Crystal waters and golden sands make Cancún a gorgeous piece of paradise on the tip of the Yucatán peninsula in Mexico. Historic ruins, swimming with dolphins, tequila-fueled nightlife and plenty of Latino culture await. Plus there’s snorkeling in an underwater museum, centuries-old Maya temples and swimming with turtles – all in the same day. Here’s our guide to what to do and see.
You can now book a small-group, epic adventure with Culture Trip to explore all these sights and more on a nine-day Yucatán Peninsula tour in Mexico.
Cancún is the home of watersports, particularly in Nichupté Lagoon, where you can get surfing lessons, sail on a speedboat or try your hand at jet skiing. You can also go snorkeling or kayaking in the clear blue waters here; the excellent visibility and warm temperatures of the Caribbean Sea increase the chances of spotting marine life.
Not scuba certified? Don’t worry, there’s still a chance to get close to marine life in Cancún by arranging to go swimming with turtles in the Riviera Maya. This is a great way to interact with the gentle marine life of the Caribbean Sea in a safe environment, not to mention an unbeatable photo op. Perfect for young families, parents and children alike can bond over this activity, which will remain a lifelong memory.
Mexican food isn’t just chile, mole and pozole; along the coasts, seafood is king. Being so close to the sea, you know it’s freshly caught. Try some Mexican mariscos at La Bamba in the Hotel Zone for dishes like camarones a la diabla (spicy tuna tostadas) and aguachile (shrimp marinated in lime juice with onion, cilantro and chillies).
Head into the thick jungle, less than an hour’s drive from town, for a stop at a 124-acre (50ha) nature reserve in Puerto Morelos. Avid birdwatchers can spot dozens of rare species, including parrots, hummingbirds and woodpeckers. The reserve also offers kayaking, swimming in cenotes and a traditional temazcal, or sweat lodge, experience.
Xcaret is part water park, part theme park and part archeological site, just down the highway from Cancún. It has been a must-visit in the area since it opened in 1990, packed with dozens of activities, from snorkeling through an underground river to festive pre-Hispanic dances in the Mayan Village. You’re free to plan your day as you want – and you won’t come close to covering the whole park – but make time for the evening show, the Xcaret México Espectacular.
Xel-Há is one of the sister parks to Xcaret, just outside of Tulum. On land, you can zipline through the trees, but the real highlights can be found on the water. Dive into the covered cenotes, swim with manatees and try your hand at cliff jumping. It’s also all-inclusive, meaning you can chow down at the breakfast buffet upon arrival, grab pizza and beer at lunch, plus tuck into snacks all day long.
Kylie Madry contributed additional reporting to this article.
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