Cancun is amongst the safest places to travel in Mexico and is known throughout Mexico for its low crime rate. Other than the normal petty thievery frequent in all tourist destinations, major crime involving tourists in the tourists zones is almost non existent. Far more frequent is crime in Cancun City, on the mainland, north of Isla Cancun's famous Hotel Districts. The crime in Cancun City is predominantly a situation found in most large urban centers and involves crimes against the person among the locals citizens and theft. While violent crime does occur as in any city, it is certainly not a pervasive aspect of Cancun culture and society.

As in any major tourist destination, foreigners and locals alike should be aware of a few of the following situations and look to avoid them:

Cancun Airport Arrival/ Hucksters: avoid them like the plague when they offer timeshares, car rentals, free transportation etc. However, do grab the free entertainment guide packets w/ maps and coupons that they give out.

Rental Cars: A time honored Mexican ripoff, rent a car, get pulled over by police, pay bribe for speeding or worse, be declared intoxicated, pay bribe, pay towing fee, pay extra money to rental car agency, pay police bribe, then go get drunk for real via Taxi. While certain areas of Cancun and the Yucatan are very easily driven it's important for foreign tourists to understand the laws, signage and road system before making assumptions on driving in Mexico. Be sure that you have the proper automobile insurance, rental car papers and identification in possession and on hand in case of a police stop or an accident.  

Taxi Drivers: a great reasonably cheap transport service, especially when in a party of four. Always, prearrange rate/charge before entering the cab, never leave anything in a cab, be prepared to be overcharged late at night or in a remote area that has closed for the night. Not all, but many Taxi drivers will charge whatever they think they can get away with. Prices are posted in front of your hotel. if unclear talk with the doorman (it is his job). Also, it is more expensive to take a taxi to and from the Hotel Zone.Remember that the price charged includes the tip. Never, ever, leave anything in a Taxi, if you do it's history, 99% of the time. Contrary to belief, most Cancun Taxi Drivers are hard working men supporting families working long hours in doing so, they are usually honest, courteous and respectful.

Time Shares: don't buy them, it's as simple as that, they depreciate in value mainly because they were vastly overpriced anyway. If you must, buy it second hand at thousands below what the previous owner paid. Just then, you may get your dollars worth, maybe. Many people will buy timeshares each year, baited by free gifts, tours and incentives only to regret doing so a short time later. Educate yourself before you buy anything and don't think that you'll beat the timeshare sales professionals at their own game.

Para-Sailing: Looks like fun and is until the accident happens. Thousands do it safely but a small few every year don't make it home.

Water: Don't drink it outside hotel zone and even there avoid it. Drink bottled water, just as many of the locals do.  

Soft Drinks in cans or bottles a straw should be used. These items are sanitized with Mexican water. It is always best to be safe than sick for your vacation. Even the locals use straws...follow their lead.

The Beach and Surf: Scout out the area, ask the other guests, ask the workers, the manager but beware of severe surf and rock obstacles at many of the beaches. Even for good swimmers, divers and snorkelers the surf in Cancun at times can be very dangerous with unseen undertows while some resorts are often rife with dangerous rock formations unseen except from above. The Caribbean Sea is no place for unsupervised children, weak swimmers or intoxicated people. Every Resort in Cancun posts warning flags signifying surf condition every day, pay heed to them and don't take chances. The beaches are shallow and may look calm, but currents are strong and can overpower you. Do not take the risk!  Please be very aware of  your swimming weaknesses when snorkeling, even if you are an adult.  There have been cases of adult swimmers drowning while swimming to shore on the snorkeling tours.

Hidden Pricing: This one usually applies to discounted tours that seem like low price solutions. Most often they are set up with add ons not associated with the major tour operators. Quite frequently, they are sold part and parcel by the same folks offering time shares normally in the retail areas. Many of the tours will leave out many of the benefits of the major operators and leave the visitor with a bad experience that could have otherwise been avoided by spending a few extra pesos/dollars.

Shopping for Silver : Make sure the silver is properly stamped. Do not be taken in by unscrupulous vendors on the beach or the retail areas. There's hundreds of legitimate shops in Cancun that will sell you quality silver at a reasonable price. Almost all quality Mexican Silver is stamped .925 in the modern period.

 Nightlife/Clubbing: Cancun is a hotspot for clubbing and partying, but make sure you do it wisely. Clubs are overcrowded, fire safety is thrown out the window. Please, watch your drink all night! Family members have actually witnessed drinks beings spiked with drugs. Also, avoid open bar and stick to bottled drinks. Open bar use the cheapest liquor available (they refill high-quality liquor bottles with the cheap stuff) and some clubs have closed down because they put ether in the icecubes to make you drunk faster. Please, please have a safe vacation. Yucatan is so beautiful and has so much culture. The clubbing culture is by far the least attractive. As a resident, advise you to leave the clubs alone, enjoy the breathtaking beauty by day and buy a bottle of safe liquor and party in your hotel room by night.

 Above all, educate yourself before going to Cancun, Mexico or anywhere else for that matter. All that said, Cancun, the Isla's and the Yucatan are wonderful, friendly places that are stunning in their beauty while enchanting in their variety of people, culture and places to visit.