Top 10 Thing
to do in Cancun Mexico
1. Visit the Tulum Mayan Ruins
Tulum Mayan ruins are located on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, about 130 kilometers (81 miles) south of Cancun. The site is situated on a bluff overlooking the sea and is the only known coastal Mayan ruin. Tulum was a major trading center and fortress city, and was occupied during the late post-classic period of Maya civilization, roughly between the 13th and 15th centuries. The Tulum ruins are made up of several structures, including the Castillo, the Temple of the Frescoes, and the Temple of the Descending God. The walls that surround the site also provide a vantage point for views of the Caribbean Sea. Visitors to the Tulum ruins can take guided tours and learn about the history and culture of the ancient Maya people.
2. Take a boat tour to see the coralreef and marine life
Cancun is located on the northeastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula and is surrounded by the Caribbean Sea which is home to one of the most diverse and vibrant coral reef ecosystems in the world. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which runs along the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula and is the second-largest coral reef system in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
Taking a boat tour is a popular activity for visitors to Cancun, as it allows them to explore the coral reef and see the diverse marine life that lives there. These tours typically depart from the marina in the Hotel Zone and take visitors to a variety of spots in the surrounding waters. Some popular activities on these tours include snorkeling and scuba diving, as well as fishing, swimming and just enjoying the views. Many boats also provide the facility to do snorkeling gear, life jacket and other necessary equipment.
During the tour, visitors can see a wide variety of tropical fish, including parrotfish, angel fish, and damselfish, as well as larger marine animals such as sea turtles, rays, and even shark and dolphin. The coral reefs are also home to a variety of different species of coral, including elkhorn coral, brain coral, and staghorn coral.
A note of caution, these waters are home to Jellyfish, it's best to check with the tour operator or locals about the seasonal presence of these creatures and take necessary precautions.
3. Relax on the beach at Playa Delfines
Playa Delfines, also known as Dolphin Beach, is a popular spot for visitors to Cancun looking to relax on the beach. The beach is located on the southernmost point of the Hotel Zone, and is known for its clear blue waters and white sandy shores.
The beach is quite wide and long, which makes it a perfect spot to lay down a beach towel and soak up the sun. There are also sun loungers and parasols available for rent. Along the beach, there are also several beach clubs, which offer food and drink service, as well as other amenities like restrooms and showers.
The beach is also a popular spot for swimming and water activities, the waves are usually small and calm, making it a good place for swimming and paddleboarding. The beach is also a great spot to catch the sunset, as it faces west and offers a great view of the sun setting over the Caribbean Sea.
However, keep in mind that it is one of the most touristic spot of Cancun, so it can be crowded especially on peak seasons.
4. Explore the underwater world withsnorkeling or scuba diving
Cancun and the surrounding waters of the Caribbean Sea offer some of the best opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving in the world, due to the diverse and vibrant coral reef ecosystem. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which runs along the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, is home to a wide variety of tropical fish and marine animals, as well as a diverse array of coral species.
For snorkelers, there are several popular snorkeling spots in Cancun and the surrounding area, such as the National Marine Park, which is home to a wide variety of tropical fish and coral. The park is located on the southern end of the hotel zone, and is a protected area, which means that there are strict rules about fishing and other activities.
For scuba divers, there are several dive sites in the area, ranging from shallow reef dives to deeper wall dives and even shipwreck dives. Some popular scuba diving sites in Cancun include the Cancun Underwater Museum, the MUSA, and the national park. These sites offer an opportunity to see a wide variety of marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, and even sharks.
Divers should be aware that some of the water conditions change throughout the year, currents and visibility can vary, also some sites have specific certifications needed. It is important to check with local dive operators or professional diving organizations to be aware of local conditions and regulations.
Whether you decide to snorkel or scuba dive, the underwater world in Cancun is sure to be a highlight of your visit.
5. Visit the Cancun Underwater Museum
The Cancun Underwater Museum, also known as the Museo
Subacuático de Arte (MUSA), is a one-of-a-kind attraction that allows visitors
to explore the underwater world of the Caribbean Sea while also viewing a
collection of over 500 sculptures created by the British sculptor Jason
deCaires Taylor. The museum is located in the waters of the National Marine
Park, a protected area located on the southern end of the Hotel Zone.
The sculptures at the museum are made of pH-neutral
materials that promote coral growth and are designed to attract marine life,
making the museum not only an art exhibition but also an artificial reef. The
sculptures depict various scenes, including a group of people holding hands to
form an underwater "ring of life", a sculpture of children playing in
a classroom, and a series of sculptures depicting the history of the region’s
Maya civilization.
Visitors can explore the museum by taking a guided
snorkeling or scuba diving tour. Divers must have an Open Water Diver
certification to dive at the site. The tour typically includes a boat ride to
the museum, followed by a guided tour of the sculptures and the surrounding
coral reef. Visitors will also have the opportunity to see a variety of marine
life that call the area home, including tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, and
even sharks.
It is important to note that the Underwater Museum is a
protected area and there are rules in place to ensure the preservation of the
sculptures and the surrounding coral reef. Visitors should follow the guidance
of their tour guide and always respect the marine life and the natural
surroundings.
6. Take a day trip to Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is a small island located just off the coast of
Cancun and is a popular destination for visitors looking to take a day trip.
The island is easily accessible by ferry or boat from the mainland and offers a
wide range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy.
The island is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear
waters, and laid-back atmosphere. Visitors can spend the day swimming,
sunbathing, and snorkeling in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea. Some
popular beaches on the island include Playa Norte, Playa Lancheros, and Playa
Garrafón.
Isla Mujeres also offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy, such as visiting the Garrafon Natural Reef Park, where you can go snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking. There is also a turtle farm located on the island, where visitors can learn about the conservation efforts to protect sea turtles. Another popular activity is visiting the "Isla Mujeres" sculpture park, a park filled with over 80 sculptures created by Mexican and international artists.
The island also offers a range of dining and shopping options, where visitors can try local seafood and Mexican cuisine, as well as shop for souvenirs. There are also local art galleries and boutiques on the island, where visitors can purchase handcrafted items made by local artisans.
A day trip to Isla Mujeres is a great way to experience the
beauty of the Caribbean Sea, relax on a beautiful beach, and enjoy the
laid-back atmosphere of the island.
7. Take a guided tour of the El ReyRuins
El Rey Ruins, also known as the "King's Ruins", is
an archaeological site located in the heart of Cancun's Hotel Zone. It is one
of the lesser-known and less visited Mayan ruins sites in the area but can be
interesting for those who want to avoid the crowds of the more popular sites
like Tulum. The site is relatively small, with around 50 structures, and dates
back to the 15th century.
The ruins are thought to have been a minor ceremonial center
and residential area for the Mayan elite. Visitors can explore the site and
learn about the history and culture of the ancient Maya people from the
knowledgeable guides that are available. The most notable structure is the
Temple of the Masks, which has numerous carvings of Mayan masks on its façade.
The El Rey ruins are an interesting destination for those
who want to learn more about the ancient Mayan civilization, and appreciate the
history and culture of the region. The site is small and easy to navigate,
making it ideal for visitors of all ages and fitness levels. El Rey is also a
good option if you want to avoid the heat, as it's mostly open-air but covered
by vegetation, which provides a nice natural shade.
Keep in mind that the ruins are located within the hotel
zone, so the visit can be combined with other activities nearby. You can also
visit the ruins in the morning or late afternoon, to avoid the heat of the day
and to have more pleasant temperatures.
8. Shop at the local markets and shopsin the Hotel Zone
Cancun's Hotel Zone is home to a wide variety of shops and
markets where visitors can find a range of goods, from traditional Mexican
souvenirs to local handicrafts and clothing. Some of the most popular shopping
destinations in the Hotel Zone include:
Mercado 28: This is a large outdoor market located in the
heart of the Hotel Zone. It features a wide range of stalls selling souvenirs,
clothing, jewelry, and traditional Mexican handicrafts. Visitors can also find
local food vendors selling traditional Mexican food and snacks.
La Isla Shopping Village: This is an upscale outdoor
shopping mall that offers a wide range of international and local brands.
Visitors can find clothing, jewelry, shoes, and souvenirs at a variety of
stores. There are also several restaurants and cafes where visitors can enjoy a
meal or a drink.
Kukulkan Plaza: This is a large outdoor shopping center
located in the center of the Hotel Zone. It features a wide range of shops,
including clothing, jewelry, souvenirs, and local crafts. There are also
several restaurants and cafes where visitors can enjoy a meal or a drink.
Luxury Avenue: This is an high-end shopping center that
offers a wide range of luxury brands, including designer clothing, jewelry,
shoes, and souvenirs.
It is also a good idea to check the local neighborhoods
outside of the hotel zone, you can find more authentic stores and markets,
where you can get a better deal. Negotiating is common practice in Mexico, so
don't be afraid to try and haggle for a better price.
Visiting local markets and shops in the Hotel Zone is a great way to experience the local culture and find unique souvenirs to bring home as a reminder of your trip to Cancun.
9. Visit the Interactive Aquarium Cancun
The Interactive Aquarium Cancun, also known as the
"Aquaworld", is a popular attraction for visitors of all ages. It is
located in the heart of the Hotel Zone, and offers a wide range of activities
that allow visitors to get up close and personal with a variety of marine life
from the Caribbean Sea and around the world.
The aquarium features a wide variety of marine life,
including tropical fish, sharks, rays, sea turtles, and sea lions. Visitors can
view the animals through the large acrylic windows or participate in
interactive activities such as swimming with dolphins, snorkeling with sharks,
and diving with sea turtles.
The aquarium also has a "touch tank" where
visitors can touch and learn about various marine animals such as starfish, sea
urchins, and sea cucumbers. There is also an "iceberg" tunnel, where
visitors can walk through an underwater tunnel and see a variety of fish and
sharks swimming above and around them.
The aquarium also offers a variety of educational programs
and presentations that allow visitors to learn more about the marine life and
the importance of preserving the world's oceans.
It's important to note that some of the interactive
activities may have an additional cost and there are some restrictions and
regulations regarding age and physical conditions for some activities, as well
as a limited capacity, it is best to check with the aquarium beforehand.
Visiting the Interactive Aquarium Cancun is a fun and
educational way to learn more about the marine life of the Caribbean Sea, and
get a glimpse of the underwater world without getting wet.
10.
Enjoy the nightlife at clubs and bars in the Hotel Zone
Enjoy the nightlife at clubs and bars in the Hotel Zone.
Cancun is famous for its nightlife, and the Hotel Zone is
home to a wide variety of clubs, bars, and entertainment venues that offer
something for everyone. Visitors can dance the night away to the latest music,
enjoy live performances, or just relax and have a drink with friends.
Some of the most popular nightlife spots in the Hotel Zone include:
1.
Coco Bongo: This is a popular club that offers a
wide range of music and entertainment, including live performances, DJs, and
acrobatics.
2.
The City: This is a large complex that features
several different clubs and bars, each with its own unique atmosphere and
music.
3.
Palazzo: This is a high-end nightclub that
offers a VIP experience and live DJs.
4.
Señor Frogs: A fun and casual spot that features
live music, a dance floor, and a variety of drinks.
5.
Dady'O: This is one of the oldest and most
famous clubs in Cancun, known for its lively atmosphere and wild parties.
It is important to keep in mind that some of the clubs have
a strict dress code, an entrance fee, and might have an age restriction. Also,
keep in mind that some places might close by 3 am, while others may stay open
till the sun rises.
Visiting the clubs and bars in the Hotel Zone is a great way
to experience Cancun's famous nightlife and have a fun and memorable time on
your trip.
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