Cancun has a lengthy background as one of the very best areas to commemorate Spring Break with university student gathering to its white-sand coastlines. But there are lots of points to do in Cancun besides showing off down the coastline or partying right into the wee hrs of the early morning. We’ve returned to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula over and over given that the year 1999 as well as we constantly locate something brand-new to see as well as do.
Cancun is the entrance to the Mayan Riviera with unlimited resorts stretching along the coastline of the Caribbean Sea watching out at its clear blue-green waters. There is a limitless listing of Cancun tasks to be had as well as we have actually done our ideal to attempt them all!
Top Things to do in Cancun
If you are intending a journey to Cancun see to it to leave your high-end resort to discover the elegance as well as society of this little piece of paradise in Mexico. So allow’s begin to assist you locate all the very best tasks in Cancun that will certainly make your journey a holiday to bear in mind.
Looking for transport from Cancun Airport to your resort? Check out eTransfers for the very best rates. They provide shuttle bus to the Hotel Zone, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, as well as all along the Mayan Riviera.
There is no question that many people publication at the very least among lots of outing from Cancun. With simple accessibility to the Mayan Riviera as well as southerly Caribbean Coast, a number of the leading points to do in Cancun are while out on adventures that leave from the Hotel Zone. We are mosting likely to discuss our favored outing from Cancun in addition to the very best points to do in the Hotel Zone.
For day scenic tours in Cancun, we utilize Get Your Guide. We utilize them for all our outing worldwide as well as have actually utilized them for a number of our Cancun trips. It uses transfers, tourist guide, as well as accessibility to a number of the leading areas to go to in Cancun with complete reimbursements if terminating within 24-hour of adventures. Plus, they take final reservations as well. We’ll be advising the Cancun scenic tours that we have actually done to assist take the uncertainty out of reservations for you.
If you are seeking suggestions on where to remain in Cancun, we have a whole blog post damaging down all the very best locations. Read a lot more at: Where to Stay in Cancun: Best Hotels as well as Areas For Every Budget
Best Things to do in Cancun – Hotel Zone
The Hotel Zone, (Zona Hotelera) is just one of one of the most preferred areas to remain in Cancun as well as with great factor. It is a limitless stretch of sand loaded with resorts lining the coastline. These are the very best points to do close to Cancun to delight in a day out where you don’t require to jump on a scenic tour bus or publication a trip from your resort. From watersports to an all-natural amusement park, Mayan damages to undersea rivers, you are mosting likely to fall for Cancun.
1. Stroll the Hotel Zone
Just strolling along the resort area of Cancun is a journey unto itself. This area is 22km (14 miles long) as well as loaded with dining establishments, bars, going shopping malls, as well as complete mega-resorts.
You don’t need to remain at a complete to have an enjoyable time, we when remained in a budget plan resort in midtown Cancun as well as had a lot enjoyable discovering by foot, delighting in the night life, as well as having an extra immersive experience.
2. Maya Ruins of El Rey
It might not be as large as Chichen Itza or as renowned as Tulum, however the El Rey Ruins is an appropriate Mayan ancient website near midtown Cancun. There are 47 damages to discover with a burial ground as well as old murals.
The celebrity destination of this website is the nest of iguanas that occupy the damages. They are utilized to individuals so the possibilities of seeing one is great! Not all site visitors to Cancun will certainly intend to take a bus trip for hrs to see Mayan Ruins, so this is the following ideal point.
3. Coco Bongo
If you are seeking enjoyable points to do in Cancun in the evening, you can most likely to a club as well as destroy the dancing flooring all evening long. Cancun is understood for its event scene as well as there are a great deal of clubs to event in however Coco Bongo is a club offering home entertainment consisting of acrobats, a light program, as well as gogo professional dancers. It’s really an extravaganza with a circus on steroids ambiance. It’s an all-night occasion so be planned for a hangover in the early morning.
Coco Bongo is just one of the lots of bars midtown. Other puts to go to for night life are Mandala, Congo Bar, Palazzo as well as naturally, you can never ever miss out on a chance to event it up at Senor Frogs!
4. Playa Delfines
Cancun coastlines are is renowned for their unlimited stretches of white sand. From the Cancun Riviera to Playa del Carmen, as well as Playa Mujeres, you’ll locate several of the very best coastlines in Mexico right here. The coastlines right before the resort area are amazing with soft white sand that takes place for days. Chances are when you go to Cancun, you’ll be remaining at a complete hotel with its very own coastline. But several of you might go to a resort on the shallows as well as others might intend to leave the hotel.
Playa Delfines is the only public coastline that is entirely devoid of resorts as well as dining establishments. It provides you that regional experience providing a quieter day out in the sunlight. There are cost-free coastline umbrellas to utilize as well as lifeguards working. It’s name claims everything, Playa Delphines converts to Dolphin Beach as well as you’ll have an excellent possibility of identifying dolphins right here.
Best Cancun Beaches
There’s absolutely nothing we like greater than strolling on the soft white sands for our early morning walk. What I like is how much time the coastlines remain in Cancun, we can stroll for hrs. Hotels have lovely coastlines straight off of the residential property as well as you can stroll from resort to resort to delight in the lovely setup. If you intend to go coastline jumping around Cancun, right here are several of the very best coastlines to absorb the sunlight near as well as around Cancun. Some of the very best coastlines besides Playa Delfines are are Playa Tortugas, Playa Forum as well as Playa Marlin.
Best Beaches Near Cancun for an excursion
Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres – normal Cancun Isla Mujeres ferryboats will certainly take you to this lovely coastline. Or you can schedule an Isla Mujeres excursion. This is an excellent island to go to from Cancun. This Isla Mujeres Tour takes you to the “Island of women to snorkel in its clear blue waters. Playacar Beach in Playa del Carmen – a great day trip from Cancun is to hang out in Playa del Carmen and it has a fantastic beach!Tulum Beach – When exploring the Mayan Ruins of Tulum, you often have a chance to relax on its beautiful beach. It has some of the most spectacular views in the Mayan Riviera.
5. Cancun Scenic Tower
If you aren’t blessed with a high hotel room facing the water, make your way to Torre Escenica (Aka Cancun Scenic Tower) for one of the best views in Cancun. Located just in from the Hotel Zone near Playa Tortugas, it has panoramic views where you’ll be able to see the rows of all-inclusive resorts, Cancun and the Caribbean Coast
6. Visit the Cancun Sign (Letras Cancún)
There’s no doubt that one of the most popular things to do in any destination these days is to get a selfie in front of the destination’s sign. Well, you’ll find a colorful Cancun sign like everywhere else on the planet waiting for you. It has fast become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cancun and is a must when checking off your list of Cancun activities. The famous Cancun sign is located on Playa Delfines. We have it pinned on our map above.
7. Museo Maya de Cancun (Mayan Museum)
If you want to add a little culture to your trip but don’t want to spend time on a bus going on a day trip to Tulum or Chichen Itza, you can get the Mayan ruin experience closer to the Hotel Zone at Museo Maya.
The Museo Museum in Cancun is a great place to learn about the history of the pre-Columbian Maya. As we get older, we enjoy going to museums be it in Cancun, or Paris France. We have learned that museums are a great complement to visiting places in real life.
If you are planning on visiting places like Tulum or Chichen Itza, this will help you understand the Mayan history and culture better before you go.It is a newer attraction opening in 2012 and is located right in the hotel zone.
8. Downtown Cancun
If you want to experience some real Mexican culture, make your way to downtown Cancun. The great thing about this area, is that hotels are much cheaper and most tours will pick you up at your hotel. This Modern 2-bed Apartment offers easy access to local markets, shopping districts, and restaurants from this modern apartment.
Avenida Tulum is the main street of Cancun that is filled with restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. It is here that you’ll find some of the best markets and shopping for a souvenir from your time in Mexico. If you want an authentic taco, this is the place to try Tacos al Pastor, (shepard style) Taqueria Coapenitos, (pub-style) This gastronomy walking tour takes you to 4 local Taquerias (taco restaurants) to sample local street food from local street vendors and a variety of flavorful tacos. Try a traditional beverage and a dessert.
9. Outdoor Markets Cancun
Cancun is a modern city with shopping malls, a Walmart and even a Costco. I don’t know about you, but when I travel, I want to visit more traditional markets.
One of many markets in Cancun is Mercado 28. It is an outdoor open-air market that sells souvenirs, crafts, and jewelry. It is a covered market so you won’t be scorched by the sun, but it has that traditional feel of an old flea market. Sharpen your bargaining skills and get ready to buy some Mexican souvenirs at discount prices. Market 23 is one of the most visited markets in the city as well.
Water Activities in Cancun
10. Tackle a Flyboard
If you are ready for a thrill of a lifetime, try flyboarding in Cancun’s hotel zone. There are only a handful of operators in Cancun that will let you fly over the water like a snowboarder.
Head out with an instructor on a wave runner for 30 minutes to help you get the hang of flying through the air! We didn’t have the nerve to do this, but we loved watching the crazy travelers try their hand at it.
11. Go Kayaking
Believe it or not, you don’t have to go far from downtown Cancun to experience a bit of nature. Nichupte Lagoon is a natural reserve near Cancun that has mangrove forests and seven lakes that you can go kayaking through its mangrove jungle.
There are also plenty of water sports to be had from taking boat tours through the jungle lagoon, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Nichupte Lagoon is a great way for visitors to experience a bit of the jungles of the Yucatan without having to go far.
12. SUP – Stand Up Paddleboarding
Most hotels in Cancun offer free stand-up paddleboarding with their packages and SUP along the coast is one of the best affordable activities in Cancun. The waters at Cancun’s hotel zone are calm making it a great place to give it a try. Stand up paddleboarding is a fun way to explore the coast and get a little exercise in.
You can even do some organized tours into the mangroves. When looking for fun activities in Cancun on the water consider as SUP trip, you may discover your new favorite hobby!
Part 2 Cancun Excursions
Some of the top things to din Cancun are actually day trips from Cancun. The waters surrounding Cancun are a playground for scuba divers, snorkelers and sailing trips. Whale sharks migrate through the area, and pristine islands are just short boat trips from the mainland.
13. Go Scuba Diving
The coral reef off the shore of the Riviera Maya and Cancun is one of the best in the world. In 1961 Jacques Cousteau discovered the magnificent diving here and declared the area as one of the most beautiful dive sites in the world. Thanks in part to the popularity of diving in these waters, they were declared a national marine park in 1996. This has allowed the reef to thrive and the wildlife to flourish, making for one of the most sensational diving experiences you’re likely to ever have.
Cozumel is the top spot in the Yucatan Peninsula for scuba diving, but you can book scuba diving tours from Cancun to explore its crystal clear waters with visibility reaching over 100 feet. Even if you are a beginner you can try scuba diving in Cancun. Many resorts offer PADI certification and explore dives.
14. Snorkeling with Whale Sharks and Sea Turtles
If you aren’t ready to go diving, snorkeling is one of our favorite things to do in Cancun. There are so many snorkeling experiences near Cancun. Isla Mujeres is one of the best places in the world to see sea turtles and just off the Yucatan Coast is one of the best places in the world to spot whale sharks. Swimming with whale sharks is hands down one of the most exciting activities in Cancun To see these gentle giants up close is one for the bucket list.
Swimming with Whale Sharks – This seasonal activity is a must. If you are in Cancun between May and October, be sure to book a tour to swim with Whale Sharks.
15. Rio Secreto Cenote
One of our favourite things to do in Cancun is to explore its many cenotes. The Riviera Maya is known for its underground rivers flowing through limestone caves, known as Cenotes and intrepid travelers will want to make sure to get into at least one on their visit to Cancun. There are so many Cenotes to visit near Cancun. One of the best Cenote tours is Rio Secreto and we highly recommended it. But Rio Secreto is only one of many Cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula.
During our last trip to Cancun, we stayed near the lovely Puerto Morelos located between Playa del Carmen and Cancun and there are several Cenotes in Puerto Morelos. Verde Lucero Cenote is a cenote you can visit on your own and do some zip lining too. You can book a four Cenotes tour through Viator.
Lu’um Cenote was our favorite with a full day of water sports from Rappeling into the Cenote, and doing many adventures like a zip line over a cenote, swimming in a Cenote and kayaking through the underground rivers. Read more: 15 Fun Facts About Mexico
16. Zip Lining through Jungles and Cenotes
If you are looking for adventurous things to do in Cancun, add zip lining to your list. The people who brought you Xcaret, have created an adventure theme park that houses the most visited in the world! Zip lining is a thrill to soar above the jungle. Mexico is the only place where we ever had a wet water landing and Xplore has two of them!
There’s not only ziplining here though, you will have a blast on the ATV adventure, rafting through the Cenotes and swimming through underground caves.
Book this highly rated tours – ATV Tour, Zip line and Cenotes Tour all in one. The great thing about the Maya Riviera is that many tours combine the top attractions all in one day.
17. Isla Mujeres
A great day trip from Cancun is spending a day at Isla Mujeres, it is just a short boat ride from the mainland. Isla Mujeres, aka the “Island of Women”, obtained its name from the lots of photos of Goddesses on the Island. The island was spiritual to the old Mayans that venerated it as the siren of giving birth. This Catamaran cruise ship to Isla Mujeres is a stunning retreat simply a brief thirty minutes watercraft excursion from midtown Cancun.
Many individuals invest the day at the Garrafon Natural Reef Park. This all-natural park is loaded with water sporting activities like snorkeling in the reef, at Gararafon Natural Reef Park, kayaking, treking as well as also ziplining. Just a 15 min ferryboat trip from midtown Cancun, this is a prominent location to go to.
18. Catamaran Cruise
Getting on the water is our leading referral for traveling to Cancun. The water is clear, cozy, as well as lovely. Sailing along the coastline truly provides you an understanding regarding why this location was turned into such a traveler Mecca. This total personalized catamaran cruise ship allows you pick your very own schedule as you cruise aboard a 32 foot private yacht. It stands up to 25 of your closest family and friends with open bar. We recommend, asking to go to the turtle preservation facility situated on the island as well where you’ll have the ability to witness sea turtles being hatched out! The facility is making terrific strides in its sea turtle preservation initiatives.
Book this extremely ranked excursion – complete Isla Mujeres Catamaran cruise ship – Includes an open bar, food, as well as quits at El Meco reef, midtown Isla Mujeres as well as lovely sights of the Riviera Maya coastline.
19. Isla Contoy
Another Island not to be missed out on is to go bird seeing at Isla Contoy. This island is frequently incorporated with journeys to Isla Mujeres as well as it is a beautiful secured location to snoop hundreds of birds as well as sea turtles.
Isla Contoy has actually been marked a National Park as well as they just permit 200 individuals on the island a day. After discovering the island, it’s time to enter the water to do some snorkeling in Mexico’s lovely reef. This little island is just 3.7 square kilometres however it is a safeguarded national forest. Only 200 individuals are permitted on Isla Contoy a day. It is a bird shelter with greater than 170 bird types moving with the island as well as its crystal clear waters are safeguarded also. It is an excellent location for snorkeling, as well as bird viewing as well as you can snoop loggerhead turtles also.
Trips to Isla Contoy are frequently incorporated with quits at Isla Mujeres. You can schedule this combination excursion to delight in the crystal clear waters as well as white san coastlines of both islands.
Book this island mix excursion – Isla Mujeres as well as Islan Contoy excursion where you’ll find 2 of one of the most lovely islands in the Yucatan Peninsula. Easy termination within 24-hour of tasks.
20. Chichén Itzá
I assume the extremely initial excursion every person publications when seeing Cancun is a journey to the old Mayan Ruins of Chichén Itzá. Chichen Itza is one of the most renowned of all the Maya Ruins in the Yucatan as well as it is the biggest old city where you can visit its old pyramids most especially El Castillo – the Temple of Kukulkan) as well as sphere courts, the lovely vast premises as well as there is also a cenote.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is so fantastic that it was called among the New 7 Wonders of the World. See them all at 7 Wonders of the World – the New, The Natural, as well as the Ancient
No journey to Cancun would certainly be total without a see to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Trust me, the very first time we mosted likely to Cancun, every person asked us up on our return “did you go to Chichen Itza?” yes, yes we did! We in fact gone to Chichen Itza years earlier when you can still reach the top of El Castillo. See our listing of favored 42 Amazing Ancient Ruins of the World
If you can lease or employ an automobile to go to prior to the excursion buses show up, we extremely advise it. This location obtains active. Chichen-Itza – Chichen Itza is a lengthy drive from Cancun, so integrate it with a complete excursion quiting at a Cenote, as well as the Colonial City of Valladolid.
21. Tulum
Tulum is not on top of our fave of the Mayan Ruins, nonetheless, it’s the amazing setup that makes it worth seeing. There are historical sites throughout Mexico offering a look right into Ancient Mayan society. Tulum is just one of one of the most quickly obtainable from Cancun.
Sitting high up on a high cliff forgeting the remarkable blue-green waters will certainly take your breath away. A prominent backpackers haunt, Tulum additionally has fantastic coastlines. If you intend to run away Tulum there is a great deal of lodging there. And it is rapid coming to be greater than an excursion from Cancun, it is currently a prominent getaway location in Mexico.
Combine a scenic tour of the old maya damages of Tulum with a cenote experience on this leading placed excursion.
22. Explore the Underwater Museum
You don’t need to go much to have a unique undersea experience. One of the very best points to do in the Yucatan Peninsula is to go diving. And the undersea art gallery of Cancun is a unique diving experience.
This man-made coral reef includes 45 sculptures making it the biggest undersea man-made coral reef system worldwide. Locals positioned for these sculptures that were immersed to produce a base for coral reefs to expand on.
Whether you scuba dive, snorkel, or simply intend to head out on a glass-bottom watercraft, you can see this gallery on a three-hour journey from the Hotel Zone.
Even novices can dive at the undersea gallery – Book this newbie’s diving experience where you’ll have a quick intro prior to going out to see the undersea sculptures as well as man-made coral reef.
23. Playa del Carmen
We in fact favor to remain in Playa del Carmen greater than Cancun, however if you are remaining in Cancun, you truly should at the very least head over to Playa for a day to inspect it out.
The coastlines white sands are soft as well as welcoming to opt for a walk at daybreak. There are lots of strolling roads, night life, purchasing, as well as cafés. If you intend to experiences Coco Bongo, you can do it right here in Playa in addition to in Cancun. It is an excellent location to make a base.
Hot idea: Each tour that is provided in Cancun can be scheduled from Playa del Carmen as well!
Where to Stay in Cancun
Besides Cancun, anywhere along the Mayan Riviera from Playa Del Carmen to Tulum is an excellent area to remain. We have actually remained in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cancun Riviera, Cozumel, Puerto Morelos, as well as Playa Mujeres. All of these areas function as scenic tours, as well as transfers will certainly get as well as drop you off right here. (conserve for Cozumel which we really feel is a lot more committed to diving. That was our objective when we remained on the island)
Check out our short article committed especially to Where to Stay in Cancun for even more tips!
There are essentially hundreds of resorts in the location, as well as we can’t damage them all down ourselves. You must have a look at TripExpert as well as Booking.com for prices, evaluations, as well as areas of resorts in Cancun that match your spending plan as well as demands.
There are plenty of resorts in the Mayan Riviera as well as every person has a preferred. But these are resorts we have actually remained at in Cancun as well as count on.
Excellence Cancun Riviera – This complete adults-only resort is ideal for an enchanting trip or unique event. We had an exclusive swimming pool on our roof as well as delighted in the extraordinary health club. Moon Palace Grand – We invested a week right here as well as delighted in the various degrees for family members as well as pairs. Check TripExpert as well as Booking.com for evaluations as well as pricesHyatt Zilara – We like the Hyatt Zilara hotels as well as they additionally provide various degrees of resorts for family members as well as pairs. Check TripExpert as well as Booking.comBarcelo Maya – We enjoyed our remain right here on the Mayan Riviera. Check out TripExpert as well as Booking.comThe Fives Azul Beach Resort – All-Inclusive Luxury Resort – 10 Minutes from Playa del Carmen. Check out TripExpert as well as Booking.com
When to Visit Cancun
We have actually been to the location whatsoever various times of the year as well as essentially, anytime is a great time to go to Cancun.
The high period in Cancun – December with throughout of April is the very best time to go to Cancun for the very best environment. It is when the weather condition is ideal as well as most steady. Especially from January – March. It is the dryest period, however it is additionally comfy with moisture at its lightest creating a really comfy journey.
Summer Season – We have actually been to Cancun in the dead of summer season as well as it was amazing. It’s a bit a lot more moist as well as you might obtain a bit of rainfall every day however absolutely nothing to quit you from delighting in the sunlight.
These months are the stormy period in Cancun which suggests that there is the periodic mid-day shower. Rates are more affordable as well as groups are less in the offseason of Cancun. Summer is additionally a good time to swim with whale sharks. The period is from June to September.
Shoulder Season – During September as well as October, Cancun is simply beginning to get ready for the winter, so this is where you’ll locate the very best bargains. But some scenic tours are not running, you might encounter building at your resort as well as you might remain in the center of storm period. Cancun does see less cyclones than the Caribbean however.
When to Visit Cancun for Diving as well as Snorkelling
We have actually done a diving journey to Cancun in the Spring, we swam with whale sharks in the summer season as well as gone diving as well as snorkeling in the dead of wintertime.
Anytime is a great time to delight in the water in Cancun. But as we claimed above, whale shark period is from June to September. (September is obtaining late, however we were when on the last journey of the year as well as saw lots)
Sea Turtles are nesting in May as well as October, so you have a likelihood of seeing them on the coastline. (Don’t interrupt them however, they are laying eggs as well as are extremely jeopardized.
And these are the absolute best points to do in Cancun. What experiences will you attempt when you most likely to Mexico following?
