11 Best Things To Do in Cancun, Mexico

Are you planning a trip to Cancun and trying to find the best things to do in Cancun? You’ve come to the right place!

From island hopping and cenote diving to epic day trips, there’s no shortage of amazing things to do in Cancun, and we’re covering it all right here.

In addition to all the activities, Cancun is well known for its huge selection of all-inclusive resorts, popular with American and Canadian travelers looking for sun and comfort.

Lastly, Cancun International Airport is the busiest airport in the Quintana Roo region, with frequent flights making it one of the easiest places to reach in Mexico.

Dive & See the Cancun Underwater Museum

The famous underwater museum is one of the top attractions in Cancun. Cancun’s turquoise-blue Caribbean waters are a great place to snorkel. Not only is it a sight to see, but it’s a perfect activity to spend the day on the water.

In 2009, the museum was created to save some of Cancun’s reef life. Over 500 sculptures have been submerged in the water since the project began to develop this unique reef. The city is adding more sculptures, as animals eat away at these sculptures.

You can take many tours of the underwater museum, but I recommend taking this tour. Most underwater museum tours are accessible by three-hour trips from the central Cancun Hotel Zone.

MUSA is an unforgettable experience. If you want to create lasting memories, take advantage of this fantastic underwater art museum.

Swim with Whale Sharks

It’s easy to see why whale shark swimming became so popular as a recreational activity. This endangered whale shark species is one of the friendliest creatures in the ocean. The adult size of these creatures can grow to 14 meters in length and weigh up to 20 tons.

The ideal time to swim with whale sharks is between June and September, and luckily, the Yucatan Peninsula is one of the best places in the world to swim with whale sharks.

This all-inclusive whale shark tour includes everything you need to experience this popular Cancun attraction.

These magnificent creatures are omnivorous and will eat plankton, so you don’t have to worry about being eaten or bitten by them. 

Respecting and appropriate interaction is essential to keep yourself and wild animals safe. Avoid touching the whale sharks; refrain from using sunscreen when diving with these gentle sharks.

Stroll the Cancun Hotel Zone

Walking along the Cancun hotel zone is a fantastic adventure. The 22 km (14 miles) long zone features bars, restaurants, shopping centers, and all-inclusive mega-resorts. 

La Isla shopping center is an open-air shopping center that’s a great place to grab something to eat, shop for clothes, and watch people go by.

For those seeking small Mexican souvenirs to take home, such as tequila, magnets, and colorful home decor, the hotel zone is filled with local souvenir shops to visit.

Here’s a Tip: Take a taxi to Downtown Cancun if you want to pay less; souvenirs are often cheaper there.

The area is lit at night, with long streets filled with partygoers, families dining, and couples walking in the evening. Sometimes, the best activities in Cancun are entirely free, such as this.

Day Trip to Isla Mujeres

One of the best activities in Cancun is visiting Isla Mujeres. Isla Mujeres, or “The Island of Women,” is a translation of Ixchel, the Maya goddess of fertility. The ferry to this tiny island takes you only 20 minutes from Cancun.

The stunning views of Isla Mujeres are made possible by its beautiful bays and rocky coastline. 

This is the best spot in Cancun to see the sunrise. This quiet fishing village is a great place to take a break from Cancun’s crazy nightlife. Visiting Isla Mujeres ranks #1 for things to do near Cancun.

Isla Mujeres is well-known for its wildlife, the stunning beach known as Playa Norte, Garrafon Natural Reef Park, and its overall beauty. Isla Mujeres is the most accessible and fastest day trip from Cancun for those looking to make a day trip without going too far.

Lastly, Isla Mujeres is known for its lovely resorts, rather than making a quick day trip with limited time. I suggest you book a hotel for a night or two to get a feel for this island!

Ferries depart from and return to the island throughout the day, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with departures every hour from Puerto Juarez.

I recommend the Xcaret ferry, which runs during the day and after 5:00 PM, allowing you more time to explore Isla Mujeres.

Visit & Swim in Cenotes

One of the best things to do in Cancun and throughout Mexico is to visit one of the many cenotes. Mexico boasts some of the world’s best cenotes, scattered throughout the country. Some have even yet to be discovered.

Unfourtanely, Cancun cenotes aren’t a thing, so if you’re looking to experience this must-do spectacle in Mexico, you’ll have to venture out of Cancun. The closest cenotes to Cancun are Cenote Azul and Cenote Las Piedras. They are not technically in Cancun, but they are close.

As okay as these two close cenotes may be, I recommend you go further to see one of the seven best cenotes in Mexico. Rio Secreto is the closest/best cenote to visit from Cancun; this cenote has even been featured in National Geographic. This cenote is just past another of Cancun’s neighboring cities, Playa Del Carmen.

If you’re willing to go further, I recommend visiting and attending the Casa Tortuga Tour. There are four different cenotes to experience here. Including a cenote that has a beach club inside of it!

Although there are no cenotes in Cancún, visiting or experiencing a cenote is one of the best things to do in the area.

Experience Cirque du Soleil JOYA

Look no further for those looking to do something fancy in Cancun. Cirque du Solei JOYA is an excellent choice.

Famous worldwide, everyone has heard of this well-known entertainment company, which puts on incredible shows.

The show offers several amenities to appeal to visitors. I highly recommend seeing the show if you’re with a loved one or a group of friends and want to do something different.

This is perfect for those looking for things to do in Cancun at night but would like to avoid the bars or nightclubs!

The best way to experience this spectacle is by booking a package in advance here. This package includes dinner, champagne, appetizers, and more (if options are selected).

The show is in the Vidanta Theatre, between Cancun and Playa del Carmen. It takes only 40 minutes to get there. Your options to get there are either renting a car or using the round transportation offered by this package, which costs $20 USD/per person round-trip.

Day Trip to Tulum

Everyone has heard of Tulum; the city is world-renowned for its vibrant nightlife, stunning beach clubs, crystal-clear cenotes, ancient Mayan Ruins, and pristine beaches.

If you choose one place to visit from Cancun, I recommend you choose Tulum. The town is full of cenotes, and you can see the Tulum ruins here. The beach is stunning!

Tulum has many things to do, and the small city has more of an authentic atmosphere than Cancun. Tulum is an excellent option for those looking to experience a less Americanized city like Cancun. Tulum has some of the best restaurants in Quintana Roo!

Be sure to bring some extra cash; Tulum is quite expensive compared to most of Mexico.

The small beach town is internationally recognized, and celebrities, bloggers, and affluent individuals frequently visit the city throughout the year, especially during the high season from November to March.

I recommend you visit North Tulum Beach, the Mayan Ruins, and the cenotes. Downtown Tulum is also a fun area, filled with several local restaurants and bars. The food here is fantastic.

For those looking to party, Tulum is the best place to party in all of Mexico, and the downtown core is full of bars/nightclubs.

To get to Tulum, you’ve got a few options: take a private car, drive if you’ve rented a car, take the local ADO bus from the downtown station, or take a full-day tour from Cancun. This tour is convenient because you don’t need to worry about anything. Everything is taken care of for you.

For those looking to experience Tulum to the fullest, I’d recommend you book a hotel in Tulum for a night or two. To get the lowest price, please ensure you book a hotel during the week. Tulum’s hotels are more expensive on weekends.

Spend the Day at Xcaret

Xcaret is the best choice for those who want to experience an adventure but still feel like they are in a resort. Xcaret is an archeological eco-water amusement park.

A few things to do in Xcaret are the following:

• Xcaret Waterpark
• Visit the Mayan Ruins
• Swim with dolphins, manta rays, and sharks
• Visit Xenses Park

The best part about Xcaret is that there’s so much to do here, and it’s all close to one another. Xcaret is just over an hour away by car from Cancun.

There are several ways to reach Xcaret from Cancun. The quickest way to get to Xcaret is by taking the full-day tour, which includes transportation from your hotel and several amenities.

Visit Chichen Itza Ruins

Regarding attractions in all of Mexico, the Chichen Itza ruins may be the most famous. Regarding things to do in Cancun, taking a day trip to visit the ancient Mayan Ruins in Chichen Itza should be at the top of your list.

The Chichen Itza site is one of Mexico’s most significant historical sites. Without even knowing the name, I’m sure you’ve seen a photo of it before. The pyramid is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the ruins, you’ll run into tourists visiting from all over the world.

Over a thousand years old, Chichen Itza was once a significant center of Mayan civilization. When visiting the pyramids and ruins, you can walk around or take one of the many tours.

Here is an in-depth guide on how to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is surrounded by nearby cenotes, not just cenotes but some of the best cenotes in Mexico!

These are the top cenotes close to Chichen Itza:

• Cenote Ik-Kil
• Cenote Suytun
• Cenote Zaci

To get to Chichen Itza, you can drive there in a rental car or go on an organized tour. The Chichen Itza ruins are open from 8 AM to 5 PM and are about 2.5 hours from Cancun.

To skip the hassle of transportation, organizing tickets, and figuring out where to eat, this Chichen Itza tour from Cancun takes care of everything.

It’s a full-day tour lasting 12 hours. Not only will you visit the pyramid, but you will also see a cenote. The tour also includes a Mexican buffet with a tequila tasting!

Day Trip to Playa Del Carmen

Located precisely an hour from Cancun is Playa Del Carmen, a beach town well known for its resorts, famous 5th Avenue street, and nomadic living.

The city is connected by 5th Avenue, which features great restaurants, shopping, bars, nightclubs, and many people trying to sell you just about everything. The food here is delicious. I spent eight weeks here and couldn’t get enough of the food.

The best part about Playa Del Carmen is that there is so much to do here, and everything is very close to each other. Playa Del Carmen has a few cenotes around it, rooftop bars, and stunning beach clubs.

For those looking for an extra adventure, you can take the ferry from Playa Del Carmen to Cozumel, which takes 40 minutes, and visit the island directly across from it, Cozumel.

The island is considered one of the best places to dive because it’s home to the second-largest barrier reef system.

Visit the Mayan Museum of Cancun (Museo Maya de Cancun)

The Museo of Cancun is an excellent place to learn about Mayan history. This will enable you to gain a deeper understanding of Mayan culture and history if you plan to visit Tulum and Chichen Itza.

The museum was opened in 2012 and has all sorts of Mayan archaeological relics. There are three different galleries where you can explore multiple aspects of Mayan culture and history. You will find temples, pyramids, and family homes built by Mayans.

Whether you enjoy museums or not, the Mayans played a significant role in the history of Mexico, and it’s worth visiting Museo Maya de Cancun.

Where to Stay in Cancun

Grand Fiesta Americana – 5 Stars / A large, extensive, luxurious resort conveniently located in the heart of the Hotel Zone, steps away from nightclubs, restaurants, and shopping

JW Marriott Cancun – 5 Stars / Stunning resort with plenty of private beach access located along the middle part of the Hotel Zone in a calmer/quieter area

The Westin Resort – 4 Stars / Located near the end of the Hotel Zone, sitting on a beautiful soft sand strip of land, the Westin is full of amenities

Casa Tortugas Hotel – 3 Stars / Boutique Condo style hotel, offering an intimate vibe rather than a resort one and conveniently located only minutes away from the main part of the Hotel Zone

Selina Downtown Cancun – Hostel / Stunning hostel offering both private and dorm-style rooms in the Downtown Cancun area, nearby parks, bars, and many delicious local restaurants

Selina Hotel Zone – Hostel / Conveniently located in the heart of the Hotel Zone, offering both private/dorm-style rooms, a large pool and great communal space

Cancun Airport Transfers: What to Know

You’ve just landed at Cancun Airport, and now it’s time to get to your hotel from the airport!

Here are all the different convenient ways to get to your hotel from Cancun Airport!

• Take the ADO Bus (the cheapest method)
• Shared Shuttle Buses at the Airport – Check 12Go
• Cancun Airport Transportation (the most convenient and fastest way)

Best Time to Visit Cancun

The best time to visit Cancún and its surrounding areas is between November and April.

Remember that this is the high season, when most tourists from around the world, especially from the US and Canada, visit. However, even during high season, don’t worry!

High Season: As stated, this period spans from November to April. The weather during this time is the most stable and optimal. Especially between January and March, this is the driest time of year, but it remains enjoyable due to the low humidity.

Rainy Season: These are the rainy months in Cancun, which means occasional showers. Though the rainfall usually passes quickly, it could be better for those vacationing. Also known as the offseason, this period spans from June to September. This is the best time for those looking to save to visit Cancun.

Shoulder Season: The second-best time to come to Cancun is during Shoulder Season. In fact, during this time, you will get a good deal on accommodations and flights, and the weather will also be quite pleasant.

Although it may not be as good as during the high season, it’s significantly better than the rainy season. Please note that some tours and excursions you may wish to participate in may not be available during this period.

Are you looking for a resort-like vacation, but would you like to visit a quieter city instead of returning to Cancun? I highly recommend Puerto Morelos, and it’s only 30 minutes from Cancun.

Planning Your Trip: Top Cancun Activities for Travelers

First things first, please make sure you try the local Mexican cuisine in Cancun. Here’s a list of Mexican foods you must try when visiting Mexico!

Please do yourself a favor: leave your all-inclusive resort and avoid tourist-trap areas regarding food, such as the Hotel Zone.

Go to the downtown area of Cancun or into safe small community areas and dine with locals (that’s where the best Mexican food is, not at your all-inclusive resorts)

For those visiting Cancun for a typical vacation of seven days, here’s what I would recommend you do from this list of things to do in Cancun in your seven days:

• Explore downtown Cancún/Hotel Zone on a walk in the evening
• Day Trip to Isla Mujeres
• Visit Chichen Itza

For those visiting Cancun for longer than seven days, here’s what I would recommend you do from this list of things to do in Cancun during your stay:

• Explore downtown Cancun/Hotel zone walk in the evening
• Day Trip to Playa Del Carmen
• Visit Chichen Itza
• Spend Two Days in Tulum
• Day Trip to Isla Mujeres