Is Tulum safe in 2023?
All things considered, Tulum is very safe! The resort town has a high security presence and cartels tend to keep a lower profile. Solo travelers should be sure to stay in the tourist zone, keep their bags close and be careful in the party scene. The sparkling beach town is well worth a visit, even considering security concerns.
Tulum Safety Overview
What the U.S. Department of State Says
The U.S. State Department has labeled Tulum’s home state, Quintana Roo, as Level Two “Exercise Increased Caution.” It is in good company, other countries with the same rating include the United Kingdom and Germany.
The State Department warns that, “travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations.” I could not agree more. Anyone traveling to Mexico should pack a good dose of common sense!
What Do Statistics Say?
Tulum’s homicide rate is 10.6 per every 100,000 inhabitants (2022), which is significantly higher than that of the broader state of Quintana Roo which is 3.7. The majority of these homicides are likely due to personal matters, though the cartel’s lurking presence in the city likely also contributes to the homicide rate.
For some context, Tulum’s homicide rate is comparable with that of Denver, Colorado (10.1 per 100,000). Other U.S. cities have higher homicide rates: 33 per 100,000 in Atlanta, Georgia and 19 per 100,000 in Dallas, Texas.
Violence occurs everywhere. Don’t let the fear of the unknown stop you from traveling alone!
Are Cartels in Tulum?
There are multiple cartels in Tulum. “Multiple” being the problem. The different cartels war over control the city. Cartel disputes are mostly unseen by tourists. But there have been reports of bodies being dumped, cartel threats to local government, and even cartels using tourism to launder money.
When you avoid activities associated with cartels — such as buying drugs — you decrease the likelihood of a run-in with the cartels in Tulum.
Navigating Cartel Shootouts
Cartel shootouts are rare. But, they are serious threat to travelers in Tulum.
Most shootouts occur on the outskirts of the city. But, occasionally, they happen in touristy areas. For example, two women foreigners were killed in 2021 in a restaurant shootout in the center of the city. Three other European tourists were wounded.
Staying within touristy zones of the city is the best way to avoid cartel shootouts. Even so, remaining aware of your surroundings is crucial.
If you do find yourself in an active shootout, the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation recommends the ‘Run, Hide, Fight’ tactic:
- Look around for alternate exits.
- Lock and barricade a door if hiding is the best option.
- Keep hands empty and visible when exiting a building.
- Only fight as a last resort, organizing with others to improvise weapons.
This FBI safety video is a great example on how to navigate a shootout.
What Solo Female Travelers Should Expect
Catcalling
Locals don’t report much street harassment in Tulum. But women do report being catcalled while en route to a party or nightclub. These unwanted comments are harmless in most cases. However, local friends have told me stories of being followed home.
If this happens to me, I beeline the closest store and ask the staff not to let the stalker in. Then, I call a car or taxi to come pick me up.
Is Tulum safe at night?
Many women report feeling safe walking around Tulum after dark. The hotel zone is especially safe for groups, due to increased police presance. But, I tend to air on the side of caution and take a taxi if alone.
Are Tulum’s resorts safe for women?
Resorts are statistically the safest place for women in Tulum. But all-inclusive resorts carry their own risks. Women have reported sexual assaults and drink-spiking while at resorts. Here are some tips to decrease the likelihood of these threats:
- Don’t give out your room key. Women have reported being sexually assaulted after being offered an escort to their room. In multiple accounts, the staff member asked the victim for their room key.
- Use a doorstop with alarm. Use a door stop with an alarm to prevent people from entering your room while you sleep.
3. Watch your drink(ing). Tulum is an upscale party town. Women should enjoy the nightlife. But keep an eye on your beverage & don’t lose consciousness. Many incidents occur while the victim was under the influence. Drink spiking is always a concern for women traveling alone. Nightcap gives me peace of mind while dancing.
Navigating Tulum’s Party Scene Alone
Tulum offers a more upscale clubbing experience when compared to nearby Cancun or Playa del Carmen. Club goers are very friendly, often striking up conversation with strangers. This makes Tulum an ideal place to explore the nightlife alone.
Finding Friends
Packing around with fellow travelers gives you strength in numbers. Making friends in Tulum is as easy as handing out a compliment or asking what someone’s reading. But be careful who you decide to spend time with. Never give someone your room key or valuables.
Watch for Wandering Hands
Men often touch women’s bodies unwarranted. Women report that men in nightclubs grabbed their arm, waist, or even other body parts in an attempt to get their attention. In my experience, it is best to swat them away or give them a menacing glare if you’re not interested. If they start to crowd your personal space, a good foot-stomp may be in order.
Romantic Expectations
Tulum is an ideal backdrop for a vacation romance. When pursuing a connection in Mexico, it is easy to get confused.
These are the guidelines I personally follow:
- Don’t go home with them unless you want some type of sexual encounter. In many cultures, there is an expectation of sex upon agreeing to moving to a more private location — especially in the nightclub scene. So if you don’t want anything physical, insist on staying in public.
- Don’t stare. In Mexico, prolonged eye contact is seen as an invitation to strike up a conversation. Avoid long glances or staring if you’re not interested in talking with someone.
- Don’t let them pay for everything. Women have reported that men who have paid the woman’s way through the Tulum club scene have felt entitled to their bodies, leading to unwanted touching. Some men view footing the bill as a debt to be paid later. Careful with who you accept generosity from.
Maintain Awareness
Shootouts occur in bars and restaurants. In May 2023, a woman was killed in a bar shootout in the center of Tulum. Being aware of your surroundings is crucial in life or death situations. When you enter an establishment, note all the potential exits. Note anybody that seems sketchy. Immediately leave the establishment if you notice that someone is carrying a firearm.
10 Safety Tips For Solo Female Travelers in Tulum
1. Stay Conscious
Many bad situations occur after a woman alters her state of consciousness. This includes drinking the the point of throwing up or blacking out, which leaves women traveling alone even more vulnerable to bad actors. Staying aware of your surroundings is the best gift you can give yourself.
2. Be Aware of Cartel Developments
A few days before your trip, do a quick Google search to make sure cartel activity is still low in Tulum. Doing a quick search will let you know if it is still safe to go, or if something has changed. Set your search timeframe to the ‘past month.’
Copy and paste these search queries —
- [cartel + tulum + shootouts]
- [cartel + activity + tulum]
- [tulum + security]
3. Share Your Location
Give a friend access to your phone’s location and general itinerary. Ask them to check in every now and then to make sure you are where you need to be. This is especially helpful on days when you’re moving locations. Knowing that someone is looking out for you offers peace of mind.
4. Avoid the Illicit
Small-scale drug dealers are a stepping stone away from powerful cartels. It is best practice to avoid buying drugs while in Tulum. Not to mention, it is illegal to do so. Spending any amount of time with drug dealers could have you in the crossfire of a cartel turf war.
5. Carry a Copy of Your Passport
Mexico’s cartels avoid harming tourists. They don’t want the security crackdown that comes with bad press. If you find yourself in a sticky situation with the cartels, having proof of your citizenship may help. This is especially important for foreigners who speak good Spanish or could pass for Mexican, Latin American or Haitian.
6. Don’t Wear Flashy Jewelry
Even fake gold or silver can make you a target for petty theft. In April 2023, thieves killed a man in a Tulum shopping mall while trying to steal his Rolex watch. The bling is not worth your life.
7. Trust Your Intuition
Intuition is your most powerful tool. Our bodies are evolutionarily wired to sense when something is off. Our gut alerts us in subtle ways: reoccurring thoughts, a sinking feeling in your stomach, or the hairs on the back of your neck. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to build your intuition like a muscle.
8. Use a Rip-Proof Bag
Petty theft is rampant in Tulum. Women are easier targets as they carry items in backpacks and purses (which can be easily lifted) while men tend to carry them in their pocket. To stump pickpockets, put your valuables in a rip-proof purse.
9. Dress However You Like
Some parts of Mexico dress conservatively. Tulum is not one of them. The style can be categorized as beach and bohemian. You won’t get stares for showing a little (or a lot of) skin.
10. Learn Basic Spanish
Understanding basic Spanish helps you avoid scams and better communicate. Most locals speak English as Tulum is quite touristy. But knowing the basics helps ensure they are understanding you correctly. I always learn common greetings, how to say yes and no, vocabulary for directions, and the numbers 1-10 before I travel anywhere new.
Common Scams
Photo Scam
Scammers exploit your kindness by asking you to take a photo, then dropping their phone during the handoff. They then demand money for the alleged damage. Don’t let scammers take advantage of your natural goodwill.
Fake Emergency Phone Call
Refuse requests from strangers wanting to use your phone for emergencies or simple inquiries like asking for the time. They will often steal your phone right out of your hands.
Credit-Card Skimming
Protect your credit card information by avoiding non-affiliated ATMs. In restaurants and bars, insist that the payment machine be brought to your table to keep your card within your sight.
Virtual Kidnapping
In this scam, strangers ask you to fill out a form or petition with your phone number. Later, you get a call claiming that a loved one has been kidnapped, asking for a ransom. While not a physical threat, this can be quite alarming. Do not give your phone number to people you don’t know. If this happens, immediately call the police and freeze your bank account.
Express Kidnapping
Under this scheme, fake taxi drivers drug or threaten you before driving you to ATMs to take out money. This scam does not usually target foreigners, but if you have decent Spanish you may be targeted. Do not hail taxis off the street or accept rides from taxis you did not arrange in advance.
Transportation Safety in Tulum
Car
Driving in Tulum is fine traffic-wise. But be aware that local police are known to pull over tourists at a higher rate, sometimes asking for bribes.
Walking
Walking is the best way to get to know Tulum intimately. But be careful! Cars act as if they have right-of-way, so don’t expect them to stop for you!
Car Service
As there is no Uber, many local car services have popped up to port tourists around the city and surrounding area. My personal favorite is the Tulum Transport Company.
Bus
The bus in Tulum is safe to use during the day, but I would personally avoid it at night due to the higher risk of theft.
Beach Safety in Tulum
When is hurricane season?
Hurricane season peaks in August and September. But it runs anywhere from June through November. Be sure to check the forecast ahead of your trip. While hurricanes rarely hit Tulum, they severely damage the infrastructure when they do. This can lead to blackouts and in extreme cases water shut-offs.
How to avoid seaweed in Tulum?
Seaweed invades Tulum’s beaches every hurricane season. The “sargassum” invasion, as its called in Spanish, is not dangerous. But it can make swimming more difficult, putting weak swimmers at risk. Also, it is not nice to have seaweed covering Tulum’s sparking beaches.
Are beaches safe at night?
Unless at an enclosed resort, I would avoid being on the beach at night. With fewer security personnel to patrol the area, it becomes a dangerous place to be found. Especially if alone.
Conclusion
Female travelers should be careful around the party scene, watch their purses and avoid illicit activity. But, overall, Tulum is a wonderful spot to travel alone. Aside from the rare violent incident, tourists rarely feel the presence of cartels. Solo female travelers with a good head on their shoulders should not let security concerns dissuade them from living it up in Tulum!