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10 FUN & EXCITING Things to do in Cancun

10 FUN & EXCITING Things to do in Cancun

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Looking for the best things to do in Cancun? You’ve come to the right place!

Cancun, Mexico will always hold a special place in my heart. Since I was only a few feet tall, I have been coming on regular trips with my family to explore this beautiful area and overindulge at all-inclusive resorts. Cancun may be touristy, but I just can’t get enough!

However, the trick to planning your itinerary to Cancun is picking only the best activities. Seriously, it can get overwhelming.

Below, I’ve sifted out the not-so-amazing activities in Cancun to come up with the only list you’ll need to plan your trip.

Quick Pick: Our Favorite Activity

El Castillo, Chichen Itza

Don’t have time to read the full article?

Our personal FAVORITE Cancun activity is this full-day trip to Chichen Itza! Visiting the Mayan ruins is a can’t-miss activity, and you’ll explore a cenote and quaint magic town. Check out the 4,000+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here.

Tip: This tour is popular – reserve your spot today and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go.

The BEST Things to do in Cancun, Mexico

1. Visit Chichen Itza 

Bailey poses for a photo at Chichen Itza with the main temple in the background
Chichen Itza!
Group of the Thousand Columns at Chichen Itza
Group of the Thousand Columns at Chichen Itza

Without a doubt, the most popular Mayan ruins in Mexico is Chichen Itza. This UNESCO World Heritage site and World Wonder is a bucket list place to visit and a must for those visiting Cancun!

The archeological site is most well known as the home of El Castillo – the main temple at the site. It’s a true show of the Mayan peoples’ knowledge of the earth and planets. However, Chichen Itza is also home to The Great Ball Court. This is the largest in Mesoamerica and is 168 by 70 meters (551 by 230 feet.) The game played here was called Pitz.

Getting to Chichen Itza is best done on an organized tour. This specific tour is what I did, and I booked it because of all the fantastic reviews (see all 4,000+ 5-star reviews here!). The full-day tour departs very early in the morning before dawn so you can make the most of the day while in Chichen Itza.

Visiting the Chichen Itza pyramids is the highlight. However, you also visit one of the cenotes in the Yucatan for a refreshing swim. We enjoyed a buffet lunch and a tequila tasting, which just helped us relax into this experience!

The day finishes off by visiting the Pueblo Magico (magic town) of Valladolid. I loved this tour because we got to see a lot in one day, and the tour guides are a wealth of knowledge.

You can choose between a few options on this tour, whether you want a private tour, or the cheaper options of hotel pickup or meeting at a designated point. It doesn’t include entrance to Chichen Itza, so bring some extra cash! Prices range from $39 USD to $49 USD for the shared tours and $676 USD for the private full-day tour.

2. Isla Mujeres day trip  

Bailey in a bikini on a catamaran cruise from Cancun, Mexico
Arriving to Isla Mujeres!
Daniel and Bailey on a golf buggy on Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Exploring Isla Mujeres!

Isla Mujeres is another one of the most beautiful islands in the Mexican Caribbean. The white-sandy beaches and close proximity to Cancun – only a 20-minute boat ride – make it one of the most popular day trips from Cancun. On the island, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to things to see or do, but the truth is, the beaches are the stars of the show here.

Taking an organized tour is by far the easiest and most luxurious way to get to Isla Mujeres. We love this full-day catamaran cruise because it makes the entire journey fun, then we get to enjoy the island paradise!

Two fish on the ocean floor while scuba diving in Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Snorkeling around Isla Mujeres is amazing!
Bailey sits ont he side rail of the Catamaran soaking up the views and sun on a tour from Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Off we go!

On this tour, you’ll spend the best part of a day (around 5 and a half hours) sailing across the gorgeous coastline to Isla Mujeres and back! We had so much fun on the luxury catamaran and had lots of time to swim and snorkel, and the water was so clear we saw a ton of marine life. There was also an open bar onboard, which we gladly took advantage of, and they served lunch on the boat too.

Once we got to Isla Mujeres, we could either choose to explore on our own or go with the group to see some of the must-visit spots. The beaches on the island are gorgeous, and the quaint downtown is colorful and full of fun shops to explore! Before we knew it, it was time to hop back on the catamaran and head to the mainland – don’t worry, the open bar is still available.

Tickets for this tour cost $149 USD per person, which includes all docking fees, as well as lunch, access to the open bar, and hotel pick-up/drop-off.

3. Visit Tulum

Tulum Ruins, Mexico
Tulum Ruins, Mexico
Bailey walks the grounds of the Tulum Ruins, Mexico
Exploring the ruins!

The small town of Tulum is one of the most popular places to visit in Mexico. This trendy town offers you a wide array of options when visiting. You can easily visit Tulum on this full-day tour from Cancun, which will take you to some of the main highlights of the area and makes for a stress-free travel day.

Tulum is famous for its Mayan ruins, which sit right on the cliff overlooking the ocean – they are stunning! This tour will include admission and a guided tour of the Tulum Ruins, then give you time to explore Tulum Beach. You’ll have time to snorkel and take in the white sand and blue water, with the backdrop of the ruins.

Whenever visiting Tulum, you cannot miss the chance to visit some of the nearby cenotes. Cenotes are a system of underground rivers, caves, and sinkholes that flow through the Yucatan Peninsula. You’ll have time to swim in a cenote on this tour, which is one of the most iconic things you can do on the Yucatan.

The tour includes lunch, snorkeling equipment, and an expert guide. It’s a pretty great value for just $129 USD and has over 3,000 5-star reviews – so it’s definitely one of the best tours in Cancun!

4. Go on a jungle adventure tour (ATVing, ziplines, and tequila tasting!)

Bailey and Bailey sit on an ATV in Mexico
When isn’t it a good time to go ATVing?
group of people trying tequila on a tasting near Cancun
Our tour included tequila tasting!

If you want an adventure, then you must hit the jungle just outside of Cancun. The only way to do this is on a guided tour. This highly-rated ATV Jungle Adventure tour starts with a ride through the dense jungle as you carve up several different trails. Keep an eye out for animals like iguanas and spider monkeys – although we were moving pretty fast so I didn’t spot any this time!

Then, it’s time to see the jungle from a different perspective as you zoom along three different ziplines! After all that excitement, we were ready to cool off and luckily that’s in the plans as the tour heads to a cenote along the famous Ruta de los Cenotes. The water was this crystal-clear, emerald green shade and felt amazing for a quick swim. The cenote is quite rocky though, so bring some water shoes along with you or some cash to rent a pair on the day.

Finally, the tour ends with a tequila tasting to toast all the day’s adventures!  

You can choose to begin this ATV tour at either 9:30 am or 1:30 pm, and it lasts for around 4 hours. Personally, we always opt for the morning tour because the heat of the day hasn’t set in yet and then we still have lots of our day left for more activities (or relaxing on a beach!).

They offer single or double ATV’s if you’d rather drive or be a passenger. Prices start at $64 USD including transportation from Cancun. You can rent a locker on the day for $5 USD and there will also be photos of your experiences available to purchase afterward, although these are usually pretty expensive. 

5. Swim with whale sharks 

Swimming with Whale sharks in Mexico
There is no way to describe this experience – you have to do it once!

When traveling to Cancun, you always hear about its amazing nightlife, crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and of course, delicious margaritas. But have you ever heard about swimming with sharks in Cancun? More specifically, whale sharks. 

Although whale sharks aren’t technically sharks (they’re actually the largest fish in the world), this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Unfortunately, you won’t find these beautiful creatures swimming in front of Mandala Beach, so you will need a boat ride to reach them. That means that a tour is the only way to go on this adventure!

This full-day whale shark tour picks you up at your hotel, which we found so convenient. The tour includes an expert biologist guide who speaks great English – it’s the perfect way to interact with whale sharks and learn about them!

On top of that, we got a delicious lunch and use of the snorkeling equipment and a life jacket. The best part is that the lunch was served off the coast of Isla Mujeres with magnificent views!

Whale shark season in Cancun runs from mid-May until mid-September, with the best time being in the middle of that. During that time of the year, the whale sharks gather on the northern coasts of the Yucatan. If you are lucky, you could also catch a glimpse of a Manta ray swimming along with the whale sharks. 

Don’t let their size intimidate you, either. Whale sharks are friendly and harmless to humans – they are on a strict plankton-only diet! You can book this tour for $189 USD including transport from Cancun.

Why We Book Tours with Viator

Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:

  • Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
  • Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
  • Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
  • Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
  • Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.

Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.

6. Go on a food tour 

Bailey with her tacos and margarita on a taco tour in Cancun, Mexico
Tacos and margaritas!
Tacos on a food tour in Cancun, Mexico
And more tacos!

While the food served in the Cancun Hotel Zone is good, it is a mix of flavors for everybody’s tastebuds. So if you want to try the real Mexican flavors, you will have to visit downtown Cancun as most of the best Mexican restaurants in Cancun are located here.

To taste the best tacos, consider joining a food tour such as this taco and beer tour! The tour includes all your tastings, which will have you leaving stuffed! They will pick you up at your hotel and will take you to the best taquerias in town, along with an English-speaking guide. Alcoholic drinks and Mariachi music are also included.

The tacos from downtown restaurants have a real spicy Mexican flavor and tasty juicy meat. Al Pastor tacos are pork cooked under the flames with spices mixed to add a savory texture – soft juicy and crispy at the same time. These are some of my favorite tacos in Mexico!

All of your tacos, four beers, and dessert are included in this 4.5-hour tour. It’s $89 USD (also including hotel pick-up), which I think is a great deal for how many tacos you’ll try!

7. Spend the day at Xcaret 

Xcaret, Mexico
Xcaret is such a fun place to visit!

When visiting a resort in Cancun, you may wonder if the only thing to do there is to lie by the beach and get sun-kissed while enjoying frozen margaritas. Don’t get me wrong, we all love frozen margaritas and piña coladas, but occasionally we feel like having an adventure.

Well, Xcaret Waterpark is the best option if you want to enjoy a fun day out of the resort while still feeling like you’re at a resort. And don’t worry if a waterpark isn’t your thing, this place is so much more than that!

There are many ways to get to Xcaret. The easiest way is on this full-day tour that offers transportation from your hotel to the park with all the amenities included. 

This eco-water park is located near the Cancun area and offers you a wide array of activities like snorkeling, swimming at the Caleta, visiting Mayan pyramids, enjoying live performances, an aquarium, and an aquatic park.  

You can even swim with dolphins, manta rays, or sharks for a surcharge! 

Suppose you don’t feel like spending all day long doing water activities. In that case, you can visit the Mayan Pyramids located inside the park or enjoy one of the performances available all day long.  

I recommend booking the Xcaret Plus service since it includes access to the lunch buffet and other amenities like lockers, dressing rooms, and snorkeling equipment. This package is $198 USD per person, which is actually a pretty good deal for all it includes in the day!

8. Explore Rio Secreto Underground River

Rio Secreto Underground River, Mexico
You’re technically not supposed to take photos inside so I could only snap this quick one!

Rio Secreto is a protected natural reservoir of caves and underground rivers located in Playa del Carmen, just one hour away from the city. The caves and passages are extensive, and there are still unexplored areas of the caves. They have lots of unique fauna, like interesting-shaped spiders!

This is about 1-hour from Cancun, so I recommend booking this full-day tour that includes admission and transportation! They will pick you up at 8 am so you’ll have plenty of time to explore this underground world!

Walking in the dark is indeed a bit intimidating. Don’t be afraid, though – it’s all safe. You will be just walking inside the shallow, flowing caves enjoying the beautiful rock formations and crystal-clear water. This is an activity especially fun for people traveling with kids as they will love it. We had a blast here!

After you spend a few hours exploring, you can relax over a buffet lunch included in your ticket price. There are also options to add in a tour of some Mayan ruins or other adventure activities. It’s important to note that when visiting Rio Secreto, make sure you don’t wear any sunscreen or mosquito repellent. This pollutes the water and is not required anyway.

Remember, this activity can be done even on a rainy day. So if you’re expecting bad weather, save it for those days!

9. See the talented Cirque du Soleil JOYÀ

Two performers on ropes during a show at Cirque du Soleil JOYÀ in Cancun, Mexico
The show is so exciting to watch! The things they do defy gravity! Photo credit: Cirque du Soleil JOYÀ

Cancun is full of things that will make you say “WOW!”, but it’s hard to top Cirque du Soleil JOYÀ!

Everybody has heard about this entertainment company and its amazing shows. The Cancun show, JOYÀ, is the only Cirque du Soleil dinner theater in production. This production wants to appeal to all five senses by offering several amenities with the show.  

Dinner, aperitif, and champagne are all part of it. This whole dinner entertainment option is a memorable activity for couples, and Daniel and I loved it! 

This show takes place in the Vidanta Theater, between Playa del Carmen and Cancun, which is only 40 minutes from Cancun. If you don’t have a rental car, be sure to organize transport and book your tickets in advance here! There are several options, including VIP, dinner only, drinks only, and both. Prices range from $81 USD to $308 USD and the shows are available Monday through Friday.

This is definitely one of the most unforgettable shows in Cancun, so be sure to add it to your itinerary!

10. Captain Hook Dinner Cruise & Show  

Dancers perform on a Captain Cook cruise Cancun show
The show is very entertaining and the drinks were flowing!

If you feel like trying something different in Cancun then a Captain Hook Cruise is a fun way to spend your evening. Ride the Captain Hook Dinner Cruiser, a replica of a Spanish galleon, with a pirate show included. 

This fun activity starts at 6:00 pm, departing from the hotel area. Expect and loud and talented cast to tell the story of Captain Hook while you enjoy a delicious dinner and an open bar. Mojitos won’t stop following through the night and the fun host will take the party to the next level.  

If you want a more VIP experience, get a bottle and you will get a seat on the upper part of the ship.  

One of the things that I love about this tour is that it is fun for everybody, even families! Children love pirate entertainment as much as adults! It’s also very affordable with tickets starting at only $46 USD per person.

This is easily one of the most popular cruises, and as such, it often fully books.

Where to Stay in Cancun

Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun
Photo credit: Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun

If you’re going to be vacationing in Cancun, then you’ll need a place to stay! Below are some of the best hotels (for every budget) in the Cancun Hotel Zone.

Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun – $$$

Of course, we all love a luxury all-inclusive stay and for that, the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun is among the best of the best. It really is its very own oasis in paradise where you can rest, relax, and try the most delicious food in any of the six fine-dining restaurants, including an AAA Five Diamond French dining experience!

When you fancy going for a dip, there’s a huge outdoor pool which is nothing short of mesmerizing at night when it’s lit up. Seriously, you have to see it for yourself! If that wasn’t enough, Grand Fiesta also boasts a 40,000 sq. ft (3,716 sq. m) full-service spa, with a ton of treatment and massage options. A word of warning though – once you stay here, you’ll never look at luxury the same way again.

Of course, with a luxury hotel comes a luxury price tag, with rooms ranging from $500-800 USD per night depending on the room category and time of year. I’d recommend booking your stay in advance to secure the best rates.

JW Marriott Cancun Resort – $$

For somewhere in the mid-range category, I absolutely love the JW Marriott Cancun Resort. While it’s not all-inclusive, I personally think that’s a plus since you get to explore the wonderful restaurants in Cancun! That said, the hotel has no less than 6 incredible restaurants on-site, so if you’re feeling like a well-deserved evening in, then you’re spoiled for choice.

Talking of pampered evenings (and mornings!), JW Marriott also has a world-class spa offering a host of treatments, as well as three gorgeous pools. Located right on the beachfront, every room in this hotel has a 32-inch flat-panel LCD TV, as well as the softest bedding to rest your head after a busy day out exploring.

Rooms here at the JW Marriott Cancun Resort average between $350-500 USD per night depending on the time of year. To check availability and reserve your room, you can secure your spot over on Booking.com.

Selina Cancun Laguna Hotel Zone – $

For budget travelers, the Selina Cancun Laguna Hotel Zone is one of my personal favorites! While some people online found their stay to be hit-and-miss, I really enjoyed my stay here, plus for the price and fun atmosphere, you really can’t go wrong! It’s also located right in the heart of the Hotel Zone, meaning you’re right where all the action is, and they even have an outdoor pool and a bar.

They offer a range of room types, with a bed in a large dorm starting as low as $24 USD and a standard room at around $97 USD per night. To reserve your spot in advance, you can check out Selina Cancun Laguna over on Hostelworld or Booking.com.

More of a luxury traveler? Learn about the absolute best resorts in Cancun to choose from!

Renting a Car in Mexico

Bailey and Daniel take a selfie while driving around Mexico
A rental car means freedom to go to the beach whenever you want!

Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to get around Mexico is in a rental car. 

I struggled to get around by bus and taxi for the longest time. But after renting a car in Cancun in 2023, I never looked back. It allowed me to explore the country without worrying about tours or taxis. It was why I fell in love with Mexico and eventually decided to live here periodically. 

I refuse to use local services whenever I rent a car in Mexico. The truth is they sometimes can’t be trusted or come with hidden fees (or costly insurance that doesn’t make sense.) There are even rental car scams! So instead, I use Discover Cars, the company most experienced travelers or ex-pats in Mexico recommend. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!

The rates on Discover Cars are cheap, too, with the average rental costing around $25 USD per day. Full coverage insurance can be added for an extra $10 USD a day too. 

Driving in Mexico also only requires a driver’s license using the Roman alphabet. If yours uses another like Japan and China, you simply need an international driving permit. 

Insurance is required, but if you book with Discover Cars and get the full coverage, that’s all you need! Oh, and being over 18 is required, and if you’re over 25, your rental will be much cheaper! 

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.

SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.

SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.

Book your travel insurance with SafetyWing here!

Thanks for reading!

Daniel and Bailey take a selfie at the top of the Cancun Scenic Tower 
Thanks for reading!

Cancun is one of the top destinations in Mexico, and with a list of so many fantastic activities, it’s no wonder why. It’s safe to say you won’t get bored when visiting Cancun, and if you do, just enjoy the downtime. Cancun is as much about relaxing as it is about enjoying activities and tours!

Thanks so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed this huge blog on the best things to do in Cancun. If you did, make sure to check out the Cancun Airport shuttles guide so your arrival here is smooth and then keep planning your trip by having a look at our other popular Mexico blogs, such as:

Cancun Airport to the Hotel Zone – 9 Things you NEED to KNOW!

The top restaurants in Cancun

Things to do in Tulum

Best beaches in Mexico