What to do in Cancun: The best attractions and activities

Cancun and Riviera Maya are the major tourist destination in Latin America. Its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters are well known all around the globe and receive millions of travelers every year.

Also, at Cancun and Riviera Maya, you will find hundreds of activities and excursions, attractions to visit, places to eat, and much more. Welcome to paradise, you are at the Mexican Caribbean.

Best things to do in Cancun

There are plenty of activities to do in Cancun. Several shopping malls with high-end boutiques, water activities, tours by the jungle, and even museums!
Pamper yourself at a Spa, discover the surroundings which are full of adventures, and taste different flavors in the numerous restaurants here.

Many things are waiting for you on your next Cancun vacation. You can take a walk by many places, visit several beaches, watch from a high point the Cancun’s Hotel Zone, have a snorkeling tour, and much more!

Visit Isla Mujeres from Cancun

Spend a day at Isla Mujeres, an island located in front of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, about 20 min away by boat. Walk the downtown area where you will find many shops and restaurants, and the best part is resting at the beach on the north side of the island. Its calm waters and white sandy beaches are perfect for taking sunbaths and where children can play. Also, some bars rent umbrellas and chairs or are included if you buy lunch and beverages.

Ferry to Isla Mujeres

Discover the best Beaches in Cancun

Cancun has several beaches all along the hotel zone to enjoy the sea breeze and swim for a while. Delfines is maybe the most famous. You just need to check the warning flag color and if it is red or black since it is not recommended to swim when there are strong sea currents. Caracol or Tortugas beaches have calm waters and are great for children. There are nearby convenience stores and other places to grab a bite.

Enjoy amazing tours in Cancun

There are many tours in Cancun for all ages and tastes. There are several water activities on the lagoon side, including jungle tours; Nichupté Lagoon is a marvelous ecosystem with mangrove species and is home for birds, crustaceans, and reptiles, including crocodiles that you might watch while walking by Kukulcan Blvd.

Think in Cancun for fishing trips. There are several marinas, and you can share a fishing boat with others or reserve a private service. Some companies have catch and release option, just to take a photograph of yourself with a prize fish.

Snorkeling in Cancun is also a popular activity since the second largest reef system in the world is in the Caribbean and goes from north of Cancun to Central America. Many species live in the coral reef areas such as eels, barracudas, lobsters, and much more.

Scuba diving in Cancun must be in your bucket list! Choose among the numerous marinas and diving shops that feature PADI certified instructors for beginners, plus experienced ones can have extra courses, besides visiting astonishing reefs.

Cancun attractions you shouldn't miss

Cancun at Night

Perhaps one of the most famous attractions at Cancun is its well-known nightlife. There are plenty of bars and night clubs in both downtown Cancun and at the Hotel Zone.
Cancun nightlife is well-known due to its impressive nightclubs with prestigious DJ’s, and contemporary music. Some of the nightclubs are famous for their shows that include choreographies as a tribute for famous artists or unforgettable movie scenes.

Night Visit to Xoximilco

If you are looking for more night activities in Cancun, visit Xoximilco, which tributes a World Heritage Site in Mexico City while having a delicious dinner, listening to Mexican live music, and touring by canals on a gondola.
Discover downtown Cancun, where you can find restaurants for every budget, shopping malls, and some parks such as Las Palapas. This park is a popular place among locals and where you can taste a traditional dessert, the Marquesita that consists of a rolled-up wafer stuffed with jam, fruit or hazelnut cream plus shredded Edam cheese commonly known as queso de bola (round cheese).

Cancun Archaeological Sites

At the Hotel Zone, you can find two small archaeological sites called San Miguelito and El Rey, near Delfines Beach. Nearby is the Pre-Hispanic Museum of Cancun with three rooms, including one for temporary exhibitions. The museum shows the relevance of the archaeological research in Quintana Roo, and the admission includes the entrance to the San Miguelito remains.

Cancun Scenic Tower

After visiting one of the parks by Grupo Xcaret at Cancun or Riviera Maya, your wristband gives you free access to the Scenic Tower at El Embarcadero to have an astounding view of Cancun, Isla Mujeres, and the Caribbean Sea.
Visit the Cancun cenotes on the outskirts, which are natural pools that connect to underground rivers and have outstanding beauty. You can visit some on your own or take a tour to discover all the types of cenotes that exist on the same day and in reduced groups at the Xenotes Tour.

Unique Cancun Tour Packages

Come to Cancun, and have an unforgettable vacation. It is a perfect place for traveling with family, with your significant other, or for a special event.

Visit the top beach destination in Latin America soon!

Parks and Tours

To get from Cancun International Airport to your hotel located in the hotel zone, the most common options are: cabs, ADO bus with departures every 30 minutes or rent private transportation in case the group is large and you have a lot of luggage.

There are just too many things to do in Cancun: Snorkeling and diving, archeological sites, different theme parks for adventure, cultural and natural attractions; islands like Isla Mujeres or Cozumel; nearby world-class destinations like Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar and more; experience the famous nightlife; eat and drink typical cuisine and beverages. There’s just too many things to do in Cancun for adults.

Cancun has many kid-friendly activities, including its beaches, archaeological sites, and above all, different kinds of adventure and water parks.

Parks
Xcaret – An eco cultural park where children of all ages can enjoy activities specially designed for them.

Coral Reef Aquarium
Aviary
Children’s World
Butterfly Pavilion
Sea Turtles
Aquatic Paradise

Xel-Há - a natural water park with acxtivites for children of all ages.

Children’s World
Land of Huh - Bike Ride
Xel-Há Nursery
Fly your Kite
Inlet

Xplor – an adventure park for children over 5 years old.

Zip-lines
Amphibious vehicles
Underground Expedition
Rafts
Stalactite River Swim
Toboganxote
Spelunking hike
Hammock Splash

Xplor Fuego – a nighttime adventure for children over the age of five.

Zip-lines
Amphibious vehicles
Rafts
Stalactite River Swim
Toboganxote
Spelunking hike
Hammock Splash

Whether it's a party atmosphere or just something quiet, there are a variety of options to enjoy the Cancun nightlife.

Xcaret Mexico Espectacular: Night show with more than 300 artists on stage that celebrates Mexican culture with music, dance, recreations and performances.
Xoximilco Cancun: a tour on board a Mexican gondola that takes you through the canals of the park to enjoy the open bar, food and live music.
Visit the Party Zone with bars and nightclub.
Dine at the best specialty restaurants along the hotel zone.
Catamaran tour at sunset.