Cancun Launches Drones In Crackdown On Illegal Beach Vendors

Most travelers who have been to the beach in Cancun have likely been approached by vendors, selling souvenirs – it is all part of a beach experience. However, they aren’t always legal and now, Cancun has deployed drones in an effort to crack down on illegal beach vendors.

Cancun cracks down on illegal beach vendors

According to Riviera Maya News, Mexico’s state police have started using drones to crack down on illegal street vendors. However, while their focus was originally on the streets of Cancun, they now include the beaches, with 24 illegal street vendors recently identified and arrested. Meanwhile, according to the report, these drones are operated by the Itzamná drone group of the Secretariat of Citizen Security (SSC).

https://t.co/6zNiU8OG1y

— RIVIERA MAYA NEWS (@PeriodicoIngles) January 9, 2025

Those vendors arrested had been spotted on Cancun’s beaches selling souvenirs to tourists without the correct permits. These illegal vendors have been dubbed “pirates” and are known to offer everything from souvenirs to recreational rental vehicles, or sales of products or services.

Anti-vendor drone flights

These 24 arrests come after around 57 drone flights took place last week over a 145 km stretch of Quintana Roo coastline. Moreover, with eight drone flights per day, some 39 wanted individuals were identified in total.

The Secretaría de Seguridad Ciudadana (SSC) of Quintana Roo reported:

During this last week, surveillance, prevention and deterrence of crime was provided in the Hotel Zone of Cancun in support of the Tourist Police and as a result, the identification of 39 people was achieved of which 24 were arrested for street vending without the necessary permits.

Travel advisors welcome the news of the drone arrests

Meanwhile, travel advisors welcomed the news, including Ryan Doncsecz, Groups Manager for VIP Vacations who said:

Not to paint all local vendors poorly, but I’ve heard many horror stories about things going wrong with a vendor while in destination.

Meanwhile, Tyson Wharton, owner of Sioux Empire Travel also supported the use of drones to crack down on unlicensed beach vendors, saying:

As someone who frequently sells Cancun and the Riviera Maya, I think this move is a positive step toward enhancing the overall beach experience for travelers.

Tourists often mention how persistent beach vendors can be, so knowing this is being addressed will likely improve their time on the sand.

How do travelers feel about drones flying over them?

Beachgoers might not like drones flying over them several times a day, but many don’t want to be bothered by illegal beach vendors. Wharton said the trade-off is worth it, adding:

If this means fewer interruptions during a beach day and a greater sense of security, I think it’s a win for both the destination and the travelers.

“While the use of drones may catch some travelers off guard, it’s good to see Cancun taking proactive measures to ensure safety and maintain the relaxing atmosphere people come here for,” Wharton said. “It’s another example of how Cancun continues to prioritize the comfort and enjoyment of its visitors.”

Moreover, this latest security effort is one of many being taken in Quintana Roo to improve the visitor experience. Meanwhile, improvements in infrastructure and new hotels and tours have drawn record visitor numbers to Cancun.