community that relies heavily on tourism, leading to a much lower overall crime rate, especially violent crime.

Cozumel has more of a relaxed, dive focused and family-oriented environment. Cancun has a bigger party scene that can lead to routier behavior and more incidents. So it depends on what kind of trip your going for. Playa del Carmen has a great night scene id that’s your thing.

 

Is It Safe To Eat In Cozumel?

Yes, eating local cuisine and drinking prepared drinks (including cocktails) is safe in Cozumel. When it comes to eating and drinking in Cozumel, the island has a plethora of options ranging from high-end restaurants to local street food and of course a seemingly unlimited supply of tequila.

They store and prepare food largely differently than in developed countries such as the US. The hygiene standards are above average but not stellar if you ask me. I still highly recommend you drink bottled or purified water.

Be careful not to indulge heavily in things you don’t already typically eat at home. Eating too much fresh fruit or things your not used to can give you the runs. To Avoid getting sick make sure to wash your hands often, and be mindful of what you eat and drink.

 

Eggs sit on shelves at room temperature and are completely healthy to eat. Fun Fact

 

Is it safe at night?

Cozumel is not just safe during the day, you can feel safe at night also. The place where you will feel safest is in or near Centro. Street food vendors setup. Families setup tents to sell souvenirs.

The bars around the Cozumel Centro start to come alive with karaoke. Around this time the cruise ships will have left. Just read this persons comment on Reddit 

Night time is a better experience because the main brick and mortar shops close up. They are the more “pesty” sales people always pulling you into their shops. During this time you can just enjoy your stroll.

You will see Americans who live here a couple months a year or people like staying in a airbnb just casually exploring. What’s surprising is seeing entire families piled onto a scooter to get a bite to eat at their favorite food spot. 

If street food is what you seek this will be your treasure trove. Prices are cheap and food uniqueness is high! Below I ordered a fried egg that would be stuffed with Nutella. I can’t remember the formal name but you will taste some insanely unique food combinations that are well deserved when on vacation.

There isn’t a lot to choose from because the island’s locals are fairly “ sleepy”. Even cozumels dry weather in December can’t make this island party crazy. They aren’t big on parties, or drinking. Therefore there aren’t bad people to worry about preying on intoxicated tourists.

There nothing whole to worry about here it is just as safe to walk around Cozumel during the night as it is during the day. More peaceful and authentic to! 

 

Safest Time to Visit Cozumel

The safest time to visit Cozumel is during the dry season. This is the best time to visit Cozumel mexico. So we covered crime, now you want to know if Cozumel Mexico safe from natural disasters. Yes, the weather is traditionally safe in Cozumel. The only natural disaster that applies to Cozumel is a hurricane. The last hurricane to hit Cozumel was Hurricane Wilma in 2005.

It was the most intense tropical cyclone ever recorded in the Atlantic basin according to highly trusted Wikipedia. The local authorities are well-prepared to handle these situations that come up with early detection, and procedures for evacuating visitors from the island. 

Honestly, when I booked my first trip to Cozumel in 2019, my 1st concern (after I booked my ticket) was “Uh-oh, when is Cozumel’s Hurricane Season?” So I frantically searched Google and found out Cozumel’s Hurricane Season is from June to October. The National Weather Service has published a comprehensive list to prepare for a hurricane. A good resource for tracking weather is Accuweather.

 The last one to hit the island was in 2005, yes 18 years ago! So don’t worry the chances are very low you will be greeting a hurricane anytime soon.

 

Is It Safe to Walk Around Cozumel?

Yes, walking around Cozumel is very safe, especially in the tourist-frequented areas located on the West side of the island. Numbeo rates walking in Cozumel as 90% during the day and 68% at night. This sate was updated the 14th of August 2025.

Here’s my opinion. During my stay, I spent my every morning and evening walking when I wasn’t riding the scooter hehe. Early before the solicitors/salespeople are out and late in the day long after they are packed up for the night.

 

It was comfortable, with no presence of gangs, cartels, or sketchy people. At night, you’ll see couples giggling, holding hands walking down the street, or groups of locals standing outside a local drinking spot. Your biggest worry while walking is getting sunburnt. This includes the area near the Ferry, Cruise Port, Resorts, and Cozumel’s Downtown area. 

Local Safety Measures

One of the key safety measures in place by Cozumels local authorities is no drinking in public. In order to keep travelers safe and in check the police do not allow open intoxicants out on the street.

For Example: you can’t get a drink at a local bar and walk down the street with it legally.S

Best Way To Get Around Cozumel

The safest and most recommended transportation option for tourists in Cozumel is licensed taxis or private shuttle service. Taxies are the safest way to get around. Key Recommendation: Taxis are regulated, convenient, and the safest choice for short trips and transfers from the airport or cruise port. 

Alternative Safe Option: Renting a car or Jeep provides the protection of a four-wheeled vehicle and is ideal for exploring the less-traveled areas of the island. Consider it as a way to get around.

Taxis are easy to hail, reasonably priced, and convenient. There are many ways to traverse the island, with many taxi drivers, my personal favorite being the Scooter Rental, but that isn’t for everyone. When taking an official taxi agree on the fare before starting your journey to avoid any misunderstandings. Pesos or US Dollars are acceptable.

 

Is Cozumel Safe From The Cartel

Yes. The presence of drug cartels in Cozumel is practically nonexistent. There is no Cozumel Cartel, nor has there ever been any proof of it. Unlike the rest of Mexico, the island shows no presence of the common activities associated with the Cartels such as (drugs, and human trafficking.)

There is very little if any known illegal Cartel activity in Cozumel. You don’t hear about it on the news with phrases such as “Cozumel Cartel”, or from people who have traveled which is a good thing. So is there a cartel in Cozumel? No, there is no evidence of it

Dangerous Animals in Cozumel

While Cozumel has its share of wildlife, dangerous encounters are rare. Read our are there dangerous animals in Cozumel article. If any, the ocean is the home of the most dangerous unknown wildlife… jellyfish! Respect the wildlife, give them space and you will have a wonderful time safely exploring the island above and below the water.

Swimming Safety Tips:

Five years ago I almost died Swimming in Cozumel on the shore of the all inclusive Secrets Aurora with my fiance. Please, please read the story and learn about best beach for snorkeling in Cozumel and the dangers that come with them. Cozumel is generally safe for adults and kids to swim any time of year.

It’s also the primary reason for many seeking the incredible underwater views. Pay attention to weather conditions and heed any warnings from flags put up by local authorities. The flags will give you indications of the conditions for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. 

Here is a little video to show you just how fast ocean fun can turn dangerous even in a beautiful place like Cozumel.

 

More Cozumel Safety Tips

For your Cozumel Excursions and activities make sure to research first: If you’re planning to indulge in activities when you visit like the best Cozumel parasailing excursion, or super fun, guided ATV tours, always opt for reputable and certified operators.

If you are planning a trip to Cozumel, it is a good idea to register with the U.S. State “STEP” Program. How to enroll in the Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. This will allow the U.S. government to contact you in the event of an emergency.

Check online reviews and ask for recommendations to ensure they demonstrate normal precautions and guidelines and have the necessary safety equipment Make sure you arrive on time because the cozumel zone can be a little confusing. Exercise increased caution when booking with small companies with less than 10 reviews. Looking into travel insurance isn’t a bad idea

Watch Your Belongings at the Beach

Cozumel’s beaches are stunning, but they can also get crowded You don’t have to worry much about petty crime here. Still, keep a close eye on your belongings, or even better, bring only essentials and leave valuables locked up at your accommodation. Truth is cozumel is safe, but you are more likely to have your belongings stolen by another vacationer before a local. Why, it’s simple the workers have more to lose.

Learn Basic Spanish Phrases

While many locals speak English, especially in tourist areas, learning a few basic Spanish phrases can go a long way in keeping you just slightly safer. After all, knowing exactly what the locals are saying will definitely increase your situational awareness. 

Imagine, a local gives you directions to the local restaurant and you interpret them wrong and now your driving around on a scooter for an additional 30 minutes trying to read street signs, determine where you are, and make wrong turns down a one-way. This could easily make your time less safe unknowingly.

It also shows respect for the local culture and can be incredibly helpful in situations where English isn’t as commonly spoken. They can tell when you are making an effort and that appreciate it. I used Babbel.com to learn Spanish. I no pro, but I can definitely get around the Spanish culture more comfortably.

Respect Local Customs and Laws

Every place has its own set of rules and customs, and Cozumel is no different. So for a safe and enjoyable experience, be respectful of the Mexican island. Respect the local traditions, and adhere to laws, and you’ll find the locals are more than willing to help and welcome you. Not, if you are rude, driving down one way in the wrong direction.

Doing these two things and visiting cozumel will be an awesome experience. So of you feel safe and have your questions answered head to our activity page to book your Cozumel parasailing adventure!