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Travel Advice

What to Do in a Cancun Earthquake or Tsunami Warning

By C-Point Editorial · Published

Update: Based on official guidance cited above; does not include unverified Cancun-specific sirens, routes, or shelter locations.

For tourists in Cancun, the key rule is simple: treat a strong coastal earthquake as a tsunami risk and move away from the shore right away. For the earthquake itself, protect yourself during shaking, then follow official instructions and building evacuation routes.

If the ground starts shaking

Stay calm and follow Protección Civil guidance. If you are inside a building, do not use the elevator; use stairs instead. If you are driving, pull over and stop safely.

If you feel a strong coastal quake or hear a tsunami warning

Leave the beach and low-lying areas immediately. Do not wait for an official tsunami alert before moving to safety. Tsunami waves can arrive in minutes, and the sea may pull back first.

If you are in a hotel, condo, or beach rental

Use the property's evacuation route and follow posted tsunami signage. Coastal hotels and similar properties are expected to have evacuation plans, routes, and signage. Follow the building’s posted evacuation route and move inland or to higher ground.

After the shaking stops

Be ready for aftershocks. Do not light flames or use electrical switches until gas leaks have been ruled out. Trust official information and ignore rumors.

What to keep in a 72-hour kit

SEMAR and CENAPRED frame preparedness around being self-sufficient for about 72 hours. SEMAR’s kit list includes water, nonperishable food, a light source, first aid, medicines, and passports or IDs. SEMAR also says to store at least 5 liters of water per person per day.

Who to call

Mexico’s emergency number is 911 for medical, security, and civil protection emergencies.

SituationWhat to doWhat to avoid
Earthquake shakingStay calm, follow Protección Civil, use stairs, and pull over if driving.Do not use elevators.
Strong coastal quake or tsunami warningLeave the beach and low areas immediately and move inland or to higher ground.Do not wait for an official alert.
Hotel or beach rentalFollow the building’s evacuation route and posted signage.Do not assume the safest exit is obvious.
Earthquake vs tsunami warning: what to do

Common questions

+What should I do first if the ground starts shaking in Cancun?

Stay calm, follow Protección Civil guidance, and use stairs instead of elevators. If you are driving, pull over and stop safely.

+Should I wait for an official tsunami warning?

No. If you feel a strong coastal quake, leave the beach and low areas immediately.

+What if I am in a hotel or beach rental?

Follow the building’s evacuation route and posted signage, and move inland or to higher ground.

+What should be in a 72-hour emergency kit?

SEMAR’s list includes water, nonperishable food, a light source, first aid, medicines, and passports or IDs. SEMAR also says to plan for at least 5 liters of water per person per day.

+What emergency number should tourists call in Mexico?

Call 911 for medical, security, and civil protection emergencies.

How this answer was researched

Used only the supplied official Mexican civil protection and SEMAR/CENAPRED sources to extract earthquake, tsunami, evacuation, emergency number, and 72-hour preparedness guidance.

Data collected 10 October 2026. Facts last checked 10 October 2026.

Sources

  1. CENAPRED – Tsunamis, un riesgo poco frecuente pero siempre presente
  2. CENAPRED – Qué es un tsunami y cómo se produce
  3. SEMAR CAT – ¿Cómo me puedo preparar ante un tsunami?
  4. SEMAR Plan Marina – Medidas preventivas
  5. CENAPRED – Mochila de emergencia para 72 horas
  6. CENAPRED – Qué hacer en caso de sismo
  7. Gobierno de México – Qué es el 911
  8. CENAPRED – Recomendaciones ante rumores de sismos
  9. CENAPRED – Qué hacer después de un sismo
  10. Protección Civil – Guía para saber qué hacer en caso de sismo

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