Beyond the white sand beaches and all-inclusive resorts, Cancun is known for cultural landmarks and traditions, scenic views and so many fun things to do and see. Understandably, it's hard to know where to start when planning a trip to Cancun, Mexico. Luckily, we've built a list of the best excursions in Cancun with activity suggestions from various sources, including AAA Inspector 511, my own experience in Cancun, as well as our list of AAA GEM® (Great Experience for Members) attractions.
First, you'll need to do some legwork. Decide when you want to go — whether peak, shoulder or off-peak season — so you can pick the best time to visit Cancun. Generally, the earlier you book, the better for your budget, but even if it's a last-minute trip in the off-season, you'll find plenty to do. Highlights include people-watching on iconic Playa Delfines, getting to know the culture of Cancun on a tour, or taking a day trip to beautiful Isla Mujeres or historic ruins. There are Cancun excursions and activities for everyone!
Plan Top Outdoor Adventures in Cancun and Isla Mujeres
Cancun offers fun for all ages, especially natural sites like beaches, aka "playa" in Spanish. Experience the exciting waves at Playa Marlín and Playa Las Perlas, ideal for water sports lovers. Visit Playa del Niño and Playa Tortugas for a safe and peaceful family day out. Next, consider snorkeling in Cancun and Isla Mujeres; all ability levels can enjoy seeing marine life up close. Complete your trip with a catamaran to Isla Mujeres. Luxury sailing, snorkeling and sunbathing on the island's beautiful beaches make for a memorable day trip.
1. Visit the Top Beaches in Cancun
It's a "shore" thing in Cancun, especially if your main goal is "beach." There are great places to go in Quintano Roo if you want to sunbathe, swim or play. For water sports enthusiasts, Playa Marlín and Playa Las Perlas are among the best beaches in Cancun, featuring currents perfect for surfing and other recreational activities. Families will appreciate the calm waters at Playa del Niño and Playa Tortugas, which offer safer wading environments and convenient amenities. Couples can enjoy the relaxed vibes at Playa Chac Mool and the Costa Mujeres, known for scenic beauty and sunset viewing. Lastly, for those seeking a livelier scene, a trip to Playa Delfines or Playa Forum (Playa Gaviota Azul) equals shore excursions with easy access to beach clubs and surf.
2. Go Snorkeling or Scuba Diving in Cancun and Isla Mujeres
Snorkeling is one of the top things to do in Cancun, especially with impressive nearby sites like the Underwater Museum of Art and Garrafon Natural Reef Park, part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (aka Great Mayan Reef), off Isla Mujeres. Isla Mujeres, in particular, is beginner-friendly, notes Inspector 511.
In Cancun's Hotel Zone, Playa Tortugas and Playa Caracol are top spots to snorkel, offering easy access and interesting marine life. Basic swimming skills and precautions around beach conditions are necessary, while PADI certifications likely will be required for open-water diving. Snorkeling gear is often provided through tours or included at all-inclusive resorts; always check with your resort or outfitter about local regulations or restrictions before you go.
3. Take a Catamaran to Isla Mujeres
A highlight of my own trip to Cancun was the Isla Mujeres Catamaran Luxury Sailing Experience. I liked that a catamaran offers stability and plenty of seating, as it's a type of boat with two parallel hulls, so you'll have plenty of space for your belongings or even room for an impromptu dance party. Setting sail from Cancun's Las Perlas Marina, you can take your time with breakfast before boarding for that day's catamaran adventure. The experience includes beverages, a snorkeling tour to explore vibrant marine life (purely voluntary) and a trip along the bay. Once docked on Isla Mujeres, an island that's one of the most popular excursions in Cancun, you'll have free time to shop for souvenirs, enjoy a buffet lunch at an exclusive beach club, stroll on the beach or order a frosty libation from a beachside restaurant with breathtaking views before your return to Cancun.
4. Experience Thrilling Eco-Archeological Parks
If you want an excursion that features the best of both worlds, whether that's natural wonders or cultural spectacles, then be sure to save time for an exciting theme park. Xenses, found in the heart of Riviera Maya, is a great place that offers sensory experiences, such as optical illusions and interactive activities, as well as waterslides and other thrilling adventures. Arguably, the most popular park is Xcaret, also in the Riviera Maya, which features cenotes and underground rivers in addition to must-see cultural shows and performances; make sure you stay until evening to get the full effect. Nearby, Xel-Há, located just south of Playa del Carmen, is an aquatic eco-park, where visitors can enjoy kids' activities as well as snorkeling, wading in Ixchel Grotto and even cliff jumping. Xplor, also near Playa del Carmen, provides what AAA Inspector 511 calls a "water wonderland"; adventurous things to do include ziplines, amphibious vehicles and underground river exploration.
Take in Maya Culture — Top Museums and Historic Sites
The Maya civilization, which reached its peak between 250 and 900 AD, is an important part of Mexico's history and culture. By visiting ruins and learning the advances in math, astronomy and construction, we can learn a lot about one of the most advanced civilizations in history.
5. Visit the Cancún Maya Museum
Located in the Hotel Zone at Boulevard 16.5, the Museo Maya de Cancún y Zona Arqueológica de San Miguelito — open Tuesday to Sunday — presents an amazing collection of artifacts from the Maya civilization as well as art, which you can admire promptly with your skip-the-line ticket. The entrance is adorned with sculptures reflecting the landscape, while the halls inside contain floor-to-ceiling glass that presents beautiful views of the jungle and Nichupté Lagoon. Your ticket also gives you entry to the ruins of San Miguelito, where Maya families lived before Spanish colonization.
6. Swim in Cenotes, Mexico's Beautiful Natural Sinkholes
Excursions to Maya sites often incorporate cenote visits, combining history and recreation, which only makes sense. Cenotes, natural sinkholes with pure, soothing waters, had a special role in Maya civilization and remain a source of wonder and beauty for visitors. They're also great for swimming and snorkeling; however, swim only where permitted. Cenote Dos Ojos, between Tulum and Playa del Carmen, and Gran Cenote, outside Tulum, are good cenotes to visit. Aktun Chen Natural Park, north of Tulum, provides guided excursions of its underground rivers and caverns in the Aktun jungle. A rope swing at Ik Kil near Chichen Itza allows you to plunge into its refreshing waters.
Check out AAA Trip Canvas for other tours of cenotes.
7. Take a Trip to See Maya Ruins and Historic Sites
The Maya civilization, renowned for advanced architecture, astronomy and mathematics, has left a lasting legacy in the Yucatán Peninsula, and it's worth booking the best tours early and ensuring one or more historic sites are added to your vacation itinerary. Bring water with you, and aim to arrive early on-site for the best experience.
- El Rey is in the Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone), and you can pair a visit to El Rey with other local attractions in Cancun.
- On the tip of Isla Mujeres, the remnants of the Temple of Ixchel, dedicated to the Maya goddess of the moon and fertility, present interesting sightseeing just a short ferry ride from Cancun.
- Tulum offers beachfront ruins overlooking the Caribbean Sea — just 80 miles (131 km) south of Cancun and not far from Cozumel, making it popular for cruise lines and tour groups.
- Ek Balam, west of Cancun, is a less crowded site with a pyramid that visitors can climb to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding jungle; note that steps can be steep.
- Coba, located southwest of Cancun, was once a major Maya city; on-site is the tallest pyramid in the region, Nohoch Mul Pyramid, and fantastic paved white paths known as sacbeob.
- The most well-known, Chichén Itzá, is farther afield — a little more than 120 miles (197 km) west of Cancun; the UNESCO World Heritage Site features the awe-inspiring El Castillo step pyramid.
Search Top Entertainment and Diversions in Cancun
In addition to beaches and outdoor things to do, Cancun offers a mix of entertainment, from indoor shopping centers and lively nightlife at Coco Bongo to serene beachside bars for a more relaxed evening. Visitors from all walks of life — families, couples and solo travelers — will find something to enjoy in this storied destination.
8. Experience Cancun Nightlife
Cancun's nightlife is legendary — with beach clubs and lively late-night bars attracting everyone from spring breakers to curious tourists and locals planning a beach day. To make the most of your time, have your cab or shuttle from the resort drop you off and pick you up at these spots for a safe and fun night. (This editor cautions to imbibe responsibly and assign at least one person to stay sober enough to make sound decisions.)
Adults have plenty of nightlife options. Coco Bongo Beach Club and Mandala Beach Club offer memorable beach club experiences with their exciting atmosphere, live acts and ocean views for ages 18 and above. Alternatively, bar and club hop along Boulevard Kukulcan (around km. 9). Most all-inclusive resorts also include nightlife opportunities for all ages, ranging from karaoke to tribute bands and dance parties.
9. Go Shopping in Cancun
Cancun offers a diverse shopping experience. You'll meet vendors on the beach offering jewelry as well as more refined resort stores and shopping centers. Enclosed Plaza Kukulcán and open-air La Isla Shopping Village are standout destinations for those seeking a mix of boutiques and popular brands and things to do. La Isla even features an aquarium, where you can swim with dolphins.
Forum-by-the-Sea is perfect for a quick visit to Coco Bongo and Hard Rock Cafe, though its store selection is more limited. For more traditional souvenirs, head across the street from the Forum to the Mercado Coral Negro, where you'll find friendly but pushy vendors hawking T-shirts, shot glasses, jewelry and other goods. Remember to barter to get the best deals. I saw one ring go from $55 to $15 — just because the friend I was with had cash and was willing to walk out of the store.
According to AAA Inspector 511, you'll want to visit Market 28 in Downtown Cancun. Accessible via the public bus, it's "the best craft market and is quite an experience," says the expert traveler. "I prefer paying in pesos as I feel it's a better deal."
If negotiating or exploring on your own has you nervous, however, consider taking a private shopping tour in Cancun.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Cancun
Now that you are traveling with a list of the best excursions and activities, let's dive into some essential travel tips to make the most out of your Cancun adventure.
- First, make a list of your must-dos in Cancun. Generally, visiting Cancun between December and April will allow you to enjoy perfect beach weather and avoid hurricane season, though you might also run into peak crowds or even spring breakers.
- Familiarize yourself with how to get around Cancun. Transportation options like buses, taxis and rental cars are among the ways to navigate the city efficiently and safely. Be advised it can take 45 minutes to an hour or more to get between the Cancun airport and the Hotel Zone.
- Prioritize safety by staying informed about local health precautions and carrying necessary medications. Your resort may have a doctor on-site, but follow best practices, such as drinking bottled (or filtered) water or doing the stingray shuffle at the beach.
- Think about your money. How much are you willing to spend? Be sure to get pesos or bring plenty of American dollars, especially if bartering since you will get better deals. If you decide to exchange your currency, do so at reputable locations, and keep an eye on your spending.
Visit Cancun with AAA
This tropical paradise offers something for everyone, from sunbathing and people-watching on Playa Delfines' beautiful beach to appreciating historic ruins and raucous nightlife. Before planning, clearly define your vacation goals, perhaps with a travel agent, who can explain the best time to visit based on your budget and travel preferences. It's wise to secure the best rates early, though this can be challenging if your dates are less defined. (Christmas is a lot easier to plan for than sea turtle nesting season, which is May – September but may extend into November.) Remember, holidays and school breaks likely will affect costs and crowd sizes.