Cancun Deploys Drones to Crackdown on Illegal Beach Vendors

by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 1:50 PM ET, Sat January 11, 2025

If you’ve spent any time on a beach in Cancun, you’ve likely been approached by a vendor or two selling souvenirs.

Like it or not, it's a part of the beach-going experience. But that may not be the case for much longer.

State police have begun using drones to crack down on illegal street vendors, according to Riviera Maya News. The drones, which were already being used to monitor public areas, more recently were used to identify and arrest 24 illegal street vendors, per the publication.

The drones are being operated by members of the Itzamná drone group of the Secretariat of Citizen Security (SSC), Riviera Maya News reported.

The vendors who were arrested had been operating on the Cancun beaches and were selling items to tourists without the proper permits. Dubbed “pirates,” the illegal vendors have been known to offer everything from rentals for recreational vehicles to sales of products or services.

The two dozen arrests came after some 57 drone flights that took place last week over a 145 kilometer stretch of Quintana Roo coastline. About eight drone flights per day took place and 39 wanted individuals in total were identified.

“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,” the Secretaría de Seguridad Ciudadana (SSC) of Quintana Roo reported.

Travel advisors welcomed the news of the drone arrests.

“Not to paint all local vendors poorly, but I’ve heard many horror stories about things going wrong with a vendor while in destination,” Ryan Doncsecz, groups manager for VIP Vacations, told TravelPulse.

Doncsecz said such situations are exactly why travel advisors use reputable tour partners when planning extra activities for clients in-destination. Doing so helps to “avoid safety issues, price gouging, and even customer service relations for any pre- or post-issues,” adds Doncsecz.

 “While the topic of drones has been an interesting and somewhat troubling discussion here in the United States recently, what Mexico has decided to implement seems overwhelmingly positive,” continued Doncsecz. "Monitoring the beach areas, while enforcing proper licensing is a win-win.”

Like many other beachgoers, Doncsecz said he too has experienced frustrations with beach vendors. Particularly when they became too intrusive as Doncsecz was trying to relax on a vacation. “I almost felt the need to beg certain vendors to let me enjoy my beach day,” he notes.

Tyson Wharton, owner of Sioux Empire Travel, offered similar support for the new drone crackdown on unlicensed beach vendors.

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

But how will beachgoers who don’t like being bothered by vendors feel about drones flying overhead multiple times each day?

For some it may take time to adjust to, but Wharton says the trade-off is worth it.

“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,” said Wharton.

“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,” said Wharton. “It’s another example of how Cancun continues to prioritize the comfort and enjoyment of its visitors.”

The implementation of drones is one of many measures taken in the Quintana Roo region to improve the visitor experience in recent years. Located on the Yucatan peninsula’s east coast, a broad new slate of tourism infrastructure , new hotels, tours, archeological sites and programs focused on the region’s Maya history, have resulted in record visitor arrivals.