The 15 Best Things to Do in Cancun (and Top Things to Avoid)

Set along the stretch of the Hotel Zone, but far from the chaos of beach clubs and resort noise, Playa Delfines is one of the most scenic spots in Cancun. It’s a wide public beach with soft white sand, warm turquoise water, and an open feel that never feels too crowded. Locals love it, but there’s space for everyone. If you visit on a weekday morning, you might have most of it to yourself.

Sunrise is the magic hour here, so find a bench or just sit in the sand and watch the sky light up. There are free palapas (just shade, no loungers), so you can stay out all day without getting fried. Vendors occasionally pass by with ceviche, fruit, and donuts, and you’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks. There are clean restrooms on site, and if you have a car, a free parking lot is available. If it’s full, just wait a few minutes; someone’s always leaving. On weekdays, stick around long enough and locals start to roll in by late afternoon. On weekends, it gets livelier earlier, especially after 11 a.m.

About 25 km (15 miles) north of the Hotel Zone, Isla Blanca is a narrow, mostly untouched peninsula that shows what Cancun looked like before the resorts. It is one of the last spots to enjoy raw nature without leaving the area, and watching the sunset here is something else: no crowds, no noise, no buildings blocking the view.

Locals come here to camp, swim, or just spend the day between the Caribbean Sea and a calm lagoon. It’s quiet, untouched, and still feels like a secret. Bring your own food and drinks, or stop by a nearby small beach club. I recommend Punta Blanca for a casual meal and a shaded table by the water.

If you’re up for something more active, this is also a top spot for kitesurfing. Check out Shaka Vibes for lessons and all kinds of water sports, their vibe is heart to beat.

You don’t have to be a diver to experience the beauty of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef—the second-largest coral reef system on the planet. This underwater wonderland stretches along the coasts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras, passing right by Cancún and the Riviera Maya.

The best snorkeling along this reef happens in Cozumel, an island just off the coast of Playa del Carmen. It’s home to legendary reef sites like Colombia and Palancar, where you’ll swim alongside coral formations, rays, and colorful fish in visibility that feels unreal. Most snorkeling tours also stop at El Cielo, a spot named for its shallow, crystal-clear waters and starfish-covered sandy bottom. It’s just as dreamy as it sounds. Cancun Adventures offers a cool snorkeling tour to Cozumel that takes about 4.5 hours round-trip.

Closer to Cancun, Isla Mujeres has gentle, easy-entry areas perfect for beginners. For something quick and local, head to Punta Nizuc, where you can spot coral gardens and a few sculptures from the underwater museum (MUSA).

If you’re traveling with kids or want something super easy, Xel-Há Park is a natural inlet where you can snorkel alongside angelfish, snappers, and other colorful marine life.

If you’ve looked into snorkeling in Cancun, chances are you’ve seen photos of MUSA, an underwater museum that combines art and conservation. It features over 500 sculptures placed on the sea floor to promote reef growth and raise awareness about ocean conservation. All the pieces were created by local artists, both Mexican and foreign residents of the area, using pH-neutral concrete designed to help coral grow naturally over time.

You can visit MUSA by snorkeling, scuba diving, or on a glass-bottom boat tour. Most excursions take you to the Punta Nizuc section, where a small selection of the sculptures rests beneath the surface. In the right conditions, it can look pretty impressive, and it’s definitely a fun photo-op, but honestly, it’s only moderately interesting, especially compared to the natural reefs and cenotes nearby. If you’re short on time or just curious about the hype, it’s worth checking out. Just don’t expect it to be the highlight of your trip.

Just a short ferry ride from Cancun (around 25 minutes), Isla Mujeres has a completely different vibe—slower, softer, and full of small beach-town charm. For that paradise-island feel, head straight to Playa Norte, where the shallow turquoise water lets you wade out for meters and spot fish as you go. Choose any beach club (they all do the job), and plan to spend the entire day there. Bring cash; cards are accepted in most places, but not for everything.

If you want to snorkel, try the area near Mia Reef Hotel. You’ll also spot photographers offering mini sessions—they’re worth it, and fun. 

You can also rent a golf cart to explore other areas of the island. On the south end, Punta Sur offers cliffside views, a sculpture park, a small temple dedicated to the Maya goddess Ixchel, the Garrafón Natural Reef Park, and the spot where the sun first touches Mexico each morning.

After a beach day or exploring the island, wander down Avenida Hidalgo for dinner, shopping, and live music before catching the ferry back.

My advice is to skip the tours to Isla Mujeres. Feel free to go on your own and stay as long as you’d like. Getting to Isla Mujeres is easy: Ferries leave from three terminals in the Hotel Zone—two by Ultramar (Playa Tortugas and Playa Caracol) and one by Xcaret Xailing. Any choice is good.

Cenotes are natural freshwater sinkholes formed over thousands of years, and they’re spectacular. Some are open and sunlit like natural pools, others are caves with stalactites and glowing blue water. There are over 3,000 across the Yucatán Peninsula, and along the Ruta de los Cenotes near Puerto Morelos (40 minutes from Cancun), you’ll find more than 20 open to the public. Rent a car so you can do some cenote-hopping, start early (most close by 5 p.m.), and bring snacks, water, and a towel. Some cenotes sell food, but not all of them do. 

Two great stops are La Noria, a stunning cave cenote with two ways in: you can walk through a rocky path or take the plunge through a natural hole (an 8-meter/25-foot drop). Then there’s Siete Bocas, named for its seven water-filled entrances. One of them opens into a natural pool that shimmers with surreal shades of blue, green, and gold. It’s an incredible spot for a refreshing swim and amazing photos.

Before heading back to Cancun, stop in Puerto Morelos town to grab a bite at Pecao, a laid-back spot that serves delicious Caribbean food.

Akumal literally means “place of the turtles” in Mayan, and for good reason. These gentle creatures have made the bay their home, feeding on seagrass just 30 steps from the shore. It’s one of the easiest and most amazing places to see them in the region. You’ll need a guide (required to protect the turtles), who’ll provide snorkel gear, a life vest, and point out other marine life, too, like rays, colorful fish, squids, and the occasional barracuda. It’s a safe, shallow swim, and you might spot up to nine turtles in one visit. Afterward, hang out on the beach (no loungers or palapas, so bring a towel).

The best way to get to Akumal is by car (90 minutes). Park at Lol-Ha Restaurant, and head to the beach, where guides will approach you directly. They’re all certified, so just go with the one who feels right. Lol-Ha has a huge menu, and by sunset, there’s often live jazz or bossa nova.

Start the day with breakfast at Jungle Café (open from 7:30 a.m.), surrounded by mangroves and curious coatis. If you have time, the Yalkú Lagoon nearby is another peaceful and stunning spot worth visiting.

If the beaches are all you’ve seen so far, this is the spot to appreciate another side of Cancun. Located right in the Hotel Zone, the Museo Maya de Cancún sits beside the San Miguelito archaeological site, and your ticket gets you into both.

The museum itself is compact, with three easily navigable exhibition halls showcasing over 350 well-preserved artifacts from across the Yucatán Peninsula, providing a comprehensive overview of Mayan culture. Thanks to air conditioning and clear English descriptions, you can breeze through in under two hours. 

After visiting the indoor galleries, head outside to San Miguelito, a small, leafy Mayan settlement that dates back to around 1250–1550 C.E., situated above Nichupté Lagoon. You’ll wander among small pyramids and shaded plazas while iguanas sunbathe nearby. Bring bug spray, especially if you’re visiting in the late afternoon.

If you’ve already explored the Museo Maya and San Miguelito, you’re ready for the real thing: three spectacular archaeological sites within reach of Cancun. 

Chichén Itzá (2.5 hours away) is a must. Arrive at 8 a.m. to beat the crowds and heat; this Wonder of the Modern World deserves unhurried time. Drive yourself so you can stop in Valladolid, a charming Pueblo Mágico, and explore nearby cenotes. Chichén is in the state of Yucatán (not Quintana Roo, like Cancun and Riviera Maya), and the cenotes here are strikingly different: some are deep and open to the sky, with long roots hanging from above, while others are fully enclosed caves that feel like another world. Try Ki’ichpam Xunáan.

Cobá (2 hours from Cancun) is nestled in the jungle and best explored by bike. Hire a guide, then take the scenic road back through Tulum.

Tulum’s ruins sit on a clifftop above the Caribbean, postcard-perfect. You can swim at the small beach below or hop on a boat to snorkel nearby.

Prefer not to drive? Plenty of tours to all three leave daily from Cancun.

Xcaret is an eco-park known for its rivers, jungle trails, underground caves, and cultural attractions. You can spend the whole day floating in cenotes or visiting a recreated Mayan village. But the real reason to go is the night show: Xcaret México Espectacular.

This is one of the most surprising, awe-inspiring shows not just in Cancun or the Riviera Maya. I’d go as far as saying it’s one of the best in all of Mexico. Over 300 performers take you on a journey through 500 years of history, from pre-Hispanic rituals (including the Maya ballgame) to centuries of folklore and modern-day Mexico, complete with the famous UNESCO-recognized Papantla Flyers. Expect color, music, emotion, and goosebumps.

You don’t need a full-day ticket. There’s a park-at-night pass, and even options with a seven-course dinner included. Show seating is on concrete benches, and there’s no air conditioning, so come prepared for two colorful hours in an open-air theater. Seats are general admission, so arrive around 6:30 p.m. to get a good spot.

Did you know there’s a permanent Cirque du Soleil show in the Riviera Maya? Yes, there is JOYÀ, a resident Cirque du Soleil production at Vidanta resort. So if you’re still in the mood for live shows after Xcaret México Espectacular, this is another exciting option to consider while in Cancun.

JOYÀ is Latin America’s first resident Cirque du Soleil production and the first ever to offer a culinary experience that is, of course, as creative as what’s happening on stage. You’ll get surreal visuals, acrobatics, music, and a whimsical story inspired by nature and Mexican heritage. You can go just for the show, or book packages that include champagne or a multi-course dinner. It absolutely delivers.

If you’re short on time but craving jungle vibes, caves, and adrenaline all in one place, Xplor is a smart pick. This outdoor adventure park packs a lot into a single day: zipline circuits (including the tallest in the Riviera Maya), amphibious vehicles you can drive through jungle paths and flooded caves, and underground rivers where you paddle or float through surreal landscapes full of stalactites. It’s a fun and action-packed way to experience the raw side of the region without sacrificing comfort.

The entire park is all-inclusive, meaning snacks, drinks, and a hearty buffet lunch are included in the price.

You probably didn’t come to Cancun looking for a shopping mall, but Marina Puerto Cancún is worth a visit. This open-air mall sits right on a marina, offering a relaxed, stylish atmosphere that blends local life with travelers looking to enjoy a laid-back evening. Go around sunset, when the heat has faded and the views over the yachts and the iconic Shark Tower are at their best.

Skip the shops if you like and head straight for a drink. You can sit at a restaurant with marina views or order from several small eateries at the food hall, where you’ll find everything from tacos and Yucatecan bites to steaks, wine, and cocktails.

It’s an easygoing plan if you want to get out of your hotel without jumping into a full night out. Keep an eye out for local markets, as they often feature handmade crafts and pieces from Mexican designers.

Cancun’s most iconic nightclub isn’t really a club; it’s a full-blown show. Coco Bongo mixes DJs, acrobats, impersonators, confetti blasts, and non-stop pop culture moments, from Queen to Spider-Man flying overhead. It’s loud, chaotic, and unforgettable—for better or worse. Personally, it’s not my scene. But if you’re in the mood for a high-energy night packed with stunts, dancing, and drinks flowing all night, this is the spot.  

Coco Bongo is in Cancun’s main clubbing zone, surrounded by ultra-loud bars and nightclubs. Honestly, none of the others are worth it, so if you’re going to party, go for this one. Book your tickets online in advance and arrive early, as lines can get long even if you already have a ticket.

As soon as you exit the security area at Cancun International Airport, you’ll be swarmed by people offering rides, tours, and “help.” It’s chaotic, and the taxi hustle is real. There are no flat rates, so you could end up haggling—or worse, getting charged $30–$40 per person (or more) depending on your group size or the season. Some drivers quote a price, then claim it was per person once you’re already in the car. Tourists have also reported card overcharges, so if you’re using a taxi, try to pay in pesos.

Also, avoid Uber at the airport and in tourist zones. Taxi unions in Cancun are notoriously hostile to Uber drivers, and there have been multiple cases of harassment, threats, and even physical aggression. The last thing you want is a confrontation on vacation.

Instead, check if your hotel offers transportation or recommends a reliable provider. Better yet, if you plan to explore beyond your resort, renting a car is the smartest move. It gives you freedom and saves you from the airport chaos.

You’ll find people selling tours all over Cancun and Riviera Maya, on the beach, outside restaurants, even on the street. Some are legit, but many are not. They might overcharge you, promise things that don’t exist, or straight-up ghost you after you pay. And if anything goes wrong, there’s often no one to complain to.

Your best bet is to book in advance through reliable platforms, directly on the tour operator’s website, or through your hotel. You can also look for agencies with solid reviews on Google Maps or other social media platforms. Just make sure you know who you’re buying from and what exactly you’re getting.

Avoid paying in cash on the street and never share your card details unless the person has a legitimate payment terminal.

Despite all the online hype, Mercado 28 just isn’t worth it. Yes, it’s cheap—you can walk out with a handful of “Cancun” coin purses for under a dollar—but most of what’s sold here isn’t handmade or even Mexican. The so-called “artisan” goods are often mass-produced, of low quality, and in many cases, imported from other countries.

It’s filled with textiles, but don’t expect anything close to the gorgeous, hand-embroidered Yucatecan pieces that are really made by talented local artisans. Honestly, you’re better off paying higher prices at your hotel gift shop than wasting your time here.

Skip the detour and save your shopping for somewhere else.

This is THE place for lobster in Cancun. Lorenzillo’s is a local legend, a pirate-themed, elegant, open-air spot set on a dock over the Nichupté Lagoon, with dreamy sunset views that are reason enough to come. But the food seals the deal.

The star of the show here is the lobster, prepared in countless ways, from classic grilled to thermidor or even flambéed tableside. It really comes down to your taste, but whatever you pick, it’s the best you’ll find in Cancun. For starters, I recommend the Rockefeller oysters (among the best in the city) and their outstanding regional seafood soup.

It’s not a cheap dinner (expect to spend up to $300 USD for two), but it’s a splurge that delivers. Book a sunset table in advance and enjoy the breeze with a crisp white wine.

Every morning, these folks head out fishing to make sure you get the freshest seafood possible, and you can taste it. The food here is outstanding, the cocktails are gorgeous (seriously, you’ll want a photo), and the whole vibe is laid-back and beachy.

Kick things off with the marrow and grilled octopus, or go for the crispy pescadillas. The spicy tuna tostada is another hit, and the mixed ceviche with mango? Just trust me on that one. For your main, order the catch of the day and ask your waiter for suggestions—they’ll walk you through the best prep options.

Don’t skip dessert: The dark chocolate cake and mezcal-flambéed plantains are ridiculous in the best way. 

Puerto Santo is open for lunch and dinner, right on the beach in Puerto Juárez, about 20 minutes from the Hotel Zone. Locals love it, so it can get crowded. Be sure to make a reservation.

You can’t visit the Yucatán Peninsula without trying the regional cuisine. It’s one of the richest and most complex cuisines in Mexico, with dishes that trace back to ancient Maya cooking techniques, including underground ovens, ancestral ingredients, and earthy flavors.

There are plenty of legendary spots to try Yucatecan food in Cancun (El Pocito is one of them), but I wanted to go with a newer option that’s absolutely worth it, not just for the food, but also for the setting, the vibe, and the service. It all adds up to a genuinely great experience. Autóctona gets it all right. It’s calm and beautifully set inside Hotel Xbalamqué and serves regional classics from breakfast through early dinner (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.).

My recommendation is to order several dishes to share, so you can try different things. Go for the sopa de lima (a citrusy chicken soup), panuchos de cochinita (fried tortillas with pulled pork), relleno negro tacos (dark, smoky turkey stew), queso relleno (meat-stuffed cheese), papadzules (egg-filled tortillas in pumpkin seed sauce), and huevos motuleños if you’re here for breakfast.

For drinks, they offer traditional twists using cacao or corn, as well as fresh fruit aguas and cocktails. Everything here feels rooted in the rich and ancestral culinary traditions of the Yucatán Peninsula.

The best way to get around Cancun (and the Riviera Maya) is by renting a car. It gives you the freedom to explore cenotes, archaeological sites, beaches, and towns at your own pace. Driving is easy, with most routes being straight shots, especially the main highway (307) that runs south to Tulum. You may encounter a few police checkpoints, so keep your license and rental papers readily available. It’s standard and usually quick. 

The best seasons for traveling are between November and May, when the weather is dry and sunny and the beaches are mostly clear of sargassum (seaweed). If you’re visiting between late May and October, don’t worry too much. Sargassum conditions vary day to day and beach to beach. Playa Norte in Isla Mujeres, for example, stays clear year-round. Plus, there’s plenty to do away from the sand: cenotes, snorkeling, ruins, great food…you won’t be bored.