Close your eyes and picture your ideal tropical vacation. You probably imagine swaying palm trees, sun-soaked beaches, and an ocean filled with colorful fish and vibrant sea life. You’ve just described Cancun and the Yucatan Peninsula – one of the best places in Mexico for travelers and tourists worldwide!
Besides being home to some of the best beaches in North America, this little slice of paradise is also brimming with various fun outdoor adventures. There are so many things to do in Cancun, you can scuba dive, cliff jump, swim in cenotes, and even explore centuries of ancient Mayan ruins in Mexico. There are Cancun attractions for every type of traveler!
If you’re looking for the top things to do in Cancun, we’ve compiled this list of amazing experiences and adventures you need to put on your bucket list!
Best Things to do in Cancun
1. Day Trip to Chichen Itza
Dive deep into Mayan history with a visit to Chichen Itza, a pre-Columbian archeological site located in the Yucatan. Although it was built between 750 and 900 AD, the city transformed into a capital empire during the early 10th century. You could easily spend the entire day walking around the ancient town, marveling at the massive temples.
As the political and economic epicenter of the Maya lowlands, Chichen Itza contains the preserved ruins of temples, pyramids, and stone buildings with over 1,000 years of history. The site’s highlight is El Castillo, a 98-foot tall pyramid once used as a temple.
- Address: Chichén-Itzá, Yucatan, Mexico
- Hours: 8:30 am – 5 pm
- Admission: $25
Recommended Chichen Itza Tours from Cancun
- $40 Book Now – Viator Exclusive Early Access to Chichen Itza with Private Archaeologist
- $64.50 Book Now – Chichen Itza Day Trip From Cancun
2. Swim in a Cenote
Skip the ocean waves and opt for a swim in one of Cancun’s natural cenotes instead! As you descend into the cave, you’ll be submerged in an emerald green pool surrounded by lush ivy and limestone cliffs. Luckily, Cancun and the surrounding Yucatan are scattered with dozens of these magical cenotes.
Flow through the intricate mazes of Cenotes Siete Bocas or escape into the jungle with a visit to Cenote Azul. Cenotes Dos Ojos is another beautiful area that’s off the beaten path, which means you might get the chance to swim without bumping shoulders with the crowds of tourists.
If you’ve rented a car, we suggest visiting several cenotes while taking a day trip from Cancun. Every time we visit a new cenote, there are over 6,000 cenotes in Mexico. Here are our favorite cenotes:
Cenote Tours from Cancun
- $80 Book Now – Visit Dos Ojos Cenote & Tulum Ruins from Cancun
- $99 Book Now – Cancun Cenote Tour Snorkeling, Rappelling, and Ziplining
3. Day Trip to Tulum Ruins
Travel 700 years back in time and visit the rocky ruins of Tulum. Located just a two-hour drive from Cancun, the Tulum Ruins sit on the edge of the coast in Tulum – one of Mexico’s most famous port cities.
Although it’s not as touristy or as old as the Chichen Itza ruins, the Tulum Ruins have a stunning location with the ocean as the backdrop.
Don’t miss the Castillo, the main temple that’s perched on the edge of a rugged 40-foot cliff overlooking the Caribbean. After you admire the panoramic views, you can head to the Templo de las Pinturas, which contains a restored, colorful mural wall.
We suggest visiting the Tulum Ruins early in the morning or late afternoon. It is always crazy hot and busy during the day. There are tons of things to do in Tulum. It’s best to plan on spending the entire day. That way you can visit the gorgeous beach and spend time at the ruins.
- Address: Carretera Federal, Cancun – Chetumal Km 230, 307, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
- Hours: 8am – 5pm
- Admission: 65 pesos /$3-4 USD
Best Tulum Ruins Tours
- $109 Book Now – 3-in-1 Discovery Combo Tour: Tulum Ruins, Reef Snorkeling, Cenote & Caves
- $34 Book Now – Viator Exclusive Early Access to Tulum Ruins with an Archeologist
Related Article: Where to Stay in Tulum – Read before booking accommodation
4. Swim with the Whale Sharks in Cancun
During your visit to Cancun, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to swim with one of the ocean’s most notable residents – the whale sharks! There aren’t many places in the world you can swim with whale sharks. Luckily if you time your visit right, you can swim with whale sharks in Cancun.
While it might sound dangerous to swim with sharks, most swimmers have nothing to worry about. Despite their size, whale sharks are generally friendly towards humans and mostly feed on plankton and krill. If you want to see these magical creatures, look off the coast of Isla Contoy and Isla Holbox.
When is Whale Shark Season in Cancun
These gentle giants can be seen during the height of whale shark season in Cancun from June to August and measure almost 40 feet in length.
Recommended Cancun Whale Shark Tours
- $144 Book Now – Small Group (max 10 ppl) Eco-Friendly Whale Shark tour in Cancun
- $179 Book Now – Whale Shark Encounter All-Inclusive Tour
*When looking for the best price and biggest selection of hotels, check prices on Booking.com. We’ve found they are the best option and have a great cancelation policy.*
5. Cancun Underwater Museum
Laying 20 feet below the ocean’s surface is a unique museum, unlike anything you’ve seen before! At the Cancun Underwater Museum, you’ll have a chance to swim amongst 500 hand-carved art installations.
Most of the sculptures were designed by Jason deCaires Taylor. You’ll also find artworks from five other world-renown Mexican artists.
Choose between snorkeling, scuba diving, and a glass-bottom boat ride for those who prefer not to get wet. As you swim around the coral-covered sculptures, you’ll also have plenty of opportunities to see turtles, tropical fish, and other marine life. This underwater sculpture park is one of the most memorable things to do in Cancun!
- Address: Cerrada Las Golondrinas 24, Alfredo Bonfil, 77560 Cancún, Mexico
- Hours: 9am – 5pm
- Admission: $30-$140
6. Rent a Car to Explore the Yucatan
While lying on the beach might sound like an ideal vacation, sometimes you just need to get out of the city and see something new. By renting a car in Cancun, you can explore everything Mexico offers, including the stunning natural beauty of the Yucatan.
Start your adventure with a visit to some of the best Mayan Ruins in Mexico, the historic archeological sites of Chichen Itza, and Uxmal ruins. Then, drive to one of the underground cenotes in Mexico to see giant protruding stalactites and deep, blue waters. Of course, there are many charming villages and towns in the Yucatan where you can stop for some lunch and souvenir shopping.
No matter what you choose, exploring the Yucatan is a great way to immerse yourself in Mexico’s cultural heritage.
Renting a car in Cancun is much easier and cheaper than you imagine. We have personally rented a car in Mexico 10+ times. Click here to read our tips for renting a car in Cancun.
We typically pick up our rental car at the Cancun airport and return it there as well. Often rental cars will be under $5 a day. The only way to get these low prices is to book online in advance, click here to check prices. Discover Car Hire has free cancellation, so you can cancel at no charge should your plans change.
7. Day Trip to Isla Mujeres
One of the best day trips from Cancun is Isla Mujeres. Located off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Isla Mujeres is a tranquil island escape from the bustling city of Cancun.
On Isla Mujeres, you can spend a relaxing day sunbathing and swimming in Playa Norte – one of the island’s most popular beaches. Playa Norte is a slice of tropical paradise and is filled with sugar-white sand and clear turquoise waters.
The island is also home to various marine and sea life. Search for sea turtles, swim with bottlenose dolphins, and even fish for pointy-nosed sailfish! Whether you’re diving off the shores or sailing through the waves, you’ll enjoy a day trip to the outdoor wonderland that is Isla Mujeres.
Recommended Isla Mujeres Tours
- $56 Book Now – Isla Mujeres All-Inclusive Catamaran Tour & snorkeling from Cancun
- $65 Book Now – All-Inclusive Sightseeing, Snorkeling, and Dancing Catamaran Cruise from Cancun
Related Article: Things to do in Cozumel
8. Explore the Hotel Zone
Lined with all-inclusive resorts, top-of-the-line shopping, and gourmet restaurants, Cancun’s Hotel Zone has everything you need for the ultimate vacation. It’s the best place to stay in Cancun and one of our favorite things to do in Cancun!
Most visitors choose to spend most of their time in this area, and it’s easy to see why! There are numerous attractions and activities that guarantee your time in Cancun will be memorable.
Spend your morning visiting one of the museums or swimming in the soft-sandy beaches surrounding the narrow stretch of the island. When the sun goes down, you’ll have a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs to choose from.
9. A Night out in Coco Bongo
There are plenty of lively nightlife spots to choose from when going out in Cancun, but Coco Bongo is by far the most entertaining! This one-of-a-kind production has it all – flying acrobats, balloons and confetti, and live entertainment all night long. Not to mention unlimited beer and cocktails!
Your night starts off with an action-packed show filled with performers, musicians, and high-tech visuals. Then as the night progresses, Coco Bongo transforms into one of Cancun’s top nightclubs, with music and dancing late into the evening. If you’re looking for a fun, unforgettable night in Cancun, look no further than Coco Bongo!
- Address: Blvd. Kukulcan Km 9.5 #30, Plaza Forum By The Sea, Zona Hotelera; 77500 QR
- Hours: 10:30 pm – 3:30 am
- Admission: $85-$200, get a better price by booking online in advance
10. Day Trip to Las Coloradas Mexico
Las Coloradas might be one of the most magical things to see and do in Cancun. Tucked away in the peninsula’s biosphere reserve, Las Coloradas is a lake filled with bright pink water! The color is formed by salt left behind after the liquid has evaporated, giving the lake a vibrant, cotton-candy hue.
Although you can no longer swim in the pink lakes, it’s still worth a visit just to see their stunning color. Photographers can also snap a few amazing photos, although you’ll probably have to convince your followers that the color isn’t photoshopped!
We have always rented a car and drove to Las Coloradas. It’s a pretty easy and straightforward drive from Cancun/Playa del Carmen/Tulum. Due to its sudden popularity, there are now a few Las Coloradas Tours.
- $145 Book Now – Private Tour with Lunch, visit Las Coloradas, Chichen-Itza, Cenote Ik-Kil, and Rio Lagartos
Related Article: Laguana Bacalar, Mexico’s Best Lake
11. Tacos at a Local Taqueria
Mexico has some of the most mouth-watering dishes in the world, and Cancun is no exception! You can’t go wrong when dining at a restaurant here from baked enchiladas to freshly caught seafood. However, you must try tacos at a local taqueria for a deliciously authentic dining experience in Cancun.
Indulge in fish tacos from a family-run restaurant or marinated pork tacos from a street cart. Since they’re inexpensive, filling, and, most importantly, delicious, you’ll want to try as many different tacos as possible!
Don’t forget to tip. Read our tipping in Mexico guide for suggested tips. If you’re staying in Playa del Carmen, head to El Fogon, it’s our favorite taco place in the entire world. Here is our complete list of best restaurants in Playa del Carmen, with El Fogon being #1.
12. Visit the Stunning Beaches of Tulum
Besides being home to ancient archeological ruins, Tulum is also known for its tropical beaches. If you ask us, they have some of the best beaches in Mexico. Depending on your interest, you can swim, kayak, fish, or simply sunbathe on one of the many beaches in the area.
The beaches are also surrounded by fresh seafood restaurants, taco taquerias, and laid-back beach bars. Why not enjoy a cold beer and a tasty meal while digging your toes into the sand? Our favorite beach restaurant Taqueria La Eufemia serves up some of the best fish tacos in Mexico!
Related Article: Things to do in Tulum
Playa Ruinas is arguably the most famous beach in Tulum. Located just steps from the Tulum Ruins, Playa Ruinas is a central beach where you can enjoy unobstructed views of the historic ruins. You can also visit Playa Paraíso and Las Palmas, two stunning areas filled with white sand as far as the eye can see!
13. Swim with Sea Turtles in Akumal
Located south of Cancun, Akumal is known for its pristine beaches and, most importantly, sea turtles! If swimming with sea turtles in on your bucket list, you must take a day trip to Akumal.
Akumal Bay is teeming with friendly turtles, and the protected, shallow waters make it an ideal spot for swimming with them.
Grab a snorkel mask and a pair of fins and head into the bay to get up close and personal with these magical creatures. Swimming next to sea turtles is one of the most amazing things to do in Cancun. However, it’s important to remember that you are entering their habit. That means giving the turtles enough space and not touching them when they come close.
- Address: Mexico, Yodzonot, Akumal, Q.R., Mexico
- FREE PUBLIC BEACH
14. Visit Xcaret
With over 50 cultural and natural attractions, Xcaret Park is a wild adventure where you can swim, hike, and explore to your heart’s desire. At Xcaret Park, you can enjoy the natural landscape in a fun-filled and safe environment!
Explore the tropical jungle trails, visit the on-site butterfly pavilion and aquarium, or just relax and watch traditional dances and Papantla Flying Men. Fun for the whole family, Xcaret Park is filled with exciting activities in a beautiful, natural outdoor setting!
- Address: Carretera Federal, Cancun – Chetumal Km 230, 307, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
- Hours: Open 365 days a year, 8:30 am – 10:30 pm
- Admission: $56-$112
Discount Tickets for Xcaret
Buy your tickets online for up to 15% off here. Parking is free and makes for an easy day trip from Cancun.
15. Spend a Day at Xel Ha Waterpark
If you crave a bit of a thrill during your relaxing vacation, then Cancun has something, especially for you! Surrounded by freshwater lagoons, Xel Ha Waterpark is the perfect place to enjoy all your favorite aquatic-based activities! The best part is everything is included. It’s an ALL-INCLUSIVE waterpark, including an open bar & unlimited beverages and meals.
At Xel Ha Waterpark, you can cliff jump, zip line, and bike ride through the limestone caves and lush jungles of the Yucatan. Xel Ha Waterpark also allows snorkeling, scuba diving, and even swimming with dolphins! This fun-filled ecotourism park is an outdoor lover’s paradise right in the middle of Mexico!
- Address: Km. 240 Carretera Chetumal-Puerto Juárez local 1 y 2 módulo B, Quintana Roo, Mexico
- Hours: Open 365 days a year, 8:30 am – 6 pm
- Admission: $50-$100
Discount Tickets for Xel-Ha
Buy your tickets online for up to 15% off here. Parking is free and makes for an easy day trip from Cancun.
Even with weeks or months in Cancun, you’d barely scratch the surface of what this stunning Mexican city has to offer. Between the beaches, jungles, and limestone cliffs, you’ll have an action-packed itinerary starting your first day in the city.
Cancun has some of the best beaches in the world for those who just want to enjoy a relaxing holiday.
As you can see, there are tons of exciting activities for every type of age, budget, and interest. Whether swimming in the ocean with dolphins or in the dark, illuminated caves of the cenotes, we know that you’ll enjoy soaking in Cancun’s natural beauty.
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