Is Playa Mia (Cozumel) safe these days?

[Princesca]

We are cruising this spring to the Western Caribbean and have signed up for the Cozumel beach break at Playa Mia. We've never done DCL before, or any of the excursions, and given the recent violence against tourists in Mexico, and travel advisories from the state department, is it still safe? We're a larger group, four adults and three kids aged 2-5. My assumption is that you get on the bus at port and it takes you right there and back, so it feels pretty safe, but everything makes me more nervous now that I have a kid.

I've also always heard that Mexican authorities are super vigilant at the primary tourist destinations (since that's where the money is) but cartel violence just seems especially bad, lately. And this is Mexico City, but my manager (who is Mexican) said her friend was kidnapped on the way to work and ransomed, and that that is actually fairly common now. White collar workers are targeted because they have cash for ransom but aren't as problematic as high profile people.

Also, is it safe to walk around the port and shops at Cozumel and Costa Maya nowadays too?

 

[karen4546]

We are cruising this spring to the Western Caribbean and have signed up for the Cozumel beach break at Playa Mia. We've never done DCL before, or any of the excursions, and given the recent violence against tourists in Mexico, and travel advisories from the state department, is it still safe? We're a larger group, four adults and three kids aged 2-5. My assumption is that you get on the bus at port and it takes you right there and back, so it feels pretty safe, but everything makes me more nervous now that I have a kid.

Also, is it safe to walk around the port and shops at Cozumel and Costa Maya nowadays too?

I walked around all the shops-even the alley shops.... Now, with small children, I may stick to the ones closest to the port. We went to the grocery store (it was HUGE and sold appliances, bikes, sort of like a Walmart) and bought all kinds of candy, cookies and other snacks and Mezcal. They have the vanilla also.

We also went to Cozumel Rum company and bought rum in beautiful bottles and rum cakes.

 

[WEDcryoHEAD]

It is a resort town, built on and dependent upon tourist dollars. As long as you don't stray too far off the beaten path and are careful not to flash too much money or have high dollar jewelry on than you should be just fine. I don't think you will be kidnapped and held for ransom by a cartel if you look like tourist Jane trying to buy some liquor and souvenirs.

 

[nancipants]

You are walked from the ship through the port area and to the bus.

On the way back, we were left off at the same place but left to walk through the port area by ourselves. It was very built up and I didn't feel unsafe, plus since everyone got off the busses at the same time, there was a good amount of people walking back to the ship.

The only thing I didn't like was walking by all the shops and stalls because the sellers saw my toddler son and immediately started holding things up to grab his attention. I just kept saying "no more toys" and rushed him through. But I didn't feel unsafe, just annoyed, lol.

 

[yowcruiser]

Never felt unsafe in Cozumel. It's an island, slightly removed from the mainland - but I definitely understand the worries/concerns

 

[ambula603]

So glad you posted this, as I was coming to the forum with these questions! We are also doing an excursion in Progreso to the Mayapan Ruins and cenote swim, and I am feeling a little anxious. I have never been to Mexico before, but have been to other ports and other countries. So I plan to dress modestly and stick with a group!

 

[Geomom]

Cozumel is extremely safe, completely different from the mainland. You shouldn't have any issues at Playa Mia. We were there as part of the Mayan ruins, chocolate, and beach break tour back in June. The shop area at port that we walked through to get to the ship seemed fine too.

 

[MickeyMouseLove]

Thank you for posting this. I, too, have concerns for Cozumel and also Costa Maya and was looking for current experiences in those ports. Also wondering if the cruise lines will put any restrictions or advisories or new plans in place.

Thanks for the insight on Cozumel. I know it is an island but I didn't know how much that insulates it from cartel violence. In Costa Maya I booked the excursion to the Mayan ruins, but am thinking of canceling since it is an hour drive inland from the port and is on the mainland. Like some of you, my concern for the others I am traveling with (both young and old) is giving me extra pause.

 

[llachance]

As much as we don't like to admit it - some of our cities are as violent as the cities in Mexico. I have never felt unsafe there even walking around solo in Mexico City. Be aware of your surroundings and you should be fine. As one previous poster said - the tourist towns need the money from tourists and will take great care to insure their safety.

 

[auntlynne]

 

[otten]

If DCL has even the slightest inkling that a port might pose a risk they won't port there.

 

[Sykes]

If DCL has even the slightest inkling that a port might pose a risk they won't port there.

You can't really rely on DCL to make these kinds of risk assessments for you. While they won't port somewhere that has widespread riots or violence, they are absolutely porting areas that many would consider to be unsafe. Ensenada has a Level 3 travel warning from the state department right now and DCL is still heading there. While that might not exceed my own risk tolerance, the same might not be true for others.

IMO, Cozumel (and pretty much all of Quitana Roo) is quite safe at the moment. Talking about safety in Mexico City when evaluating travel to Cozumel is a lot like being worried about visiting Orlando because you heard about violence in Los Angeles--they're just completely different areas.

 

[tvguy]

There is a travel advisory from the state department due to crime and kidnappings.

https://travel.state.gov/content/tr...exico-travel-advisory.html#Quintana Roo state