The Ultimate Guide to Cancun: Top Things to Do in Paradise
Mexico has many wonderful coastlines to explore, but few coastal towns have quite the tropical allure of Cancun and its gorgeous beaches. Here, you will find powdery white sand sloping into crystal-clear turquoise waters that are just begging you to swim, snorkel, kayak, jet-ski, and more. Is it any wonder that Cancun has become such a Mexican hotspot, drawing travelers from around the globe?
Whether you are hunting for some much-needed relaxation or want to enjoy some good ole water adventures, cultural explorations, or other excursions, Cancun is a wonderful destination for you. Join us as we explore the best beaches, day trips, tours, and more that will take your Cancun vacation to the next level.
Soak Up the Sun on Cancun’s Stunning Beaches
Cancun has the type of beaches that define glossy magazines and tourist brochures – soft, white sand that feels like powdered sugar beneath your feet and those gorgeous shallow waters that are clear and yet shimmer shades of emerald and turquoise when you look out across them. Simply put, it is hard, very hard, to have a bad day at any of Cancun’s beaches. Some of our favorite places to go and enjoy a day out of the sun include:
Playa Delfines is a must-see, known for its wide, open shore and signature “Cancun” sign, perfect for photos. This beach is very beloved to the local community, and as such, efforts have been made to make and keep it less commercialized than other parts of Cancun. This makes it an ideal spot for travelers who want a quieter, more natural spot to unwind. The surf here can get lively, attracting experienced swimmers and bodyboarders alike. Bring your own umbrella or take advantage of the free palapas, which are thatched-roof amenities, for shade.
If you like things a bit livelier, then consider a beach day at Playa Tortugas. Playa Tortgas boasts a more community feel, perfect for families and those looking to stay active. Calm waters make it great for swimming, while nearby restaurants serve fresh seafood and cold drinks right on the sand. Thrill-seekers can try bungee jumping from the pier or rent jet skis for an exciting ride along the coast.
For those who want to sip Mai Tais a la beachfront drink service, consider Playa Chac Mool. This beach is renowned for offering a more luxurious beaching experience with beach clubs that offer daybeds, cocktails, and pools overlooking the coastline.
Take a Day Trip from Cancun to Isla Mujeres
A visit to Isla Mujeres offers a peaceful contrast to Cancun’s bustling energy. Just a 20-minute ferry ride from Puerto Juárez or the Hotel Zone, this charming island is ideal for a laid-back escape.
Renting a golf cart is the best way to explore the island’s colorful streets and coastal views. Start your adventure at Punta Sur, where rocky cliffs provide breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. The sculpture garden here offers a blend of art and nature, while the historic lighthouse and Maya temple ruins add cultural depth to your visit.
For snorkeling and other water-based play, head to Garrafon Natural Reef Park, where clear waters reveal vibrant coral gardens and tropical fish. The park also offers ziplining, kayaking, and relaxing hammocks with sea views.
Looking for a more relaxed experience? Wind down with a visit to Playa Norte, consistently ranked among the best beaches in Mexico. Its calm, shallow waters make it ideal for families, while beachside bars offer refreshing cocktails with toes-in-the-sand seating.
Our pro tip for an Isla Mujeres day trip is to catch the earliest ferry for a full day of exploration and especially to enjoy fewer crowds at the popular Playa Norte.
Explore Cancun’s Top Attractions and Tours
You don’t have to go far to experience high adventure and activities in Cancun. This vacation destination is verifiably packed with exciting attractions that blend nature, adventure, and culture.
Xcaret Park offers an incredible mix of eco-adventures and cultural shows. Visitors can float along underground rivers, snorkel in natural lagoons, or explore lush jungle trails. In the evening, the Xcaret México Espectacular show brings Mexico’s vibrant history to life with music, dance, and dazzling performances.
For adrenaline junkies, Xplor Park offers ziplining over the jungle canopy, ATV rides through rugged trails, and underground cave rafting. The park’s nighttime experience, Xplor Fuego, adds a fiery twist with torches lighting the pathways.
Families will love Xel-Há, a massive natural water park where guests can snorkel, tube down lazy rivers, and leap off cliff jumps. The park’s all inclusive concept means unlimited snacks, drinks, and meals are included.
Cancun’s guided tours are equally unforgettable. Excursions to explore the Riviera Maya reveal cenotes, hidden beaches, and eco-parks that immerse visitors in Mexico’s natural beauty.
Our pro tip for Cancun side adventures is to purchase combo tickets early so that you and your family can visit multiple parks throughout your vacation at a great discounted rate.
Dive into Nature: Cenotes, Snorkeling & Whale Sharks
Cancun’s natural wonders are just as thrilling as its beaches and nightlife and are another major reason many choose the resorts for their where to vacation in Cancun homebase.
For example, one unique thing you will find around Cancun is what are called cenotes. Cenotes are natural sinkholes that are formed when limestone collapses into the groundwater beneath. This results in miniature pools that are filled with crystal-clear freshwater and ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and sometimes, for the deeper ones, even diving. Plus, being freshwater and generally tucked inland, they can be a nice break from the beaches’ salt and unshielded sun.
A couple of large and popular cenotes include Cenote Dos Ojos and Gran Cenote. Cenote Dos Ojos near Tulum is a mesmerizing spot with cavernous pools and underwater formations. Gran Cenote offers a mix of shallow waters and impressive stalactites, ideal for both beginners and experienced swimmers.
For marine life lovers, snorkeling with sea turtles at Akumal Bay is an unforgettable experience. Guided tours lead visitors to designated snorkeling areas where gentle sea turtles graze among the seagrass.
Want the ultimate aquatic and marine life adventure? Go swimming with whale sharks, the gentle giants of the sea. Tours run from June to September, when these magnificent creatures gather near Cancun’s waters. Gliding alongside a 30-foot whale shark is an awe-inspiring experience that travelers never forget.
Our pro tip for the more nature-focused adventures is to book whale shark tours early, maybe even earlier than your lodgings, as they will fill up fast during peak season because of how rare this experience is. Cancun is one of the only places in the world where you can find this type of tour.
Discover Ancient Cities and Mayan Ruins
Did you know that Cancun’s proximity to ancient Maya sites makes it an ideal base for history lovers?
Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to the iconic El Castillo pyramid and offers insight into Mayan astronomy and culture. Early-morning tours help visitors avoid crowds and the midday heat while still enjoying the unique wonders of the ancient world.
Just over an hour south of Cancun are the Tulum Ruins. This unique historical site boasts dramatic seaside views atop coastal cliffs, making this one of the most picturesque archaeological sites in Mexico. The Tulum Ruins are the remains of a pre-Columbian Mayan city that once served as a major port and remains one of the best-preserved cities from that era.
For a more immersive adventure, visit Coba, where visitors can climb the towering Nohoch Mul pyramid for panoramic jungle views. Bike rentals make exploring this expansive site both fun and efficient.
Our pro tip for the best experiences exploring Mayan ruins around Cancun is to pack comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a good water bottle.
Experience Downtown Cancun Like a Local
Just beyond Cancun’s resorts lies the vibrant heart of the city – Downtown Cancun. Here, you’ll find authentic Mexican culture in its markets, restaurants, and lively plazas.
You might enjoy a busy shopping day at Mercado 28, a bustling flea market filled with handmade crafts, textiles, and souvenirs. Bargain with vendors for unique finds, and be sure to sample local street foods like tacos al pastor or tamales.
Or, for a colorful photo opportunity, stroll through Avenida Nader. This neighborhood is best known for its vibrant street art. The murals tell stories of Mexican culture, marine life, and the region’s heritage.
In the evenings, Parque Las Palapas comes alive with food stalls, live music, and families gathered for casual entertainment. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy authentic snacks like elote (corn on the cob) or marquesitas (crispy crepes filled with cheese or Nutella).
Our pro tip for exploring this area is to travel light and plan to walk. While taxis are cheap here, walking allows you to experience the area’s charm up close. Many area resorts will also offer their own private transportation to and from the downtown area.
Sunset Sails and Nightlife Adventures
Many would argue that Cancun’s nightlife is just about as legendary as its gorgeous white sandy beaches. So, what do you do in Cancun if clubbing is what you’re after?
You might begin your evening with a romantic or friends-filled sunset sail. Large catamaran tours offer unique and stunning views of the western horizon. Enjoy dinner, cocktails, and live music as you watch the sun sink into the ocean and the stars pop out against the evening sky.
After you get back to the dock, head on to one of Cancun’s popular clubs. Be amazed at Coco Bongo’s over-the-top live performances featuring acrobats, dancers, and DJs in a high-energy environment. Or choose a more laid-back evening experience at a beachfront bar like Mandala Beach Club, where you can continue sipping your cocktails with an oceanfront view.
Our pro tip for evening activities is to dress to impress. Most of Cancun’s most popular clubs and upscale bars have a dress code that guests are expected to follow.
Go on an Adventure in the Riviera Maya
If you’re craving off-the-beaten-path excitement in your search for where to vacation in Cancun, Cancun’s surrounding region of Riviera Maya offers plenty of adventure. Ziplining is a popular choice, with adventure parks offering zipline circuits that take you high above the jungle canopy. Eco-parks like Xplor and Selvatica blend multiple adventures into one unforgettable day, combining ziplining, cenote swims, and bungee jumps for adrenaline-packed memories.
Thrill-seekers can race through jungle trails on ATV tours, soar above the treetops with ziplining excursions like those offered above, or explore hidden caves with guided spelunking adventures. For a relaxed experience, horseback riding along scenic trails provides a peaceful way to connect with nature as you trek across beaches and beneath jungle-esque canopies.
Or maybe you want to do more aquatic adventures? Snorkeling and diving are outstanding in this region thanks to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef and sites like the Puerto Morelos National Reef Park, which boasts the second-largest coral reef system in the world.
Our pro tip for a Riviera Maya adventure is to try and do a combo tour that features cultural highlights as well as adventurous ones to learn more about this fascinating region. For example, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve Tour offers a boat ride through the reserve’s coastal lagoons and ends with a Maya handicraft workshop where guests will learn crafts and skills from local artisans.
Ready for Paradise? Book Your All-Inclusive Cancun Getaway Today
Cancun offers the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and culture. There’s no question about it: when you want to know what to do in Cancun, the answer is a lot! From lounging on pristine beaches and exploring ancient Mayan ruins to snorkeling in cenotes and swimming with whale sharks, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences. Families can enjoy kid-friendly resorts, while couples can unwind with sunset sails or gourmet dining. Adventure seekers can dive into ziplining, ATV rides, and jungle tours, while history buffs will love exploring Chichen Itza and Tulum’s iconic ruins.
With so much to see and do, planning your trip is easy with All Inclusive Outlet. Whether you’re seeking luxury or budget-friendly accommodations, you’ll find the perfect resort to suit your needs. Don’t wait – book your Cancun getaway today and create memories that will last a lifetime!
