There’s little question that Cancun Mexico is thought for its unimaginable white sand seashores and exquisite water, however there are extra issues to do in Cancun than spending a day on the seaside. This lovely vacation spot is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in Mexico!
Hundreds of thousands of vacationers flock to this coastal space annually to absorb the solar, catch some waves and really feel the sand between their toes and I’d be mendacity if I mentioned that wasn’t my intention on my first journey to Cancun.
Cancun is an space that’s biodiverse and intensely wealthy in tradition and historical past. With mystical ruins that take you again in time and fashionable adventurous actions that get your adrenaline pumping, there actually is one thing for everybody.
Cancun is a serious vacationer vacation spot, and because the greatest time to go to Mexico for Canadians and Individuals is the chilly winter months, Cancun’s excessive season runs from December to April. It’s a straightforward place for North Individuals to fly to and is comparatively low cost relying on what you’re doing (a whole lot of excursions could be on the expensive facet, nevertheless).
It’s a good suggestion to guide your lodging and a number of the actions on this checklist forward of time to make sure you get a spot. Reserving on-line can prevent cash too, as corporations provide discounted charges if you pre-book.
Heading to the seaside and simply taking a day to calm down will probably be one of many many actions that you just’ll get pleasure from. However, Cancun isn’t only a winter getaway vacation spot, and these 21 issues to do in Cancun show simply that!
Getting To and From The Cancun Airport
You’ve got completely different choices for attending to and from the Cancun airport — you may take a bus, taxi or personal transportation booked previous to your arrival.
Many individuals decide to take personal transportation with Cancun Airport Transportation, as that is the quickest, most secure, and most snug mode of transport.
The automobile supplied is a van, and the experience is personal — for those who guide it, you get the automobile to your self. You can too share with a bunch of individuals to scale back the price. The vans embody a bilingual driver, air con, and insurance coverage. One other widespread choice is with Etransfers. Click on right here to match prices.
Finest Issues To Do in Cancun
Now that you know the way to get from the Cancun airport to your resort, right here’s our checklist of the most effective issues to do in Cancun.
1. Swim in an Underground River
Cancun and the encircling space are actually well-known for his or her hidden underwater world. In truth, the underground rivers that circulation within the Yucatan Peninsula are the longest community of underground rivers and caves on the planet.
Goats On The Highway Decide: #1 Finest Journey Exercise
Journey Day in Cancun: Kayak, Rappel, Zipline, Snorkel and Cenotes…this journey is a should! Spend the day within the water whereas having fun with numerous actions alongside the best way. A improbable picnic lunch is included (with drinks), as is transportation and extra. Ebook your spot right here.
There are a number of locations close to Cancun the place you may get pleasure from this community of crystal clear water, the most well-liked place being Xcaret (which is dwelling to a plethora of distinctive actions).
Xcaret has three rivers you may float down and the slow-moving water is ideal for laying again and stress-free. An ideal break from the seaside with out being too removed from the water. On this journey (which is eco-certified), you’ll rappel, kayak, go snorkeling, go ziplining, and float in internal tubes in pure swimming pools.
Plus, you’ll be taught in regards to the cenotes you go to and the way they’re being conserved. Through the day, snacks and drinks are included, in addition to a pleasant picnic for lunch (together with wine or beer).
Click on right here to be taught extra about this enjoyable exercise in Cancun, which is ideal for {couples}, teams, households or solo vacationers.
Swimming within the underground rivers could be executed any time of the 12 months as nicely, making it a terrific exercise year-round, and one of many prime issues to do in Cancun.
Swimming in an underground river is considered one of our bucket-list issues to do in Cancun
2. Take a Catamaran Cruise
When you’re eager to take part in actions in Cancun that can help you simply sit again and calm down with out getting sand all over the place, take a catamaran cruise.
Whether or not you are taking one throughout the day to benefit from the sights, go snorkelling, or just bask within the solar with a chilly grownup beverage, a catamaran will get you offshore with none stress.
On this catamaran journey, you’ll go to the Nationwide Reef Park of Puerto Morelos, swim on the seaside, and do some snorkelling. All tools and lunch are included…plus, there’s an open bar. Discover out extra right here.
Higher but, rent this small yacht and luxuriate in a non-public boat journey across the attractive Caribbean sea. Snacks, drinks, and snorkel gear are included. The worth of reserving this personal boat is just like becoming a member of a bunch catamaran journey! Ebook your personal yacht and luxuriate in this enjoyable day journey in Cancun.
☞ SEE ALSO: 21 Finest Issues To Do in Cozumel
3. Go Snorkelling (one of many prime issues to do in Cancun)
Snorkelling is without doubt one of the extra widespread issues to do in Cancun, as it’s in lots of locations around the globe with lovely water and reefs.
Goats On The Highway Decide: #1 Snorkelling Journey!
Speedboat and Snorkel Journey: Drive your personal 2-person speedboat by way of lovely canals, snorkel at Punta Nizuc, and end off with a go to to the underwater museum. This enjoyable, 2-hour journey could be very widespread, guide your spot right here.
Cancun is dwelling to one of many largest reefs on the planet, the Nice Mayan Reef. The reef stretches over 1,000 kilometres from the Yucatan Peninsula to Belize and Honduras.
Probably the greatest websites for vacationers to expertise this underwater world is simply on the finish of Cancun’s resort zone in an space generally known as Punta Nizuc.
Punta Nizuc is a peaceful and quiet location that has an array of coral, fish and some underwear sculptures from Cancun’s underwater museum, MUSA.
You need to guide a tour to Punta Nizuc (it was open to the general public however sadly isn’t anymore), the excursions embody the boat out to sea and rental tools for round $50. Click on right here to order your spot.
Assembly Level Deal with: inside de estacionamiento del restaurante fred´s home, ok.m. 14.6, Blvd. Kukulcan, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico. Click on right here for instructions.
Alternatively, for those who pay for admission to Xcaret or Xel-Ha there are snorkelling areas within the parks which might be additionally spectacular. Carry an underwater digicam to be sure you can seize the motion below the ocean!
Xel-Ha Deal with: Chetumal – Puerto Juarez Federal km 240, Q.R., Mexico. Get instructions right here.
4. Go Zip Lining
Ziplining was considered one of my favorite actions in Cancun!
When you’re in search of extra thrilling issues to do in Cancun then you definitely completely need to go zip lining. Selvatica is an journey theme park that provides 4 completely different zip strains in a single bundle.
On their Excessive Cover tour, you’ll soar above the jungle, splash into cenotes, fly like Superman, and expertise the rollercoaster of zip strains on their Tarzania Zipline.
There are a complete of 10 completely different zip line circuits, so you might be assured to have a blast.
The Excessive Cover Tour at Selvatica is round $95 . Click on right here to be taught extra and to guide this tour which incorporates transportation, lunch, ziplines, cenotes and extra. Ziplining is without doubt one of the prime issues to do in Cancun with youngsters — however, it’s enjoyable for adults as nicely!
Ziplining can be one of the crucial widespread issues to do in Puerto Vallarta, for those who’re planning a visit to the west coast of Mexico, be sure you test it out!
Deal with: Selvatica, Ruta de los cenotes Km 18 Carretera, Quintana Roo Puerto Morelos – Leona Vicario, Sin Colonia, 77580 Puerto Morelos, Q.R., Mexico. Get instructions right here.
5. Go to Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is arguably one of many largest tourism attracts close to Cancun and was even named considered one of the brand new 7 Wonders of the World.
This historic Mayan website was one of many largest Mayan cities and was a serious financial energy within the area. On prime of all of it, Chichen Itza is considered one of many nice legendary cities of Mesoamerica.
Chichen Itza is dwelling to many historic buildings which might be nonetheless in nice situation together with the Nice Ball Courtroom, The Temple of Warriors, El Caracol (an historic observatory) and the most well-liked – El Castillo (The Fortress).
El Castillo is also referred to as the Temple of Kukulkan — a snake deity which in Chichen Itza’s case is believed to represent divinity within the Yucatan. On the base of the temple are two snake heads that are carved from stone and are a bodily illustration of Kukulkan.
Twice a 12 months on the Spring and Autumn equinoxes the afternoon solar casts an uncanny shadow down the facet of the temple, a shadow that replicates the physique of a slithering snake.
A whole lot of 1000’s of individuals go to Chichen Itza annually throughout this time to see this uncommon prevalence. It could be a good time to go to for those who aren’t afraid of crowds and need a distinctive expertise at Chichen Itza.
The temple additionally holds yet another thriller that everybody who visits the location can expertise, a mysterious noise. When you clap your palms on the base of El Castillo you’ll hear a really distinct bird-like noise.
After years of analysis, scientists matched this noise with that of the Quetzal. The Quetzal is an elusive and vibrant chook that lives in Central America whose feathers had been extra useful to the Mayans than gold.
Don’t miss Chichen Itza, it’s among the best day excursions from Cancun. To guide a highly-rated journey to Chichen Itza, click on right here.
Deal with: Get instructions to Chichen Itza right here.
6. Go to Tulum
When you haven’t fairly reached your quota of historic issues to see in Cancun, then it’s possible you’ll need to go to Tulum. Tulum was as soon as a walled port metropolis that was shielded from invasion and continued working usually for almost 70 years after the Spanish Conquest.
Sitting on the cliffside overlooking unimaginable seashores and excellent blue water, Tulum was one of many largest cities constructed by the Mayans. A journey to Tulum and its ruins is one thing you don’t need to miss, it’s additionally one of many prime issues to do in Playa del Carmen.
Be certain to carry your swimsuit and take a dip within the attractive sea. Click on right here to see excursions from Cancun to Tulum.
7. Go to Downtown Cancun
Downtown is without doubt one of the many locations in Cancun most vacationers appear to skip in trade for seaside visits or different actions.
However if you’d like a extra genuine really feel of the town away from the Cancun Lodge Zone (which generally feels just like the Vegas strip) then you definitely’ll need to head downtown.
Downtown is dwelling to a plethora of actions and eating places providing a glance into native life, a visit right here is without doubt one of the higher issues to do in Cancun for positive.
If you’re seeking to do a little bit of memento buying in Cancun, Mercado 28 (Market 28) is the proper place. Mercado 28 is a flea-market-style buying space that has an abundance of handmade gadgets, pottery, t-shirts, and souvenirs.
Count on to cut price with the store house owners, most of them could be aggressive with their pricing however in case you are prepared to haggle you may simply handle to search out your self a terrific deal.
Deal with: Mercado 28, Xel-ha Mz 13, 77509 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico. Click on right here for instructions.
8. Go Paddleboarding
When you’ve by no means been stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), it is best to undoubtedly think about it when planning your checklist of issues to do in Cancun. Paddleboarding is a straightforward exercise that anybody can do, even for those who don’t really feel like you have got good steadiness!
Wheether you’re a newbie or extra superior, it’s a good suggestion to guide a SUP journey with a information. On this journey, you may select to paddle at dawn or sundown, whichever you like.
Paddleboarding is a soothing exercise in Cancun that’s additionally a terrific type of train after consuming a bunch of tacos! A real win-win. Discover out extra about paddleboarding journeys in Cancun right here.
☞ Planning a visit to La Paz Mexico? Try our publish – 21 Issues To Do in La Paz
Assembly Level Deal with: Blvd. Kukulcan km 3.5, Kukulcan Boulevard, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico. Click on right here for instructions.
9. Spend a Night time Out (Issues To Do In Cancun For Partiers)
Discussion board By The Sea is a big space with tons of outlets, eating places (just like the Laborious Rock Cafe) and a few of Cancun’s most well-known nightclubs.
Coco Bongo is arguably the most well-liked vacation spot for individuals seeking to expertise a present and disco (dancing, not a 70’s disco).
The present at Coco Bongo is nothing in need of superb with flying acrobats, musical tributes and a celebration environment that you just gained’t quickly overlook.
Tickets for entry can vary in worth relying on the place you need to sit and whether or not you simply need to attend the social gathering.
Click on right here to be taught extra about tickets, which incorporates the superb exhibits, entrance payment, snacks, and premium drinks. Partying at Coco Bongo is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Cancun at night time. Ebook your spot right here.
Deal with: Coco Bongo, Blvd. Kukulcan 30, Punta Cancun, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico. Click on right here for instructions.
10. Go to The Lodge Zone Outlets & Eating places
Haven’t gotten your buying repair or need to see extra locations in Cancun to buy and eat? Discussion board by the Sea (the place Coco Bongo can be situated) is the place you’ll need to go.
The Discussion board is extra of an American-style buying and eating space which options eating places like Hooters, The Laborious Rock Cafe, Häagen-Dazs and a number of outlets that promote swimwear, sun shades, clothes, jewelry, and souvenirs.
More often than not, nevertheless, you’ll discover higher offers in your souvenirs at Mercado 28. Having mentioned that, buying continues to be one of many prime issues to do in Cancun resort zone.
Deal with: Discussion board by The Sea, Blvd. Kukulcan, Punta Cancun, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico. Get instructions right here.
11. Discover the Cenotes
Not solely is Cancun well-known for its underground rivers nevertheless it’s additionally well-known for its unimaginable Cenotes.
Cenotes are underground caverns which might be shaped after limestone caved in leaving a large gap within the earth. This gap sometimes results in a pool that usually has lovely aqua-coloured water.
Swimming, snorkelling, strolling and scuba diving in cenotes are a number of the issues to do in Cancun which might be loved each by vacationers and locals.
Ik Kil is without doubt one of the hottest cenotes for swimming and is situated close to Chichen Itza and Valladolid. This tour will take you there on a full day journey. One other widespread one is close to Valladolid named Cenote Zaci.
12. Expertise Xoximilco
In search of a Mexican fiesta? Look no additional than Xoximilco, one of the crucial conventional issues to do in Cancun. This Mexican social gathering takes place on board an ornamental and vibrant Mexican gondola.
The gondola takes you thru unimaginable canals that showcase the surroundings. The night continues with scrumptious Mexican delicacies paired with stay music, tradition, and traditions.
Ebook your tickets to this enjoyable occasion and luxuriate in an evening out! Take a look at this highly-rated, widespread tour to be taught extra and reserve your spot.
☞ When you’re planning a visit to different locations in Mexico, make certain to take a look at our journey information to Manzanillo Colima, 10 superior issues to do in Guanajuato and 15 cool issues to do in San Pancho. Mexico is such a various vacation spot, backpacking Mexico will probably be a visit you always remember!
13. Ferry to Isla Mujeres
A brief ferry experience will take you to Isla Mujeres, a small island within the Caribbean Sea that’s solely 7km lengthy and round 650 metres extensive.
Isla Mujeres is widespread for its unimaginable seashores, recent seafood, giant sea turtle inhabitants, and spectacular snorkelling and scuba diving. When you’re in search of a superb snorkelling journey on Isla Mujeres head to the Garrafon Nationwide Reef Park.
Maybe you don’t need to snorkel however need to get nearer to the native turtles go to the island’s turtle sanctuary and rehabilitation centre, Tortugranja. You can too take a glass-bottomed boat experience to see the underwater world with out getting moist!
Click on right here to guide your return ferry tickets from Cancun to Isla Mujeres with the Ultramar ferry. An alternative choice for going to Isla Mujeres is to affix a day journey. On this catamaran tour, you’ll get pleasure from snorkelling, an open bar, and lunch.
Lastly, for those who’d like to look at the sundown, don’t miss this sundown sail from Cancun to Isla Mujeres. This is without doubt one of the extra romantic issues to do in Cancun. Ebook your spot right here.
14. Get a Image With The Cancun Signal
Simply accessible by bus (that are protected, pleasant and sometimes fairly fast) the Cancun signal is situated on the Playa Delfines seaside. This is without doubt one of the extra touristy actions in Cancun however makes for a terrific photograph to carry again dwelling.
Behind this brilliant and vibrant signal is an unimaginable white sand seaside with brilliant blue waters, making it not solely a terrific photograph alternative but additionally an ideal cease in your checklist of issues to do in Cancun that don’t take a whole afternoon.
It’s also a terrific place to have a picnic and watch the gorgeous Cancun sundown! This is without doubt one of the greatest free issues to do in Cancun.
Deal with: Punta Nizuc – Cancún 335, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico. Discover it right here.
15. Go to Valladolid
Of all of the locations in Cancun and its surrounding area, Valladolid is arguably essentially the most magical and quaint, making it the proper vacation spot for a day journey. We liked our journey to Valladolid and would gladly return.
Situated about an hour and a half to 2 hours from Cancun, Valladolid channels its Spanish roots in appears but additionally showcases its Yucatan historical past and tradition.
A lot of the city’s format consists of huge blocks of buildings and homes with lavish, inexperienced courtyards within the center.
These lovely courtyards make superb locations to seize some lunch and look at the Spanish-inspired structure. The most well-liked website within the small city is the towering Cathedral of ‘San Servacio o Gervasio’. Study extra about journeys to Valladolid right here.
16. Be a part of a Temazcal Ceremony
A Temazcal is an historic Mayan ceremony that’s meant to be a supply of vitality and well being. The ceremony takes place in a hut the place volcanic rocks are heated and glow at nighttime because the hut turns into a sauna.
The aroma of herbs surrounds you as you chill and soak all of it in. You’ll then be taken by way of numerous levels of accelerating and reducing warmth whilst you take heed to stay music.
It’s for sure among the best locations in Cancun to actually sit again and calm down. Sometimes the ceremony concludes with a refreshing dip in a chilly tub and lightweight fruit snacks and pure drinks.
Costs can differ for these ceremonies however most are round $125 and take round 90 minutes. Click on right here to be taught extra about this purification ceremony and to guide an expertise.
17. Attempt Some Tequila
That is most likely one of many issues to do in Cancun that you just’ve already added to your checklist. Tequila and tequila tasting is taken into account an artwork in Mexico and is one thing Mexicans take very severely, so why not get pleasure from this age-old custom?
The Restaurante La Destileria has a tequila museum that lets guests be taught in regards to the origins of tequila and provides some perception into the distilling course of. And sure, on the finish of the tour, there’s a tequila tasting.
Hacienda Sisal is one other restaurant that provides an array of tequila and even pairs them with gadgets on their menu for a extra distinctive expertise.
Doing a tequila tasting is one thing that may be loved anytime, making it one of many prime issues to do in Cancun when it rains.
18. Eat at Señor Frogs
This can arguably be one of many extra touristy issues to do in Cancun, nevertheless it doesn’t take a whole afternoon and fills you up with scrumptious meals. Even my mother and father who took a trip to this notorious ‘enjoyable and party-filled’ restaurant had a good time.
The funky decor and an untraditional restaurant vibe, make Señor Frogs a terrific place to seize a meal and simply get pleasure from your self. It’s a little bit of an establishment.
When you’re actually into the social gathering scene or in search of a spot to spend an evening out, Señor Frogs additionally hosts occasions like foam events, seaside events, and an open bar.
Deal with: Señor Frogs, Blvd. Kukulcan km. 9.5, Punta Cancun, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico. Click on right here for instructions.
19. Stroll the Cancun Lodge Zone
As talked about earlier than, the Cancun resort zone could be very paying homage to the Vegas strip besides that it’s much more tropical and rather more humid.
Carry some sunscreen as a result of this is without doubt one of the issues to do in Cancun that can get you a ton of solar publicity and the Mexican warmth just isn’t forgiving.
The resort zone has superb views of the ocean, numerous outlets (even slightly buying village with bridges and pathways), eating places, a Mayan museum, a water park, an aquarium, and even iguanas absorbing the solar!
20. Go to Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is situated simply close to Tulum and was declared a UNESCO website in 1987 due to its distinctive biodiversity and Mayan heritage. Your complete reserve is about 1.3 million acres and is the biggest protected space within the Mexican Caribbean.
Sian Ka’an is dwelling to almost 115 species of mammals and over a thousand completely different species of bugs.
On prime of its extraordinarily uncommon and numerous animal inhabitants, the reserve has over 1048 species of flora. You are able to do boat excursions that take you thru the reserve making it one of the crucial unimaginable issues to do in Cancun that your mates have most likely by no means even heard of!
The easiest way to go to on a day journey from Cancun is by tour. On this small group tour, the boat, information, lunch, and drinks are included. Transporation is included as nicely, nevertheless it prices a bit extra for a pick-up from Cancun. Click on right here to be taught extra.
21. Go ATVing
Loads of completely different corporations provide ATV actions in Cancun, most of which take you thru the jungle – getting you nearer to nature whereas nurturing your thrill-seeking methods.
Xplor is a superb place to go ATVing and their ATV observe is included with their park entry pricing. Click on right here to be taught extra in regards to the Xplor day cross.
Higher but, with this journey, you’ll go horseback driving, ziplining and ATV’ing within the jungle. Three adventures in a single! Click on right here to be taught extra.
22. Bonus! Volunteer with Animals
When you’re an animal lover and have some further time to spend, volunteering with deserted, abused and exploited animals is without doubt one of the most rewarding and memorable issues to do in Cancun.
Situated about 40 minutes from the town, you’ll discover Tierra de Animales. Right here, you may volunteer with canines, and assist out across the sanctuary the place wanted.
Take a look at their web site right here for volunteer occasions, and on their Fb web page for extra data.
Now You Know What To Do in Cancun!
Whether or not you intend on visiting Cancun alone, together with your partner, your mates, or your loved ones, you will discover one thing distinctive and enjoyable to do.
I hope this publish showcases how numerous Cancun actually is and breaks the everyday stereotype that it’s only a seaside vacation spot.
Simply because travellers sometimes go someplace for the seashores doesn’t imply that’s all there may be to see and do there. Plan a trip to Cancun to incorporate a number of the issues on my checklist, and also you’ll have a vacation you gained’t quickly overlook!
Like This Article? Pin it!
