KEY POINTS
- Over 7,000 troops deployed across Cancún, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Cozumel as part of 'Operation Summer Vacation 2025'
- Mexican government aims to protect 2 million expected summer tourists amid rising concerns over cartel activity
- US State Department issues Level 2 advisory, urging travellers to exercise increased caution in Quintana Roo
Cancún and the Riviera Maya are once again bustling with sun-seeking tourists this summer. But amid the piña coladas and turquoise waves, visitors are being greeted by a more unusual sight: Armed military patrols.
The Mexican government has rolled out Operation Summer Vacation 2025, deploying more than 7,000 troops and security personnel to Quintana Roo, home to top holiday hotspots like Cancún, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Cozumel. The goal? To reassure tourists and clamp down on cartel violence and crimes that have marred Mexico's tourism image in recent years.
A Summer of Sand, Sun—and Soldiers
'We will not tolerate abuses, illegal fees, or practices that harm individuals,' said Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa in a recent press briefing. 'To our tourism service providers, I reiterate: you are the best ambassadors of our state. Your conduct, your ethics, and your commitment will make the difference.'
The governor's message is clear: The government is taking security seriously during what is expected to be one of the busiest tourist seasons in years. With more than 2 million visitors expected between July and October, Operation Summer Vacation 2025 marks Mexico's largest coordinated seasonal security deployment to date.
The operation features a comprehensive presence on land, sea, and air, which includes National Guard troops, Navy and Army units. In addition, state and local police patrol hotel zones, beaches, and city centres.
Security or Stressor?
But not everyone is convinced the show of force will calm nerves.
'You're sitting on a beach looking at soldiers. I'm worried about something happening. That really works against the concept of a vacation,' said Michael Brown, a former DEA Senior Special Agent and current global director of counter-narcotics at Rigaku Analytical Devices.
'If I'm sitting on a beach looking at the armed military, is that really going to make me relax?' he added.
Brown warns that although tourist zones like Cancún are lucrative and heavily guarded, they still represent 'an easy opportunity' for organised crime, particularly robbery and assault.
US Travel Advisory: 'Exercise Increased Caution'
The US State Department has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Quintana Roo, urging American citizens to remain vigilant due to risks such as property crime, scams, and isolated incidents of violence. While not all threats are directed at tourists, cartel-related activity has, in some cases, harmed bystanders.
The US Embassy in Mexico advises avoiding downtown areas after dark, sticking to well-lit zones, and using hotel-arranged transport rather than hailing random taxis.
Travel Tips for Staying Safe in Paradise
Brown offers practical advice for those travelling to Mexico this summer:
- Use hotel-vetted transportation and verify your driver's ID and license plate.
- Carry a GPS tracker, preferably in a discreet accessory, and check in with family back home.
- Stick to resort zones at night, especially if travelling solo or in small groups.
- Never accept drinks from strangers and consume only those opened in front of you.
- Leave jewellery, designer items, and large sums of cash on the ship or in your hotel safe.
'Have a plan,' Brown said. 'Your awareness has to increase significantly the moment you step off that plane.'
Worth the Risk?
Despite the headlines and heightened military presence, Mexico remains one of the most popular travel destinations for British and American tourists alike. For many, the allure of its white sand beaches, historic ruins, and world-class cuisine outweighs the risks.
But as Brown emphasises, 'Personal vigilance is the best protection you have. Don't depend on soldiers alone to keep you safe.'
As travellers plan their summer getaways to Cancún and beyond, it's worth remembering that paradise comes with its own precautions — and sometimes, a military escort.
