The Caribbean is a region on the Earth’s Western hemisphere that is too wonderful there are no words to perfectly describe it. You think about the sea? Yes. The Caribbean is mostly composed of island nations that offer best spots to hit their pristine waters and beaches. It is a chain of islands surrounding the Caribbean Sea. To the north, there’s the Gulf of Mexico, the Straits of Florida, and the Northern Atlantic Ocean. To the south lies South America’s coastline. 

In this region, you may be familiar with the most popular Caribbean islands, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Jamaica. Captain Jack Sparrow is inviting you. But there’s this particular destination in the Caribbean that tourists keep returning to: Cancun in Mexico. There are various things to do in Cancun. 

Cancun is said to be the tale of two cities. The first, Zona Hotelera, offers majestic Caribbean beaches and Mayan culture. Then, the second, Cancun Centro, introduces to you the “real Mexico.”

This beautiful Mexican city is located on the Yucatán Peninsula bordering the Caribbean Sea. It is known for its one-of-a-kind beaches and vibrant nightlife, among others. Did you know Cancun is also a famous destination for university students taking their spring break? Let’s uncover the best things to do in Cancun.

10 Of The Best Things To Do In Cancun

Join us as we splash into the waters of beautiful Cancun, and get to know some of the best things to do in Cancun. 

1. Experience Cancun’s Beaches

After all, you’re here in Cancun for the waters, right? A beach that will be on top of the list of destinations and things to do in Cancun is Playa Delfines. Playa Delfines does not gather as much crowd as what you’ll come across at the Hotel Zone. This is where you’ll chance upon the famous and colorful “Cancun” sign featured on postcards and brochures. 

But here’s a reminder. Make sure you bring your own drinks and snacks if you wish to munch on some food while here at Playa Delfines because there are no stores here where to buy them. 

The rest of the best beaches in Cancun are Chac Mool Beach, Caracol Beach, Forum Beach, Gaviota Azul Beach, Punta Maroma, Marlin Beach, and Ballenas Beach.

2. Explore Chichén Itzá, A Structure The Mayans Built

What’s fascinating and interesting about ancient civilizations is their capability to build magnificent structures despite lacking the advanced technologies that we have today. Think about the Giza pyramids in Egypt, the Machu Picchu in Peru, or the Chichén Itzá here in Cancun, Mexico. And since you’re visiting Cancun anyway, why don’t you head over to the famous Chichén Itzá. 

Chichén Itzá is a sizable Mayan archaeological site, and one of the most widely recognized landmarks on Yucatán. This site itself was originally a major hub of the Mayans, the civilization whose headquarters are in present-day Guatemala. They reached the peak of its power and influence around the sixth century AD. This Mesoamerican civilization excelled in agriculture, mathematics, calendars and writing, and left behind an astounding amount of impressive architecture, such as the Chichén Itzá. 

Visiting Chichén Itzá is one of the most fun things to do in Cancun, and you may also bring your kids here. They will love it. Its focal point is the pyramid-like El Castillo, once used by the Mayans as a temple for their god, Kukulkan.

This is our ultimate things to do in Cancun guide. Learn more about Mexico. Read our “21 Best Photography Spots In Mexico.”

3. Jive Into Cancun’s Remarkable Nightlife

Aside from the beautiful beaches, Cancun is also known for its nightlife and parties. Forget about Ibiza when you’re enjoying the best things to do in Cancun. While there are several clubs along the Hotel Zone, the best spot for nightlife in Cancun would have to be Coco Bongo. And it’s unique too. 

Coco Bongo is more than just your traditional, DJ-run nightclub. It is a place where you can revel in nonstop performances from acrobats, live bands, conga lines, and musician impersonators. The experience here is also complete with the props – balloons, soap bubbles, confetti, and more. 

However, Coco Bongo does not have the traditional dance floor. So, if you are looking for this kind of partying, you can instead head over to the other clubs along the Hotel Zone. But if you are after stage antics and spectacle, Coco Bongo is the place to be. 

4. Learn More About The Mayans At Museo Maya De Cancun

If the things you’ve experienced in the Mayan creation of Chichén Itzá are still not enough, and you wish to learn more about this triumphant civilization, you can head over to the Museo Maya de Cancun. There are so many things to do in Cancun while you’re here.

Set amidst dense tropical forests, Museo Maya de Cancun will offer you a breath of fresh air from your Cancun beach experience. The museum showcases exhibits of Mayan history and art, as well as Mayan artifacts taken from various archeological sites in this region. 

After viewing the exhibits, you may take the jungle path to San Miguelito, a place that was once home to a Maya community, but now is an interesting collection of stone temple and pyramid ruins, as well as dwellings. 

5. Dry Yourself Up While Strolling Around San Miguelito

A few walks away from Museo Maya de Cancun is San Miguelito. San Miguelito is located within Zona Hotelera, so if you wish to learn more about Mayan culture, you actually don’t have to leave the Zone. 

Before Cancun became a basin for beaches, resorts and banana boats, and before the Spanish conquerors arrived, San Miguelito had been a thriving city for the Mayans. Now, the ruins still stand strong. Wandering around the ruins is one of the best things to do in Cancun, and where you can experience something different from what you’ll have at the city’s beaches.

Loving this “things to do in Cancun” piece? There’s more about Mexico on our blog.

6. The Best Adrenaline Rush In Cancun: ATV Tour, Ziplines, And More

If you are in this Mexican city, be prepared for outdoor things to do in Cancun like no other. In this tour offered by Viator, you’ll have an action-packed journey through the Mayan jungle. Ride an ATV as it heads over a cenote pool where you can take a refreshing dip. Then, you’ll also get to experience flying above the treetops on a zipline. This tour also offers a lunch, but not just a typical lunch – it’s a local Mayan lunch.  

7. An Encounter With Mexican Whale Sharks

Whale sharks consider Mexico’s waters their home. And here in Cancun, you can snorkel and encounter these Mexican whale sharks on a tour off the Yucatán coast from Playa del Carmen. Don’t worry as there will be a guide to ensure nothing bad happens. Swim with the world’s largest fish, dolphins, turtles, and manta rays. Immerse yourself into the charm of Mexico’s waters, and feel like you’ve been cast in “The Little Mermaid” movie.

For sure, you can’t get enough of what you’ve learned about Cancun in this “things to do in Cancun” piece. Now here’s another must-read: 21 Best Photography Spots In Mexico City

8. Step Into Paradise At Parque Nacional Isla Contoy

Looking for things to do in Cancun on a white sand beach? It’s here at Parque Nacional Isla Contoy. It’s paradise here. 

Parque Nacional Isla Contoy is a white sand beach, and not just this, you can also encounter some manta rays swimming through its shimmering turquoise waters. What’s even better is that it is a tranquil space to relax as there are no nightclubs nearby nor the noise of the cars passing by. 

Isla Contoy is a pencil-shaped island and national park that has been a wildlife sanctuary and research area for more than six decades. It is recommended to take a day trip here, explore the place, and admire the birds and sea creatures lurking around. 

9. De-Stress While Cruising On A Catamaran

You’ve seen movies and music videos where the stars are riding a catamaran boat, and here in Cancun, you’ll have the chance to experience what they did. A catamaran is a multi-hulled watercraft that features two parallel hulls of equal size.

If you wish to explore the things to do in Cancun while you relax and reel in amazing views of the city, you can partake on a catamaran cruise. While this cruise is best recommended for couples, everybody can try this. You can go on a full one-day cruise wherein you can enjoy the sights, try open sea snorkeling, and just bask in the sun while enjoying a glass of cold, refreshing beverage. Many say cruising on a catamaran boat in Cancun is one of the best ways to destress. 

If you wish to participate in activities in Cancun that allow you to relax and get gorgeous views of the city, then you must take a catamaran cruise which is one of the best things to do in Cancun for couples. You can choose to go on a one day cruise that will allow you to enjoy the sights, try open sea snorkeling, as well as bask in the sun with a cold beverage in hand. It’s the best way to de-stress!

10. It’s Pure Peace Here At Isla Mujeres

The crowd and all the happenings in Cancun’s beaches and nightlife can stress you out, so the city provides a retreat where you can escape the bustle. It’s at Isla Mujeres, a Spanish term that means “Island of Women.”

Many say life is a little slower here at Isla Mujeres, but there are several things to do in Cancun while you’re here. You can ride a golf cart and drive to Punta Sur, situated on the southern tip of the island. Punta Sur is where you can find an ancient temple that pays homage to the Mayan moon goddess. This place is also dotted with spectacular views of the bay. It’s where the rising sun first greets Mexico. 

Then, you can head over to Garrafon Natural Reef Park, a place that offers various activities against Punta Sur in the background. These activities include ziplining, kayaking, and snorkeling.

So that wraps up our “things to do in Cancun” guide. Want more? We got you. Click on this link for more stories like this.

Things To Do In Cancun: Upcoming Events

When you mull over Cancun in Mexico, you’ll think about the pristine beaches. But Cancun is more than just the waters and the sands. There are a whole lot more things to do in Cancun, such as participating in the events happening in this city. Here are the upcoming events in Cancun. 

• Rockstar Boat Party Cancun, June 10th – Party with the best DJs in town as you ride on a cruise around the world’s most beautiful reefs. Snorkel, engage in aquatic activities, enjoy the food and champagne showers, and party until sun down.
• Bonbon Reggaeton International Boat Party, June 10th – This time, this boat party is all about reggaeton beats. Enjoy snacks while on board, as well as champagne showers. Party until sunset. No one will stop you.
• Hip Hop Sessions Boat Party Cancun, June 30th – From the creators of number one nightlife in Cancun, this event lets you experience hip hop sessions as you cruise around the most gorgeous reefs of Cancun, Mexico.

Cancun And The Treasures Of The Caribbean

The summer season is almost here. Summer is now just at your doorstep. During this time, many people are looking for the best beaches in the world. Why don’t you go ahead and try visiting Cancun in Mexico? There are so many things to do in Cancun. 

Cancun offers a magnanimous array of unforgettable experiences for all kinds of travelers. From the unparalleled beauty of its beaches to its sprightly nightlife, up to its exhilarating water spots and ancient Mayan ruins, this paradise caters to every desire. With so many things to do in Cancun, this is the perfect destination for couples or for families.