More about: Activities in Cancun
You have so many great options of things to see and do in Cancun that you have to plan your itinerary very well so you don't miss the most important things. Cancun's Caribbean waters and its exotic marine fauna is a spectacular place to practice water sports. Snorkeling and scuba diving are some of the activities you can do in Cancun, considered a destination of excellence to practice them.
If you like adventure, this is your ideal destination. Ride a horse through the Mayan jungle, take a ride in a submarine, practice parasailing or jump on one of the best zip line circuits in the world. These are just some of the exciting activities that await you in Cancun.
1. Swim in a cenote with this jungle tour with activities
Going into the Mexican jungle and breathing the magical air there should be one of the must-do plans on your trip to Cancun. That's why I propose this full day excursion to two cenotes and tour in the Yucatan jungle with activities.
Connect with nature through the caves hidden in the Mexican Caribbean and visit Sac Actun and Nohoch Nah Chich, two of its incredible cenotes. You will be able to dive through them among stalagmites. In addition, with this complete tour, you will cross the jungle aboard a 4x4 truck and make stops to do other activities such as zip line and rappel.
If you are by nature adventurous and you are lucky enough to be in Cancun for several days, whether three days or five, do not give up any activity and take advantage of an excursion organized in small groups to dedicate a day exclusively to have fun with these incredible experiences.
Details of interest
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How to get there: Forget about locating the place because this excursion includes pick up and transfer back to the hotel once finished.
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Schedule: You will be picked up at 7:00 a.m. and the duration of the whole tour is 6 hours - Prices: From 104 euros.
2. Learn to scuba dive in the Mexican Caribbean
Can you imagine discovering the Mexican marine fauna with an immersive experience in the Caribbean waters? With this scuba diving course in Cancun you will not need full certification to explore the open sea.
First you will receive a previous training in a resort pool, as you must learn to breathe with the oxygen tank. Then you will dive into the deep sea where coral reefs, unique marine species and a fascinating experience await you.
Take advantage of your trip to Cancun to do your diving baptism. With this complete 6 hours course you will get the basic knowledge for a first contact with this sport. But I'm sure it will be just the beginning of your relationship with the underwater world, as there is a whole complex system of diving courses and certifications to learn at a recreational and technical level.
Details of interest
- Directions: AquaWorld, Boulevard Kukulcan, Km 15.3 Hotel Zone, Cancun 77500 Mexico.
- Schedule: 11:00 AM (Total duration of the course is 6 hours)
- Prices: About 118
3. Meet a different museum: the Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA)
Unlike a traditional museum, the Underwater Museum of Art is composed of concrete structures scattered along the seabed.
This unique museum is located between Isla Mujeres and the Hotel Zone. The MUSA is divided into three different areas: Manchones, Punta Nizuc and Punta Sam. The main peculiarity of this attraction is that the more than 470 sculptures found in Manchones are only accessible by scuba diving. So you can take advantage of your diving initiation to put it into practice in this place.
But if you do not like diving and prefer to stay on dry land you can stop by the small gallery of MUSA located in downtown Cancun. I recommend you to visit the Underwater Museum of Cancun, it is an unforgettable experience.
Details of interest
- How to get there: you can get there by cab, public transportation or car.
- Hours: from 9 am to 2:30 pm, but it is advisable to check before you go because there may be changes.
- Prices: there are different types of tickets whose price varies, the most basic experience has a cost of 42 euros per person approximately.
4. Dazzle yourself with a visit to Isla Mujeres
A visit to Isla Mujeres is an excellent idea to escape the hectic pace of Cancun's nightlife and beaches. There is little to do on this small island of 6 kilometers, located just 30 minutes by ferry from Cancun, but that is precisely the virtue of Isla Mujeres, tranquility. I recommend taking an excursion to Isla Mujeres and spending the day there enjoying the tranquility and beauty of the area.
The island is home to some places worth visiting. One option is to rent one of the golf carts, which are available on the island and drive to Punta Sur, the landscape, which houses an ancient temple in honor of the Mayan goddess of the moon, is surrounded by steep cliffs and spectacular views of the bay. This area is also home to the Garrafon Reefs Natural Park, which offers a variety of activities such as a swimming pool, zip line, kayaking and snorkeling.
As if all this were not enough, Isla Mujeres is also popular for its sea turtles and you can see them in all their splendor. If you visit between August and October, you will have the privilege of witnessing the hatching of the turtle hatchlings. If you want to relax on the sand, you can go to Playa del Norte, considered one of the best beaches in Cancun.
Details of interest
- How to get there: You can get to Isla Mujeres by ferry from different terminals in the Hotel Zone, such as Playa Tortugas and Playa Caracol, as well as from downtown Cancun.
- Schedules: The island is always open to the public, but transportation services to the island have limited schedules, so it is advisable to take a guided tour to ensure transportation.
- Prices: Excursions start at 46 euros per person.
5. Get your adrenaline pumping on a zip line circuit
The adventure continues in Cancun with this activity with which you can explore the Mexican jungle from the heights. We are talking about the largest zip line circuit in North America, where the thrill is guaranteed.
Leave vertigo -if you can- aside and go fly over the Yucatan jungle with an extra dose of adrenaline, with this circuit of 12 zip lines of 3 km that lasts a total of 4 hours and a half and also includes transportation, local guide and snacks.
Definitely a great plan if you travel to Cancun with children, as this activity is suitable for children over 3 years old as there are specific areas for them. However, it is recommended that adults who practice the zip line or canopy, as it is known there, have an average physical condition, because although safety is guaranteed, some skill is required. Dare and jump into the void!
Details of interest
- How to get there: The starting point will be in Leona Vicario, Quintana Roo, Puerto Morelos.
- Schedule: Confirm pick up time, starting at 6:00 AM.
- Prices: From 96 euros
6. Take a boat ride and try snorkeling
Snorkeling is a trendy activity and not only in Mexico. If you still don't know this practice I highly recommend it. And what better time to try it for the first time than on an organized tour in which you can navigate the waters of the Caribbean aboard a submarine and then dive and enjoy the marine life there?
Thanks to the glass bottom of the ship you can see the coral reefs and exotic species that abound in the area, with the explanations of a guide that will help you better understand "what's cooking" at the bottom of the sea.
And if you are up for it, when you finish the boat tour and arrive at Punta Nizuc you can snorkel for about 45 minutes, thanks to the snorkeling equipment that will be provided.
If you want more information about these activities I leave you this post about the Best Snorkeling experiences in Cancun and this one about Cancun Boat Tours, the best options.
Interesting details
- How to get there: Aquaworld, Blvd Kukulcan, Hotel Zone, 77500 Cancun, Q.R., Mexico
- Schedule: Agree on the time when booking the activity. In total the tour lasts 4 hours.
- Prices: From 46 euros.
7. Practice your favorite sport in Cancun Golf Courses
Thanks to its tropical climate and luxurious resorts that attract guests from all over the world, it's no wonder that a world-class golf industry has developed around Cancun.
One of the best golf courses in Cancun is the 18-hole Playa Mujeres Golf Club, which is described by most experienced players as a satisfying mix of challenge and scenery, but be aware that the course is expensive if you're not a guest at Dreams or Secrets resorts.
You should keep in mind when choosing your hotel that many of Cancun's resorts offer affiliated golf course options, so staying at a particular property may mean a discount. Also, golf courses are scattered throughout downtown Cancun, the Hotel Zone and south of the airport, finding a golf course is as easy as going for a walk and stumbling upon one along the way.
Details of interest
- How to get there: you can get there by car, cab or public transportation, depending on the course you choose.
- Hours: they are going to depend on each course, but generally the schedule is extensive.
- Prices: Prices vary from course to course, with additional fees charged for golf carts and club rentals adding to the prices.
8. Feel the sea breeze while parasailing
Imagine the feeling of freedom you can get from a parachute tied with a harness to a speedboat that, propelled by the speed of the boat, lifts you into the air and flies over the sea. That is parasailing, a relatively young water sport but one that is gaining a lot of followers for the views it offers from the heights.
If you are thinking of practicing this activity while taking advantage of your trip to Cancun, I propose a parasailing experience. It will include the boat ride, a professional instructor who will explain in detail what you should consider for a safe practice and also a life jacket.
However, keep in mind that the duration of the flight is between 10 and 15 minutes and that it is essential to have good weather to be held; but don't worry, if it is canceled you can change it to another date or request a refund. It can be practiced together with several participants, maximum 4, so it is ideal to go in a group with your friends or family.
Details of interest
- Directions: Aquaworld, Blvd Kukulcan, Hotel Zone, 77500 Cancun, Q.R., Mexico.
- Hours: Total duration including boat ride and parasailing is 30 minutes.
- Prices: Starting at 62 euros.
9. Swim in the company of dolphins at Delphinus Punta Cancun
This is one of my favorite activities in Cancun. The Delphinus Punta Cancun, located in the Hyatt hotel complex, allows you the unique experience of swimming with dolphins.
Multiple programs are offered, each focusing on a different type of interaction with the dolphins. For example, the "Dolphin Ride" program will allow you to swim with the dolphins, while "The One" gives you the chance to meet a specific dolphin and bond with it for 45 minutes.
This activity is especially suitable for children, the little ones will love it. Besides having the chance to interact with the animals, you will learn through a presentation about dolphins and their environment. The prices are high, but it is worth it if your budget allows it.
Details of interest
- How to get there: the Hyatt Cancun located on Punta Cancun Blvd. km. 5 is easy to find, you can go by public transportation, cab, car or on foot.
- Hours: 9 am to 5:30 pm.
- Prices: vary depending on the activity, but you can get experiences from 97 euros per person approximately.
10. Combine a horseback ride with a swim in a cenote
Horseback riding is always a good plan but doing it through the Mayan jungle contemplating its incredible fauna and with a purely Mexican style will be an experience not to be missed in Cancun.
The Bonanza Ranch, especially aimed at beginners in the world of horseback riding and with rehabilitated and very tame animals, awaits you in this 2-hour excursion. After the relaxing horseback ride you can also take a dip in a natural cenote with crystal clear water.
Combine both adventures in a tour through the exotic Mayan nature, where a guide will explain the history of each native species. You can also taste the handmade gum! Yes, as you can hear; in the area there are zapote orchards, the tree from which chicle is extracted. Are you going to miss it?
Interesting details
- How to get there: Forget about locating the site because this excursion includes transportation to and from your hotel.
- Schedules: Check the starting times of the activity and meet the driver at a meeting point. The duration of the whole activity is 2 hours.
- Prices: From 108 euros including transfers, horseback riding and all equipment, swimming in a cenote, water and snacks.