Whenever one plans a trip, safety is always a concern. Within areas of Mexico, especially, reports lead tourists to believe that Mexico is an unsafe place to visit, and that there is considerable risk associated with traveling to any area of the country. Cozumel, however, is a great exception. Compared to other areas of Mexico – in fact, compared to other areas of the world – Cozumel is a safe location that is great for both long and short term visits.

Crime in Cozumel

Violent crime is nearly unheard of in Cozumel. The government recognizes the island’s value, and it is under constant monitoring by both Mexican police and special tourist police designed to watch out for safety on the island. The inhabitants of Cozumel also have acceptable incomes and were raised under strict conservative, religious principles, that has resulted in very little violent crime. Indeed, many of the inhabitants of Cozumel were tourists that moved to Cozumel specifically so that they could raise their children in a safe environment.

There is still some crime in Cozumel. Non-violent break-ins do occur, as do small, petty thefts such as stealing purses left unattended. But overall the numbers of these crimes are minor, and though you should be careful to watch your things at all times, you are going to be very safe on a trip to Cozumel.

Food and Water in Cozumel

Like many areas of Mexico, especially within the Yucatan channel, you should never drink the tap water. It is simply not very safe, and though it is filtered in general, that filtration is not nearly effective enough to warrant drinking it.
In addition, it is ill advised to buy food from street vendors. Street vendors often use tap water to clean their foods, which can cause the same types of illness. Restaurants that offer buffets also rarely follow proper procedure to reduce bacterial buildup, so you should probably also refrain from buffets unless you are arriving soon after the food as been cooked. You should also wash all produce in an iodine water bath.

Medical Facilities

There are a variety of very good medical facilities in Cozumel. Check beforehand to make sure your insurance covers these hospitals – most insurers do – and you should be all set in the event of a health concern. Numbers of hospitals can be found below:

• Cozumel Medical Center – 987-872-9400
• Clinica San Miguel – 987-872-6194 or 872-0103
• Cozumel Red Cross: 987-872-1058
• DAN Hyperbaric Chamber – 987-872-1430

Overall Safety

Though you will want to watch out for food and water, safety in Cozumel is some of the best in Mexico. Basic precautions should be taken, but overall you will struggle to find a safer area – or a safer island.