While looking for the ultimate, tropical destination for the adventurous traveler, the things to do in Cancun are endless. With beautiful beaches, vibrant marine life, and cultural richness, Cancun is a paradise to all who visit.
I’ve visited Cancun several times over the years, and I’ve seen everything from sea life, historical structures and excursions that’s likely on most people’s bucket list. Whether you’re looking for relaxing days on the Cancun, Mexico beach or thrilling excursions, this guide will help you uncover some of the best experiences.
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Getting to Cancun
Cancun, Mexico has become one of the top destinations for travelers from around the world, especially for those coming from the US. There are several direct flights from the United States that makes getting your vacation started easier and faster.
If you’re bringing electronics on your trip, be sure to read the latest policies to avoid fines.
Airport Transfers
To make your trip start off smoothly, schedule an airport transfer to your hotel. When you arrive to the Cancun airport, you’ll be met with dozens of taxi drivers that will jack up the prices for tourists who are unprepared. Be sure to save money and schedule a ride to your hotel ahead of time.
Excursions and Things to Do in Cancun
No matter who you are, there are many things to do in Cancun. Whether you’d prefer to explore on land or in the Gulf of Mexico, Cancun has something for everyone. You can enjoy a lazy day by the pool or sign up for numerous types of adventures. Cancun really offers something for everyone looking for an epic trip.
Below are some of the most recommended excursions, as well as several ones that I have personally enjoyed. Choose an experience that will make your trip special and see a different side of Cancun.
MUSA (Underwater Museum)
The Museo Subacuatico de Arte (MUSA) in Cancun is one of the most unique underwater attractions in the world. This underwater museum displays detailed art while also focusing on the importance of marine conservation by helping to restore barrier reefs. It’s also a major tourist attraction that draws in snorkelers, scuba divers and even glass bottom tours.
I’ve visited the underwater museum several times by scuba diving and snorkeling. The 500 life-sized art pieces placed at the bottle of the ocean changes the experience of a typical dive or snorkel. Visitors can see several pieces of art like cars, people and oversized hands across the vast, sandy floor of this part of the ocean. Between the art that slowly changes in its subterranean climate and tourist being given the chance to see fish and other wildlife, it’s not hard to tell why it remains one of the top places to see in Cancun.
Sailing and Exploring
Another special tour to book, is a catamaran trip combined with snorkeling in Cancun. After setting sail, this fun and all-day adventure includes a stop at the Underwater Museum, where you can snorkel and explore the artwork from above. The day is filled with unlimited drinks, stunning views of the turquoise water, and then a visit to Isla Mujeres, Mexico.
Isla Mujeres is home to one of the most stunning beaches in the world, where you can swim, sunbathe, or enjoy local food and shopping. We stayed at Isla Mujeres for a few hours to give us the chance to look around, and eventually rented some chairs with umbrellas to further enjoy the beach. Afterwards, the boat will take you back to Cancun.
This was my first time sailing, and I was surprised at how smooth the catamaran ride was. More importantly, the crew absolutely went out of their way to ensure that we were safe, having fun and left with a positive and memorable experience. While I enjoyed snorkeling, it’s not required. You can stay on the boat and enjoy the view and an extra cocktail. Booking a catamaran tour is definitely one of the most relaxing and exciting ways to explore the waters of Cancun.
Scuba Diving
Learn How to Dive
The first time I ever scuba-dived that made me want to get my PADI certification was from my experience scuba diving in Cancun with a temporary certification. For anyone interested, it’s the chance to see up close an entirely different environment that you’ve never seen before. If you’ve never scuba-dived, and you’ve interested in learning before committing to getting a certification, this is a great opportunity for you.
You’ll have to take a short class that goes over the safety and basic knowledge. Then, you will do a dive in a swimming pool where you will go through a series of tests. Once your instructor confirms you’ve passed the tests, you are ready for your open water dive in the ocean. Diving in Cancun, Mexico is wonderful especially since the visibility can be up to 10 feet or more.
The open water dive will be at the MUSA (Underwater Museum), and you will be paired up with a certified diver. For me, controlling my buoyancy and not being anxious was the toughest part. The current can be strong sometimes, and I remember almost bumping into one of the museum’s statues. My advice for a first-time diver that might be nervous is to focus on your breathing and relax. Remember to stay with your partner and enjoy yourself.
Certified Divers
Whether you’re hoping to explore coral reefs, the MUSA underwater museum, or even a cenote Cancun has options for divers. Divers looking to explore the gulf, will have several options for drift dives. With Cancun’s tropical waters, it’s the ideal conditions for visibility that divers look for. Pick a site with a depth that you’re comfortable with or even a site that has an attraction.
The diving depths in Cancun can range between 10-35 meters (30-115 feet), and the water stays between 75-84 degrees F (also depending on your depth). You can scuba dive most of the year, but the conditions are best between November to April when you’re not dealing with hurricanes or as many storms.
The majority of the diving sites available is monitored by the Cancun National Marine Park or Isla Mujeres National Park. Continue practicing sustainable tourism and respect the wildlife by keeping your hands and equipment to yourself.
MUSA (Underwater Musuem)
- Between Cancun and Isla Mujeres
- Underwater museum with 500 art sculptures
- Sandy and Reef bottom
- Drift dive
- Depth between 25-30 feet
Manchones National Park
- Near Isla Mujeres
- Beginning of Mesoamerican reef system (largest reef in western hemisphere)
- Very little current
- Depth of 30 feet
- Ideal conditions for underwater photography
C-58 & C-55 Wreck
- 25-minute boat ride from Isla Mujeres
- Intentionally sunk WWII ships, creating a natural barrier reef
- Depth of C-55: 75 feet, Depth of C-58: 82 feet
- Great for those who are an Advanced Open Water Diver looking to explore inside C-58
Sleeping Shark Cave
- East of Isla Mujeres
- Nurse sharks are commonly found in the cave
- Reef caves
- Depth of 60 feet
- Great for those who are an Advanced Open Water Diver
Cenote Zapote
- South of Cancun
- Formations describes bells, elephant feet or trumpets
- Depth of 100 feet
- Great for those who are an Advanced Open Water Diver
Mexican Ruins
| Tour of Chichen Itza and Ek’ Balam Ruins with Cenote Maya | Tour of Tulum Ruins and Swim at Copa Cenote |
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For those looking for land-based adventures, exploring the Mayan ruins is an excellent choice. Depending on the tour you book, your guide will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the ruins.
Ek’ Balam
I took a tour and visited the Mayan ruins of Ek’ Balam. I deeply recommend anyone visiting Cancun to take a full day of exploring it. It’s the best chance to really see the richness of the country’s culture and history. Ek’ Balam has several structures to view and climb that offer stunning views of the surrounding jungle. You’ll see carvings and sculptures in some of the structures that adds to the significance to this historical site. While on property, you can also go ziplining and swim in a nearby cenote. Many tours also stop in Valladolid, a charming colonial town where you can enjoy a local meal.
Chichen Itza
The most famous Maya ruin and most visited place to visit in Mexico is Chichen Itza. It is considered one of the 7 wonders of the world and is consider a sacred temple. This will be an all-day excursion! It is a 5-to-6-hour drive from Cancun. Many tours will break up the trip by also stopping at Ek’ Balam, making the full excursion lasting possibly 12 hours all together. It’s less crowded than the more famous Chichen Itza, allowing for a more peaceful experience.
Tulum Ruins
Seeing the ruins in Tulum is a quicker trip from Cancun and located in a beautiful location next to the ocean. The main structure at the site is El Castillo, which sits dramatically on a cliff overlooking the water. It was likely used like a lighthouse to guide trading canoes through the coral reefs. Tulum is a very popular tourist spot, so it’s best to arrive early in the morning (around 8 AM when it opens) to avoid large crowds and intense heat. Along with exploring the ruins, book an excursion that will also take you to a nearby cenote.
Trip to Isla Mujeres from Cancun
Spend a fun day on Isla Mujeres after only a short boat ride from Cancun. The island is small and is perfect for an escape from Cancun with beautiful beaches and local restaurants. When arriving to the island, however, you’ll have a strong sense that it’s kind of a tourist trap. Lots of people will approach you to purchase something or take a picture with their exotic animal.
I’ve traveled to Isla Mujeres twice. Depending on the day and the number of tours docking, Isla Mujeres can get pretty crowded. One visit was wonderful, and another visit was an overwhelming experience, but one thing never changes: the gorgeous beach view.
The beaches, especially Playa Norte, are known for their shallow, crystal-clear turquoise waters, making them perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and lounging. The island is small, and you can rent a golf cart or bike, but personally I’m not sure it’s necessary if you’re only going to be on the island for an hour or 2.
Make the experience more memorable to Isla Mujeres and book a lively boat trip with music and drinks to bring out all the island vibes.
Bird Sanctuary at Isla Contoy
Another must-see destination when visiting Cancun is Isla Contoy, a national bird sanctuary located off the coast. This hidden gem is accessible only by boat and is around 3 hours. Although the journey might seem long, the breathtaking views and onboard drinks make the trip enjoyable. On our way to the island, we were lucky enough to spot turtles swimming alongside the boat.
Once you arrive, you can explore the island and discover its many species of birds, making it a paradise for nature lovers. We also saw tons of hermit crabs and iguanas. Don’t forget your swimsuit because the waters around Isla Contoy are crystal clear, offering the perfect opportunity for snorkeling. During our visit, we even encountered a stingray and a nurse shark right off the shore!
Swimming with Whale Sharks
Swimming with whale sharks is like no other experience that I’ve ever encountered. For most people, it is one of the biggest things to check off their bucket list and is one of the most popular excursions in Cancun. Whale sharks are the largest fish in the ocean, and especially in the month of June, hundreds of these gentle giants can be seen off the coast of Cancun. It can be very difficult to find the whale sharks, and weather conditions have to be just right. There was a couple in our group, and this was their 3rd attempt trying to swim with these wild animals.
Our boat took us 28 miles off the shore, where we finally spotted 1, which lead to seeing close to 20 whales. We were lucky enough to have the chance to swim alongside these massive creatures, and I felt safe the entire time. The boat positions you in the path of the whale shark, so that you can quickly jump out, see them, and then get back into the boat all in a matter of 5 minutes or less. It’s a very quick procedure. It’s important to follow the guide’s instructions to ensure the safety of both you and the whale sharks.
CLICK THE LINK TO WATCH THE DETAILED VLOG OF MY WHALE SHARK EXPERIENCE.
Swim in a Cenote
Book a day tour exploring numerous cenotes (natural sinkholes) that are perfect for swimming and relaxing. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel to make the trip easier. These resemble natural ponds with lush surroundings that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. These are partly covered by a cave, creating a mysterious, shaded area. Bring water shoes and all of your swimming necessities.
You’ll end the day with a traditional dance show, snacks and shots of tequila.
ATV Tours and Ziplining
Be prepared to get muddy during the ATV ride! Bring a change of clothes and a bandana or mask to cover your face from the dirt kicked up along the trail. A driver’s license may be required to operate the ATV, so have it with you if you plan to drive.
The ATV tours at Extreme Adventure Cancun take you through rugged jungle trails, giving you a thrilling off-road experience. The tracks are designed to be fun yet challenging, and you’ll ride through dirt paths, muddy terrain, and lush tropical forest. This adventure is ideal for those seeking a bit of adrenaline.
Extreme Adventure Cancun offers several zip lines that let you soar over the jungle canopy, providing an exhilarating way to take in the scenery. The zipline course is suitable for beginners and experienced adventurers alike, and safety is prioritized with guides ensuring all participants are properly harnessed. Be sure to wear comfortable and possibly athletic clothing along with closed toe shoes. You’ll be high up in the trees, so avoid loose items, and secure cameras or phones if you plan to take photos. Also, follow the guide’s instructions carefully to ensure a safe and fun experience.
If you book the tour above, there is also the option to enjoy a swim at a cenote.
When to Visit Cancun
The peak season is considered to be from mid-December to April when it’s beautiful, warm and low humidity. March is especially very busy due to those on spring break from school. Cancun is ideal for going to the beach, snorkeling, and sightseeing. Peak seasons call for higher priced hotel, flights and busier crowds. Be sure to book hotels, flights and excursions ahead of time.
The slow season is considered from May to October, and this is the time I always visit Cancun. With cheaper flights and less crowds of people at the hotel, the slower season has always worked out when visiting Cancun. The latest in the year I’ve been is in September. There is always a chance of the trip possibly being affected by hurricane weather, but we’ve very lucky so far. I would absolutely consider getting travel insurance. The benefit of visiting in June was that the whale sharks were migrating in the area, and in September I was able to witness sea turtle hatching.
The best time to visit Cancun largely depends on your travel preferences regarding weather, crowds, and budget. No matter when you go, there’s always something to do in Cancun.
YouTube Vlog
Watch my vlog on YouTube to see my personal experience and exploring the things to do in Cancun.
1 Comment
How to Experience the Underwater Museum in Cancun (MUSA) - Where Is Laura Traveling · September 17, 2024 at 5:28 am
[…] are many things to do in Cancun to make the most of your trip. One of the best and most popular excursions in Cancun is seeing the […]