Things to Visit in Cancun

The most beautiful public beach in Cancun's Hotel Zone, with white sand, turquoise water, and the iconic Cancun sign for photos. No resorts crowd this stretch, so it feels spacious. The water can have strong currents, so swim with caution. Free access with public parking. Lifeguards on duty during the day. Best visited in the morning before the wind picks up.

A 20-minute ferry ride from Cancun (MXN 300 round trip from Puerto Juarez), Isla Mujeres is a small island with Playa Norte, consistently rated one of the best beaches in Mexico. Calm, shallow turquoise water perfect for swimming. Rent a golf cart (MXN 800-1,200 per day) to explore the entire island. The southern point has dramatic cliff sculptures.

The southern tip of the Hotel Zone has a reef accessible by snorkeling from the shore. The underwater sculptures of MUSA (Museo Subacuatico de Arte) are partially visible here. Calm water and colorful fish make it great for beginners. Bring your own snorkel gear or rent from nearby shops. Best in the morning when the water is calmest.

Over 500 permanent sculptures submerged in the waters between Cancun and Isla Mujeres, created to promote coral growth. View them by snorkeling (USD 30-40), scuba diving (USD 70-90), or glass-bottom boat (USD 40). The sculptures are covered in living coral and marine life, creating an otherworldly landscape. Jason deCaires Taylor designed the original installations.

One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this Mayan archaeological site is about 2.5 hours from Cancun by car or bus. The Kukulkan pyramid, Ball Court, and Observatory are the main structures. Arrive when the gates open at 8 AM to beat the heat and tour bus crowds. Entry is MXN 571 (includes state and federal fees). Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. Tours from Cancun cost USD 50-80.

A Mayan walled city perched on cliffs above the Caribbean Sea, about 2 hours south of Cancun. The combination of ancient ruins and turquoise ocean below is unique among Mayan sites. Entry MXN 90. Get there at opening (8 AM) to avoid crowds and heat. You can swim at the beach below the ruins. Combine with a cenote visit on the way back.

For a quick Mayan ruins visit without a long drive, El Rey is right in the Hotel Zone (MXN 55) and El Meco is 3 km north of downtown Cancun (MXN 55). Both are small but give a taste of Mayan architecture. El Rey has dozens of iguanas sunbathing on the pyramids. El Meco has a taller pyramid with harbor views. Far less crowded than Chichen Itza or Tulum.

Cenotes are natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear freshwater, sacred to the Maya. Thousands exist in the Yucatan Peninsula. Cenote Ik Kil (near Chichen Itza), Gran Cenote (near Tulum), and Cenote Suytun are among the most impressive. Entry ranges from MXN 200-500. The underground cavern cenotes are the most dramatic. Bring reef-safe sunscreen or none at all, as chemicals damage these ecosystems.

The waters off Isla Holbox and Isla Mujeres host the largest aggregation of whale sharks in the world from June through September. Swimming alongside these gentle 10-meter giants is unforgettable. Tours depart from Cancun, Isla Mujeres, or Holbox and cost USD 120-180. Only snorkeling is allowed (no scuba). Book with a licensed operator that limits group sizes.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site south of Tulum covering 5,280 square kilometers of tropical forest, mangroves, and Caribbean reef. Boat tours through the mangrove channels and floating down ancient Mayan canals are the main activities. Tours from Tulum cost USD 80-120. Bird watching is excellent, with over 300 species. A true escape from the resort atmosphere.

The central park of downtown Cancun (not the Hotel Zone) has affordable food stalls, street performers, and a lively local atmosphere. Tacos, elote (corn), marquesitas (crispy crepes), and aguas frescas from street vendors cost MXN 20-60. This is where Cancun residents eat and socialize. A stark contrast to the Hotel Zone and a more authentic experience.

Yucatecan food is distinct from other Mexican cuisines. Try cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork in achiote), papadzules (egg-filled tortillas in pumpkin seed sauce), and sopa de lima (lime soup). Labna, Los de Pescado, and Peter's Restaurante serve excellent versions. In the Hotel Zone, try Puerto Madero or Tacos Rigo for quality Mexican food.

A large market in downtown Cancun selling handicrafts, silver jewelry, hammocks, vanilla, and souvenirs at negotiable prices. The food court in the center serves excellent Mexican dishes at local prices. Bargaining is expected at souvenir stalls, aiming for 40-60% of the first asking price. More authentic and cheaper than Hotel Zone shopping.

A large eco-archaeological park south of Cancun with underground river swimming, snorkeling, a butterfly pavilion, aviary, and Mayan village. The evening Mexico Espectacular show showcases regional dances and music. All-inclusive tickets about USD 100-120. A full-day attraction, open 8:30 AM to 9:30 PM. The underground river swim is the standout experience.

Several adventure parks near Cancun offer zip lines, ATVs, and underground river swims. Xplor (USD 130) has the most extensive zip line circuit (14 lines). Selvatica (USD 80-100) is popular for its extreme zip line and cenote combo. Both include transport from Cancun hotels. Book directly on their websites for better prices than through resorts.

The Hotel Zone party strip on Kukulcan Boulevard has the major clubs: Coco Bongo (acrobatic show + nightclub, USD 60-80 open bar), Mandala, and The City. Spring break (March-April) is the wildest. Cover charges range from USD 30-80, often including open bar. Downtown Cancun has more local bars at lower prices. The party scene runs from 10 PM to 4 AM.