Cancun, Mexico, a jewel on the Yucatan Peninsula, is far more than just a Spring Break destination. While famed for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, Cancun and the surrounding Mayan Riviera offer a rich tapestry of experiences for every traveler. Having explored this region extensively, we’ve curated a list of the best things to do in Cancun to ensure your Mexican getaway is truly unforgettable.
Ideally positioned on the Mexican Caribbean, Cancun boasts easy access to ancient Mayan ruins, thrilling eco-parks, and a plethora of water activities. With a convenient international airport and readily available Cancun shuttle transportation, it’s no surprise that millions flock to this destination annually. The recent addition of the Mayan Train Project (Tren Maya) further enhances accessibility, promising future exploration of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Most visitors gravitate towards the Hotel Zone, a sprawling 14-mile strip brimming with Cancun accommodations, from luxurious all-inclusive resorts to charming boutique hotels and private Airbnbs in Cancun. Here, a dazzling array of local and international restaurants, entertainment venues, tourist attractions, and pulsating nightlife awaits. For a taste of authentic Mexican life, downtown Cancun beckons with its local markets, shopping experiences, and tantalizing street food.
Cancun’s unique location, nestled between the Caribbean Sea and Nichupte Lagoon, makes it a haven for relaxation and water sports enthusiasts. Imagine endless beach days, scuba diving adventures, snorkeling explorations, exhilarating jet-ski rides, parasailing thrills, world-class fishing, and immersive adventure parks. Beyond Cancun’s shores, the Yucatan Peninsula unfolds with opportunities for captivating excursions. Discover ancient ruins, swim in mystical cenotes, explore lush eco-parks, venture to tropical islands, or sail across the turquoise waters.
Whether you’re planning a dedicated Cancun vacation or using it as a base to explore the Riviera Maya (including Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Puerto Aventuras, and beyond), this guide is your key to unlocking the best things to do in Cancun, Mexico.
Must-Do Activities and Cancun Attractions
Explore Xcaret Park: A Mexican Cultural and Natural Wonderland
Xcaret Park consistently ranks as a top recommendation for things to do in Cancun, and for good reason. This sprawling 250-acre eco-archaeological park seamlessly blends the wonders of nature with the rich tapestry of Mayan culture. With over 40 attractions, Xcaret offers a full day of adventure, education, and entertainment for visitors of all ages.
Easily accessible from both downtown Cancun and the Hotel Zone, Xcaret is a major draw in the Riviera Maya, welcoming over a million visitors each year. The park’s commitment to preserving nature and showcasing Mayan heritage is evident throughout its diverse offerings.
Lagoon at Xcaret eco Park, Riviera Maya Mexico
Immerse yourself in ancient Mayan rituals, savor authentic Mexican cuisine, explore underground rivers, and encounter diverse wildlife. Xcaret truly offers a comprehensive Mexican experience, making it a must-do on any Cancun itinerary. To maximize your visit, consider exploring suggested itineraries for Xcaret to tailor your day to your interests.
Accommodation Recommendation: For ultimate convenience, consider staying at Occidental at Xcaret, an all-inclusive resort offering direct access to Xcaret Park and special packages.
Pro-Tip: Secure discounted tickets by booking your Xcaret Park passes online in advance, avoiding higher gate prices.
Discover the Ancient Mayan City of Coba
For history buffs and adventure seekers, a visit to the Coba Mayan ruins is an essential Cancun sightseeing experience. Often overshadowed by Chichen Itza, Coba offers a more intimate and hands-on exploration of Mayan history. Connected to a modern Mayan village, Coba prioritizes the preservation of ancient culture, providing a unique glimpse into the past.
Wander through networks of ancient stone streets, marvel at monuments carved over a millennium ago, and climb impressive pyramids, offering panoramic views of the surrounding jungle. Unlike some other Mayan sites, Coba allows visitors to climb and touch many of the structures, creating a truly immersive experience. With affordable entrance fees and various tour options available, exploring Coba is both accessible and enriching.
Unwind at Playa Delfines: Cancun’s Panoramic Beach Escape
Relaxation is paramount on any beach vacation, and Playa Delfines delivers tranquility with breathtaking views. This unique beach, perched on one of Cancun’s highest points, provides a welcome escape from the bustling Hotel Zone beaches. Easily reachable by bus, car, or taxi, Playa Delfines offers a serene beach experience.
Playa Delfines Beach with thatch huts
Find your own peaceful spot on the wide expanse of sand, shaded by complimentary umbrellas. The absence of large beachfront restaurants and bars contributes to the peaceful ambiance, while local food vendors offer authentic Mexican flavors. While the sand may not be as powdery as some northern beaches, the spectacular views and tranquil atmosphere make Playa Delfines a true gem.
Tee Off in Paradise: Cancun Golfing
For golf enthusiasts, Cancun is a golfer’s paradise. Boasting over 15 world-class golf courses in and around the area, Cancun caters to all skill levels.
Tropical golf course
These courses showcase unique designs that incorporate the natural beauty of the Yucatan Peninsula, featuring cenotes, tropical jungles, mangroves, lagoons, and even Mayan ruins. Pok Ta Pok, a popular course located in the heart of the Hotel Zone, offers 18 holes, practice facilities, and roving refreshment carts, ensuring a memorable golfing experience.
Explore Downtown Cancun: Authentic Mexican Culture and Shopping
Step away from the resorts and discover the vibrant heart of Cancun in its downtown area. Downtown Cancun offers a taste of authentic Mexican life, where locals live and socialize. While you’ll still find tourist-oriented shops, the atmosphere is distinctly more genuine, and you’ll find yourself immersed in local culture.
Cancun downtown
Explore Mercado 28 for souvenirs and local crafts, wander through Malecon Americas Shopping Center for a modern retail experience, or relax in Parque Las Palapas to observe local life. Indulge in delicious and affordable tacos from street food stands and savor authentic Mexican cuisine at local restaurants. Downtown Cancun truly comes alive in the evening with a less touristy nightlife scene.
Accommodation Recommendation: Downtown Cancun offers a range of hotels and resorts. Explore Booking.com to find accommodations that suit your preferences and budget.
Coco Bongo: Experience Cancun Nightlife at its Most Spectacular
Coco Bongo elevates Cancun nightlife to a whole new level. More than just a nightclub, Coco Bongo is a Vegas-style show venue that delivers high-energy entertainment, pulsating music, and free-flowing drinks.
People watching entertainment at Coco Bongo Cancun
Prepare to be amazed by acrobats, impersonators, musicians, DJs, and massive video screens, all while immersed in conga lines, balloons, bubbles, and confetti. While entrance fees aren’t cheap, the all-inclusive drinks and non-stop entertainment make it a worthwhile splurge for an unforgettable night out.
Pro-Tip: For a more comfortable experience, consider upgrading to VIP seating to escape the crowded general admission area. Coco Bongo also has a location in Playa del Carmen for those staying further south.
Isla Mujeres: A Tranquil Island Escape
Escape the Cancun crowds with a short ferry trip to Isla Mujeres, a charming tropical island just 15 minutes from Cancun. Isla Mujeres offers a slower pace of life, beautiful beaches, unique shopping, abundant water sports, excellent snorkeling, and a variety of restaurants and bars.
Undersea shot of tropical brightly colored fish and coral
Beyond the beaches, explore Garrafon Natural Reef Park and the Tortugranja Turtle Conservation Center. While easily accessible by ferry, consider an Isla Mujeres day tour for a convenient and often inclusive experience, featuring a boat cruise, snorkeling, and beach club access. Isla Mujeres is a top choice for a Cancun day trip.
Accommodation Recommendation: Isla Mujeres offers a range of accommodations, though less varied than Cancun. Book in advance through Booking.com, especially during peak season, to secure your ideal island stay.
Tulum Ruins: Mayan History with a Caribbean View
A visit to the Tulum ruins is a must-do Cancun excursion, offering a unique blend of Mayan history and stunning coastal scenery. Located approximately 60 miles from Cancun, Tulum is easily accessible by bus, tour, or colectivo.
Tulum Mexico
Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking a pristine beach and the turquoise Caribbean Sea, the Tulum ruins offer breathtaking views. Explore the ancient city, allowing at least 2-3 hours to wander through the well-preserved structures. Afterward, cool off with a refreshing swim in the sea below the ruins.
Accommodation Recommendation: Tulum offers diverse accommodations from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious resorts. For a romantic beachfront experience, consider Mezzanine a Colibri Boutique Hotel-Adults Only.
Xel-Ha Park: Nature’s Aquarium
Xel-Ha, meaning “mix of waters” in Mayan, is a natural aquarium and eco-park that promises a day of aquatic adventures. Located near ancient Mayan ruins of the same name, Xel-Ha Park is a unique destination where freshwater rivers meet the Caribbean Sea.
Ziplining over a lagoon in Xel-Ha Cancun
Explore a network of rivers, grottos, cenotes, and lagoons teeming with marine life. Enjoy a variety of water activities, jungle trails, adventure parks, and relaxation areas. Xel-Ha is an all-inclusive park, offering food and drinks throughout the day, making it a fantastic value for a full day of fun.
Accommodation Recommendation: For proximity to Xel-Ha, consider Xcacel Dreams, a well-rated boutique hotel.
Pro-Tip: Purchase your Xel-Ha tickets online in advance to secure discounts compared to gate prices.
Deep-Sea Fishing: Reel in the Big One
Cancun’s waters are renowned for world-class deep-sea fishing. Numerous companies offer fishing trips for all levels, from novice to experienced anglers, in both deep sea and shallower waters.
The abundant marine life includes Barracuda, Grouper, Red Snapper, Sailfish, Marlin, and Tuna. Fishing trips typically include gear, licenses, and even fish cleaning services, allowing you to enjoy your fresh catch for dinner.
Playas Tortugas Beach: Cancun’s Lively Beach Scene
For a vibrant beach experience, head to Playas Tortugas Beach. Known for its lively atmosphere, affordable food and drinks, and calm waters, Playas Tortugas is a popular spot, especially during Spring Break.
Cancun Beaches
Enjoy snorkeling, windsurfing, jet skiing, and other beach activities offered by local vendors. During the day, it’s family-friendly, while evenings transform Playas Tortugas into a party hub with live music and a lively crowd.
Catamaran Cruise: Sail the Caribbean Waters
A catamaran cruise is an idyllic way to experience the beauty of the Caribbean Sea and explore nearby islands. Choose from full-day cruises, shorter excursions, or sunset dinner cruises.
Catamaran on the Caribbean Ocean near Cancun
Many cruises offer opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and fishing. Select a cruise that aligns with your interests, whether it’s water sports, relaxation, a romantic dinner, island hopping, or a party atmosphere.
Pro-Tip: A catamaran cruise is a quintessential Cancun experience. Explore various catamaran tour options to find the perfect one for your preferences.
Chichen Itza: Witness Mayan Grandeur
No trip to Cancun is complete without experiencing Chichen Itza, arguably the most famous and well-preserved Mayan archaeological site in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage site was a thriving city in the 5th century AD, and much of its grandeur remains today.
Kulkukan Temple Chichen Itza ruins in the Yucatan Mexico
Marvel at pyramids, temples, and other structures showcasing a blend of Mayan and central Mexican architectural styles. Allow ample time to explore this extensive site, which can become crowded. Consider a day tour from Cancun for a comfortable and informative journey.
Pro-Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat, and bring sunscreen, water, and a hat as shade is limited.
Ik’Kil Cenote: Swim in a Natural Wonder
Located near Chichen Itza, Ik’Kil Cenote is one of the Yucatan’s most stunning cenotes (natural sinkholes). Descend into this breathtaking underground pool, surrounded by lush vegetation and cascading vines.
view from above of Ik
Swim in the refreshing, crystal-clear water and admire the sunlight filtering through the opening above. Combine a visit to Ik’Kil Cenote with your Chichen Itza excursion for a perfect day trip.
Pro-Tip: Arrive early to avoid tour bus crowds and enjoy a more tranquil experience at this popular cenote.
Isla Contoy: Pristine Caribbean Paradise
Escape to Isla Contoy, an uninhabited island in the Caribbean, just a few hours from Cancun. This protected national park boasts pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, offering a true Caribbean paradise.
Enjoy an all-inclusive cruise to Isla Contoy, often including snorkeling, guided tours, and meals. Strict regulations ensure the island’s pristine environment remains unspoiled.
Cancun Underwater Museum (MUSA): Art Beneath the Waves
For a unique and unforgettable experience, explore the Cancun Underwater Museum (MUSA). This man-made reef features underwater sculptures, promoting coral growth and providing habitat for marine life.
Statue of a person at a table at the Cancun Underwater Museum
Snorkel or scuba dive to witness this evolving underwater art gallery and observe how the ocean reclaims and transforms these submerged creations. Guided tours and equipment rentals are available.
Top Tip: Allow ample time to fully appreciate the underwater museum, arriving at least two hours before closing.
Water Sports Galore: Adventure on the Caribbean Sea
Cancun is a water sports haven. From speed boats and jet skis to parasailing and windsurfing, the beaches of Cancun offer endless opportunities for aquatic thrills.
Parasail with Cancun on the sail
Embrace your inner adventurer and enjoy the exhilarating water sports available along Cancun’s stunning coastline. Remember to prioritize safety with sunscreen and life jackets.
Lucha Libre: Mexican Wrestling Spectacle
Immerse yourself in Mexican culture with a Lucha Libre wrestling match. This energetic and theatrical spectacle features masked wrestlers engaging in choreographed matches, a beloved tradition in Mexico for over a century.
Man wearing a colorful Mexican wrestling mask
Cheer for your favorite luchadores at Arena Cancun and experience this unique and entertaining cultural event.
Cenote Diving and Snorkeling: Explore the Underground World
The Yucatan Peninsula is dotted with thousands of cenotes, natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear freshwater. These unique geological formations offer magical snorkeling and diving experiences.
Looking down into a blue cenote
Explore underwater caves, caverns, stalactites, and stalagmites in these mesmerizing natural pools. Cenote diving requires certification and a guide, while snorkeling is accessible to all. Each cenote offers a uniquely beautiful and unforgettable experience.
Nichupte Lagoon: Nature and Sunset Views
Nestled between Cancun Island and the mainland, Nichupte Lagoon is a natural treasure encompassing a nature reserve and extensive mangrove ecosystem.
Explore the lagoon by boat or jet ski, enjoying bird watching, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing opportunities. Nichupte Lagoon is also an ideal spot to witness a breathtaking Cancun sunset.
Museo Maya & San Miguelito: Mayan History in the Hotel Zone
For a dose of culture within the Hotel Zone, visit the Museo Maya (Mayan Museum). This modern museum houses a vast collection of Mayan artifacts, showcasing the history and culture of the ancient Maya civilization in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Mayan art
The museum entrance also includes access to the San Miguelito Archaeological site, a smaller Mayan ruin site located on the same property.
Scuba Diving: Discover the Mesoamerican Reef
Cancun’s proximity to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the world’s second-largest reef system, makes it a prime scuba diving destination. Enjoy warm, clear waters and abundant marine life.
scuba diver under water with fish
Explore dive sites near Cancun or take a short boat trip to Cozumel for world-renowned diving. Courses are available for those seeking scuba certification.
Mercado 28: Authentic Mexican Market Experience
For a genuine Mexican shopping experience, venture to Mercado 28 in downtown Cancun. This sprawling flea market offers a maze of stalls selling local crafts, souvenirs, clothing, and more at more affordable prices than the Hotel Zone shops.
Sea Turtle Encounters: Witness Marine Conservation
Cancun and the Riviera Maya are havens for sea turtles. Snorkel or swim alongside these gentle creatures, especially at beaches like Akumal.
Baby turtles on the sand
Witness nesting turtles (May to October) or hatchlings making their way to the sea (July to December). Support sea turtle conservation efforts at local resorts or the Isla Mujeres turtle center.
Swim with Whale Sharks: An Incredible Marine Adventure
From June to September, seize the opportunity to swim with whale sharks, the largest fish in the world. These gentle giants are docile and safe to swim alongside, offering an unforgettable wildlife encounter.
Whale Shark
Join a responsible whale shark tour and follow regulations to protect this endangered species.
Ventura Park: Waterfront Amusement and Water Park Fun
Ventura Park, Cancun’s newest waterfront park, offers six themed zones in one location. Enjoy waterslides, ziplines, go-karts, virtual reality experiences, and dedicated areas for younger children, making it a perfect family destination.
El Rey Archaeological Site: Mayan Ruins in the Hotel Zone
El Rey Archaeological Site offers a convenient glimpse into Mayan history within Cancun’s Hotel Zone. Explore 47 structures, including a pyramid temple, at this accessible site dating back over 1,000 years.
Stone Mayan ruins in jungle
El Meco Archaeological Site: Mayan History Just Outside Cancun
Located a short taxi ride from Cancun, El Meco Archaeological Site is larger and less crowded than El Rey. Wander through these nearly 1,500-year-old ruins, reclaimed by the jungle, often sharing the site with iguanas.
Learn to Surf: Ride the Cancun Waves
While not a surfing mecca, Cancun offers decent surfing waves, especially on the northern side of the Hotel Zone from June to November. Warm waters and scenic surroundings make Cancun a great place to learn to surf. Surf schools and rentals are readily available.
Surfer in Cancun
Tequila Tasting: Savor Mexico’s National Spirit
Experience a tequila tasting to appreciate the nuances of this iconic Mexican spirit. Learn about tequila’s history and production, and sample various styles and types. Discover the art of sipping and savoring quality tequila.
Tequila bottle from Mexico
Xoximilco: A Taste of Mexican Fiesta
Experience a vibrant Mexican fiesta at Xoximilco, inspired by the UNESCO site of Xochimilco in Mexico City. Float on a colorful gondola, enjoy traditional music, dancing, games, and savor authentic Mexican food and drinks.
Temazcal Ceremony: Ancient Mayan Purification Ritual
Participate in a Temazcal ceremony, an ancient Mayan purification ritual led by a shaman. Experience a traditional sweat lodge experience with chanting, music, and herbal infusions for physical and spiritual cleansing.
Senor Frogs: Cancun’s Cheesy Fun Institution
Embrace the touristy fun of Senor Frogs, a Cancun institution since 1969. Enjoy food, drinks, and a festive atmosphere, transitioning into a nightclub with themed parties in the evening.
Ziplining Adventure: Soar Through the Jungle Canopy
For adrenaline junkies, ziplining is a must-do near Cancun. Xplor and Selvatica parks offer thrilling zipline circuits through the jungle, caves, and waterways of the Yucatan.
Man ziplining
Taco Tour: Indulge in Authentic Mexican Street Food
No trip to Mexico is complete without savoring street tacos. Downtown Cancun is the place to experience authentic and delicious tacos.
3 tacos al pastor on a red plate
Explore street food stands around Parque de las Palapas or join a guided street food tour to discover the best taco spots and flavors. Don’t miss trying Tacos al Pastor, a local favorite.
Cancun and the Mayan Riviera offer an incredible array of experiences beyond beaches and parties. From ancient history and natural wonders to thrilling adventures and vibrant culture, Cancun truly has something for everyone. Plan your unforgettable Cancun vacation today!
