Cancun is first and foremost known for its fantastic beaches and large resorts, but there is much more to experience than sun, sand and pools. You can explore Maya ruins, swim in cenotes, snorkel in the Caribbean Sea, visit Isla Mujeres or take a day trip to one of the world's most famous archaeological sites. Here are the experiences we think you should consider when planning your holiday.
Enjoy the beaches in Cancun
We’ll start with the obvious. Cancun’s beaches are one of the main reasons to travel here. The Hotel Zone stretches along the Caribbean Sea and provides access to a number of excellent beaches. Among them are: Playa Delfines – large and beautiful public beach. Playa Langosta – a more sheltered location and often calmer water. Playa Tortugas – a popular beach with activities and ferry connections. Playa Marlin – a beautiful Caribbean beach centrally located in the Hotel Zone.
See our complete guide to Cancun's best beaches→Visit Playa Delfines
If you only visit one public beach in Cancun, Playa Delfines should be high on the list. The wide beach is located in the southern part of the Hotel Zone and has great views over the Caribbean Sea. You’ll also find the famous CANCUN sign here.
Take the boat to Isla Mujeres
One of our strongest recommendations for a Cancun holiday. Isla Mujeres is located off Cancun and can easily be visited on a day trip. The island’s biggest draw is Playa Norte, but you can also explore the rest of the island, eat seafood and rent a golf cart. You can visit the island independently by ferry or book an organized catamaran tour.
Read our guide to Isla Mujeres→Experience Chichén Itzá
Chichén Itzá is one of the Yucatán Peninsula's biggest attractions. The historic Maya site is a ways from Cancun, so this becomes a long day trip. In return, you’ll experience one of Mexico’s most famous archaeological sites. Many tours combine Chichén Itzá with a cenote and the colonial town of Valladolid.
Swim in a cenote
Cenotes are natural freshwater sinkholes that are found in large numbers on the Yucatán Peninsula. Some are fully open, while others are partially or entirely inside caves. It’s an experience that is completely different from beach life in Cancun and one we would definitely set aside time for.
Visit Museo Maya de Cancún
If you want to understand more about Maya culture before or after a trip to Chichén Itzá or Tulum, Museo Maya de Cancún is a natural stop. The museum is conveniently located in the Hotel Zone.
See the El Rey ruins
You actually don’t need to travel for hours from Cancun to see Maya ruins. Zona Arqueológica El Rey is located in the middle of the Hotel Zone. The site is much smaller than Chichén Itzá, but precisely for that reason it can be a nice alternative if you don’t want to spend a whole holiday day on a long excursion.
Snorkeling
The warm Caribbean water makes snorkeling one of the area’s most popular activities. There are a number of organized tours from Cancun and the surrounding areas. If snorkeling is an important part of your holiday, you should also consider Puerto Morelos and Cozumel.
Scuba diving
Cancun and the Riviera Maya offer very good opportunities for diving. In addition to coral reefs, experienced divers can explore cenotes.
Underwater museum MUSA
Cancun even has a museum under water. Museo Subacuático de Arte – MUSA – consists of hundreds of artworks placed beneath the sea surface. The area can be experienced through, among other things, diving and certain snorkeling or boat tours.
Explore the Nichupté Lagoon
On one side of the Hotel Zone lies the Caribbean Sea. On the other lies the vast Nichupté Lagoon. Here you can find boat tours and various water sports activities.
Visit Downtown Cancun
Want to see another side of Cancun than the resorts? Set aside an afternoon or evening for El Centro. Here you’ll find more local city life and generally lower prices than in the Hotel Zone.
Parque de las Palapas
Parque de las Palapas is a natural place to visit when you are Downtown. In the evening the area is particularly pleasant, with food, local families and activities. It gives a completely different impression of Cancun than the hotel area.
Mercado 28
A well-known market in Downtown Cancun. Here you’ll find, among other things, souvenirs, handicrafts and food.
Shopping in La Isla
If you want to shop without leaving the Hotel Zone, La Isla is one of the most popular options. Here you’ll find shops and restaurants in a large outdoor shopping area by the lagoon.
Experience the sunrise
Jet lag can actually have one advantage. If you’re awake early, go down to the beach and watch the sun rise over the Caribbean Sea. The Hotel Zone’s east-facing beaches can provide fantastic sunrises.
Day trip to Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is located south of Cancun and can be visited on a day trip. The atmosphere is different from Cancun, with a compact center built around the pedestrian street Quinta Avenida.
Visit Tulum
Tulum combines Maya history with a spectacular location by the Caribbean Sea. It is possible as a day trip from Cancun, but expect that large parts of the day will be used.
Snorkel at Akumal
Akumal is especially known for the opportunity to see sea turtles. Visits take place under regulated conditions, so check current rules before the trip.
Visit Puerto Morelos
Puerto Morelos is located between Cancun and Playa del Carmen. The town has a much calmer character than both of its larger neighbours and can be a good choice if you want to combine beach, seafood and a relaxed day.
Visit Valladolid
Valladolid is a beautiful colonial town in Yucatán. It is often combined with Chichén Itzá, but deserves more time than the short stop many organized tours offer.
Try food outside the resort
Even with All Inclusive we recommend eating outside the hotel at least once or twice. Try local tacos, ceviche, cochinita pibil and other dishes from Mexico and Yucatán.
See our restaurant tips in Cancun→Experience Cancun in the evening
Cancun is known for nightlife around Punta Cancún, but evening experiences don’t have to mean nightclubs. Restaurant visits, beach walks, shopping or a trip Downtown work just as well for families and couples.
Xcaret and the big experience parks
South of Cancun are several large experience parks, including Xcaret, Xel-Há and Xplor. These are full-day excursions, but especially for families they can be among the holiday’s big highlights.
Do nothing
It may sound like a strange activity tip. But don’t fill the entire Cancun holiday with excursions. You’ve travelled far to get here. Set aside days where the plan is simply: breakfast → beach → lunch → pool → dinner. After all, Cancun is also a place people travel to to relax.
Plan this better
