37 Top Fun & Unique Things to Do in Cancun! [2023]

Have you been looking for the best fun and unique things to do in Cancun for couples? Are you concerned about the uncertain state of the world and wondering if these popular Cancun attractions are still the best places to travel to? Have you heard of the Go Cancun City Pass and wondered if it can save you money?

Then you’re not alone!

Before my one-month trip to Cancun during the pandemic, I was wondering the same. That’s why I’m here to answer your questions and tell you what I wish I had known before my trip to Cancun.

In terms of finding the best and most fun things to do in Cancun, I was so lost because all the lists that I found listed attractions and activities all over the place. I couldn’t tell which activities were where and whether they were near our hotel.

So, in this article, I will not only show you the best unique things to do in Cancun but also divide them by areas, from the main Hotel Zone to Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen, Xcaret, Tulum, and Cozumel). That way, you can easily pick fun things to do near your resort. If you are early in your research and haven’t booked your hotel yet, that may give you an advantage.

You can choose things you want to do first, then choose where to stay in Cancun accordingly. That way it may save you a lot of money on transportation! Oh and talking about money, stay tuned because I will share with you coupon codes as well as the best tricks to minimize the costs on the best things to do in Cancun.

Luxury under Budget aims at helping you get the best deals by maximizing the value of your time and money. My recommendations are based on first-hand experiences and a full analysis of costs vs. benefits. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may get a small commission when you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. This helps support my blog and enables me to provide more free and helpful content. Now, let’s go get you that luxury travel while staying under the budget!

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Unique Things to Do in Cancun for Couples

Cancun is a world-famous tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches and exciting nightlife. However, there is much more to this city than meets the eye. If you’re looking for unique things to do in Cancun, here are a few ideas.

1. Swimming with Whale Sharks

Swimming with whale sharks is a unique thing to do in Cancun that is only available from May through mid-September! With an expert guide, you will be able to swim with the world’s largest fish while looking out for dolphins, manta rays, and turtles. This is an immersive experience that you’re sure to remember for years to come!

🦈Check prices for Swimming with Whale Sharks in Cancun

2. Reef & Shipwreck Snorkeling

Am I telling you that you don’t have to be a scuba diver to explore a shipwreck? Yes, I am! Try this shipwreck swim and snorkel tour in Cancun where you can paddle through tropical fish, coral reefs, shipwrecks, and giant sea turtles. It’s an unforgettable experience and a great way to see some of Cancun’s most stunning underwater worlds.

⚓Check prices for Reef & Shipwreck Snorkeling Tour in Cancun

3. Visit Different Cenotes (Natural Sinkholes)

Cenotes are formed as natural pools or sinkholes that open up access to the vast network of underground rivers when the limestone bedrock collapses. They are unique to the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, and you can find some of the best cenotes near Cancun and Riviera Maya.

Different cenotes come with different structures, myths, and activities. With a cenotes tour, you will visit four cenotes, where you can paddle through the underground caverns on kayaks, rappel down rock walls into a semi-open cenote, zipline to the water, and float on inner tubes.

💦Check prices for an All-Inclusive Cenotes Tour

4. Xavage Adventure Park

Xavage Park is the perfect place for action junkies and adventure seekers. The park offers a unique combination of off-roading, ropes courses, rafting, and other exciting outdoor activities, all in one location. With a lunch buffet and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks included, you can refuel and keep the adventure going all day long!

🌊Check prices for Xavage Adventure Park

5. Have an Authentic Indigenous Meal in a Mayan Village

Interested in some unique cultural experience? Consider exploring the archaeological ruins of Tulum and Coba with a local guide and head to the Maya village of Esmeralda for an authentic indigenous meal. You’ll learn all about the culture of the ancient Maya civilization as you wander through the ruins, and then you can cool off with a swim in a beautiful cenote.

🍲Check prices for Mayan Cultural Tour

Luxury Things to do in Cancun

6. Private Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour with Open Bar & Snorkeling

Cancun is a popular destination for many reasons, but one of the best things to do in the area is take a private half-day catamaran cruise. This unique experience allows you to explore the clear waters of the Caribbean Sea aboard your own 32-foot (10-meter) catamaran. Your captain can take you to Isla Mujeres (the Island of Women) or other great spots around the bay and provides time to go snorkeling at the coral reef, stop at secluded beaches, and lounge on the deck.

⛵Check prices for Private Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour with Open Bar & Snorkeling

7. Avoid the crowd with Chichen Itza Early Access

Avoid the crowds, the heat, and the humidity with this all-inclusive tour that gives you early morning access to Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was settled by the Mayans more than 1,000 years ago.

Chichen Itza includes many famous Chac-mool statues and important buildings such as the 30-meter-tall El Castillo, one of the country’s most famous pyramids. Learn from your certified guide how this large pre-Colombian city played an important role in Mayan civilization from around A.D. 600 to 1200 and remained a center of worship until the Spanish colonization.

 🐍Check prices for Chichen Itza Deluxe All-Inclusive Tour

8. Horseback Riding & Cenote Swim

Combining horseback riding and swimming in a cenote, this tour is the perfect way to experience all that the jungle has to offer. No horseback riding experience is required, so why not add a little adventure to your trip to Cancun?

🐎Check prices for Horseback Riding & Cenote Swim

9. Romantic Dinner on the Beach (Perfect for Marriage Proposal/Honeymoon/Anniversary)

Imagine a beautiful candlelit table awaits you, surrounded by rose petals and a stunning view of the sea. The menu features four delicious courses, including a salad, appetizer, main course, and dessert. And of course, no luxury dinner would be complete without a bottle of champagne or wine. This is the perfect setting for a Cancun marriage proposal, or simply a magical night to remember!

❤️Check prices for Romantic Dinner on the Beach

10. Coco Bongo Cancun Gold Member VIP Night Out

Looking for a luxury night out in Cancun? Look no further than Coco Bongo – the most famous nightlife venue in Cancun that is located right at the prime location of Hotel Zone! Spend a night out like a celebrity with the VIP Gold Member admission ticket and enjoy special treatment, including skip-the-line and early entry, access to a premium open bar, and front-row seating for the spectacular show.

I regretted not buying this in advance as the regular ticket at the door was $120 and there was a long long line! If partying at one of the best clubs in Cancun is something you want to do, then make sure to grab your ticket in advance!

🍸Check prices for Coco Bongo Cancun Gold Member VIP

Top Things to Do in & near Cancun Hotel Zone

11. Captain Hook Pirate Show and Dinner

There are many sunset sailing trips and dinner cruises in Cancun, but Captain Hook Pirate Show and Dinner is one of the most fun ways to enjoy the night off the coast from Cancun Hotel Zone. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or a landlubber at heart, a pirate dinner cruise is a perfect way to step into the world of swashbuckling pirates and Spanish galleons. There’s plenty to keep you entertained throughout your voyage, from fun contests and stage shows to pirate tales and an exciting live-action battle at sea.

Better yet? The ticket comes with an open bar so you can sip on your drink of choice while dancing or enjoying the entertainment aboard.

12. Sea Trek at Interactive Aquarium 

This activity is perfect if you can’t swim or simply don’t want to get your hair wet! Sea-Trek equipment at Interactive Aquarium allows you to walk and breathe naturally underwater (your hair and face won’t get wet!). I actually like the fact that there is no sand in the aquarium so you can see the fish more clearly compared to doing Sea-Trek in the ocean.

Discount: You can buy Go Cancun Pass to enjoy free admissions to other sites and upgrade for the Sea Trek package at the Interactive Aquarium in La Isla!

13. La Isla and Watersports 

La Isla is a bustling open-air mall that boasts an array of retailers as well as several award-winning waterfront restaurants, so you can shop, dine, and enjoy spectacular views all in one convenient location. And if you’re looking for some exciting water activities and water sports, La Isla has you covered. You can go jet skiing or try your hand at flying a jetpack, or step things up a notch with a thrilling hoverboard flight.

14. Xoximilco

Looking for an authentic Mexican fiesta? Look no further than Xoximilco! This tour features traditional Mexican cuisine, an open bar, and live music as you float down the canals in a colorful gondola. You’ll also get to enjoy traditional Mexican games and entertainment, making it the perfect way to immerse yourself in Mexican culture.

15. Swim with Dolphins

If you’re looking for an exciting and engaging way to spend time with some of the planet’s most majestic creatures, swimming with dolphins is the perfect activity. From kissing and hugging these majestic sea mammals to watching them play and jump through the waves, interacting with dolphins offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

Whether you choose to visit an adventure theme park in Cancun like Xcaret, Xel-Ha, and Xplor or opt for an interactive dolphin aquarium such as Interactive Aquarium, you’ll find that there are plenty of opportunities for fun interaction with these delightful creatures.  

Tip: Book directly with Delphinus for the best deals on swimming with dolphins! 

Top Things to do in North Cancun

16. MUSA – Museo Subacuático de Arte

MUSA is a unique underwater museum located in the National Marine Park in Cancun and the Isla Mujeres area. With over 500 life-size sculptures and vibrant coral reefs, this beloved attraction is perfect for people of all ages and activity levels. Whether you’re a certified diver or a beginner wanting to dip your toes in the water, there are plenty of options to explore this fascinating underwater masterpiece.

If you are looking for an adventure, the best way to explore MUSA would be scuba diving (you can dive here without getting certified or get certified with diving here – either will work- no prior experience required!).

If scuba diving adventures don’t sound like your cup of tea, you can also join a snorkel tour for a lighter level of activity while still enjoying the beauty of the Cancun Underwater Museum.

17. Isla Mujeres Catamaran with Spinnaker

If you’re looking for an unforgettable way to experience the beauty of Cancun, consider taking a catamaran sail to Isla Mujeres that includes spinnaker activitiy. Also known as the Island of Women, Isla Mujeres is a small but stunning island located just off the coast of Cancun. The trip includes an open bar, snorkel, and spinnaker activity, making it the perfect way to spend a day in paradise.

I highly recommend this excursion to Isla Mujeres – it was one of the best things I did during my time in Cancun. Read my full review of the spinnaker activity here so you know what to expect and can better prepare for your trip. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

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Top Things to Do in/near Playa del Carmen (South Cancun)

18. Parques Los Fundadores

Parques Los Fundadores is a beach area located adjacent to the ferry terminal in Cancun, Mexico. The main attraction of the park is a huge sculpture of Portal Maya, portraying a man and a woman being pushed upwards by a spiral of water. The sculpture is beautiful and very popular with tourists, who often take pictures in front of it. The park can be quite crowded, especially during peak tourism season. However, it is still a lovely place to relax and enjoy the view.

19. Fifth Avenue

Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida) is one of the oldest and most popular shopping districts in Playa del Carmen. It is home to a wide variety of stores and local shops that sell souvenirs and jewelries. In addition, there are plenty of local restaurants and bars, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon or evening. The live music scene is also vibrant, with many bars featuring local and international acts. Whether you’re looking to shop, eat, or drink, Fifth Avenidas has something for everyone.

20. Fusion Beach Bar Cuisine

If you’re looking for some great live music while you’re in Mexico, be sure to check out Fusion Beach Bar Cuisine. During the day, there are several Mexican artists who walk down the beach and stop to perform live music. And every night, Fusion has two fire shows that are definitely worth seeing. Just remember to bring a blanket or dress warmly, as it can get chilly at night.

21. El Fogon

El Fogo has long been one of the most popular food establishments in Playa del Carmen. Known for its authentic Mexican cuisine and mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant attracts many locals as well as tourists.

With such high demand, El Fogo can get pretty crowded, especially during peak dining hours. So if you’re looking for tips on how to hack the waiting line at El Fogo, look no further than this video reel!

22. Bull Shark Diving

If you’re looking for a truly unique and thrilling scuba diving experience, the seasonal bull shark dive would be perfect for you! This excursion takes place during the winter months, from November to March. During this time, pregnant bull sharks come into the area to give birth, making them a relatively safe underwater presence.

You will need to be an open-water certified diver to do this excursion. If you are down for the adventure, you can take a scuba diving course to be certified within two to three days before doing this excursion! And what can be a better place to learn scuba diving than Cancun, home to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef – the second-largest reef in the world?

23. Chikin Ha

Chikin Ha is another beautiful Mayan cenote that offers a great spot for snorkeling and scuba diving!

24. Rio Secreto

Rio Secreto (The Secret River) is an incredible natural wonder near Playa del Carmen. This massive underground cave system is filled with freshwater, stalactites, and long-dried stalagmites. A trip through Rio Secreto feels a bit like the river swim in Xplor Adventure Park –it is an experience that truly has to be seen to be believed.

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Top Attractions and Excursions near Xcaret

25. Xcaret Park

Xcaret Park is one of the most popular things to do in Cancun. Locals and guides call it the Mexican Disneyland. There are more than 50 family attractions and activities among underground rivers, jungle, the Caribbean Sea, shows, and tropical wildlife.

The night show, Xcaret Mexico Espectacular, with more than 300 artists on stage that will walk you through the history and legacy of Mexico, is absolutely amazing! Do not miss the opening because it has a very interesting and exciting Mayan live sports game!

26. Xenses

This Xenses theme park offers activities that focus on your “senses”, such as El Pueblo (which challenges your sense of up and down), Xensatorium (a cavern in total darkness that houses all of the planet’s ecosystems), a slide that flows into a cavern, ziplining, and more. Two must-try activities are flying like a bird and sliding in the mud!

27. Xplor and Xplor Fuego

Pump your adrenaline with thrilling activities at Xplor such as driving ATV through the jungle and doing ziplines from tower to tower! I also love swimming and rafting through stalactites underground rivers (actually better than the underground swim at Xcaret!).

Xplor Fuego is the same adventure park lit up with torches at night. You will get the unique experience of zip-lining through a gate of fire, of if you’re looking for some thrill, don’t skip this!

Xplor Recommendations: Bring water shoes and buy the pictures package (it is worth it!)

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Top Attractions and Activities in Tulum (further South of Cancun)

28. Swim with Turtles in Akumal

Thousands of vacationers flock to the beaches of Cancun in search of sun, sand, and sea every year, but what they may not know is that some of these beaches are also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including sea turtles.

Adult sea turtles begin nesting on the beaches in May, and they continue to lay eggs until October. The baby turtles then begin hatching in July and continue their journey into the sea through mid-December.

Don’t miss the chance to swim with turtles in Akumal (Turtle Bay)! You can also combine it with Tulum ruins on a day trip.

29. Xelha

Xel-Ha is a natural all-inclusive aquatic archeological and ecological theme park. Food and drinks (alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages) are included! The view is unrivaled from the scenic tower and the best activities at Xelha include diving in the water from the Stone of Value, ziplining and hammock splash, as well as sliding from Riviera Maya’s highest water slide.

Xelha Tulum tour is a great way to tour Tulum and visit Xel Ha park! Since the beach at Tulum Mayan Ruins is now closed, it’s nice to add Xelha after the archaeological site tour. You can find everything you need to know about Xelha in my full review about Xelha water park.

30. Tulum Ruins, Jungle, & Beach

There are so many ways to tour Tulum! You can visit the Mayan ruins, set sail on a catamaran, or drive an ATV through the jungle!

One of the most popular Tulum tours is the 3-in-1 Discovery Combo Tour. This tour includes entrance fees, a buffet lunch, and door-to-door transport from hotels in Cancun or Playa del Carmen to snorkel through the coral reef in the Caribbean Sea, visit the Tulum archeological site, swim in a cenote, and explore a limestone cave.

31. Coba

If you want to climb a pyramid during your visit to Cancun, Coba is the only place that still allows visitors to do so! With this small-group tour, you will get to see both Coba and Tulum in one day. Your expert guide will accompany you around the ruins, explaining their history and significance. After exploring the ruins, you’ll enjoy a buffet lunch followed by a refreshing swim in Cho Ha Cenote.

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Top Attractions and Activities West of Cancun

32. Xenotes

Xenotes tour takes you to visit four types of cenotes: semi-open cenote, open gran cenote, ancient cenote, and the cavern blue cenote. With this cenote tour, you will get to try assisted rappelling, zip-lines, kayaking, exploration swimming, and cliff jumping.

33. Las Coloradas – The Pink Lake!

Depending on the time of the year, this lake is pink due to the high concentration of salt and microorganisms! It’s a long drive and you will need to hire a certified guide to be allowed in this area, so it’s typically better to book a tour in advance.

34. Cenote Maya Park

This is the biggest vaulted fresh-water cenote with rappelling, ziplining, and other fun activities. You can buy Cenote Maya Park admission tickets online and make a stop if you drive to Chichen Itza. That would allow you to avoid the tourist crowds, but make sure to arrive before 3:00 PM. The park closes at 4:00 PM as the sun goes down and it gets dark, but from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, the place would be perfect!

We were pretty much the only two people here and had a private guide to help us with the cenote activities. Before entering the cenote, we watched a Mayan ceremony performed by a local shaman in the back garden. The ceremony lasts about 2-3 minutes and is included in the ticket. If you want to watch it, I would suggest doing it before the cenote so you don’t stand there being wet.

☀️🌙Chichen Itza

The guided Xichen Tour takes you by panoramic bus to the archaeological site of Chichen Itza and the beautiful city of Valladolid in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. The tour also includes a buffet and a visit to Mayan cenote Zací. If you’re going to buy souvenirs at Chichen Itza, don’t accept the first price that is thrown at you. Do a little bargain and you will walk away with a much better deal!

If you want to take a break from the Caribbean Sea for more than a day, you can drive to Chichen Itza and stay the night. That way, you will be able to tour Chichen Itza at night and watch the night Kukulkan light show at El Castillo.

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Top Attractions and Activities East of Cancun

35. Scuba Diving in Cozumel

Cozumel is a paradise for scuba diving and snorkeling! With or without Covid, it is still one of the best places to travel for divers! There are several scuba diving excursions that can take you to Cozumel’s National Marine Park, whether you’re certified or not! If it’s your first time diving and you are not sure whether you want to get certified, look for the excursion that says “Discover Scuba Diving”!

Mesoamerican Barrier Reef Scuba Diving Excursions for Certifiied Divers

Discover Scuba Diving in Cozumel for Beginners

36. ATV Adventure

Be prepared for a rough and muddy ride through the jungles of Cozumel on an ATV! I loved Xplor but actually prefer this type of ATV. It’s somewhat similar to riding a motorcycle and makes it feel more exciting than driving the car-like ATV.

37. Atlantic Submarine Expedition

Atlantic Submarine Expedition is located right across from the budget-friendly all-inclusive resort Grand Park Royal Cozumel. Diving to the depths of 100 feet (30 meters) and becoming part of the 1% population that has ever been in a submarine, you will get to see not only coral reefs and fishes but also a shipwreck!

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How to Make it More Affordable with Cancun Go Pass

Cancun Go Pass is a digital pass that gives you access to numerous attractions in Cancun and Riviera Maya. You can pick the number of days – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7 over a period of two weeks. It allows you the freedom to visit as many attractions and activities on the list as you want within the validation of your pass.

I have personally used GoCity pass in several other cities and I have to admit that they are not always worth the money. However, if you carefully plan out your itinerary and call ahead of time to reserve your spots, you will be able to save a lot of money.

Let’s take a look at all the activities and attractions in Cancun that the pass includes.

The 3, 5 and 7-Day Pass

These premium attractions are valued from $100 to $180 and are only available with a 3, 4, 5, or 7-day pass.

• Xcaret Basic Park Admission
• Xel Há All-Inclusive PLUS “Interax” Dolphin Adventure
• Extreme Adventure Park – All Day Combo Tour
• Manatee Encounter & lunch in Cozumel or Isla Mujeres
• Dolphin Encounter with lunch, Maroma beach club access and transportation

Attractions on all pass types

• Columbus Romantic Dinner Cruise with Steak or Veggie
• Parasailing Adventure in Cancun Island
• Royal Garrafon Natural Reef Park Adventure
• Isla Mujeres Day Trip “Get Up and Go” Catamaran Sail
• 1 Day Avis Car Rental
• Moonlight Bioluminescence Snorkeling Tour
• Textures of Mexico: Cancun Street Food & Art plus Local Market Day Tour
• Open bar at Congo Bar Cancun
• Dancer Cruise Cancun with snorkeling
• Tulum Express Tour with hotel pick up
• Reef, Turtle and Shipwreck Snorkeling Tour
• Chichen Itza at your own pace by Mayaland
• “La Gran Rueda Cancun ‘The Wheel'”
• Jungle Tour Speedboat Adventure
• Interactive Aquarium Cancun
• 2 hour open bar at Señor Frog’s and more!

Is the GoCity Pass worth it?

The GoCity Pass is only worth it if it can save you more money than the cost you pay for the pass. That can happen when you plan your itinerary carefully. Take it from me because I learned it the hard way – I purchased the GoCity pass Shanghai and it barely saved me any money.

It wasn’t because the pass was not good, but because the attractions that I chose were so far away from each other. As a result, I spent most of the time traveling to the sites. In addition, some attractions only accepted visitors on the hour, so when I arrived at a quarter past, I had to wait for another 45 minutes. Things like that put my time and money to waste, so I want to give you more information in order to help you efficiently use your GoCity Pass and make it worth the money you pay.

Which Cancun Go Pass should you choose?

The Cancun GoCity pass that typically offers the best value is the three-day pass. It is the cheapest pass that will give you access to a premium activity. If you pick an expensive premium activity, it will often cover the cost for the pass already. For example, if you buy the pass for $180 and the premium activity you pick is valued at $180, you technically break even right off the batch.

After the break-even point, the more attractions you visit and the more activities you do through the pass would mean the more money you save. If you plan to buy the 7-day pass, you may want to consider buying two of the 3-day passes instead. The price differences won’t be much, but two 3-day passes will give you two premium activities instead of one from the 7-day pass.

Book the best price for Cancun Go Pass here!

Is the 1-day Cancun Go Pass worth it?

For a lot of other cities that I have been to, the 1-day Go City Pass hasn’t saved me a lot of money. However, the one-day Cancun Go Pass actually offers great value if you plan to rent a car in Cancun. The one-day pass costs only $89 but it includes the one-day Avis Car rental – which basically pays for the pass itself.

If you have read my post about renting a car in Mexico, you would be able to tell that it is much of a horror story to rent a car if you are not familiar with the rules and customs. Even though the prices you see online are only 10 to 15 USD for a compact car per day, there are hidden charges that the salesman will add to your reservation when you come to pick up the car.

It would easily drive up the cost of the rental cars to around $100 per day. The Cancun Pass includes a 24 hours car rental with all local taxes and mandatory insurance, so it will save you a lot of headaches.

After picking up the rental car, you can start the day with a parasailing adventure in Cancun (worth $60), then hop on to a catamaran sail to Isla Mujeres (worth $70) or take a jungle tour speedboat plus Aquabounce Adventure (worth $70), and end the day with a Columbus Romantic Dinner Cruise (worth $89). This itinerary will be tight but possible. Make sure you call the tour operators to reserve your spots early as these are very popular activities.

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Best Things to do & Places to Visit in Cancun FAQs

What is Cancun best known for?

Cancun is best known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and world-class all-inclusive resorts. And while these are amazing reasons to visit, they don’t even begin to scratch at all of what there is do and see in Mexico’s Riviera Maya.

What is unique in Cancun?

The best fun things that you shouldn’t miss on your visit to Cancun, Mexico are: visiting one of the 7 Wonders of the World – Chichen Itza, swimming in cenotes, watching a show at Coco Bongo, partying in a colorful Mexican gondola, driving ATV and ziplining in Xplor, trying spinner activity in Isla Mujeres, and becoming 1% of the world population who have been in a submarine!

What to avoid in Cancun?

There are a lot of things that you should avoid in Cancun such as avoiding buying from random tour companies on the street as well as signing up for timeshare presentation traps. For the full list of do’s and don’ts in Cancun, please visit the article 21 Dumb Mistakes to Avoid in Cancun.

How many days do you need in Cancun?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. I have been to Cancun a few times and the last time I was there for one month, but I still feel like there are more things I can do on my next visit. While it is possible to do Cancun in three days over long weekends, you would want to plan accordingly to make the most of your time in this beautiful beach town. I have listed the best attractions and activities in Cancun by region below to help you narrow down your search.

Is it worth going to Downtown Cancun?

Downtown Cancun is the main residential area for locals in Cancun. Being very different from the tourist area Hotel Zone – Zona Hotelera, Downtown Cancun (Ciudad Cancun) provides a taste of local culture and cheap delicious street food. It is generally safe to walk around Downtown Cancun during the day, but you should exercise extra caution there at night.

Main attractions in Downtown Cancun include Mercado 28, tasty taco stands on Avenidas Tulum, a colorful Cancun sign mural, and Parque Las Palapas. It was nice for us to stop by Downtown Cancun on the way to the pier, but to be honest, I wouldn’t go out of my way to visit Downtown Cancun.

Best Places to Travel during Covid in/near Cancun

Ironically, the best places to travel during the pandemic are the places that had typically been crowded! These places include:

• Mayan Ruins: Millions of visitors visit Chichen Itza, Tulum, and Coba annually to explore its architectural and cultural wonders. Therefore, if you go in peak season, it would be so packed that your pictures would be filled with people. When I traveled during the pandemic, all the Mayan ruins limit the number of people per tour group. You can easily get a picture of yourself and the ruins without anyone else in the background!
• Theme parks: Famous theme parks such as Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xavage, Xoximilco, and Xenses belong to the list of the most popular things to do in Cancun! During peak seasons, you would expect to have a longer wait time. When I was there during Covid, the lines were moving fast, and I got to do all the activities that I wanted! Since theme parks operate at 50-70% capacity, they are also the best places to travel during Covid!
• Cozumel: Most of its traffic was driven by cruise ships. Due to the cruise ship restrictions, Cozumel becomes much less crowded, driving the cost for diving excursions and all-inclusive hotels down and making it one of the best places to travel during Covid!

Is Mexico Open for Travel?

Yes, Mexico is open for travelers. The land border between Mexico and the United States has been reopened to nonessential travel since November 2021.

Travel Tips to Have the Best Trip During the Pandemic

Most hotels, all-inclusive resorts, and tour operators in Cancun have put Covid-19 safety measures in place. While the ever-changing situation with coronavirus makes it a little tricky to plan, there are a few things you should be aware of to better prepare for your trip:

⭐ Limited Capacity

Most places you travel to during Covid-19 apply a 50-70%, meaning that the number of allowed visitors is restricted. What does that mean? It means that you will get to enjoy these attractions with fewer people! But it also means that availability will decrease and it may be harder to book certain tours and admissions tickets. Therefore, you should try to book in advance if you can.

⭐Reservations Required

In order to maintain social distancing, a lot of attractions will require you to book your spot before you show up. Make sure you read the fine print in your reservations!

⭐Schedules are subject to change

Some places close on certain days or change their opening/closing hours. You should be able to find this information on the official website and double-check to plan accordingly!

⭐Choose Accommodations with Free Covid Testing and Resort Quarantine Reassurance

With coronavirus cases rising and US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) maintaining Meixo’s travel advisory rating at high risk, I strongly recommend that you stay at one of the resorts in Cancun that offer free Covid testing, so that you don’t have to worry about testing at the international airport.

In addition, it’s best to stay at a hotel that has quarantine reassurance. That way, in the event that you get tested positive while staying on the property, the hotel will cover everything for your 14-day quarantine.

The Wrap Up: Best Things to Do in Cancun

With its white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters, it’s easy to see why Cancun is a Mexican hotspot and a favorite among tourists. The best beaches are private ones in all-inclusive resorts since they are cleaned regularly and often free from seaweed. Public beaches in Cancun are free for visitors to enjoy and Playa Delfines is a great place to swim and lay for a tan.

But there’s more to Cancun than just sun and sand; the city offers plenty of activities and attractions that will keep you entertained during your stay. I hope this guide has helped you find the best things to do in Cancun for a fun and unforgettable trip!

My all-time favorite Cancun Excursions:

Swimming with Whale Sharks in Cancun

Atlantic Submarine Expedition

All-Inclusive Cenotes Tour

Xplor Adventure Park

Chichen Itza

Cancun Travel Resources

1. Travel Insurance:
   • No one wants to think about what could go wrong on a vacation, but the truth is that accidents can happen anywhere, at any time. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have travel insurance, so you can relax and enjoy your trip knowing that you’re covered if something does go wrong. Don’t take the risk when you can be covered for cheap.
   • Safety Wing is a great option for budget-conscious travelers, as policies start at just $40 USD for a whole month! Basic policies cover travel emergencies, medical costs, and medical expenses while you’re in Mexico as well as transportation back to your home country under circumstances.
2. Getting around Cancun
   • Best Car Rental in Cancun: How to Find it & What to Expect!
   • How to Get from Cancun to Tulum, Mexico: Is there Uber/Lyft?
   • How to Get to Cozumel from Cancun and Playa del Carmen
3. Car Rental Scam
   • Don’t fall for car rental scams in Mexico! Make sure you have full coverage when you make the reservation so car rental agencies can’t upsell their insurance.
   • Discover Cars offers the cheapest car rental rates in Mexico and full coverage insurance for as low as $7 per day. 
4. Best Places to Stay in and near Cancun
   • Where to Stay in Cancun: Best Non All-Inclusive vs All-Inclusive Hotels
   • Best Value & Affordable All-Inclusive Resorts in Cancun, Mexico
   • Best Hotels and Resorts to Stay in Cozumel, Mexico
   • Temptation Cancun Resort – Best All-Inclusive Resort for Nightlife
   • Hotel Xcaret Arte Review – Best Overall Value Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resort
   • Hotel Xcaret Mexico Review – Best Overall Value Family All-Inclusive Resort
   • La Casa de la Playa by Xcaret – Best Luxury Boutique Hotel
5. Best Attractions & Activities in Cancun
   • 37 Top Things to Do & Best Places to Visit in Cancun
   • Thrilling Cancun Activities: Spinnaker vs. Parasailing!
   • Xplor vs Xplor Fuego Adventure Cancun Park Review!
   • Xelha Water Park Review, Coupons & Tips for a Perfect Day!
   • What to See & Do in Cozumel on A Day Trip!
   • The Maldives of Mexico: Is Bacalar Lagoon worth visiting?

Bonus: 61+ Best Cancun Quotes for Instagram & Social Media Captions!