The Top 10 Experiences in Cancún

Upon your first visit to Cancún, it’s hard to believe that this vibrant destination was once a small fishing village nestled in thick jungle back in the late 1960s.

This transformation began when the Mexican government launched a tourism development initiative aimed at harnessing the region's stunning natural beauty.

Today, Cancún is Mexico’s premier tourist hotspot and one of its rapidly expanding cities. Many visitors associate it with lively parties, luxurious all-inclusive resorts, and tourist-friendly shopping centers – akin to a tropical Vegas.

Yet, it’s also located in one of Mexico's most biodiverse regions, offering a paradise for those seeking wildlife adventures.

Just offshore lies the world's second-largest barrier reef, while inland, stunning freshwater cenotes (limestone sinkholes) are plentiful. Combine this with rich Maya culture, delicious local cuisine, and impressive ancient ruins, and you have the perfect Caribbean escape.

Here are some of our top activities in this beautiful southeastern region of Mexico.

1. Marvel at breathtaking ancient Maya ruins

Cancún's coastline features several small Maya archaeological sites, such as El Rey, El Meco, and San Miguelito. While these sites are worth a visit, make sure to allocate time to explore the more awe-inspiring ruins at Tulum, Cobá, or Chichén Itzá.

After exploring the sun-drenched cliffside ruins of Tulum, take a dip in the turquoise waters at the nearby private beach. In Cobá, where the Yucatán's largest temple pyramid stands, you can uniquely discover the sprawling jungle ruins by renting a bike.

While Chichén Itzá can become overly crowded, the mathematical and astronomical accuracy of the main pyramid is truly breathtaking.

One fascinating feature to observe is the serpent shadow that gracefully descends the north stairway during the spring and autumn equinoxes.

Planning tip: To enjoy Chichén Itzá with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, arrive early. On your way back to Cancún, consider stopping for a night in Valladolid, a charming colonial town famous for its cenotes and delectable Yucatecan dishes, like the fantastic Maya cuisine at IX CAT IK.

2. Dive into enchanting cenotes

The ancient Maya regarded cenotes as sacred portals to the underworld, and once you gaze upon their deep blue waters and ethereal stalactites, you'll see why.

Many of these natural swimming spots are perfect for a day trip from Cancún. Notably, the intriguing Maya-managed park Cenote Dos Ojos (120km/74 miles south of downtown) offers swimming, snorkeling, and cave diving opportunities.

For a more relaxed atmosphere, visit Valladolid's Hacienda Oxmán Cenote (165km/102 miles west of Cancún), a historic henequén estate featuring a partially collapsed freshwater cave adorned with hanging vines.

Local tip: Cave diving can pose serious risks and is strictly for certified divers. Always book through a dive shop and opt for a reputable provider like Scuba Total.

3. Swim alongside giant whale sharks

Imagine the excitement of navigating through Caribbean waters next to the largest fish in the world. From late May to mid-September, whale sharks gather near Isla Mujeres to mate and feed on plentiful plankton.

This creates a thrilling opportunity to snorkel with these magnificent creatures, which can reach lengths of up to 15m (49ft). Sea Hawk Divers offers tours led by knowledgeable bilingual guides, with July and August being the prime months to spot these gentle giants.

Local tip: When swimming with whale sharks, maintain a distance of about 4m (13ft) and refrain from touching them. Additionally, set out as early as possible for a more peaceful experience.

4. Encounter fascinating wildlife up close

Birdwatchers, rejoice! For a tranquil wildlife experience, consider booking a boat tour to Isla Contoy, an 8.5km-long (28ft) island that serves as a nesting ground for sea turtles and is home to over 150 bird species.

From April to October, you can observe loggerhead, hawksbill, and green sea turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs.

Tour company Asterix offers excursions that include snorkeling stops and guided educational walks led by biologists from the island. This protected sanctuary, now designated as a national park, limits its visitors to just 200 per day, so it's wise to book your spot ahead of time.

5. Admire the life-sized sculptures at the underwater museum MUSA

Established to protect delicate coral reefs, the Museo Subacuático de Arte (MUSA) features around 500 submerged sculptures off the shores of Cancún and Isla Mujeres.

These pH-neutral cement sculptures, some resembling actual locals, can be explored while scuba diving, snorkeling, or on a glass-bottom boat tour.

Punta Nizuc in Cancún, the shallower of the two underwater galleries, is ideal for snorkeling and boat excursions, whereas the deeper Manchones site near Isla Mujeres, at 8–10m (26–32ft), is more suited for diving. Most dive shops offer tours to MUSA.

6. Immerse yourself in culture at the Museo Maya de Cancún

Feeling weary of lounging on the beach? Shake off the sand and explore the captivating Museo Maya de Cancún, a top-notch anthropology museum showcasing Maya artifacts from across the Yucatán Peninsula.

The permanent collection boasts around 3,500 pieces, including a jade mosaic death mask and beautifully painted pre-Hispanic ceramics featuring larger-than-life mythological beings.

The museum, along with the nearby San Miguelito ruins, provides an insightful overview of Maya culture and history, enriching your visits to the region's archaeological sites.

Planning tip: Your museum admission includes access to San Miguelito, a shaded archaeological site nestled in the jungle, home to the remains of a small palace and pyramid.

7. Root for Mexico's acrobatic masked wrestlers

Step away from the pulsating nightlife and indulge in a lively evening of lucha libre (professional wrestling).

The newly built Luchatitlán arena in Plaza La Isla, located in the hotel zone, hosts three thrilling matches where vibrant masked athletes showcase their acrobatic skills in front of an enthusiastic audience.

Mexican wrestling dates back to the early 1900s and continues to thrive, thanks to cultural legends like El Santo and Blue Demon.

Local tip: For a budget-friendly and genuine wrestling experience, check out Plaza de Toros in downtown Cancún, a former bullfighting arena that occasionally hosts events.

8. Escape to Isla Mujeres

Cancún's high-rise hotels and bustling traffic can make you forget that the hotel zone is actually built on a barrier island. In contrast, nearby Isla Mujeres offers a laid-back atmosphere.

This is especially evident at Playa Norte, where the calm aquamarine waters and leisurely vibe make it one of the most enjoyable and relaxing spots on the Mexican Caribbean.

The ferry ride to Isla Mujeres takes just 20 to 30 minutes, allowing day-trippers to return to Cancún in time for dinner. To explore the quieter southern side of the island, consider renting a golf cart or scooter, and stop at the beach club Garrafón de Castilla for snorkeling or enjoy the sunset at Punta Sur lookout point.

9. Relax on eco-friendly and hidden beaches

We can't overlook one of Cancún's main attractions – its spectacular beaches.

The soft white sands along the northern side of the L-shaped hotel zone frame some of the city's best swimming spots, while the east-facing beaches enchant visitors with their striking array of blues, greens, and shimmering whites, though caution is advised due to strong rip currents.

Playa Delfines is one of the most picturesque beaches, awarded the Blue Flag certification for meeting sustainability criteria such as high water quality, clean sands, and wheelchair accessibility, all while being far from the bustling tourist beaches.

Detour: To see Cancún as it was before the resort boom, venture north of downtown to Isla Blanca, a 20km (12-mile) stretch of largely untouched coastline. While large hotels have appeared at the southern end, tranquil sands remain at the northern tip along a narrow peninsula bordered by the Caribbean Sea and a lagoon rich in marine life and kiteboarders. Rent a car or take a taxi from downtown Cancún to get there.

10. Enjoy the authentic tastes of Cancún Centro

Most residents reside in El Centro, so skipping downtown means missing out on a true Cancún experience.

For a taste of local culture, visit Parque de las Palapas, which buzzes with life at night, featuring free concerts, lively dance performances, and street artists entertaining crowds with hilarious antics.

For authentic regional cuisine, step into the thatch-roofed El Pocito to savor homestyle panuchos (fried tortilla snacks). If you're looking for a traditional market vibe, wander through Mercado 23 for vibrant crafts and unique Yucatecan embroidered clothing.

Planning tip: Bus routes R-1, R-2, and R-27 operate regularly between Cancún Centro and the hotel zone from 5am to midnight. They're affordable and save you from potential taxi overcharges.