Giving continuity to our Weekly Blog about different vacation destinations; This time we will talk about Cancun and the 27 activities you can enjoy during your stay.
I want to start by saying that Cancun is one of the most coveted destinations currently for North American tourism, its beaches, the Hotel Zone and the nightlife place it in this position, it is worth mentioning that in addition to all its Charm the prices are surprisingly reasonable which allows that many people can plan their vacations in this paradisiacal place!!!!
If it is not less true that there are many accommodation options, some of which are very cheap, the most recommended, at least in my experience, are the All-Inclusive Resorts in the Hotel Zone which, as their name indicates, include everything in their price from lodging, unlimited meals and drinks. some with up to 5 specialty restaurants for you to choose from!!!!
And before starting to list the 27 activities that you can enjoy in Cancun, I would like to recommend that if you ever plan to visit this wonderful destination, plan your vacation well in advance, this way you will guarantee a much more affordable price and if you want a plus in your Vacations, book them with a Good Travel Agency, my favorite of course is DAY Travel & Services as you should already know but without a doubt this will save you a lot of time, work and money in addition to the fact that you will be able to access options that you may not know about and can help you plan an unforgettable vacation and get the most out of it!!! What we all expect when we decide to take a vacation trip.
And now let’s get to the activities!!!!!
1. Parasailing over the sea.
Cancun has a wide range of water sports activities that are perfect for couples looking for a bit of adrenaline. But my favorite has to be parasailing. The waters of Cancun are a brilliant clue, definitely some of the bluest and clearest waters I have ever seen.
It costs between 30 and 40 dollars, which is a normal rate for such a touristy area. More. I think the stunning views are worth it!
2. Relax on the beaches with a cooler
Speaking of the beautiful beaches of Cancun, one of the most popular things to do is to get a cooler at the local store and fill it with drinks.
Then, head out to the beach, listen to music, watch the sunset, or just relax.
It’s great to do it in a group, but I prefer it as a couple. Turn it into a small picnic with some food, and you could even buy a small half tent to keep you protected from the sun for a while.
This would be ideal for so-called backpacker travelers or for those who do not choose an all-inclusive for their stay.
3. Take A Day Trip To Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is located a short distance (boat ride) from Cancun. About 15 minutes, and it’s a beautiful island to spend the day, or even half a day.
It is surrounded by beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters and is a good place for snorkeling.
There are also many things to do in Isla Mujeres, so don’t miss this place!.
You can get there yourself by boat and you can go from the Cancun hotel zone and downtown Cancun.
If you don’t feel like trying to get there yourself, you can easily organize a tour there, and you can do it in style like this one which departs on a catamaran for 10 hours and includes all food and drink on board. It’s an incredibly good value!
4. Have fun until you drop at Coco Bongo
You can’t go to Cancun and NOT go to Coco Bongo!
Well, we did it and we had a great time. It’s basically 6 tribute shows with dancers, etc. and then, in between, they play a variety of music. I’ll warn you, he’s a little cheesy at times, so if you’re easily offended, maybe you should let it go… it’s up to you.
The golden ticket gets you premium drinks and waiter service, plus a chair otherwise you end up standing all night and it’s worth the extra money. You can further upgrade your seat to get a seat near the front.
Otherwise, be one of the first to arrive if you want a decent seat for the Gold membership.
Coco Bongo is one of the best places to visit in Cancun so don’t leave it out of your itinerary.
5. Visit Ventura Park (not just for kids!)
You would be wrong if you think Ventura Park is just for kids. It’s a great day out for couples, and by the way, you can get a drinks package that includes UNLIMITED alcohol all day long (for about $10 extra).
And the price…$30. Yes, you heard me, a day of fun, food and drinks for $30 each! Incredible value and definitely one of the best things to do in Cancun. Thank me later.
As Venture Park is one of the most popular attractions in Cancun, it would be rude not to visit it!
6. Cena a la luz de las velas en la playa al atardecer
There really is no place as serene and beautiful as the Caribbean during sunset.
Not only are the waves and atmosphere calmer here than those found along the Mexican Pacific, but the atmosphere in Cancun feels very special, to say the least.
Whether you are traveling with your partner, a new love, or even want to treat yourself to a memorable experience, there is no better way than enjoying a candlelit dinner on the beach.
The Hotel Zone (which stretches along a thin strip of land next to the sea) is the best place to head, where there are numerous restaurants and hotels to choose from.
One of the best is Oleo Playa Boutique, where you can enjoy a perfect meal at any of the two specialty restaurants, or even at the international buffet if you’re feeling more picky.
If you don’t want to spend that much, there are also many restaurants nearby that are more affordable. El Caribeño Cancún is a nice one next to Playa Caracol, specializing in seafood and other local foods.
7. Helicopter ride over Cancun
Regardless of whether you’re in Cancun for a wedding, with a large group, or traveling alone, one thing is for sure: this city is full of epic experiences waiting for you.
One of the most incredible things you can do is a helicopter ride over this incredible Mexican city, which will be one of the most memorable experiences of your stay here.
You’ll be able to fly high above the Caribbean Sea, where you’ll be able to see various shades of blue and green, as well as the infamous Hotel Zone tourist strip.
In addition to seeing different islands like Isla Mujeres, you can also see the jungle in the distance, which is home to many ancient pyramids and other gems waiting to be explored.
While there are several companies you can search and choose from in Cancun, we recommend booking your flight in advance with this tour that will save you all the hassle.
In addition to having a 15-minute ride over this Caribbean city, you will also have drinks and snacks included, as well as time in the private VIP lounge before your takeoff.
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a top-notch CEO, this is your chance!
8. Practice snorkeling
The Caribbean waters of Cancun (and the Riviera Maya as a whole) are some of the most picturesque and beautiful you can see in all of Mexico.
Not only is the sea covered in multiple shades of blue and green, but the waves here are also much calmer, meaning the clear conditions below are perfect for snorkeling.
Here you will be able to see many different tropical fish ranging from the exotic parrotfish to the incredible Sergeant Major.
If you want to swim with sea turtles, we recommend heading a couple of hours south to Akumal, which is one of the best places in all of Mexico.
Those who want to see the infamous whale shark should come between the months of May and August.
I highly recommend joining the guided snorkeling tour, where you will sail around the Caribbean on a catamaran heading to the best places to snorkel. You will also have a buffet lunch and open bar included.
9. Organize a party day at the beach
One of the best nightlife spots in Mexico (and a good contender for all of Latin America too!), Cancun literally has everything for everyone.
Even better, you won’t have to wait until the sun sets to enjoy some really good parties.
Some of the most popular events take place right on the beach, where you can take turns diving into the sea and drinking beers, tequilas or whatever else takes your fancy.
Those after a more relaxed day will want to head to Zama Beach and Lounge (on Isla Mujeres, which is just a 20-minute ferry ride away), where you can enjoy fusion cuisine, cocktails, and even access to their jacuzzis and infinity pools.
Another great option is the Coco Bongo Beach Party, which is a quieter version of the legendary club (although it still has a great atmosphere).
It’s also a good idea to buy a bracelet and a pack on your way out.
Many hotels or events offer a fixed price (usually between $30 and $40) that includes unlimited admission and drinks, rather than paying for each entree and drink you consume as usual.
I don’t know about you, but it seems like a really good idea to me, since you know you won’t wake up to an unexpected bill the size of a mammoth.
10. Surf or try bodyboarding
I never thought you could surf in Cancun… and even though you can’t catch “real” waves, you can still rent a surfboard and ride mini waves. Basically, if you’re a beginner, there’s probably enough here to get you on the board.
But what small waves are for is bodyboarding! Rent a bodyboard to spend the day with your partner and have fun surfing the waves!
There are many incredible activities you can do in Cancun, but riding the waves is definitely one of the best.
11. Day trip to Chichen Itza
Ah Chichén Itzá, the most famous Mayan ruins in all of Mexico and perhaps the world? It is a day trip from Cancun and there are many tours that run there.
In fact, it’s a great idea to combine a tour of Chichén Itzá with a stop in Valladolid to see some of the incredible cenotes available (more on this later).
But anyway, head early and you might have this UNESCO World Heritage site to yourself for a while, open from 8am to 5pm.
12. Visit the ruins of Tulum
If you want an incredible day trip this would undoubtedly be a trip to Tulum,
When you are in Tulum, I suggest renting a bike for the day and using it to go to the ruins and any cenotes you want to see in the nearby area.
The Tulum ruins are beautiful and located near the sea which also offers a little swimming spot! I suggest you take the tour to fully enjoy all the attractions and save yourself transportation problems and more!!!
There are plenty of other things to do in Tulum, so take a full day here if you can!
13. Romance on the Lobster Dinner Cruise
If you’re wondering what to do in Cancun, why not check out this experience?
The lobster dinner cruise is quite popular among couples who want to experience a little excitement on a romantic trip to Cancun. Without a doubt, it is one of the most luxurious things you can do in Cancun, but if you are celebrating an anniversary, I think it is a great choice.
There are other options besides lobster and vegetarian options. And the wine is on the house, so keep it flowing!
14. Discover Cenotes
A cenote is a sinkhole which basically means that the earth has fallen away and what is left is a beautiful pool of water to swim in.
There are thousands of cenotes in the state of Yucatán and they are all waiting to be discovered.
As we mentioned before, Valladolid has access to the best cenotes (including Cenote Suytun) and ones you may have seen on Instagram before, but Cancun has some too, as does Tulum.
You won’t have to look far to find one, and why not ask a local if they know of any that aren’t very popular with tourists?
If you don’t have a car, the best way to see the cenotes is an organized tour.
15. Discover The Secret Island Contoy
While Cancun and its surroundings are truly beautiful, there is a lesser-known island in the region that will truly take your breath away.
Isla Contoy is located about 39 km north of Cancun and is by far one of the most impressive tropical islands you can visit in all of Mexico.
There are also dozens of species of migratory (and some endemic) birds residing here, making the island a must-visit for nature lovers.
Only 200 people can access Isla Contoy per day, which means you can enjoy this island peacefully without the crowds on the mainland.
The island can only be accessed with a tour. Here you’ll have lunch and an open bar included, plus plenty of time to snorkel at the picturesque Ixlache reef.
16. Sunset at the end of the Strip
The sunsets in Cancun are beautiful and what is more romantic than enjoying a beautiful sunset with your loved one?
Just walk along the strip and you’ll find plenty of spots, but from the Hardrock Café in the main area, you’ll see an area of land that curves toward the water and has lots of strange blocks you can walk on (and fish on).
This is a wonderfully incredible great place to watch the sunset!
17. Try a water jumping course
Next to “The Outback” restaurant, very close by, there is a water jumping field on the “other side”, on the Cancun side of the lake.
We’ve made a few of these before and they are so much fun and great for couples looking for some water fun!
18. Jet Ski Fun
Those of us who love a little more adventure (as well as an extra rush of adrenaline) need look no further!
Jet Ski is a very popular activity to do here in the Riviera Maya, and especially given the warmer temperatures and the stunning multicolored waters you will be flying through.
This means it’s easy to find a jet ski rental, where popular beaches like Playa Delfines (as well as those in nearby Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen) have several companies ready to operate.
The best thing is that you don’t need prior experience to drive one of these, although you’ll want to go slow first to avoid crashing!
Rentals can start at around $40, although there are often additional deals you can get by combining activities. You can also get an even cheaper rate if you’re willing to look outside the Hotel Zone.
You can also take this fun jet ski tour, which includes a tequila tasting!
If jet skiing isn’t your thing, you’ll find plenty of other water sports opportunities in Cancun…
19. Dinner on the Beach [Hard Rock Cafe + Chili’s]
There are many places to dine on the beachfront, but I will point out two of my favorites. The Hard Rock Café is very expensive (compared to normal hard rock prices), but it is the Hard Rock Café, so it’s a must, especially if they have live music!
Another option is Chili’s which is great priced, the cocktails are amazing (2-4-1 most days) and the food portions are huge.
This is one of the best things to do in Cancun at night, when the atmosphere is getting better but you don’t want to party too much.
20. Buy gifts
I have a tip: go to the huge supermarket on the main strip (where they have CoCo bongo, etc.) and there you can get souvenirs for a normal price.
You can get t-shirts, shot glasses (for $1), refrigerator magnets, tequila, really whatever you want. By the way, the supermarket also offers cheap alcohol, cheap food (like 4 different kitchens inside), an amazing bakery and an excellent cafeteria. It’s a good place to stop.
21. Get a private photo session
Cancun is by far one of the most popular honeymoon spots in the world, and rightly so, given the beautiful beaches, perfect weather, and incredible food.
However, you don’t have to wait until you’re married to get those perfect photos, and in any case, you can hire a professional photographer for literally any type of reason or purpose.
From taking a panoramic photo on the beach to taking that blurry photo in the nearby jungle, the options are almost endless in the Cancun region.
What’s even better is that the quality of the photographers here is also of the highest level (given the high demand), so you are sure to have a variety of incredible photographs that will serve as true memories for a lifetime.
22. Explore the MUSA Underwater Museum
By far one of the most innovative and adventurous things you can do in Cancun, a trip to this museum is quite unforgettable.
Located several meters below the blue waves of the Caribbean, the MUSA Underwater Museum is one of a kind, as you’ll have to do some work to get there!
It is full of different stone statues and artifacts ranging from classic cars to somewhat creepy human statues.
There are also monuments dedicated to the sea itself, the main lesson of which is how we can better protect our oceans and all the wildlife that lives in them.
While you can come here any time of year, we recommend coming during the dry season (December to April), where water visibility conditions will be best.
You can snorkel over the site or scuba dive to get closer to the statues and also spend more time there to take some pretty impressive photos.
23. Eat authentic Mexican food
Recognized as some of the tastiest food on the planet, it would be a huge sin to come here and not try at least a couple of Mexican classics.
Of course, burritos and enchiladas are already known and popular outside the country; however, you will realize how much better they are when eaten locally.
Surfin’ Burrito is the best place to try them in Cancun, they make several fillings and also have a good variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to accompany them.
Other national dishes that you may not have heard of (but are worth trying) include Alhambra, which is like a large plate of meat, vegetables and cheese, as well as Chilaquiles, which are fried corn tortillas served with different spices (and are a popular breakfast dish).
Another fun way to try local food is to join a taco and beer tour, where you’ll visit 5 different locations to sample local delicacies.
You’ll also have a different drink at each location, as well as all transportation provided.
24. Visit the Pink Lagoon of Las Coloradas
Mexico’s Riviera Maya coast is already known for its stunning landscapes.
From picture-postcard beaches and tropical forests to its cenotes, there is much to explore.
And if this still wasn’t enough, here we can also visit this impressive Pink Lagoon.
Located near the fishing town of Río Lagartos we can find this impressive lake, next to which of course you will want that obligatory photo!
In reality, it is an artificial salt lake, with the perfect conditions for certain species of algae to grow and flourish in these waters (which then give off this famous pink dye).
You can visit it at any time of the year to see this phenomenon, where you will have to take a bus to Valladolid and then another heading north to Río Lagartos.
Alternatively, you can also take this organized day trip from Cancun, which includes all transportation and a private boat ride.
You will have an authentic Mayan bath experience included, as well as lunch.
When you arrive, remember that swimming is prohibited, as the high concentration of salt can easily burn you.
25. Swim with whale sharks
The Caribbean Sea has many hidden wonders swimming within it, from friendly turtles and schools of exotic fish to some incredible sharks.
However, one of the most incredible is the giant whale shark, which is the largest fish on the planet (it can grow up to 39 feet!).
While swimming alongside them is quite memorable, what makes them stand out even more are the glowing spots along their body, making them glow a little.
During their annual migration, they head to the warmer waters of the Caribbean to mate and raise their young, which occurs between the months of May and September.
In addition to being able to snorkel with these giant fish, you will also have all transportation, lunch and drinks included if you join one of our organized excursions!
The other benefit is that you will also see incredible tropical and seascapes, since you will be on a boat cruise looking for them!
26. Visit Xcaret Park
When we explore new destinations and want to really immerse ourselves in the local culture, visiting an adventure park doesn’t seem to fit.
However, Xcaret Park is a great exception, which, if anything, teaches us more about the ancient Mayan civilization while enjoying various activities.
Inside there is a blue river and a picturesque beach that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, where there are many exotic fish that live in the nearby reefs.
You can even swim with dolphins here too!
Animal lovers will especially like Xcaret Park, where they can see tapirs, deer, manatees and even a cave full of bats when walking along the paths of the dense jungle.
There are also many cultural themes here, such as a Mayan village, a Mesoamerican ball court, and a Great Tlachco that gives us a better idea of how the Mayans lived.
One of the biggest events you’ll want to see is The Night Show, which recreates all of Mexico’s ancient history up to more recent times.
Xcaret has gained so much popularity that they even offer hotel rooms on site, as well as customized tours of the surrounding region.
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Cancun, don’t miss this place!
Xcaret Park is located just off the main road that connects Playa del Carmen with Tulum, further south, and is approximately an hour and a half drive from Cancun.
It is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. m. to 10:30 p.m. m. Every day of the week.
27. Swim through an underground crystal cave
If you’ve already spent time in the Riviera Maya, you’ve no doubt heard of or visited the infamous Cenotes here.
However, for those who want to explore deeper into a cave and really get away from the crowds, then you will want to head to Río Secreto.
Located near Playa del Carmen, this cave system is filled with crystal rock formations that look like something out of a mind-bending sci-fi movie. Here you will put on a helmet and walk through the famous blue waters (colors similar to those of cenotes) while observing thousands and thousands of beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations.
Since you will enter a cavern (in which it is easy to get lost), it is mandatory to go with an organized tour or group.
We recommend taking this day trip from Cancun, which includes all transportation to and from the site, all safety equipment, and lunch.
Río Secreto is located near Playa del Carmen along Highway 307, and the trip takes about an hour and a half from Cancun by car.
The caves are open from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm every day of the week (although on Thursdays they open later until 8:00 pm).
And after seeing everything that a trip to Cancun offers, tell me which of these activities would you like to explore on your next trip?
I hope you have enjoyed this reading and these tips help you, above all, to feed your desire to travel and discover new horizons!!!! I say goodbye for now while I prepare the next edition of this blog, which I hope is to your complete liking!!!
