60 Best Things to Do in Cancún [2024]

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Are you planning a trip and wondering about the best things to do in Cancún, Mexico?

Cancún is sometimes referred to as the Mexican Las Vegas.  It’s a great place to party, there are extravagant hotels where you can stay, lots of adventure parks, and the weather is hot all year around.  But there’s a lot more to it than that. 

It’s situated in the Yucatán Peninsula right on the Caribbean Sea with miles of beautiful pristine sandy beaches.  Within the city itself, there are various ruins of the Mayan civilization and a short drive away you can reach Chichén Itzá, one of the most important ruins on Earth.

The Yucatán Peninsula is also known for having an estimated 10,000 cenotes, stunning natural cave-like openings filled with water that are great for swimming.  And just off the coast, there are several idyllic tropical islands that you can visit.

Cancún is absolutely full of things to do, which can be a problem if you don’t have much time. You don’t want to miss anything amazing and regret it when you get home.

So where should you start, and what is best to include in your itinerary?  I’ve set out a list of the 60 best things to do in Cancún to help you decide.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

Why Should You Visit Cancún?

If you’re wondering if Cancún should be on your list of places to visit in Mexico at all, one great reason to consider it is the huge range of experiences that it offers you.

For beach-lovers, Cancún is right on the shores of the Mexican Caribbean.  It has miles of beaches where you can swim, snorkel, surf and do just about any other water sport you can think of.  

If you’re more interested in Mexican and Mayan culture, the Yucatán Peninsula is one of the best places to experience it.  Chichén Itzá is just a few hours away and there are also several ruined sites within Cancún itself.

And if you’re travelling with a family, Cancún is perfect.  There are a huge number of family-friendly activities including adventure parks that your kids will absolutely love.

If you’re a Mexico cultural purist, you might find the cultural attractions of places like Oaxaca more to your liking.  But if you’re looking for sheer number of things to do, especially with children, I think Cancún is pretty close to unbeatable in Mexico.

Let’s take a look at them now.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

60 Best Things To Do In Cancún

I’ve set out for you below a list of what I think are the 60 best things to do in Cancún.

There are archaeological ruins, adventure parks, beautiful towns and cities nearby that you can reach on day trips, as well as a huge range of water activities, bars and restaurants.

It’s possible to do a lot yourself, but there are some activities that are best done with a tour. Where that’s the case, I’ve suggested a few options for you to consider.

Let’s dive right in.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

1. Visit Chichén Itzá

Description

Chichén Itzá is an archaeological site located in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico that houses some of the best-preserved ruins of an ancient Mayan city. The city thrived from the 7th century to the 10th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Even though it’s a little way outside the city, it’s definitely one of the best things to do in Cancún.

The most iconic structure at Chichén Itzá is the 98 feet tall Kukulkan Pyramid, also known as El Castillo. It’s a stepped pyramid that served as a temple dedicated to the feathered serpent god, Kukulkan. The nine stepped terraces are believed to symbolize the Maya’s belief in the cosmos having nine heavenly levels.

The Kukulkan Pyramid is just one of a number of different buildings on a large site. There’s a ball court called the Great Ball Court, which is the largest in Central America and is an enormous 551 ft by 230 ft. There are also other buildings on the site including the Temple of the Warriors, the Platform of Venus, and the Xtoloc Cenote (a natural sinkhole).

You can visit during the day starting at 8:00 a.m. and can also visit at night from 7:00 p.m., where there a light show on the Kukulkan Pyramid. You’ll need to buy your tickets for the evening session by 3:00 p.m. at the site.

Map

Getting There

Chichén Itzá is over 120 miles from Cancún, so you’ll need a vehicle to get there. There are often up to 3,000 visitors daily, so I recommend you arrive early to beat the crowds.

Bus

If you’re on a budget, ADO buses run from Cancún to Chichén Itzá daily at 8:45 a.m. The trip will cost you US$27 per person and will take around 2.5 hours.

The return bus leaves at 4:00 p.m. and there’s only one, so don’t miss it.

Rental Car

There are lots of places to rent a car in both downtown Cancún and on Avenida Kukulcan in the Hotel Zone. Use DiscoverCars to book a deal online.

Tour

An easy way to see Chichén Itzá is on a tour. You’ll be picked up and dropped off at your hotel and most tours include a swim in a cenote and a visit to nearby Valladolid as well.

Check out this one from Viator if you’re interested in arranging a tour.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

2. Swim with Whale Sharks

Description

If you want an up-close and personal unique experience with one of the largest marine animals on Earth, then this one is for you.

In the waters off nearby Isla Mujeres, you can go snorkeling with real whale sharks in their natural habitat. Whale sharks are the largest fish in the ocean and adult whale sharks can grow up to 40 ft long (12 m) and can weigh up to a staggering 20 tons.

But despite the fearsome-sounding name and their immense size, whale sharks are actually gentle giants. They’re absolutely beautiful creatures that are friendly and have a strict plankton-only diet, meaning that they’re totally harmless to humans.

There’s no doubt that this is one of the best things to do in Cancún and you can only do it between May and September. During those few months, the whale sharks gather on the northern coasts of the Yucatan to breed. If you’re very lucky, you might get to see baby whale sharks playing with their parents, which would make the experience particularly special.

Getting There

This one is best done with a tour unless you have your own boat or want to hire one. The tour operator will pick up up early in the morning at your hotel and drop you back off late in the evening.

After you’re picked up, you’ll shuttle over to Isla Mujeres to Playa Norte, which is known as a meeting point for breeding whale sharks. After spending a few hours swimming with the gentle giants, you’ll stop for a snorkel on the reefs off Cancún, which are part of the largest reef in the world with the exception of the Australian Great Barrier Reef.

The tour includes breakfast, drinks and snacks on board during the tour.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

3. Go On A Sailing Trip

Description

When you’re considering the best things to do in Cancún, a sailing trip should definitely be on your list.

Cancún is right on the Caribbean sea and the turquoise-colored water seems to go on forever. You can obviously enjoy it from the shore, but there’s nothing like being on the open water.

Why not spend a day on the deck of a catamaran with the sun in your face and a cocktail in your hand?

Getting There

Unless you have your own boat or are planning on renting one, the best way to go sailing is by joining a tour.

If you’re booked into a top hotel, the concierge will be able to arrange a tour for you with one of the hotel’s partners. If you’re arranging it yourself, Viator has a few great options that are great value.

You can book a full day cruise to Playa Norte in Isla Mujeres on a 45-foot luxury catamaran with lunch and alcoholic drinks from the open bar included for just US$75. You’ll get to spend the day on the water and if you haven’t already visited it, you can visit the cute village on Isla Mujeres at the same time.

You’ll also have an opportunity to snorkel while you’re at Isla Mujeres. The island is well-known for its teeming wildlife, so you can expect to see lots of colorful fish and if you’re lucky, you might even see a sea turtle swimming slowly by.

The tour also includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, so it’s very convenient. There’s also a bad-weather refund policy, which means that you’ll get your money back if the weather takes an unexpected turn.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

4. Enjoy The Cancún Nightlife

Over the years, Cancún has earned a reputation for its legendary nightlife. Whether its due to the year-round warm weather or because of epic Spring Break parties, when the sun goes down, Cancún’s nightlife is let loose.

If you’re keen to party, the place to go is Cancún’s “party zone”. The party zone is on Avenida Kukulcan near the corner of the “7” in the 7-shaped Hotel Zone, just a short walk south of the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancún.

I’ve set out below three places you’ll want to visit during your stay if you really want the Cancún party experience.

Coco Bongo

Coco Bongo is an icon in Cancún’s nightlife.

Every night is a choreographed Vegas-style spectacle of different performances. The line-up includes not only DJs but also live music, acrobats and dancers accompanied by giant video projections, light-shows, balloons, soap bubbles, and cascades of confetti.

The pricing uses an all-inclusive model, so when you pay the cover, you also get a range of included drinks as well as some snacks. The cheapest package on a weekend is US$113 and premium and VIP packages go up from there. Prices are a little cheaper Mondays through Wednesdays.

If you know you’re planning to go, book your tickets online so that you don’t need to line up to buy tickets at the door.

The City

The City nightclub is a huge arena-like venue three floors and nine bars with capacity for up to 6,000 people. It’s a staple of the Spring Break circuit and is known for killer DJ line-ups featuring names like Alok, Alesso and Timmy Trumpet.

The cover is US$20, which is just the entrance fee, with drinks on top. You can book a table starting at US$300, which can then be used as credit at the bar.

Mandala Beach Club

Mandala Beach Club is known as the best pool party in Cancún. It’s set on the beach between Playa Gaviota Azul and Playa Chac Mool on the ocean side of the party zone.

From 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day you can relax in a villa or a sun bed by the pool sipping your drinks or dance away to the music as takes your fancy.

On Wednesday nights, there’s also a night party with top-end DJs, just to kick it up a notch.

The cover during the day is US$20, which is just the entrance fee, with drinks on top. For the night party, you’ll need to pay a cover of US$100, which includes US$80 bar credit.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

5. Visit the Cancún Beaches

Description

Cancún’s 13-mile coastline is full of soft, white sands and turquoise waters. Due to the great weather in Cancún, you’ll also find that most of the time they’re all under crystal clear blue skies as well.

Some of the beaches are sheltered and others are long, sandy strips where the currents can sometimes be quite strong. They’re all usually patrolled by lifeguards, though, so you just need to make sure that if you swim, you do it between the flags.

I’ve set out a few details on the most popular beaches in the Hotel Zone below.

Playa Tortugas

Playa Tortugas a smaller beach, located at the top of the 7-shaped Hotel Zone. It’s not usually as busy as Playa Delfines and has more of a local feel. It’s also a more sheltered beach, because Isla Mujeres, just a few miles north, provides protection against the strong currents.

There are a few restaurants directly behind the beach, so you can eat and then go down to the beach afterward. You may get local street vendors trying to sell you food, but if you’re not interested, you can just politely decline.

Like all of the Hotel Zone beaches, it’s easily accessible by taxi or bus, and a great little beach, especially earlier in the week when it’s not so busy.

Playa Chac Mool

Playa Chac Mool is just south of the corner of the 7-shaped Hotel Zone between Ocean Dream Cancún and Royalton Chic Cancún hotels. It’s also within walking distance of the party zone, if you want to grab a drink before heading to the beach.

The beach itself is quite wide and the waters are usually calm due to the headland to the north at Playa Gaviota Azul, which provides some protection from the current and winds. Some of the seating and umbrellas belong to the hotels, but there’s space for everyone unless it’s very busy.

Jetski rentals and other watersport equipment rental is available nearby, and there are also parking and bathroom facilities. It’s a great all-round beach that has something for everyone.

Playa Forum

This one is at the northern end of Playa Chac Mool, situated behind the Coco Bongo nightclub. It usually has a bit of a party vibe to it, and you’ll hear music from the daily pool-party that takes place at the nearby Mandala Beach Club.

There’s a little shopping complex nearby called the Forum by the Sea, where you can buy ice cream or something to drink on the beach. You’re also right behind the party zone with easy access to the various bars and restaurants.

If you’re traveling as a couple, this one is a great little spot.

Playa Delfines

Playa Delfines is the most well-known and popular beach in Cancún. It’s about halfway down the side of the 7-shaped Hotel Zone, easily reachable on the local R-1 and R-2 buses. One of the many Cancún signs is also there, so it’s a great place to get that obligatory selfie.

When the winds are up, the waves can get quite big, so bear in mind that you’ll need to keep an eye on the ocean if you’re swimming. If you pay attention to the lifeguards and swim between the flags, you’ll be safe enough, although you should keep a close eye on small children if you’re travelling with your family.

There are lots of palapas to provide shade and if you’re lucky, you might even get to see some passing dolphins frolicking in the ocean.

Playa Gaviota Azul

Playa Gaviota Azul is located on the south side of the headland that forms the corner of the 7-shape of the Hotel Zone. Of all the Cancún beaches, this one if probably the best one for swimming, especially if you’re travelling with children.

The beach is very sheltered by the rocky outcrop behind it, but the sandy part is still quite big. There is lots of space for children to run around on, and the water is clear and calm enough to even see small fish in the water.

It’s very easily accessible from the Playa Forum entrance, and you can reach it with the local buses.

Playa Langosta

This one is right at the tip of the 7-shape of the Hotel Zone, close to downtown Cancún. It’s another great one for families with lots of very shallow water for the children to run around an splash in.

Playa Langosta is also just a short walk from the Cancún Scenic Tower, so you can combine a trip up the tower with a beach day here. Local vendors walk along the beach offering snacks, and nearby beach clubs provide lunch options, so you’ll have plenty of choice in that regard as well.

If you’re searching for that Cancún selfie, you’ll also find one of the many Cancún signs here, arguably with a better background than the more popular one at Playa Delfines.

Playa Marlín

Playa Marlín is located about a mile down the beach from Playa Chac Mool, near the Hotel Riu Palace Cancún. The close proximity of the hotels means that the beaches are kept very clean and you can rent a sun lounge and umbrella for 300 Mexican pesos (US$17.50).

Perhaps because it’s a little further south of most of the other beaches, it tends to be fairly quiet a lot of the time, so it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re keen on a quiet beach day. You can even pay for a massage right on the beach, if you’re interested.

This one isn’t the best beach for swimming, because it isn’t sheltered like the beaches further north. It is patrolled by lifeguards, though, so if you swim between the flags, you can still take a dip.

Getting There

The best way to see Cancún’s beaches is by using the local bus system. The local R-1 and R-2 buses run up and down Blvd. Kukulcan every 20 minutes and will drop you off right at the beach.

The fare is just 10 Mexican pesos per person (US$0.50) per trip, so it’s cheap enough to just jump on and off as you need to.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

6. Visit The Cancún Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA)

Description

Another rather unique attraction in Cancún is the Underwater Museum of Art, or MUSA (from the Spanish Museo Subacuático de Arte). It started life in 2009 to divert some of the tourist divers and snorkellers away from the natural and more vulnerable coral reefs around Cancún.

And it appears to have worked. MUSA is the largest underwater museum in Mexico and draws over 100,000 visitors annually. It plays a key role in drawing attention to marine conservation and away from the natural reefs.

The site is composed of over 500 sculptures weighing more than 20 tons that have been sunk over a 4,520 ft² (420 m²) area, essentially creating an artificial reef. The statues are varied, ranging from a scale model of a VW beetle to extremely lifelike statues of people. Over the last 15 years, the sculptures have been exposed to the natural elements of the ocean, and the result is a spectacular underwater art installation.

Most of the sculptures are located at Manchones reef at the south end of Isla Mujeres. The artificial reef is at a shallow depth of about 26 ft (8 m), so it’s easily accessible even for beginners. There is also a smaller collection of 33 statues at Punta Nizuc, at the south end of the Hotel Zone.

Whichever area you visit, you can expect to see quite a lot of aquatic life including colorful fish, sting rays and manta rays, and friendly sea turtles.

Map

Getting There

There are two ways to do this one if you don’t have your own boat and scuba diving gear.

The first is to book a dive with MUSA. You can choose glass-bottomed boat tour, a snorkeling tour or a scuba diving tour and you can book it online on their website. You don’t need to be PADI-certified to do the scuba-diving tour. Snorkelling starts at US$65 and scuba-diving starts at US$140, including a docking fee in each case, which is a common charge levied in Mexico.

The other option is to book a diving tour through Viator. The price is US$135 and the maximum number of people in the group is six, so you known that you’ll get quite a bit of personal attention.

In each case, you’ll learn the theory behind diving and do an introductory lesson to learn how to use the scuba gear. Once you have that down, you’ll then head over to Isla Mujeres to do a dive at the artificial reef. Both options also have a bad-weather refund or reschedule policy, so you won’t need to worry about losing your money if the weather is too rough to head out to the site.

If you are already certified, MUSA also offers a separate tour from Isla Mujeres where you spend more time diving and don’t need to do the introductory lessons.

This is most definitely one of the best things to do in Cancún and should be on your list no matter what.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

7. Swim In the Secret Underground River (Río Secreto)

Description

Río Secreto, or “Secret River”, is a network of 24 miles of limestone caves just outside Playa del Carmen that were created over a period of millions of years by the erosion caused by an underground river. The caves were discovered by a farmer in 2006 and around 10% of the cave system was opened to tourists in 2008.

The caves are genuinely spectacular. The system is still partly flooded by the pristine blue water of the underground river and the limestone features it has created are stunningly beautiful. Throughout the cave system you’ll see floor to ceiling stalactites and stalagmites reminiscent of the fossilized waterfall of Hierve el Agua in Oaxaca.

If you’re not a big fan of caves, you needn’t worry. You’ll be accompanied through the caves at all times in small groups by an experienced guide. You’ll also be given a life-vest and a helmet with a flashlight so that can easily stay afloat in the water and you’re never in the dark.

This is one of the best things to do in Cancún with kids. It’s a unique, exciting experience for them and really stimulates all of their senses. The guides also take the time to educate them on the history and formation of the caves during the tour.

It’s also one of the best things to do in Cancún when it rains. Whether it’s warm or dry outside, you’ll be underground during the tour. And even if you’re caught in the rain on the way there, you’ll soon be wet anyway, so it’s no big deal.

Getting There

You’ll need to book a tour to do this one, because you can’t explore the caves without a guide.

You can book a tour directly with Río Secreto online at their website. The Río Secreto Classic package is US$119 per person for a 3.5 hour tour through the cave system, including a buffet lunch at the end and transport from your hotel in Cancún and back again. It starts at 11:00 a.m. at the Río Secreto site.

There are also options for longer tours that take you further into the cave system and also include transport to and from Río Secreto.

The Río Secreto Plus package is 5 to 6 hour tour that costs US$129 and includes biking and rappelling into certain caves, as well as a visit to the “peace salon” (the Salon de la Paz). The Río Secreto Wild tour is a newer all-day tour that costs US$149 visits parts of the cave system not available on any other tours.

If you’d prefer to go with a Viator tour, the price is the same, but they offer an earlier start, which might be better if you’re trying to fit as much as possible into just a few days.

If you have the time, I’d recommend the upgrade, as you get quite a lot more for just a small increase in price.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

8. Visit Tulum

Description

Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Cancún is to visit the small town of Tulum, 80 miles to the south.

Tulum is best known for being the site of a ruined walled Mayan city perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The Mayan word Tulum actually means walled or fenced, but it is believed that the city was actually known as Zamá, meaning dawn.

The city thrived between the 13th and 16th centuries, although the site was likely populated at least as early as the year 564. It is one of the largest cities built by the Mayans and served as major trade route by both sea and land and was also an important religious center.

The largest building on the site is a castle-like structure known as el castillo. It’s easily visible from the sea and is believed to have served as a lighthouse for trading vessels navigating their way to the city through the reef that lies just offshore. There are also small beaches on either side of the ruins where you can swim out a little to get a great view of the ruins from the sea.

In addition to the ruins, there are lots of other attractions nearby. Tulum is close to several of the most beautiful cenotes in the area including Cenote Dos Ojos, Cenote Calavera, and Cenote Zacil-Ha. You can also visit the enormous open Laguna de Kaan Luum, which is still a bit of a local secret.

Getting There

Tulum is definitely one of the best things to do in Cancún, although it’s not the easiest to reach. It’s 80 miles south of Cancún, so you’ll need to drive one way or another.

You’ll also want to get there early in order to beat the crowds, as it can get quite packed, particularly on a weekend.

There are a few different ways you can get there.

Bus

If you’re on a budget, ADO buses run from Cancún to Tulum every half hour or so starting at about 6:30 a.m. They’ll cost you US$15 each way and the trip takes about 2.5 hours, so I recommend you get an early bus to make the most of the day.

Rental Car

There are lots of places to rent a car in both downtown Cancún and on Avenida Kukulcan in the Hotel Zone. Use DiscoverCars to book a deal online.

Tour

An easy way to see Tulum is on a tour. They start nice and early and you’ll be picked up and dropped off right at your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle. You’ll be taken around the site by a guide and the tours include a swim in a cenote as well.

Tours start at around US$60 including city taxes and eco-taxes. Check out this one from Viator if you’re interested in arranging a tour.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

9. Visit Xcaret

Description

One great Las Vegas-like aspect of Cancún is its many adventure parks. Xcaret is one of the most popular of them and it’s definitely one of the best things to do in Cancún if you’re travelling with kids.

Xcaret is essentially a combination of a water park and an amusement park covering a huge area of jungle, cenotes and underground rivers right on the Caribbean Sea. It has more than 50 attractions including swimming with dolphins, sharks and sting rays, snorkelling, powerboating and parasailing.

There is also an aquarium, sea turtle center, aviary, and orchid museum where you can interact with and learn about the native animals and plants. There are even Mayan pyramids within the park that you can visit, as well as live cultural and artistic performances.

Pricing

The standard admission package starts at US$121 and gets you access to the various swimming areas as well as the aquarium. You’ll receive a life-vest but snorkelling equipment will be extra.

If you want to add a buffet lunch and access to some additional areas, you can opt for Xcaret Plus, which starts at US$165. You’ll also have access to lockers, dressing rooms, and snorkeling equipment.

The highest level package is Xcaret total, which starts at US$208. With the upgrade, you’ll get to include one of the additional-charge activities in the package. Those activities are powerboating, and underwater seabed walk, a sting-ray swim or a swim with nurse sharks.

Getting There

Even though Xcaret is one of the best things to do in Cancún, it’s located 45 miles south of Cancun, so you’ll need transport to get there.

Bus

If you’re on a budget, ADO buses run from Cancún to Xcaret Park every half hour or so starting at about 7:00 a.m. They’ll cost you US$15 each way and the trip takes about 1.5 hours, so if you get the earliest one, you’ll get there right when the park opens.

Rental Car

If you have a rental car, there’s free parking on site. You can rent a car in downtown Cancún or in the Hotel Zone. Use DiscoverCars to book a deal online.

Private Transfer

If you book online directly with Xcaret, when you check out, you’ll be given the option to book a private transfer for US$33 per adult and US$15 per child (5 – 11 years).

Best Things to Do In Cancún

10. Shop at La Isla Shopping Village

Description

La Isla Shopping Village is a high-end two-floor retail complex perfect for a spot of retail therapy or a full-blown shopping spree in an American-style shopping mall. If you’re looking to spend a few hours in an air-conditioned area with entertainment for the kids, it’s one of the best things to do in Cancún in that regard.

It’s located on a small island at the bottom of the 7-shape of the Hotel Zone, separated by a horseshoe-shaped canal with several pedestrian bridges leading onto the island. Restaurants line the length of the canal, and in addition to a broad range of clothing stores, there are also jewellery stores, skin and healthcare stores, and souvenir shops.

In addition to the more traditional mall options, La Isla also has an extensive range of entertainment options. For kids, there’s a Ripley’s Believe It or Not with a mirror maze and also a separate kid’s carnival area with children’s rides. There is also a Lego store, several museums, a cinema, an aquarium and a ferris wheel. Discounts may be available if you book tickets online at La Isla.

Once you’ve visited La Isla, there are a few spots nearby that you can explore easily. Playa Marlín is a quiet beach within walking distance to the south. If you’re keen on visiting some of the ruins within the city, you can also visit Yamil Lu’um, which are the ruins of a small 13th century Mayan temple.

Getting There

You can get here a few different ways.

Bus

For this one, the public bus is your best option. The local R-1 and R-2 buses run up and down Boulevard Kukulcan and will drop you off right outside La Isla. Services operate every 20 minutes between around 7:00 a.m. and 10:30 p.m.

Tour

If you’d prefer to take a tour, Viator offers tours that combine La Isla with other shopping experiences like Mercado 28. Tours start at around US$80 per person.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

11. Shop at Mercado 28

Description

If you’re looking to experience a local market, Mercado 28 should be on your list as one of the best things to do in Cancún.

Mercado 28 is a large permanent flea market in downtown Cancún with over 600 vendors. They sell almost everything from vibrant Mexican textiles, artisanal crafts, wood and leather goods, chocolates and sweets, tequila and mezcal, assorted souvenirs and almost anything else that you can imagine.

Be aware before you arrive that this is a local market and agreeing the price is part of the experience. The trader’s initial offer is just the beginning and after that you’ll need to consider what you’re prepared to pay and try to land on an acceptable price.

Look at the quality of the goods they’re selling, pick out any obvious flaws, and compare their prices with similar stalls in the market to push the price down accordingly. With a bit of bargaining practice, you’ll be able to get both a great deal and a memorable experience.

Once you’ve bagged your bargains, you can eat some of the amazing food on offer before you leave. There’s a huge range available and you can try local delicacies like ceviche and mojarra at prices that are a fraction of what you’ll pay for them in the Hotel Zone.

If you’re collecting selfies in front of the Cancún signs scattered around the city, there’s also a Cancún sign here with your name on it.

Getting There

You have a few options to get to Mercado 28.

Bus

The simplest way to get to Mercado 28 is with the public bus. You can take the R-2 from anywhere in the Hotel Zone into downtown Cancún and jump off at the corner of Avenida Cobá and Avenida Tankah, which is just a few minutes’ walk south of the market. The fare is 10 Mexican pesos per person (US$0.50) each way.

Taxi

If you don’t want to navigate the bus system, you can get a taxi directly to the market from anywhere in the Hotel Zone. Your hotel can call one for you, and you can expect to pay around US$10 to US$15 each way.

Tour

It’s also possible to do a tour of Mercado 28 as part of a tour group. You might prefer this if you’re not big on bargaining or you don’t want to make a special trip just to Mercado 28.

Viator offers tours that combine this with La Isla Shopping Village or with a city tour, which isn’t a bad option if you’re looking to visit multiple attractions in a day.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

12. Swim in a Cenote

Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is full of natural sinkholes known as cenotes (pronounced “say–NO–tays“), which are created from collapsed limestone caves that open up directly into the pristine waters of underground rivers. Although they’re not unique to Mexico, nowhere in the world are there so many as in the Yucatán Peninsula.

A swim in a cenote is a fantastic experience and is absolutely one of the best things to do in Cancún. Their unusual form has an aura or mystery about it, and it’s often a bit of a trek to actually descend into the cenote itself. Once you make it down, the water is cold, clean and clear, and gives you the impression that you’re the first person to ever discover it.

Cenotes are all over the Yucatán Peninsula, but there are some that are better-known than others.

La Ruta De Cenotes

One of the most popular places to visit cenotes is along the La Ruta de Cenotes (the “Cenote Route”). La Ruta de Cenotes begins about 25 miles south of Cancún on the road connecting highway 307 with the town of Leona Vicario just outside Puerto Morelos.

Along the La Ruta de Cenotes is a treasure trove of cenotes including Cenote La Noria, Cenote Siete Bocas, and Cenote Mojarras. I’ve included a little detail on these below.

Cenote La Noria

Cenote La Noria is a partially open cavern on a dirt road off La Ruta de Cenotes with beautiful clear water and stalactites growing down from the roof of the cavern.

It’s a little off the beaten track and tends to have minimal crowds as a result. It’s open from 9:00am to 4:30pm and there’s an entrance fee of 250 pesos (US$12.50) per person.

Cenote Siete Bocas

Cenote Siete Bocas is popular among divers due to its depth. It has seven different entrances numbered one through seven, most accessible from a ladder, although the water level is close to the surface, so you can jump or zipline into others.

This one is also open from 9:00am to 4:30pm and there’s an entrance fee of 300 pesos (US$15.00) per person.

Cenote Kin Ha

Cenote Kin Ha is another cavern-like cenote with deep waters, which you can reach by going down a thick wooden ladder or by jumping in from above. To add a little mystery to this cenote, there is a legend that says that it is the entrance to the Mayan underworld.

This one is open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. each day and you’ll need to pay 300 Mexican pesos (US$15.00) to swim in this cenote. ATV riding is also available for an additional fee.

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Tulum

The area around Tulum also has some of the best-known cenotes.

Cenote Zacil-Ha

Cenote Zacil-Ha is shaped like a naturally dug-out swimming pool and is popular for swimming at least partly for that reason. There are also hammocks, lounges and normal swimming pools nearby, so you can happily spend a few hours in and around the cenote.

This one is a bargain at 150 Mexican pesos (US$7.50) per person and its open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day.

Gran Cenote

The Gran Cenote is a large semi-open cenote with a large wooden staircase leading down to a wooden boardwalk over the water. It’s one of the most popular cenotes in Mexico, so try to arrive early as you can expect it to be crowded.

This one is great for both swimming and diving, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of some local turtles in their natural environment.

This one is quite expensive and will cost you 500 Mexican pesos to enter (US$25). It’s open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Cenote Dos Ojos

This cenote is actually comprised of two sink holes parallel to each other and connected by an underground cavern. The position of the two cenotes resemble eyes, hence the name of the site.

The complex is large and the waters quite deep, making it very popular with divers as well as swimmers. It’s also quite a well-known cenote, so arriving early is best here as well to avoid crowds.

You’ll need to pay 350 Mexican pesos (US$17.50) per person to enter this one, and it’s open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day.

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Chichén Itzá

Another place where you can see some well-known cenotes is near the site of Chichén Itzá.

Cenote Ik Kil

Cenote Ik Kil is the most recognizable cenote in the Yucatán Peninsula and is one of the best things to do in Cancún in its own right. It’s name in the Mayan language means “place of the winds” and human sacrifices were once made there to appease their gods.

Geologically, the cenote is remarkable for its depth and its size. It’s a long, circular descent from the surface to reach the water, and tree roots dangle all the way down from the top into the waters themselves. The result is a that you’re entering a place lost somewhere in the depths of the jungle.

This cenote is extremely popular, given its proximity to Chichén Itzá, so you’ll really need to get here early for this one. The entrance fee here is 180 Mexican pesos (US$10) and it’s open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Cenote sagrado

The last one that I’ll mention here is Cenote Sagrado, or the sacred cenote, which is set on the Chichén Itzá site itself. Like Cenote Ik Kil, this cenote was also historically used for making sacrifices, and human bones have been recovered from the bottom of the cenote as well gold, jade and obsidian artefacts.

You’ll be able to visit this cenote on the Chichén Itzá site when you visit the monument (see the section above for details on this).

Best Things to Do In Cancún

Getting There

There are a few ways to do this, but if you’re visiting more than one particular cenote, I would recommend either renting a car or taking a tour.

Even though it’s one of the best things to do in Cancún, that may not be the case if you end up sitting in buses for most of the day before you arrive.

Renting a Car

You can rent a car in downtown Cancún or in the Hotel Zone and all of the cenotes have parking available.

Bear in mind that some of them are on dirt roads when you’re choosing a vehicle. Use DiscoverCars to book a deal online.

Tour

Viator offers lots of different tours that include visits to cenotes. Almost all of the tours to Chichén Itzá will include a visit to a cenote and if you book a tour to the Tulum ruins, the tour will usually include a tour of one cenote as well.

Bus

If you want to take the bus, it’s possible, but with the distances involved, I don’t think it’s ideal. You’ll also need to get colectivos from Puerto Morelos or Tulum to the cenotes, and sometimes they’ll drop you off a long way away from the cenote.

For Puerto Morelos, you can take a colectivo from the ADO terminal in Cancún down to Puerto Morelos. You’ll then need to take a colectivo towards Leona Vicario and jump off at the closest stop to your cenote.

For Tulum, ADO buses run from Cancún to Tulum every half hour or so starting at about 6:30 a.m. The trip will cost you US$15 per person and will take around 2.5 hours. After that, you’ll then need to take a colectivo towards Coba or back towards Playa del Carmen and jump off at the closest stop.

For Chichén Itzá, there’s one ADO bus daily from Cancún to Chichén Itzá at 8:45 a.m. There’s only one bus back as well, so you’ll need to be careful not to miss it. It will cost you US$27 each way per person and will also take around 2.5 hours.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

13. Visit Xoximilco

Description

If you’re travelling as a group I think a night at Xoximilco is definitely one of the best things to do in Cancún.

If you’ve visited Mexico City, you’ll likely recognize that this attraction is a theme park modelled on the canals of Xochimilco in the south of the city. One of the best things to do in Mexico City is to take a tour on a trajinera along part of the 120 miles of canals in Xochimilco. A trajinera is essentially a colorfully-decorated covered barge with a large table in the middle where you can sit in the shade and enjoy some food and drinks on the water.

The Cancún version is located south of downtown Cancún on a small lake with a dozen trajineras that are colorfully decorated with the names of various Mexican states. Each of the trajineras seats up to 20 people and over a three-hour period you’ll enjoy a three-course meal and an open bar and will be entertained by Mariachi and Norteno musicians.

Each trajinera will have a guide who speaks English and who will entertain you with dancing and lots of fun games. He’ll also be able to advise you on the diverse array of traditional Mexican dishes. These include chapulines (roasted grasshoppers), cochinita pibil (pork), mole (a unique Mexican spicy sauce) and tamarindo shrimp, just to name a few. You can review the full menu online.

Getting There

There are a few ways to do this one.

Tour Package

When you book your tickets online, you can add transportation for an additional US$20 per person. You’ll be picked up and dropped off at your hotel.

You can book it directly through Xoximilco or on Viator (which is also operated by Grupo Xcaret, which owns Xoximilco).

Taxi

You can also take a taxi, but bear in mind that they’re quite expensive in Cancún, so expect to pay around US$35 to US$40 each way.

Rental Car

There’s free parking at the site if you’re driving your rental car, although if you’re drinking, the tour package is obviously the better bet.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

14. Visit the Mayan Museum and San Miguelito

Description

The Cancún Mayan Museum (Museo Maya de Cancún) is in the south part of the “7” of the Hotel Zone on Boulevard Kukulcan. It opened in 2012 and includes three separate galleries containing an array of Mayan relics including ancient skeletons, jade artifacts, and other items from iconic sites including Chichén Itzá, Palenque, and Comalcalco.

One of the great things about the museum is that right next door, you can visit the post-classic Mayan ruins of San Miguelito and see in real life exactly what the museum also has on display. The San Miguelito site is over 80 hectares in size and includes several well-preserved temples, pyramids, and the remnants of Mayan family homes. The central attraction is Chaak Palace, a five-floor palace dedicated to the Mayan god Chaak with a carved staircase on each side.

When you pay the US$5 entrance fee for the museum, you’ll also be granted access to the San Miguelito Ruins. The fantastic value definitely makes this one of the best things to do in Cancún if you’re travelling with kids. You can also do it without needing to leave the Hotel Zone, and you can even do it if it’s raining.

Getting There

It’s very easy to visit the Cancún Mayan Museum and the San Miguelito ruins.

Bus

The public bus is your best option here. The local R-1 and R-2 buses run up and down Boulevard Kukulkan and will drop you off right outside the museum.

Services operate every 20 minutes and the fare is 10 Mexican pesos per person (US$0.50) each way.

Tour

It’s also possible to visit the museum as part of a private tour that also takes you to other parts of the city. Viator has a few different options for this, and they start at around US$100 per person.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

15. Visit the El Rey Ruins

Description

The El Rey Ruins are another amazing Mayan archaeological site situated in the Hotel Zone about a mile further south of the San Miguelito ruins.

The site dates back to 1250 and is believed to have served as an important part of the Mayan trade route that connected Xel-Há, Tankah, Tulum and Xaman Ha (now known as Playa del Carmen). It is named after a stone sculpture of a previous Mayan king named Kin Ich Ahau Bonil, which is now on display in the Cancún Mayan Museum.

Unlike nearby San Miguelito, the El Rey site isn’t very large, but it still contains a pyramid and temple complex and several other platforms showing where building previously stood. It’s also known for being home to hundreds of iguanas that have claimed the ruins as their own. If you’re quick, you can get a great photo not only of the Mayan structures but also of the new squatters.

Because of the small size of the site, you won’t need more than an hour or two to visit El Rey. It’s also very close to Playa Delfines, so it’s very easy to combine this with a visit to Cancún’s most famous beach and get that obligatory selfie in front of the Cancún sign.

Getting There

Take the bus for this one. The public bus only costs 10 Mexican pesos per person (US$0.50) each way and will drop you off right outside the site, so this is your best option here.

The local red R-1 and R-2 buses run up and down Boulevard Kukulcan every 20 minutes.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

16. Visit the El Meco Ruins

Description

El Meco is another ancient Mayan site that is often overlooked by tourists because it’s located about a 30 minute drive north of the Hotel Zone.

Despite being a little out of the way, it’s well worth a visit and should definitely be on your shortlist of the best things to do in Cancún. The site is much lager than the El Rey site and the primary attraction is a 41-foot high pyramid, which is the tallest on the north-eastern part of the Yucatán Peninsula. It is believed to have served as a lighthouse for traders along the Mayan trade route, in a simliar manner to the structure in Tulum.

It’s also older than the San Miguelito and El Rey sites. It is believed that the site was inhabited as early as 200 AD, was abandoned for a time between 600 AD and 900 AD, and then flourished again thereafter until the arrival of the Spanish.

Like El Meco, large iguanas have decided to adopt the site as their new home, so you’ll have some company while you’re exploring.

Getting There

There are a few ways to reach this one.

Taxi

The simplest way to reach the site is by taxi. It will be a 20 to 30 minute trip, depending on where your hotel is.

You can expect the fare to be around US$10 to US$15 each way.

Colectivo / Bus

Another option is to take a local R-1 bus to the ADO Terminal in Avenida Uxmal and to take a colectivo from there to El Meco. You’ll need to find one that is travelling up towards Punta Sam, and it shouldn’t cost you more than 40 Mexican pesos each way.

The colectivos go up and down the highway outside the El Meco site, so you can flag one down to get back into downtown Cancún, and then take a local R-1 bus back into the Hotel Zone.

Rental car

There is free parking available if you’re driving up with a rental car.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

17. Enjoy Some Fine Dining

Description

The Hotel Zone is full to the gills with fantastic restaurants and trying a few of them is certainly one of the best things to do in Cancún.

With so many upscale hotels, there is a huge range to choose from and no matter what type of food you’re looking for, you’ll find at least a few great options in Cancún.

I’ve set out below just a few of the most popular restaurants in and around the Hotel Zone.

RosaNegra

RosaNegra is an upmarket waterfront restaurant in the southern end of the Hotel Zone. It’s known for its high end Latin American cuisine from Peru, Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, and Mexico, including premium steaks and a wide assortment of ceviche and tiradito. It’s also a member of the Kobe Beef Association and is one of the few restaurants licensed to sell Kobe beef in Mexico.

In addition to its Latin American options, it also offers other exotic high-quality products including smoked trout and organic Tomahawk steak from Australia, Spanish carabinero prawns, and giant Mediterranean langoustines.

You’ll enjoy these delicacies on a spectacular wooden terraced area built out over the lagoon itself while being entertained by the restaurant’s in-house DJ, dancing acts and regular evening light shows.

You’ll find RosaNegra on Blvd. Kukulcan at Km 15 of the Hotel Zone.

Lorenzillo’s

Lorenzillo’s is an iconic seafood restaurant in Cancún named after a famous 17th century pirate and is known particularly for its mouthwatering lobster specialties.

Its lobsters are caught by local fisherman from Isla Mujeres and then brought to the restaurant’s lobster farm where the lobsters are fed and looked after until they reach the desired size. The lobster farm is one of the largest of its kind in Mexico and can support up to 20,000 at any given time.

Lorenzillo’s offers a fantastic open-air terrace with lovely views of Nichupté Lagoon where you can enjoy succulent grilled lobster, rich lobster bisque, or the famous lobster thermidor. It also has an extensive selection of fine wines that you can pair with your meal.

Lorenzillo’s is also in the Hotel Zone at Km 10.5 on Blvd Kukulcan.

CAO Modern Mexican Kitchen

If you’re looking for an upmarket Mexican restaurant, CAO Modern Mexican Kitchen is a great option. Their dishes are inspired by traditional Mexican recipes but with a modern twist and include mouthwatering tacos, guacamole, empanadas, tamarind mole chicken breast, and much more.

The location is great and you’ll be able to enjoy your meal on the terrace looking out over the beautiful turquoise waters with the stylish hotel buildings in the background.

The restaurant also has a policy that up to two children will eat for free, which makes this a great one to do as a family.

You’ll find this restaurant on Boulevard Kukulcan at Marina Puerto Cancún, right up near the beginning of the “7” in the 7-shaped Hotel Zone.

Taboo

Taboo specialises in Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on simplicity, purity, and authenticity.

All dishes are created using a selection of high-quality meats, authentic handmade Italian pasta, and fresh fish and seafood, including giant tiger shrimp, Mediterranean lobster, langoustines and colossal calamari.

The restaurant is designed by well-known Cancún-based architect Jorge Borja and it has been carefully decorated to create a sophisticated and relaxed atmosphere of stylish decor and beautiful views of Nichupté Lagoon.

You’ll find Taboo on Boulevard Kukulcan at Km 13.5 in the Hotel Zone.

Getting There

If you’re staying in the Hotel Zone, the simplest way to get to the restaurants is with the local bus. The local red R-1 and R-2 buses run up and down Boulevard Kukulkan every 20 minutes until around 10:30pm.

If you miss the last bus back, you can ask the restaurant to call you a taxi, which will cost around US$5 to US$10.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

18. Visit Isla Mujeres

Description

One item that certainly belongs on the list of the best things to do in Cancún is a visit to Isla Mujeres, an island 8 miles of the coast of Cancún.

The island’s name translates literally to “The Island of Women,” and was used by the Mayans as a sanctuary devoted to Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of fertility. The Spanish colonists gave the name to the island on seeing altars with feminine figures, which you can still see today when you visit the southern end of the island.

The southern tip of the island is also the eastern-most point in Mexico and is therefore the first place to receive the sun dawn light each morning. If you want to be the first in Mexico to see the sun rise, there is a lookout (El Mirador Punta Sur) where you can watch it come up over the Caribbean Sea and take some stunning photographs. The 19th-century ruins of Hacienda Mundaca are also in the south of the island, which cost just US$3.00 to enter.

The island is also known for its beautiful northern beaches and clear blue waters. At Playa Norte, Playa el Cocal and Playa Centro, you can swim and snorkel and during the summer, you can also swim with sea turtles and whale sharks. If you’re not keen on swimming or snorkelling, you can rent a deckchair for 250 Mexican pesos (US$13) and relax under swaying palm trees with a fresh coconut.

Even though the island is very narrow, it is still a few miles long and will take a while to explore. If you want don’t feel like walking or want to speed things up, you can rent a golf cart when you get off the ferry. Hourly rentals start at about US$20 per hour.

It’s also possible to stay overnight on the island, and there are lots of hotels to choose from, including the 5-star all-inclusive Mia Reef Isla Mujeres in the north of the island, not far from the ferry port.

Getting There

Unless you have your own boat, there are only two ways to visit Isla Mujeres.

Ferry

You can get a ferry from Puerto Juárez, just north of the Hotel Zone, or from Playa Tortugas or Playa Caracol in the northern part of the Hotel Zone. The service is operated by Ultramar and costs 540 Mexican pesos (around US$32) for a round trip in all cases.

The timetables aren’t the same, though. The earliest ferries start at 5:30 am at Puerto Juárez, and they mostly go every 30 minutes until later in the evening, when they run hourly. The earliest ones departing the Hotel Zone start at 9:30am. In all cases, the trip over takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Check the full timetable here.

It’s possible to take your rental car over with you, but you’ll need to drive up to Punta Sam in order to cross with your vehicle. It will cost you around US$25 each way.

Tour

This is one of the attractions that is definitely worth doing as a tour. The great thing about the tours is that the guides will pick you up and drop you off in the Hotel Zone, usually at Playa Tortugas.

The guides will take you to all of the best sites as well as some great snorkelling spots. You’ll be sure to visit all of the best places without having to arrange anything yourself, and you’ll also get a gourmet lunch and an open bar during the voyage.

Viator offers a few different options for luxury catamaran snorkelling tours to Isla Mujeres.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

19. Go Up The Cancún Scenic Tower (Torre Escenica)

Description

One of the best things to do in Cancún with a family or as a couple is to go up the Cancún Scenic Tower (Torre Escénica del Embarcadero de Cancún). It’s the highest point in Cancun and will take you 260 feet (80 m) into the air, given you a breathtaking view of the Mexican Caribbean, Nichupté Lagoon and the Hotel Zone.

The ascent takes five minutes and then you’ll have 15 minutes to enjoy the 360° panoramic views as the observation deck slowing rotates around. One of the best times to visit is at sunset, when you can watch the sun go down over Cancún with your family or your loved one.

The observation deck is also wheelchair accessible for disabled or elderly visitors.

At US$20 per person, it’s not the cheapest entrance fee, especially when you consider that it’s all over in a half hour. However, if you’ve visited an Xcaret adventure park and you’re still wearing your wristband, the entrance fee will be gratis. To take best advantage of this, make sure you keep your wristband on so that you visit the Cancún Scenic Tower on the way back from the Xcaret adventure park or in the next few days before you leave.

Getting There

The public bus is your best bet for this one. The stop is at Km 4.5 on Blvd Kukulcan, near the beginning of the “7” in the 7-shaped Hotel Zone, not far from Playa Tortugas. You’ll be able to see the tower as you head north.

The local red R-1 and R-2 buses run up and down Blvd Kukulcan every 20 minutes and costs just 10 Mexican pesos per person (US$0.50) per trip.

If you prefer to take a taxi, you’re looking at about US$5 to US$10 each way.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

20. Go Scuba Diving

Description

Another must-do in Cancún is scuba-diving in the beautiful clear waters.

Cancún is home to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which the second-largest reef on planet Earth after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. That makes it a Mecca for diving enthusiasts even before looking at the other reasons that make Cancún such a great spot for diving.

Despite being a big, busy city, Cancún has worked hard to retain its beautiful marine life. When you dive, you’ll see dolphins, colorful tropical fish, the graceful movements of eels and lobsters, and even nurse sharks and eagle rays.

If you’re looking for something a little different, there’s an underwater museum with over 500 submerged sculptures that you can explore on a dive near Isla Mujeres. There are also two shipwrecked minesweeper vessels a few miles off the coast that you can explore if you are an advanced PADI-certified diver.

Getting There

The best way to do this one is through a tour. Viator offers several different options both for beginners (including if you’ve never dived at all) and for PADI-certified divers.

If you’re a beginner, the courses are longer and more expensive, because you’ll need more instruction. The major positive, though, is that you can get your PADI-certification while you’re doing it.

When you take that into account, I think it’s actually fantastic value and definitely one of the best things to do in Cancún. The PADI-certification never expires and you’ll keep that skill for the rest of your life.

If you’re already certified, you can do one of the advanced tours. There are several of these, including a dive to the two shipwrecked minesweepers, which are at a depth of 85 feet.

Book online through Viator for either tour. The meeting point in most cases is the Real Inn Cancún, which is at Km 5.5 on Boulevard Kukulkan in the Hotel Zone.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

21. Visit Isla Holbox

Description

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Cancún for a few hours, you’ll definitely find some peace and quiet on Isla Holbox.

Isla Holbox is a narrow island off the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, about 35 miles as a crow flies from Cancún. The island is about a mile wide but it’s 26 miles long and curves its way towards the north-eastern tip of Quintana Roo.

Although its name looks like it could be an English surname, it’s actually a Mayan word meaning “black hole” and is pronounced “HOL – bosh“, despite the “x” at the end. The name comes from the dark tannin-like color of the lagoon that separates Isla Holbox from mainland Quintana Roo.

When you reach Isla Holbox from Cancún, you’ll feel like someone has pressed the slow button on life. There are only 1,000 permanent residents and the atmosphere of the island seems to be geared toward helping you to ease down and relax. There are no cars, so there’s a lot less noise, and the only traffic you’re likely to see will take the form of bicycles or golf carts. Even at peak times, the island still doesn’t feel crowded.

The island has two beautiful unspoiled beaches that you can visit. Playa Holbox is on the north side of the island and is about a mile long with sunchairs that you can relax in by the water. Playa Punta Cocos is on the western end of the island and is more remote but is also very beautiful.

There are also some great places to visit just off the island. Isla Pajaros is known for being a breeding ground for over 155 species of birds, and over 40,000 flamingoes visit the island annually. To the south of the mainland, Isla de la Pasión is a small uninhabited island with ankle-deep waters that is also teeming with birds, fish, crabs, and rays.

When you’re done exploring, you can also enjoy some fresh seafood at local restaurants like Las Panchas, which are supplied daily by local fishermen. If you don’t want to have to go back to Cancún on the same day, you can also stay in one of the many boutique hotels like Las Nubes.

This one is definitely one of the best things to do in Cancún if you’re looking to step back from the rush for a moment and just enjoy the beauty of this corner of Mexico.

Getting There

To get to Isla Holbox, you’ll need to drive to Chiquilá, a small village about 2 hours north-west of Cancún. You’ll then need to take a ferry service from Chiquilá to Holbox, which takes about 25 minutes.

There are two companies operating ferry services, Holbox Express and 9 Hermanos. In each case, the price for a round trip is 220 Mexican pesos for adults (US$13) and 180 Mexican pesos for children (US$10.50).

The ferries run in either direction every half hour from 6:00am to 9:00pm from Chiquilá to Holbox and from 5:00am to 8:00pm from Holbox to Chiquilá.

To get to Chiquilá, you have a few different options.

Bus

ADO buses run from Cancún to Chiquilá starting at 8:15 a.m. The trip takes about 2 hours 30 minutes and services depart roughly every hour until 5:00 p.m. The last bus back from Chiquilá departs at 8:30 p.m.

Prices are US$22 per person each way.

Colectivo

If you’re on a budget, you can also take a colectivo from Cancún to Chiquilá. They operate from the opposite side of Avenida Tulum to the ADO terminal, in the carpark of the Soriana Supermarket.

Prices are 250 Mexican pesos per person (US$15) and they depart at noon, 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Given the marginal difference in price between the colectivo and the ADO bus, I’d recommend the latter unless you’re on a very tight budget.

Rental Car

There are lots of places to rent a car in both downtown Cancún and on Avenida Kukulcan in the Hotel Zone. Use DiscoverCars to book a deal online.

Bear in mind that you’ll need to park your car at Chiquilá, because you can’t take it over to Isla Holbox with you.

Tour

It’s also possible to book a tour that picks you up at your hotel in Cancún and takes you on a guided tour of Isla Holbox before bringing you back to your hotel later that evening.

You’ll be picked up at 6:00 a.m. so that you get to spend the whole day on the island. A boat ride to some of the off-island attractions is also included in the package.

Take a look at Viator for more details.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

22. Go Sport-Fishing

Description

If you love sport-fishing, then you will love Cancún. It’s known one of the top sport-fishing hotspots in the world and one of the best things to do in Cancún is to go deep-sea fishing for blue marlin, tuna, sailfish or barracuda in the Caribbean Sea.

Sport-fishing in Cancún is done on a catch and release basis and your catch will depend on the season you’re fishing in. The best time to fish is in June and July, but the fishing is good from April to August.

In the colder months from September to March, you can still catch snapper and amberjack. If you’re looking for big gamefish like blue marlin, white marlin, mahi-mahi, sailfish or backfin tuna, April to August is when you should go.

Getting There

The best way to do this one is on a tour with experienced guides and crews. If you have a large group, you can charter for your whole group. Obviously the more of you participating, the cheaper the price per head. Viator has various options for up to 12 people.

If you’re travelling solo or as a couple, you can book a shared tour so that you don’t have to pay the full group price. These work so that the operator adds several small groups together to fill the boat, which saves you money and gives you a chance to meet some interesting new people. Viator also has a few options for this.

The tours run for 4, 6 or 8 hours, although you’ll get the best value if you book the longer trip. The tours will provide rods, reels, tackle and bait and will also provide beer, soda and water, although lunch is usually extra. Docking fees of US$10 per person also usually apply.

The pick-up is usually at Marina Chac Chi in the Hotel Zone and it usually kicks off early in the morning so that you get in a full day of fishing. Don’t forget to bring some sunscreen and a hat to save yourself from having to deal with sunburns when you get back.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

23. Get A Selfie In Front Of A Cancún Sign

Description

A trip to Cancún isn’t complete without a selfie in front of an iconic Cancún sign. If you’re travelling in a group or as a couple, it’s definitely one of the best things to do in Cancún, because the photo will capture the memory of the trip forever.

If you’re not familiar with Mexican cities, almost all of them have a colorful sign in the town square or in front of another major tourist attraction. Cancún is a big city and has several signs across the city where you can ask someone to take a photo of you striking your Instagram pose.

The most popular Cancún sign is at Playa Delfines in the Hotel Zone, with a great view of the Caribbean Sea behind it. You won’t have to pay any fee to take a photograph, but be aware that it’s very popular, so don’t be surprised if you need to wait for a few minutes while other tourists and getting their Kodak moments.

If you don’t feel like waiting or you want to start a collection of selfies in front of the Cancún signs, there is another one at Playa Langosta and another at Mercado 28. There’s also one inside the interactive aquarium in La Isla Shopping Village.

Getting There

The simplest way to do this one is by taking the bus. They run up and down the Hotel Zone every 20 minutes and will only cost you 10 Mexican pesos each way.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

24. Watch a Lucha Libre Show

Description

Another uniquely Mexican cultural attraction is a Lucha Libre show, the Mexican equivalent of the WWE. Lucha Libre is something that just about everyone has heard of, but in Cancún, you’ve got the opportunity to go and see a live show.

In Cancún, the Lucha Libre shows are held by Luchatitlán in the La Isla Shopping Village complex in the Hotel Zone. Each show is 90 minutes of bombastic colorful wrestling in a Las Vegas ringside arena environment. Like the WWE, it’s all choreographed, but it’s still hugely entertaining with acrobatic feats, live music, and avid crowds cheering on their favorite fighters during the three-round bouts.

You can do just the show or you can do dinner and a show, as you prefer. You can also choose between ringside seats, front row seats just outside the ringside area, and general arena seats.

Ringside tickets start at US$130 per person, the front row seats at US$120 per person and the general arena seats at US$90 per person. Each of those packages includes dinner, and the ringside and the front row packages includes unlimited beer and soft drinks during dinner.

Discounts apply for children, and there are often deals so it’s worth checking the Luchatitlán website for the latest offers available before you book.

Getting There

The public bus or the taxi are your best bets to visit this one.

Bus

Take the R-1 or R-2 to La Isla Shopping Village, at Km 12.5 on Blvd Kukulcan in the Hotel Zone.

Buses run until 10:30 p.m., so you’ll have plenty of time to catch the last bus back to your hotel.

Taxi

Your hotel can call you a taxi and you’ll be able to get one right outside La Isla Shopping Village when the show ends. You can expect to pay around US$5 to US$10 each way.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

25. Take a Sunset Boat Cruise

Description

If you’re looking to turn up the romance on your Cancún trip, taking a sunset boat cruise in the idyllic waters off the coast of Cancún is an excellent way to do it.

Cancún is located right on the Caribbean Sea and the turquoise-colored water almost has to be seen to be believed. The Hotel Zone is built on a naturally long atoll-like strip of land, making it look like the lights of the hotels go on for ever on the horizon. Definitely a wonderfully romantic way to spend a warm evening with your loved one and without a doubt one of the best things to do in Cancún if you’re travelling as a couple.

Many tours offering sunset cruises will also take you over to Isla Mujeres as part of the cruise. It’s a great value for money if you were intending to visit Isla Mujeres in any event.

You’ll get to enjoy the romantic cruise with a DJ and live music on board, and can also spend some time wandering around the historic downtown area of Isla Mujeres.

The package also includes hotel pick-up and drop-off as well as an open bar. You can book the sunset tour described above online with Viator.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

26. Participate in a Temazcal Ceremony

Description

If you are interested in the Mayan and other pre-Hispanic Mexican cultures, participating in a temazcal ceremony is definitely one of the best things to do in Cancún for you.

A temazcal is a pre-Hispanic form of sauna that has been used by indigenous people for centuries. The word “temazcal” comes from the Nahuatl language and is a combination of the words teme (meaning “to bathe”) and calli (meaning “house”) or a derivation of the word temāzcalli (meaning “house of heat”).

However, unlike a Nordic or German spa, a temazcal is much more than a physical cleansing. A temazcal has a significant spiritual dimension and temazcal ceremonies are guided by a shaman.

The ceremony begins with you entering the darkened sweat lodge, where the shaman, using various herbs, pours water over the hot rocks. The shaman begins to chant as he carries out the purification ritual, inducing a meditative state that cleanses the body, mind and soul.

After the ceremony ends, you’ll cool off in the waters of a nearby pool before changing into some dry clothes.

Getting There

The easiest way to do this one is on a tour that will take you to a small Mayan town called Dos Palmas, where you can participate in an authentic Temazcal ceremony with a certified guide.

You’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven down to the village, where you’ll be given a tour before the ceremony begins. Following the ceremony, you’ll be able to cool off by taking a swim in a cenote and will then get to enjoy a delicious dinner with Mayan dishes accompanied by Agua de Jamaica (hibiscus tea).

Prices start at around US$130 per person and you can book online at Viator.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

27. Visit Playa Del Carmen

Description

If you’re keen for a great day trip option, a visit to Playa del Carmen is definitely one of the best things to do in Cancún. It’s only 40 miles south and is actually a tourist destination in its own right.

In a way, Playa del Carmen is a smaller version of Cancún, offering similar attractions in a more local setting. There are loads of things to do, but I’ve set out a few below for the bucket-list.

Visit the Beaches

The first thing that you will notice are its beautiful beaches. The main beach is called Playa del Carmen, from which the city gets its name. It’s a long, beautiful beach, although it is lined by beach clubs and bars and tends to get crowded.

Just a few hundred feet to the south of it, though, you have Playa Playacar, which is a much quieter beach, so you can easily escape the crowd if you need to. If you’re prepared to walk or take a quick taxi ride, you can also visit Playa Punta Esmeralda in the north, which is far enough away to be devoid of tourists.

Shop on Quinta Avenida

Running parallel to the beach a few streets back is Quinta Avenida, Mexico’s version of New York’s Fifth Avenue. The Quinta Avenida shopping strip is quite long and is lined on both sides with restaurants, bars, jewellery shops, clothes shops, souvenir shops and much more.

It’s a pedestrian-only tourist magnet full of street hawkers, so you can expect it to be packed, but it’s worth a visit nonetheless.

Visit Parque Los Fundadores

One place in the city often missed by day-trippers is Parque Los Fundadores, a public park right down on Playa del Carmen beach near the Cozumel ferry wharf. It’s home to the most striking monument in the city called the Portal Maya, a beautiful 50 ft bronze sculpture that frames the beach (pictured above).

There are often live performances held at Parque Los Fundadores. One of the most remarkable is the La Ritual de los Voladores (meaning “Ritual of the Flying Men”), a pre-Hispanic ritual ceremony involving some very impressive acrobatics.

It starts with five men in traditional clothing walking around a 90 ft tall pole to the sound of flute music played by their leader, before climbing right to the top of the pole. Four of the men then tie long ropes around their ankles before launching themselves out to swing around the pole, while one of their number sits atop the pole and plays music on a tin flute.

It’s a brilliant show and you won’t even need to pay an admission fee, although the performers do pass the hat at the end.

Visit Cenote Chaak Tun

There are several cenotes a few miles outside of town and one of the best ones is Chaak Tun. Chaak Tun is special because lots of it is underground and you can swim through its caves like in Rio Secreto.

It’s quite popular, and there are often tours in the mornings, so an afternoon visit is great if you’re looking to avoid the crowds. The admission fee will be 500 Mexican pesos per person, but that includes a guided tour as well as your snorkel and other gear.

Getting There

Playa del Carmen is just over 40 miles south of Cancún, so you’ll need to drive or be driven down.

Bus

A cheap and easy way to get to Playa del Carmen is with the bus. It’s a very popular line and buses depart every half hour or so from the ADO terminal in downtown Cancún.

Tickets start at just US$6 each way and will take about 1 hour 20 minutes. Definitely a great option if you’re on a budget.

Rental Car

This is definitely one where a rental car for the day or for an overnight stay could be worth the money. You can get a rental car for under US$30 per day plus gas, which is great value if you’re travelling with your family or in a large group.

Use DiscoverCars to book a great deal online.

Tour

It’s also possible to visit Playa del Carmen as part of a tour. The tours usually include Playa del Carmen alongside other places like Tulum and Cobá, which can be great value, particularly if you don’t have long to see everything.

To make the most of the day, the tours will typically pick you up at your hotel nice and early and then drop you off late in the evening. Most tours include drinks and snacks and some also include a buffet lunch.

Check out Viator for some great options.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

28. Go Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Description

A great way to explore Cancún’s natural beauty is by going stand-up paddleboarding.

Stand-up paddleboarding (or SUP, as it is more commonly known) has surged in popularity in recent years. If you’ve missed the trend, it’s basically standing on a long, thick surfboard with grips for your feet and where you paddle yourself through the water with a long oar. One of the reasons that it has become so popular is that it can be done by men, women and teenaged children and you don’t need much training to get started.

Having said that, if you’re looking to turn a paddleboarding session into a morning work-out, it’s not at all hard to do. If you’ve ever done any kind of rowing, you’ll know that it requires a high level of fitness and muscles that you don’t normally develop if you’re not a rower. You can, of course, just take it slow on the board and enjoy the beautiful moment. The great thing about SUP is that you it caters to both relaxation and fitness equally.

Cancún is surrounded by water, so you’re spoiled for choice as to where you go. The two most popular places are off the coast of the Hotel Zone in the Caribbean Sea itself or behind the Hotel Zone in Nichupté Lagoon.

The Caribbean is the best place to see the sun rise, but Nichupté Lagoon has mangroves that attract birds and other wildlife, so both are great, depending on what you want to see. I think that watching the sun rise together as you paddle along is certainly one the best things to do in Cancún for couples looking for a romantic moment.

Getting There

The best way to do this one is via a tour.

There are several SUP tours available on Viator that start at around US$50 per person, which includes the rental of the board. Most take place at sunrise or sunset to make the best of the experience, and the guides can also take photographs of you in action free of charge if you’d like. There’s also a market standard bad-weather refund policy, so you don’t need to worry about being rained out and losing your money.

If you enjoy yoga, you can even book a yoga class that you’ll do while sitting on the board out on the water. Definitely a great way to start off your morning, and its starts at around US$80 per person.

If you’re planning to do a sailing tour to Isla Mujeres or just around the Cancún Hotel Zone area, bear in mind that many of the catamarans carry paddleboards that you use during the tour. If you’re keen to give SUP a go but don’t think you want to book a tour just to do it, you can get your shot on the sailing tour and save yourself the price of the separate SUP tour.

The meeting spot for the tours is different for each one. The standard sunrise tour meeting point is Marina Kaybal near Playa Tortugas and the yoga class meets near Playa Caracol, both in the Hotel Zone.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

29. Go Parasailing

Description

Another great water activity that you can do in Cancún is parasailing.

This one involves you being strapped into a chair, attached to a parachute and then being towed by a fast boat so that you sail up into the air. You’ll go up nearly 300 feet (90 m) above the Caribbean, so if you’re not great with heights, you might want to skip this one.

But if you’re looking for a bit of adrenaline, this is one of the best things to do in Cancún to get the heart pumping. You’ll also get some great views of the Hotel Zone, Nichupté Lagoon and even Isla Mujeres while you’re up there.

Up to three people can go up at the same time, so you can do this one as a couple or as a family provided your children are 10 or older. If your family is larger than three, you can still go together, but you’ll just have to go up in two groups.

If you’re a little nervous about doing this one, the guides will take you through the safety protocols and give you a life jacket before you get into the boat. You don’t need to steer or operate the parachute, so you’ll have time to just enjoy the experience and even to take some photos of the amazing views.

Prices start at around US$80 per person, including the dock fee, and you’ll be actually sailing for between 10 to 12 minutes, depending on the winds on the day. You don’t necessarily have to get wet for this one, but I’d recommend that you wear your swimsuit just in case you end up taking a dip!

Getting There

This one needs to be done with a tour, and Viator has several of them available.

The one linked and described above offers hotel pick-up, or you can make your own way to the pick-up point at Playa Tortuga if you prefer.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

30. Go Jet-Skiing

Description

Jet-skiing is a classic holiday activity and definitely one of the best things to do in Cancún when you’re on vacation.

Cancún is particularly suited for water activities, given that it has both a long Caribbean Sea coast as well as the 3,000 hectare Nichupté Lagoon with its extensive mangrove ecosystem right next to the Hotel Zone.

Jet-skiing is a great way to explore the Hotel Zone area from the water and to have an exhilarating experience at the same time. Nichupté Lagoon connects with the sea between Playa Tortugas and Playa Langosta, and many of the marinas are on the lagoon side, so you can mix it up by starting in the lagoon and then going out onto the Caribbean afterwards.

Jetskis are powerful enough to carry two people at once, so it’s also a nice one to do as a couple, especially if you’d prefer not to have to be in control of your own jets the whole team. You’ll need to be 16 or older to rent a jetski, though, so unfortunately this isn’t one that’s great for families.

There are jetski rentals at a lot of the major beaches like Chac Mool, and the prices are usually around US$60 for 30 minutes or US$100 for an hour. Expect to get wet even if you don’t fall off or jump into the water, so I’d recommend you wear your swimsuit for this one.

Getting There

There are plenty of marinas and jetski rentals in the Hotel Zone, so going jetskiing is very easy.

Bus

The R-1 or R-2 bus is your best bet to reach them, and it will only cost you 10 Mexican pesos each way (US$0.50).

Tour

If you’re new to jetskiing, you can also book a tour with a guide that will ride along with you. Having the guide provides a level of comfort, particularly if you get lost or if you fall off and have trouble getting going again. The guides will also give you safety instructions and they’ll know the best places to go, so you’ll benefit from their knowledge in that regard as well.

Viator offers a 2-hour guided combined jetskiing and snorkelling tour for US$155, including the docking fee. It starts at Marina del Rey near the Mayan Museum and the tour will take you into Nichupté Lagoon, into the Caribbean and then up north to snorkel the reef off the shores of El Meco.

The group only has six people at most and all of the jetski and snorkelling equipment will be provided, as well as a life vest and a safety locker. I think that’s quite decent value, especially if you were planning on going snorkelling anyway.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

31. Go Flyboarding

Description

This one is more physically demanding than most of the other water sports activities that you can do in Cancún, but I think that just makes it more fun.

If you’re not familiar with flyboarding, that’s fair enough, because it was only invented in 2012. At its most basic, it’s essentially a wakeboard with two hose attachments on the bottom that can launch you as high as 45 feet in the air. Like a wakeboard, your feet will be strapped into the board, and you’ll use the water pressure to steer yourself through the air.

The experience usually lasts between 20 to 30 minutes. The board floats, and the water pressure will be monitored by an operator nearby, so you’ll won’t be at risk of losing control of the board. You’ll also be equipped with a helmet and a life-jacket to ensure that you’re kept safe even if you hit the water.

If you find snorkelling or even jetskiing a bit pedestrian, this is definitely one of the best things to do in Cancún if you’re looking to challenge yourself and get the heart thumping.

Getting There

You’ll need to do book this one via a tour or other provider. Jetpack Adventures offers an experience for US$134 per person through Viator. They operate on the lagoon side of the Hotel Zone, so you won’t have to worry about ocean currents while you’re learning how to control your board.

They provide all the equipment you’ll need as well as operational and safety instructions before you start. The minimum age is 12, so if you have adventurous teenagers, you can do this one as a family as well.

They’re on Blvd Kukulkan at Km 13.5 in the Hotel Zone, not far from Playa Marlin, so taking the R-1 or R-2 bus is the cheapest and simplest way to reach this one.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

32. Visit Ventura Park

Description

Ventura Park is a family-friendly adventure park located at the southern end of the Hotel Zone. That obviously makes it much easier to reach than some of the other parks like Xcaret that are farther down the coast.

Ventura Park is packed with loads of different things to do. Within the park, there is a Wet’n’ Wild water park with slides and a wave pool, an aerial zipline network in the treetops called “Aaah! Ventura”, a kids area with a roller coaster and a carousel called “Fun World”, a go-cart circuit called “Grand Prix” and a gaming area with laser tag called “Underworld”.

You can also swim with the dolphins and you’ll get some great perks like unlimited buffet access and free ice cream with some of the packages.

There are a few different packages:

• Fun Pass: The Fun Pass gives you admission to Wet’n’ Wild, Fun World and Aaah! Ventura and one visit to the buffet area. It costs US$59 for adults and US$49 for kids.
• Platinum Pass: The Platinum Pass includes everything in the Fun Pass and also gives you access to Grand Prix, unlimited access to the buffet, unlimited ice cream, and access to the open bar. It costs US$69 for adults and US$59 for kids.
• VIP Pass: The VIP Pass includes everything in the Platinum Pass and also includes access to Underworld as well as the chance to swim with dolphins. It starts at US$209 for adults and US$164 for kids.

Children under 42” high enter free of charge and if it rains before 12 noon while you’re at the park, you’ll be able to come back another day for free.

In my mind, the location, the reasonable prices and the perks make this one of the best things to do in Cancún with kids.

Getting There

Unless you have a rental car with you, the public R-1 and R-2 buses are the best way to visit Ventura Park. They run every 20 minutes down Blvd Kukulcan and only cost 10 Mexican pesos per trip.

You can also get a taxi, but it will be much more expensive than taking the bus.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

33. Go on an ATV Tour

Description

An ATV tour is one of the best things to do in Cancún if you’re looking to do something physical outside of the city.

There are several off-road areas of the Riviera Maya near Puerto Morelos where you can join a tour and scoot around the jungle on an ATV. You’ll be led through by a guide who knows the trails and you might also catch a glimpse of iguanas or spider monkeys that are native to the jungle.

In addition to the ATV tour, most tours combine it with ziplining and a swim in a nearby cenote, which is great if you were planning to do those activities as well. Bottled water is provided through the day and you’ll get a light lunch at the end of the activities. Some tours even include a tequila-tasting.

Check out Viator for different tours available.

Getting there

This one is best done as part of a tour. The tours include hotel pick-up and drop-off and most of them offer both morning and afternoon options, so you can plan your day around it.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

34. Visit Isla Contoy

Description

Isla Contoy is the quintessential fantasy Caribbean island that you see in postcards and in James Bond films. It’s situated in the Caribbean Sea around 18 miles north of Isla Mujeres and is home to over 150 species of birds and is the breeding ground for four different types of sea turtles.

The island was designated as a national park in 1998 to preserve its pristine natural state. There are no roads or cars and it can only be reached by boat. There are also no hotels and camping isn’t permitted, so you’ll need to do a day-trip to visit it and head back to the hotel later in the evening.

There’s lots to do on Isla Contoy. There are pristine white sandy beaches where you can relax by the crystal clear turquoise water in the sun and there are also coral reefs near the shore where you can snorkel and look for exotic fish, rays and small sharks. Many of the bird species nest on the island, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise where you can listen to their songs over the sounds of the sea.

While a visit to Isla Contoy is certainly one of the best things to do in Cancún, you should be aware that there are restrictions on visiting Isla Contoy if you’re not part of a tour. There is also a cap of 200 visitors per day, so you’ll need to book ahead to reserve your spot.

You’ll also need to apply for a permit to visit if you’re planning to visit the island in your own boat.

Getting There

In light of the restrictions on visiting the island, the only real way to visit Isla Contoy without your own boat is on a tour.

Most of the local tour operators have offers available on Viator. The tours include hotel pick-up and you’ll be collected nice and early in the morning to make the most of the day. You’ll get a breakfast at the marina before heading over to the island to do some snorkelling, birdwatching and exploring.

Lunch is also included in the package, and you’ll enjoy fresh Mexican food under the shade of a palapa. Many tours also include a stop on Isla Mujeres on the way back, so you can often combine the two activities into one day.

You’ll then be dropped back at your hotel later in the evening.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

35. Kayak on Nichupté Lagoon

Description

If you’re interested in nature and natural ecosystems, one of the best things to do in Cancún is to go kayaking on Nichupté Lagoon. If you’re not familiar with Cancún, Nichupté Lagoon is the body of water between downtown Cancún and the Cancún Hotel Zone, which is built on a long, narrow strip of land separating the lagoon from the Caribbean Sea.

The lagoon covers over 3,000 hectares and is actually made up of five distinct lagoons called Nichupté, Río Inglés, Rio del Amor, Caleta Nizuc y Bojórquez. It’s known for its extensive mangrove forests, which are home to a huge range of plant and animal life. The diversity is also increased through the intermingling of fresh water from the subterranean rocks of the lagoon with the salt water of the Caribbean Sea, which feeds into the lagoon through two narrow inlets.

One of the best things to do in Cancún is to explore the beauty of the lagoon, and one of the best ways to do that is to go on a kayaking tour. There are some great tours on Viator where you can join a small tour group with a certified English-speaking guide who knows the lagoon intimately and can take you to see various birds, exotic fish, starfish, sea sponges and crocodiles.

You’ll spend a whopping three hours on the tour exploring the mangroves and learning about the beautiful and delicate ecosystem of the lagoon. Kayaking is a great way to do it, as it’s completely non-pollutive and also silent, increasing your chances of catching a glimpse of the shyer animals.

Getting There

This one is best done as part of a tour, because you’ll need the tour to provide you with the kayak.

Viator offers a tour where all equipment is provided and included in the price. The tour starts at Marina Kaybal on the lagoon side of Blvd Kukulcan at Km 3.5 and you can choose an early morning or late afternoon slot, as you prefer.

The easiest way to get there is by taxi or by taking the R-1 or R-2 red public buses that run up and down Blvd Kukulcan.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

36. Visit the Interactive Acquarium Cancún

Description

If you love aquariums, then a visit to the Interactive Aquarium Cancún is definitely one of the best things to do in Cancún.

Like all aquariums, the Interactive Aquarium Cancún has a large range of fish and ocean-dwelling species for you to come and see. When you visit, you’ll be able to see several types of angelfish, parrot fish, blowfish, moray eels, sting rays, sea horses and starfish.

But the cool thing about this aquarium is that you can get you can get in the tank with the fish, as promised by the name. If you purchase the Aquarium Trek package, you’ll be instructed how to use Sea Trek underwater breathing equipment that lets you walk around on the bottom of the tank and interact with the fish and other animals.

Once you’ve done that, there are a few other things that you can do at the aquarium. You can relax with a fish spa where Garra Rufa fish exfoliate your feet and give you a micro massage. You can also take the kids to the “touch tanks” where they get hands-on experiences with starfish and sea urchins.

But perhaps the best thing that you can do is book a swim with dolphins. If you book the “Splash” package, you’ll be treated to an amazing and unforgettable up close and personal guided experience swimming with some of the most intelligent marine mammals on Earth.

The entrance fee is US$15.99, the Interactive Aquarium Trek is US$49, and the basic Splash experience is US$99. You can also book multiple activities together as a package, and if you book online, there are also additional discounts available.

Getting There

The Interactive Aquarium Cancún is in La Isla Shopping Village on Blvd Kukulcan, so the easiest way to reach this one is on the public bus or with a taxi.

The R-1 or R-2 red public buses run up and down Blvd Kukulcan daily every 20 minutes until about 10:30 p.m. in the evening.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

37. Visit Las Coloradas

Description

Las Coloradas is a huge network of pink-colored lakes in the 150,000 acre Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve (Reserva de la Biosfera Ría Lagartos) at the northern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula.

The lakes at Las Coloradas (meaning the “the red ones”) get their distinctive pink hue from the red plankton and shrimp in the salty waters of the lakes. The lakes are important economically to the local salt-processing industry and are also home to flamingos, pelicans, eagles and crocodiles.

The color of the lakes depends on the time of your visit, and it is usually a deeper pink at sunset. It’s definitely Instagram-able, with the pink color of the lakes contrasting with the clear azure blue of the sky and the deeper turquoise of the ocean on the other side of the lakes.

If you’re looking to make a day of it, you can also visit the nearby fishing village of Río Lagartos. It’s about a half hour west of the pink salt lakes, and there are also hotels if you don’t feel like going back to Cancún on the same day.

Getting There

Although I do think that this is one of the best things to do in Cancún, especially if you’re keen to do a day trip out of the city, there’s no denying that it is a little off the beaten track.

Rental Car

Given the distance from Cancún, if you’re keen to do this without taking a tour, renting a car is your best bet.

There are lots of places to rent a car in both downtown Cancún and on Avenida Kukulcan in the Hotel Zone. Use DiscoverCars to book a deal online.

To get to Las Coloradas, you’ll need to drive from Cancún to Valladolid along highway 180 for about 90 miles before turning north onto highway 235 for the last 70 miles.

tour

If you don’t want to rent a car, a tour is the best way to do this one.

Viator has a few options starting at around US$160 per person where you’ll be picked up early in the morning and dropped back at Cancún later the same evening.

You’ll be taken to the pink lakes and will also be taken on a tour of the local mangroves in the reserve so that you can see some flamingos and other wildlife.

Bus

It’s possible to get to Las Coloradas with the bus, but it’s a bit of a pain.

You can take an ADO bus from Cancún to Tizimín and then you can take a Autobuses Del Noreste En Yucatan bus from there to Las Coloradas.

It will cost around US$20 each way per person.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

38. Stay at an All-Inclusive Resort

Description

It may not immediately sound like one of the best things to do in Cancún, but if you’re not the type of person to stay in an all-inclusive hotel normally, I think it definitely has a right to be on this list.

If you’re not familiar with the concept, your meals and at least some alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included in the hotel price. That changes the game from a budget perspective. You effectively pay once and then your only job is to get value for your money by eating the great food, drinking amazing cocktails and relaxing by the pool under the sun.

Most of the all-inclusive hotels in the Cancún Hotel Zone are huge with multiple restaurants that you can choose from. They usually have several different pools where you can enjoy cocktails by the pool, all included in the price. The hotels also have spa areas, although spa and wellness is usually excluded from the all-inclusive package.

So what options do you have in the Hotel Zone? I’d suggest starting by looking at Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach, the Riu Palace Kukulkan and Temptation Cancun Resort. All of those are all-inclusive hotels, so even though the rates might seem a little high, you can get quite a bit of bang for your buck.

If you’re keen on golfing, Dreams Vista Cancun Golf & Spa Resort is a great option. The hotel has a fantastic 18-hole championship golf course in an absolute idyllic setting just a few miles north of the Hotel Zone and within a leisurely stroll of Puerto Juárez Beach. It’s also a family-friendly haven with three exquisite swimming pools and a water park for the little ones.

If you’re looking for an adults-only hotel, the Royalton CHIC Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort is a great option. Royalton CHIC Cancun is right on Playa Chac Mool and has an 18th floor rooftop cabana lounge with panoramic city views that transforms into a vibrant pool party venue after sunset. It also has a modern fitness center, spa area and nine gourmet restaurants.

Booking a Hotel

The simplest way to find the best deals on all-inclusive hotels is to check out Booking.com or Expedia.com for prices and availability on your travel dates. You can also use the search box below:

How Can I Get From Cancún International Airport To My Hotel?

You can get a taxi, a private transfer or the public bus to the city.

Taxi

A taxi will cost around US$40 to US$50 (MX$650 to MX$800) and you can get one in front of the airport when you exit.

Private Transfer

If you’re staying in any of the major hotels, the concierge will be able to arrange an airport transfer service for you.

If you want to arrange it yourself, check out your options on Viator. Prices start at around US$50 (MX$800).

Bus

There is also an ADO bus route that you can use that runs from the airport into downtown Cancún. It will drop you off at the ADO bus station in Avenida Uxmal and will cost around US$8 (MX$135).

If you’re staying at a hotel in the Hotel Zone, you’ll need to then take one of the local red buses into the Hotel Zone. They stop right outside the bus station on Avenida Tulum. Route R-1 will take you into the hotel zone and will cost around US$0.50 (MX$12).

Can I Rent A Car At Cancún International Airport?

Yes, Europcar and other major providers have kiosks at the airport.

I recommend using DiscoverCars to book the best deal available ahead of your arrival. You can expect to pay around US$70 per day plus gas for a basic rental car.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

39. Watch the Cirque du Soleil JOYÀ

Description

If you love the theater, Cirque du Soleil JOYÀ is an elegant mix of dance, acrobatics and theater. As far as romantic evenings go, this is definitely one of the best things to do in Cancún.

JOYÀ is the story of a young girl and her biologist grandfather, who brings her to a mysterious jungle, hoping to pass on to his granddaughter his zest for the search for the meaning of life. The performance draws heavily on ancient Mayan iconography and is filled with vibrant color, music and brilliant acrobatics.

There are a few different packages available and they’re aligned with the seats that you choose. You can choose from:

• Show-Only: US$145 per person. The seats aren’t the greatest seats and nothing else is included, but it’s not a bad option if you’re on a budget.
• Show & Dinner: US$270 per person. You’ll get far better seats, a three-course meal, and a half-bottle of champagne to share.
• VIP Show & Dinner: US$360 per person. You’ll get the best seats in the house as well as the three-course meal and a bottle of champagne.

The performance itself is 80 minutes long, but if you take a dinner package, you’ll get over 2 hours of entertainment.

Getting There

Although this is one of the best things to do in Cancún, to see the show you’ll have to go to the Vidanta Theater, which is about 30 miles south of the Hotel Zone.

There are a few options to arrange transport if you haven’t rented a car.

Include It with your Ticket

The simplest way to deal with this is to book transport through the theater when you book online.

Round-trip transport costs US$30 (MX$500) per person and the pick-up point is La Isla Shopping Village. You can get to La Isla easily with the R-1 or R-2 bus that runs up and down the Hotel Zone.

Tour

If you want to get a slightly cheaper transfer, you can also book a tour through Viator. The options are all the same as I’ve set out above, but the transport costs are a little less.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

40. Take a Captain Hook Dinner Cruise

Description

If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly activity, the Captain Hook Dinner Cruise is definitely one of the best things to do in Cancún.

The cruise is carried out on three authentic replica Spanish galleons constructed in Spain called El Galleon I, El Bucanero II and The Black Pearl. Each is 93 feet long and can hold up to 285 passengers.

After you’ve boarded the galleon, the cannons are fired to sound your departure as you head out into the bay. The captain introduces himself and his crew and you’ll interact with the pirates in contests and be treated to dancing and a show on the main deck.

When night falls, the fun really begins. An enemy ship is sighted, and soon after you’ll experience an epic battle amid cannon fire and the cries of bloodthirsty pirates swinging across to board your ship. You’ll really get a feel for the close quarters of nautical battle as pirates slash at each other with their cutlasses and try to shoot each other with their pistols and muskets.

There’s general seating on opposite sides of the main deck where you can interact with the pirates and enjoy a great view of the show. If you want something a little more private with a better view, you can upgrade your package to VIP status, which gives you access to the upper deck of the bow or the stern.

Prices start at US$110 per person and each package includes a full buffet dinner with an open bar for national drinks. If you want the VIP package, you’ll need to buy a bottle of wine or champagne as well (between US$75 and US$80).

I recommend booking online, as there are discounts of up to 20% if you book in advance. Don’t forget to arrive at least 45 minutes before departure and you should bring identification as well so that you can be registered before setting off.

Getting There

The Captain Hook Dinner Cruise is located at the top of the Hotel Zone, so you have a few options to get there.

Bus

The bus is the cheapest and easiest way to reach the venue. The R-1 and R-2 buses can take you to the venue.

The entrance is behind the Grand Oasis Palm Hotel on Blvd Kukulcan at Km 5.

Book Transport with Captain Hook

You can also add hotel pick-up and drop-off to your package for an additional US$10 if you’d prefer not to take the bus.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

41. Visit Puerto Morelos

Description

A visit to Puerto Morelos is one the best things to do in Cancún if you’re looking to spend a bit of time away from the Hotel Zone in a more relaxed and laid-back setting. Particularly in the high season, it’s a great option if you’re starting to feel like the beaches in the Hotel Zone are getting a bit cramped.

Puerto Morelos is a small fishing town about 25 miles south of Cancún. The tourist crowds tend to either stay in Cancún or go further down to Playa del Carmen, so most of the people you’ll meet will be locals. English isn’t really spoken here, so you can expect a more authentic experience of local life as well.

One of the highlights of Puerto Morelos is its local cuisine. In contrast to the more expensive upmarket offerings of Cancún, in Puerto Morelos you can taste some delicious and budget-friendly traditional Yucatan cuisine like cochinita and lechón (steamed pork).

If you’re keen on activities, you can go snorkelling and explore the colorful fish and marine life living on and around the nearby reef. If you’ve rented a car, you can also make a stop at the nearby Croco Cun Zoo, where you can interact with snakes, monkeys and crocodiles, or go for a swim in the nearby Sol y Luna Cenote.

Whatever you decide to do, if you’re looking for a day trip to a quaint local town without needing to travel too far, a visit to Puerto Morelos is certainly one of the best things to do in Cancún.

Getting There

There are a few ways to get to Puerto Morelos other than renting a car and driving down.

Tour

There are lots of different snorkelling tours available on Viator that with pick you up and drop you off back at your hotel.

Most of the tours include a great local lunch as well, so it’s a great way to experience the town without having to plan everything yourself.

Bus

Another option to reach Puerto Morelos is with the public bus. The trip only takes about 35 minutes and buses depart from Terminal ADO on Avenida Uxmal every half an hour or so. Prices are around US$3.00 each way.

You can take the R-1 bus from the hotel zone to Terminal ADO for around US$0.50.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

42. Go Zip-Lining at Selvatica

Description

If you’ve never been zip-lining before, I think it’s one of the best things to do in Cancún and definitely something you should try.

If you’re not familiar with it at all, you basically put on a harness and get hooked up to a cable that slopes downward. You then zip along the cable high above the tree-line, all under your own body weight.

There are a few different theme parks in Cancún where you can go zip-lining, but Selvatica is arguably the best of them. Selvatica’s Extreme Canopy tour encompasses ten different zip-line circuits where you can soar above the jungle canopy. You can get strapped in so that you fly like Superman, ride a zipline rollercoaster known as Tarzania, and try the AquaZip, where you finish the ride by aquaplaning into the water.

In addition to the ziplining, you can also do an ATV tour or swim in a nearby cenote. If you want to really turn it up a notch, there’s even a bungee jump that you can do to get the adrenaline pumping.

Ziplining is family-friendly and children three years and over can do most of the ziplining activities. You should plan to get wet, so wear your swimsuit with something light and comfortable over the top and don’t forget to bring a towel and comfortable shoes as well.

Prices start at US$109 for adults (which includes children 12+) and US$59 for children (3 to 11). It’s worth checking out the Selvatica website and booking online if you can, as they often have great discounts.

Getting There

Selvatica is a little out of the way, but you still have a few options.

Car Rental

The easiest way to visit is to rent a car. Prices start at around US$30 per day plus gas.

There are lots of places to rent a car in both downtown Cancún and on Avenida Kukulcan in the Hotel Zone. Use DiscoverCars to book a deal online.

Tour

Another option is to visit Selvatica with a tour. Viator offers a tour starting at US$119 per person that will pick you up at your hotel and drop you off after you’ve visited the park. The tour guides speak English and lunch is included.

Bus

If you want to take the bus, it’s possible, but with the remote location, I don’t think it’s ideal.

You’ll need to take an R-1 bus to the ADO terminal in Cancún and then take either an ADO bus or a colectivo down to Puerto Morelos. The ADO bus will be around US$3 and a colectivo will be about US$0.50.

Once you get to Puerto Morelos, you’ll need to get a taxi or a colectivo to Selvatica. If you’re taking the colectivo, you’ll need to get one going towards Leona Vicario.

If you’re taking a taxi, you should ask for the driver’s phone number so that you can call him to come and collect you when you’re done at the park.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

43. Play a Round of Golf

Description

For golf enthusiasts, playing a round of golf in the vibrant setting of the Caribbean is undeniably one of the best things to do in Cancún. There are several dozen top-notch golf courses in and around the Hotel Zone and several of them are part of hotel complexes, so you don’t even need to travel to reach the course.

The list of hotels with golf courses is impressive and includes:

• Iberostar Selection Cancún
• Moon Palace Cancun – All Inclusive Resort;
• Dreams Vista Cancun Golf & Spa Resort; and
• Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort.

Each of these are challenging 18-hole or even 27-hole courses offering attractive packages including meals and drinks. All of the courses are all either on or very close to the Caribbean Sea and you’ll see lots of lizards and even crocodiles on the course.

Golf-holidays in Cancún are popular, so I recommend that you book a tee time to make sure that you can get some time on the course. You can expect to pay at least US$100 for entry onto the course, and club rental is on top of that if you need it. Cash payments should be in pesos, as dollars are not accepted, and you should check the hours of the course as well.

Getting There

If you’re booking a hotel with a golf course on site, you’ll be in walking distance so getting there will be very easy. The hotel concierge will be to book you a taxi if you don’t want to carry your clubs in the heat.

If you need to access the course from a different hotel, you should contact the golf club in advance to book your tee time and ensure you’re given access. Unless you’ve rented a car, getting a taxi is going to be the easiest way to get to the club with your kit in tow.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

44. Visit Xplor Adventure Park

Description

Xplor Adventure Park is a theme park with ziplining, circuits for amphibious vehicles, underground rivers, caverns and water slides. It’s a great option if you’re looking to do lots of different activities in one day or if you just want to have a few choices to keep things interesting.

The park is located in a beautiful reserve on the Caribbean Sea just south of Playa del Carmen, so the underground rivers and caverns are the real thing. The network has developed over 65 million years following the impact of the meteorite that wiped out the dinosaurs. You can swim, explore on a raft, or take a tour of the caves, as takes your fancy.

Unlike some other parks, the Xplor amphibious vehicles are modified ATVs that have roll cages and snorkels. That means that they’re not only safer but they can seat up to two adults and two children and can go underwater without stalling or destroying the motor. There are two different 3-mile circuits that will take you over hanging bridges, along narrow roads and through flooded caverns.

Another cool thing about the park is that it opens during the day and then again at night, when it goes by the name of “Xplor Fuego”. The activities are all the same but the atmosphere is completely different by night, especially when you’re exploring the underground caverns or ziplining over the trees. The park is lit by torches that mark the way, so it’s perfectly safe, but nonetheless a very different experience to the day shift.

Pricing starts at US$121 per adult for Xplor Fuego and US$143 for Xplor during the day. It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Cancún as far as adventure parks go.

Getting There

There are a few ways to visit Xplor Adventure Park.

Book Transportation with Xplor

You can book a hotel pick-up and drop-off through Xplor when you book online for an additional US$30 per person.

Bus

It’s possible to get to Xplor Adventure Park with the bus. Buses depart every half hour or so from the ADO terminal in downtown Cancún to Playa del Carmen. You’ll need to take a taxi from there to the park.

Bus tickets start at just US$6 each way and the trip will take about 1 hour 20 minutes. The taxi will cost another US$10 or so, and will only take around 10 – 15 minutes.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

45. Swim with Sea Turtles at Playa Akumal

Description

For nature lovers, one of the undisputed best things to do in Cancún is go for a swim with sea turtles at Playa Akumal.

Playa Akumal is a beach about 65 miles south of Cancún that is known for being a breeding ground for turtles between May and November. It’s possible to see sea turtles elsewhere around Cancún, notably around Isla Mujeres, but the sheer number of turtles around Playa Akumal makes it worth the trip.

There are so many turtles during the season that it’s almost guaranteed to see them on your visit. It’s a popular activity, so if possible, aim to arrive early to try to beat the crowds. Swimming at the beach early in the morning is better anyway, so it will be worth getting up early to do it.

The turtles look beautifully graceful when they swim and they might even swim right up to you if they’re feeling friendly. Be aware, though, that while it’s permitted to swim with the turtles, there are environmental laws protecting them, and one of the rules is that you can’t touch or harass them.

The beach at Playa Akumal is public and you can swim without needing to be part of a tour. However, there is a section that is restricted to tour companies and it is the area where most of the turtles are likely to be seen. Be aware of scammers trying to require you to wear life vests or to pay for access to the public beach.

If you come without a tour, you’ll need to bring your own snorkel gear if you want it. You can rent equipment at a dive shop, but it will be fairly expensive. A better option would be to bring your own or buy it at Walmart in Cancún. If you take a tour, they’ll supply you with snorkel gear.

Getting There

Although this is one of the best things to do in Cancún, getting there isn’t as easy as some of the others on the list.

Given the distance involved, I think the best options to do this one are either renting a car or booking a tour.

Tour

Viator has several tours where you’ll get a private experience swimming with the turtles with certified guides that take you into the restricted section of the beach.

Even though it costs more than doing it independently, they’ll supply the transport from your hotel and back as well as the snorkel gear, and you’ll get access to the area where you’re more likely to see turtles. On that basis, there’s definitely good value in the price that you’ll pay.

Unless you’re budgeting or really keen to do it independently, I think a tour is the best option here.

Rental Car

If you’re taking the independent option, a rental car is the most efficient way to do this one. They’re only US$30 per day plus gas and you can make a day out of it and visit Tulum and a nearby cenote so that you get your money’s worth from the rental.

You can pick up a car both in downtown Cancún and on Avenida Kukulcan in the Hotel Zone. Use DiscoverCars to book a deal online.

Colectivo

It’s possible to take the colectivo, although you’ll need to take the Cancún to Playa del Carmen colectivo and then change to take a second one the rest of the way to Playa Akumal.

The colectivo in Cancún departs opposite the ADO Terminal on Avenida Uxmal in downtown Cancún. You can get the one in Playa del Carmen on Calle 2 between Avenida 15 and Avenida 20.

You can expect to pay around 20 to 30 Mexican pesos per colectivo.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

46. Do A Taco Tour

Description

One the of the best things to do in Cancún that many visitors don’t think about is a taco tour. Cancún is known for lots of things, but their fantastic range of taco restaurants (taquerías) may not be on your radar.

There are places to get tacos in the Hotel Zone, but your best option here is to head into downtown Cancún. There are great places scattered around the downtown area, but there’s a concentration around places like Parque de las Palapas and Mercado 28.

There are lots of different types of tacos, but the most well-known is Tacos al Pastor. Tacos al Pastor are the most popular type of tacos in Mexico and they’re essentially the Mexican interpretation of shawarma-style pork tacos adorned with a succulent pineapple slice. The pork is cooked using the Lebanese vertical spit-roasting method to get a distinctive red color that is then infused with a medley of spices to give it that Mexican twist.

There are lots of other types of tacos you can try including tacos al arabe (also pork-filled, but with different spices that give it a different color) and cochinita pibil  (slow-cooked sucking pig). You can also try quesadillas and huaraches if you’re looking to mix it up a bit.

If you’re looking for a few options to get started, try Tacos de la Yaxchilan, Taquería Coapenitos and El Socio Naiz Taquería.

Getting There

The easiest way to do this one is to take the bus into downtown and walk around or to arrange a tour.

Bus

You can get the R-1 or R-2 red public bus from the Hotel Zone into downtown Cancún and get off on Avenida Tulum.

There are dozens of taquerías within walking distance, and you can easily get the bus back to the Hotel Zone when you’re done.

Tour

If you don’t want to wander around like Hansel and Gretel in downtown Cancún, then you could join a taco tour.

Viator offers tours that include a pick-up and drop-off option and the English-speaking guide will take you to up to five different taquerías to ensure you get a great cross-section of what’s available.

Tours start at around US$50 per person and last for around 4 hours.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

47. Visit Señor Frog’s

Description

If you haven’t heard of it, Señor Frog’s is a cheesy but iconic Mexican institution that has been around since 1969. Even though it’s loud, touristy and very cliché, it’s an essential part of the Cancún experience and for that reason it’s also one of the best things to do in Cancún.

During the day, Señor Frog’s is essentially a Mexican / American restaurant with an upbeat, colorful atmosphere. It’s kid-friendly with a huge menu including Mexican nachos, enchiladas, tacos and ceviche as well as American BBQ, hot dogs and burgers. There are also vegetarian options as well as a range of Mexican and American deserts.

In the evening, it takes on more of a club atmosphere and gets very busy, particularly on a weekend evening or during holidays like Spring Break. There are often themed nights like foam parties, glow parties and salsa nights and you’ll also get the famous Señor Frog’s Yard Glass, which is a colorful 28 oz. glass that you can take home as a souvenir.

Bear in mind that there’s a US$5 cover charge that you’ll need to pay if you’re going after 8:00pm. If you book a Frog’s Pass online, you can combine the cover with your first drink and an appetizer for better value.

Getting There

On your way there, you can get a taxi or the public bus.

Bus

The R-1 and R-2 buses run up and down the Hotel Zone from 7:00 a.m. up to around 10:30 p.m. and will cost 10 Mexican pesos per person per trip.

If you’re just going to the restaurant during the day, the bus is perfect. If you’re planning to party through the night, you can take the bus there, but you’ll need to get a taxi back.

Taxi

You can get taxis throughout the Hotel Zone and they’ll cost between US$5 and US$10 per trip.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

48. Do a Tequila Tasting

Description

Nothing says Mexico like tequila, and if you like your agave spirits, a tequila tasting is definitely one of the best things to do in Cancún.

Tequila purists will know that Cancún is nowhere near Jalisco, the state where tequila is made in Mexico. The good news is that you don’t need to visit Jalisco to have a great tequila experience in Mexico and there are some great places where you can do a tequila tasting in Cancún.

If you’re on a budget, Mercado 28 in downtown Cancún is a great place to go. The surroundings aren’t luxurious, but the prices are cheap and you’ll be able to taste a great range of different types of tequila.

If you’re happy to go a little more upmarket, I suggest going to the Lighthouse Restaurant in La Isla Shopping Village for a tasting. You’ll be guided through a tasting of six different types of high-end tequila, each aged in American oak barrels for different periods of time, by an experienced English-speaking guide. You’ll also learn about how the blue agave is grown and harvested as well as the process of distillation and aging of the spirit to give it its character.

The Lighthouse Restaurant tasting costs US$55 per person and they often offer discounts if you book online through their website.

Obviously not a child-friendly option, but still one of the best things to do in Cancún to do as a couple or with a group of friends.

Getting There

Whether you go to Mercado 28, Lighthouse Restaurant or one of the many tequila bars or clubs in Cancún, taking the bus or a taxi will be your best bet.

For both Mercado 28 and Lighthouse Restaurant, you can take the public buses that run up and down the Hotel Zone. Mercado 28 is in downtown Cancún, but the bus stops not far from the market. It’s dirt cheap at 10 Mexican pesos per trip.

If you don’t want to take the bus, a taxi will cost you around US$10 to US15 per trip.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

49. Learn to Surf

Description

Another great activity that you can do while you’re staying in Cancún is learn to surf.

If you don’t immediately associate surfing with Cancún, that’s perfectly understandable. The Cancún break has nothing on Playa Zicatela in Puerto Escondido, which is known as the “Mexican Pipeline” and one of the primary reasons that many people visit Mexico’s Pacific Coast each year.

In fact, the more relaxed atmosphere is a key reason why learning to surfing is one of the best things to do in Cancún, especially for beginners. The swell tends to be around 3 feet high all year around, the water is clear and beautiful and the beaches are all sandy, so the conditions for learning are perfect.

Cancún’s weather is warm enough that you can learn to surf all year around, but if you want to test yourself on some bigger waves, you can visit during June to November, when the swell is at its highest.

There are several surf schools like 360 Surf School Cancun that provide English-speaking certified instructors as well as a huge range of different surfboards for you to choose from. You can learn as part of a group or arrange a private lesson so that you can build confidence and thrash the swell as soon as possible.

If you love the water and you don’t already know how to surf, this is definitely one of the best things to do in Cancún and one where you’ll learn a skill that you can take home with you as well.

Getting There

Most of the surf-schools are in the Hotel Zone, and the best way to get there is to take one of the public R-1 or R-2 buses to the meeting point.

Make sure you bring a rash shirt, a towel and some sunscreen with you when you hit the waves.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

50. Walk Down Avenida Kukulkan

Description

Even if you’re not planning to go to Cancún to party, you should still spend an hour or so visiting Cancún’s strip during your stay.

Cancún is sometimes known as the Vegas of the Caribbean and if you take a walk down Boulevard Kukulcan between Km 7.5 to Km 9.5 after the sun has gone down, you’ll see why. As you head north at around Km 9.5, the street splits creating a little island of bright lights, loud music, bustling people, swaying palm trees and outrageous landmarks like the silver hard-rock guitar.

During the day, the music and the crowds aren’t so intense and most tourists are walking around looking for restaurants or other places to eat. The sidewalks are quite wide, and there are lots of places where you can grab lunch before heading down to the beach.

But when night falls, the neon lights come on, the clubs open their doors and the party crowd arrives to dance the night away. Most of the big party attractions are clustered around that one spot including Coco Bongo, The City and Señor Frog’s, so if you’re heading out to party, it’s great because everything is in the same area.

Whether or not you’re interested in the party scene, I still think that your trip won’t quite be complete without experiencing this side of Cancún, and I’ve included it on the list of best things to do in Cancún for that reason.

Getting There

The strip area is at the north end of the Hotel Zone “7”, so you’ll need to take a taxi or get the public bus.

Bus

The R-1 and R-2 buses run up and down the Hotel Zone from 7:00 a.m. up to around 10:30 p.m. and will cost 10 Mexican pesos per person per trip.

If you’re just going to the restaurant during the day, the bus is your best option. If you’re planning to party through the night, you can take the bus there, but you’ll need to get a taxi back.

Taxi

You can get taxis throughout the Hotel Zone and they’ll cost between US$5 and US$10 per trip.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

51. Walk Down Avenida Tulum

Description

Most visitors to Cancún staying in the Hotel Zone will visit Boulevard Kukulcan, but many don’t make it over to Avenida Tulum, which is its downtown Cancún equivalent.

I say equivalent, but that’s only in the sense that they’re both major traffic arteries of about the same length. The experience of each is actually quite different.

Unlike the Boulevard Kukulcan strip, which is brightly lit and lined with clubs and bars, Avenida Tulum has more of a local vibe. There are still hotels, restaurants and bars, but Avenida Tulum is where locals go, and the shops have a more local feel as a result. You’ll see more fruit stalls and small shops and the prices are also much more reasonable than in the Hotel Zone.

And if you’re interested in artistic works, you can visit the Monumento a la Historia de México and the Fuente del Ceviche, both landmarks built in little green traffic islands along the north-south run of the avenue. You can also stop by the Palacio Municipal and take a selfie in front of the statue of Benito Juárez and one of the many Cancún signs.

If you’re looking to experience the daily cadence of Cancún life, strolling down Avenida Tulum is one of the best things to do in Cancún to achieve it.

Getting There

You can reach Avenida Tulum from the Hotel Zone using the R-1 or R-2 public buses or by taking a taxi.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

52. Do a City Bus Tour

description

One of the best things to do in Cancún if you’re looking to see a lot of the city in a short timeframe is to take a Cancún city bus tour.

Viator has several different options that combine a sightseeing tour of the city with an opportunity to stop and do a little shopping or try some great local food.

Over a five-hour period you’ll be chauffeured through various parts of the city. You’ll cruise down Boulevard Kukulcan and make a stop at Playa Defines, where you can get your obligatory selfie in front of the Cancún sign at the city’s most popular beach. On the other side of town, you’ll be taken along Avenida Tulum, where you’ll get to see the more local side of Cancún, together with some of the city’s monuments and landmarks.

On the food side of things, you’ll make a stop at Mercado 28, where you can try some great local street food and shop for a souvenir. You’ll also make a stop at the Tequila Museum, where you can learn all about Mexico’s most famous spirit before enjoying a tequila tasting to close out the trip.

Prices start at US$45 per person, which isn’t bad value for a 5-hour trip.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

53. Visit Xavage Park

Description

There are quite a few adventures parks in Cancún, but Xavage Park has a few unique aspects that make it one of the best things to do in Cancún with a family.

For one thing, it’s only 10 miles south of the city, which is a big advantage over some of the other parks, especially if you’re travelling with small children. It also has some Cancún-only features, like rafting, which you can’t do anywhere else in the Yucatán peninsula.

There are seven different activities that you can do at Xavage Park. These are:

• Rope Courses: four different rope courses of different difficulties ranging from 26 ft (8 m) to 116 ft (36 m) above the ground;
• Rafting: a class III rafting course that takes you over 7 ft waterfalls;
• Kayaking: two different kayaking courses through the park’s canals and caves;
• Splash Area: the park’s family-friendly swimming pools and waterslides;
• Monster Truck Driving: an off-road buggy driving course with 15 different obstacles;
• Power Boating: tight, high-speed racing through the park’s canals; and
• Zipline Flight: a horizontal zipline that makes you feel like you’re flying through the air.

There are two types of admission. The basic package gets you access to the rope courses, rafting, kayaking and the splash area, and the upgraded package gets you full access to all seven activities.

The basic package is US$79.99 per adult and the upgraded package is US$134.99 per adult. Both packages include access to unlimited food and non-alcoholic drinks. Round-trip transportation can be added for US$18 per person.

Children (under 12) get 25% of the adult price, and there are also other discounts available if you book online in advance and if you purchase tickets to more than one park at the same time.

As far as the adventure parks go, I think it’s definitely one that should be high on your list.

Getting There

The easiest way to reach this one is either by arranging transport with the park, renting a car, or taking a taxi.

Park Transportation

You can add transportation to your tickets when you book online. The cost is US$18 per person and US$13.50 per child.

Taxi

A taxi from the Hotel Zone will likely cost you around US$15 – US$20 in each direction.

Rental Car

There are several places in the Hotel Zone where you can rent a car. If you rent one for the day and drop it off the next morning, you can expect to pay around US$25 plus gas.

Use DiscoverCars to book a deal online.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

54. Visit Valladolid

Description

A visit to Valladolid is definitely one of the best things in Cancún that you can do if you’re keen to visit a town with Spanish colonial architecture.

The town was settled by the Spanish on the site of an existing Mayan city in 1543. Although the Mayan city was destroyed, there are several colonial-era buildings remaining.

One of the oldest remaining buildings in the city is the Convent of San Bernardino de Siena, which was constructed by Franciscan monks between 1552 and 1560. The convent is an important Catholic site and many of the wall frescos are the originals painted in the 16th century.

Another landmark is the Cathedral of San Servacio, which was originally constructed in 1545, but then demolished and rebuilt in 1708 following its desecration during a Mayan rebellion in the city. It’s right across the road from the Parque Principal, the central town park, where you can take a rest near a beautiful fountain.

Valladolid is also home to lots of cenotes, including Cenote Zaci, which is just a few blocks away from the Parque Principal in the center of the city. Cenote Zaci is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and costs just 60 Mexican pesos (US$3.00) to enter.

You can also easily combine a visit to Valladolid with a visit to Chichén Itzá, which is just 25 miles to the west.

Getting There

Valladolid is 110 miles from Cancún, so you’ll need a vehicle to get there.

A rental car is the simplest option, but you can also take the bus and there are tours available as well.

Rental Car

There are lots of places to rent a car in both downtown Cancún and on Avenida Kukulcan in the Hotel Zone. Use DiscoverCars to book a deal online.

Bus

If you’re on a budget, ADO buses run from Cancún to Valladolid through the day starting early in the morning. The trip will cost you US$20 per person and will take around 2 hours.

Tour

An easy way to see Valladolid is on a tour. You’ll be picked up and dropped off at your hotel and most tours include a swim in a cenote and a visit to Chichén Itzá as well.

Check out this one from Viator if you’re interested in arranging a tour.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

55. Visit Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

Description

If you’re a nature enthusiast, then a visit to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve (Reserva de la Biósfera Sian Ka’an) is definitely going to be one of the best things to do in Cancún for you.

The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a hidden gem located about 100 miles south of Cancún, just past Tulum. At around 1.3 million acres, it’s the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean and it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site all the way back in 1987 due to its unparalleled biodiversity and rich Mayan heritage.

The reserve is an intriguing mix of tropical forests, mangrove swamps, coral reefs, savannah-like grasslands, and miles of untouched beaches. Within Sian Ka’an, you’ll encounter nearly 115 species of mammals including howler monkeys, spider monkeys, jaguars and pumas, as well as crocodiles and 300 species different bird species. You can also listen to the buzzing and fluttering of over a 1,000 different species of insects and can marvel at over 1,048 different species of flora.

Much of the reserve is wetlands broken up by canals, many of which were hand-cut by the Mayans centuries ago. The geography of the reserve means that one of the best ways to explore Sian Ka’an is by taking a boat tour.

Viator offers several different tours that pick you up early in the morning at your hotel in Cancún, take you on a tour of the reserve, and then return you back to your hotel in the evening. Most of the tours feature a boat tour through the mangroves, a snorkel on the coral reefs, and a swim in a natural lagoon at Punta Allen, which is a fishing village at the end of a long peninsula within the reserve.

The tours start at around US$195 per person and lunch, drinks and snacks throughout the day are included in the price. It’s best to visit the reserve on a tour because it’s enormous and easy to get lost without an experienced guide. If you go alone, you may also have to contend with crocodiles, jaguars and pumas, so definitely not for the faint of heart.

Getting There

If you’re not familiar with the area, the best way to do this one is with a tour, as described above.

If you are keen to explore alone, I’d recommend renting a car, ideally something with 4-wheel drive, as the reserve is a long way off the beaten track and the road can get a bit bumpy and muddy after it rains. The best way to see it is just to follow highway 15 south of Tulum all the way down to Punta Allen.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

56. Go Snorkeling

Description

If you’re the type of person who likes to be active on your holiday, then water activities are probably going to be some of the best things to do in Cancún for you. There are lots to choose from, but snorkeling is certainly high on the list.

Cancún is known not only for its crystal-clear waters but also for its vibrant reefs. If you’re not already aware, the Great Mayan Reef is the second largest reef in the world and stretches over 500 miles from the Yucatan Peninsula to Belize and Honduras. The reef is full of marine life, which makes it the perfect place to go snorkeling.

Some of the best snorkeling areas in Cancún are actually within its nearby adventure parks. In both Xcaret and Xel-Há, you can find some spectacular snorkeling spots with lots of colorful fish, rays, and other marine life. The parks are huge, so even though they’re full of tourists, you can still find a relatively quiet spot where you can explore without being disturbed.

Another great place to go snorkeling in Cancún is Punta Nizuc, which is located at the southern end of Cancún’s hotel zone. It’s also part of the network of reefs with coral formations, a kaleidoscope of fish species, and a collection of underwater sculptures from Cancún’s renowned underwater museum, MUSA. However, you can’t snorkel this site unless you’re part of a tour.

Snorkeling on a tour is actually quite a good option. Viator offers tours starting at around US$80 per person that will take you snorkeling at Punta Nizuc, nearby shipwrecks as well as in sea turtle breeding grounds. Hotel pick-up and drop-off is also offered.

However you choose to do it, don’t forget to bring an underwater camera with you to capture some of the magic moments.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

57. Take A Helicopter Ride

Description

If you’re looking to do something romantic and memorable on your trip, I think a helicopter tour over Cancún should be high on your list.

This tour takes off from a private helipad atop the Luxury Avenue Mall in the hotel zone. You’ll get VIP treatment when you arrive and before you know it you’ll be sweeping over Nichupté Lagoon and the Mexican Caribbean with the city far below.

The helicopter has capacity for up to six people and you’ll be in the air for about 15 minutes in total. You’ll be given noise-cancelling headsets and you’ll have lots of opportunities to take photos to help you capture the unique experience. You’ll also be given a safety briefing before you take off.

There’s no need to wear warmer clothing, although you should wear closed shoes.

While it certainly isn’t the cheapest activity that you can imagine, it’s definitely one of the best things to do in Cancún, especially if you’re travelling as a couple.

Getting There

You can easily reach the Cancún Luxury Mall using the R-1 or R-2 public buses or by taking a taxi.

The buses are 10 Mexican pesos each way and a taxi will cost you around US$10 each way from within the Hotel Zone.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

58. Visit Xel-Há

Description

If you’re looking for a water park near Cancún, it’s hard to go past Xel-Há.

Xel-Há is located in a huge natural inlet from the Mexican Caribbean. The inlet is fed by several underground rivers and Xel-Há’s name itself means “where water is born”. Historically, it was used by Mayan traders as a sheltered port and a depot for preserving food during bad weather.

The list of activities at Xel-Há is impressive. You can float along underground rivers, swim in cenotes, ride the spiralling waterslide from the top of the 98.5 feet (30 m) high lighthouse, and snorkel in lagoons teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and majestic manatees. There are also rope bridges that you can cross, as well as jungle tracks that you can walk or cycle along.

There are two admission packages available. The Xel-Há All Inclusive package starts at US$115 per adult, with a 25% discount for children. It gives you access to everything except the three “optional activities”.

The Xel-Há Total package starts at US$158 per adult and includes one of the optional activities, which are Adrenalina, Sea Trek and Scuba Caleta. Adrenalina is a high-speed boat ride, Sea Trek is an underwater walk on the sea bed, and Snuba Caleta is an underwater dive without tanks.

Whichever package you choose, you’ll have unlimited access to food and drinks and you’ll be able to choose from four buffet restaurants and several bars. If you buy your tickets online, you can save up to 15% if you book at least 21 days in advance. You can also add round-trip transportation for US$27 per adult and about US$20 per child.

The Cancun adventure parks really are next-level and they’re definitely one of the best things to do in Cancún if you’re travelling with children.

Getting There

You’ve got a few options here.

Park Transport

The simplest option is to book round-trip transport when you book your tickets online. At US$27 per adult, it isn’t the cheapest option, but it’s certainly the most convenient.

Bus or Colectivo

ADO buses run from downtown Cancun to Xel-Há and cost about US$15 per person each way. You can take them from the ADO Terminal on Avenida Uxmal.

If you’re looking for a cheaper option, colectivos operate across the road from the ADO Terminal and cost around 40 Mexican pesos in each direction. You’ll be dropped off close to the park in either case on highway 307.

Rental Car

If you’re travelling as a family, a rental car is likely to be one of the cheapest options for you. You can book online through DiscoverCars and pick up your car in the Hotel Zone.

Prices start at around US$30 per day plus gas.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

59. Ride the Sky Wheel

Description

Everyone loves a Ferris Wheel, which is why they’re to be found in most major cities of the world.

The Cancún version is called the Cancún Sky Wheel and it’s located at La Isla Shopping Village in the Hotel Zone. It’s 230 ft (70 m) high, which makes it the 3rd largest of its kind in Latin America. It was constructed by the Dutch engineering company, Dutch Wheels, and it has 35 air-conditioned gondolas, each with capacity for 7 people.

From the top of the Cancún Sky Wheel, you’ll be treated to a brilliant panoramic view of the Hotel Zone, Nichupté Lagoon and the Mexican Caribbean. You can go up during the day, in the evening, and if you’re looking to make it romantic, you can time your ride so that you can watch the sun go down high over the city. If you’re looking for an extra touch of luxury, you can also take a VIP gondola with a glass floor that fits up to 5 people.

At US$15.90 per person, this is definitely one of the best things to do in Cancún, especially if you’re looking for fun that doesn’t cost the Earth.

If you’re travelling with children, you can also bundle your ticket with entry to Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, Ripley’s Marvelous Mirror Maze, and Kids Paradise for US$24.90 per person.

Getting There

The easiest way to reach the Cancún Sky Wheel is by taking the red R-1 or R-2 public buses that run up and down Blvd Kukulcan in the Hotel Zone.

They cost 10 Mexican pesos per person and run until late in the evening every 20 minutes.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

60. Do a Street-Art Tour

Description

If you want to put an artistic spin on a city tour, a Cancún street-art tour is a great option.

Even though the Hotel Zone is full of beautiful hotels and its beaches are gorgeous, it can seem a bit same-same at times and it certainly lacks the down-to-earth atmosphere of downtown Cancún.

One of the things that you might not immediately associate with Cancún is its street art. If you’re familiar with the street art scene, you’ll know that Cancún was recently on the Meeting of Styles circuit, and many of the artworks are created by artists during that meet.

There are about 10 to 12 blocks where you can see the diverse artistic offerings available. Viator offers a tour with an English speaking guide who can take you directly from place to place and can also give you lots of extra information about the artworks and artists that you otherwise wouldn’t have had.

Definitely one of the best things to do in Cancún if you’re looking to do something a little different during your stay.

Getting There

The easiest way to get to the tour meeting point from the Hotel Zone is to take the R-1 bus to Parque las Palapas and then walk just south to the Jardín del Arte.

The bus will cost you 10 Mexican pesos in each direction.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

When is the Best Time to Visit Cancún?

I think it’s fair to say that there is no truly bad time to visit Cancún.

There’s very little difference in average temperature across the year. It goes down to 75°F (24°C) in January and up to 85°F (30°C) in August, so whenever you visit, you can count on nice warm weather.

There are two distinct seasons, though, due to its tropical location. June to October is the rainy season, and it’s also the hottest part of the year. December to April is the dry season, and those are also the coolest months.

The best time to visit will depend a little on what you’re looking for. I’ve outlined this below.

Dry Season: December to April

This is the tourist high season. The cooler weather and the Christmas and New Year holidays initially drive up the tourist numbers. In March, US college kids then pour into Cancún to party away during Spring Break.

This is definitely the best time to visit Cancún if you’re looking to party or if you’re looking for the coolest weather. Bear in mind that because of the high demand from tourists, flights and hotel costs are at their highest.

Rainy Season: June to October

June to October is the tourist low season and if you’re looking to travel on a budget, this is the best time. Hotel prices are off their peak, and crowds are smaller, save for the tourists taking advantage of the balmy evenings during July and August.

This is also breeding season for whale sharks and sea turtles in the waters off Isla Mujeres and you, so if you’re keen to do some snorkelling or scuba-diving, this is the time to do it.

Shoulder Seasons: April to May & October to November

If you’re not keen on visiting during the rainy season but don’t want to have to pay the higher prices during the dry season, you can visit during what are known as the shoulder seasons.

The shoulder seasons are basically the two bridges between the two seasons. During this period, you can often still get a great deal on flights and hotels, but have the advantage of fewer tourists and great weather.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

What Should I Pack To Go To Cancún?

Cancún has warm days all year round, with cool nights during the dry season. There isn’t really much temperature change throughout the day, so you won’t need to worry about wearing layers.

If you travel during the rainy season, you can also expect to have very humid days. After a heavy rain, it isn’t uncommon for the humidity to reach over 80%, which is another reason to only wear airy, light clothing.

So, what should you pack? Whenever you travel, you should bring (or buy shortly after you arrive) a comfortable pair of walking shoes, a sun-hat, lot of light clothes for the day, and a light jacket or cardigan for the evenings.

If you’re going to travel in the rainy season, you should add a few more of everything, because you’ll probably want to change your clothes more often if there’s high humidity. You should also bring or buy an umbrella.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

How to Get To Cancún

Cancún is a major international destination and you can reach it directly from most major cities in North America, Canada and Europe.

When you arrive at the airport, you can get a taxi, a private transfer or the public bus to the city.

Taxi

A taxi will cost around US$40 to US$50 (MX$650 to MX$800) and you can get one in front of the airport when you exit.

Private Transfer

If you’re staying in any of the major hotels, the concierge will be able to arrange an airport transfer service for you.

If you want to arrange it yourself, check out your options on Viator. Prices start at around US$50 (MX$800).

Bus

There is also an ADO bus route that you can use that runs from the airport into downtown Cancún. It will drop you off at the ADO bus station in Avenida Uxmal and will cost around US$8 (MX$135).

If you’re staying at a hotel in the hotel zone, you’ll need to then take one of the local buses into the hotel zone. They stop right outside the bus station on Avenida Tulum. Route R-1 will take you into the hotel zone and will cost around US$0.50 (MX$12).

Rental Car

You can also rent a car at the airport. Europcar and other major providers have kiosks at the airport.

I recommend using DiscoverCars to book the best deal available ahead of your arrival. You can expect to pay around US$35 per day plus gas for a basic rental car.

Best Things to Do In Cancún

Final Thoughts

Cancún is often thought of solely as a party-hub, and there’s no doubt that you can have a great time dancing the night away in the clubs of the Hotel Zone.

But Cancún and the greater Riviera Maya offer much more than just a few great nightclubs. You can do almost every water sport that you can think of there’s plenty to do off the water as well.

And outside of the city, the Yucatán Peninsula is one of the archaeologically and culturally richest areas in world, with loads of family-friendly things to do.

So if you’re planning you’re trip to Mexico, make sure that you consider a visit to Cancún as well!