Travel Insights

Sprawling coral reefs, amazing biodiversity, pristine beaches, and the timeless allure of ruins: Cancun is definitely a slice of paradise. Add to that unending parties, the best of luxury resorts, and amazing food – this Mexican city should definitely be on your bucket list.

If you’re already a step ahead and planning your Cancun trip right now, this guide will break down all the cool things you need to see and do when you’re there.

Let’s jump in then!

10 best things to see and do in Cancun, Mexico

1. Cancun underwater museum (MUSA)

Located between Cancun and Isla Mujer (a day trip from Cancun), this underwater museum is unlike any you have ever seen.

The museum site is actually a collection of sculptures (over 500, designed by 6 artists) to encourage the growth of corals and restore tropical marine life habitats. Installations include: life-size statues modeled after Cancun locals, naval mines, giant hands, and even Volkswagen Beetles!
Now, the underwater site is already the largest artificial reef in the world, with lots of exciting plans for expansion.

How to enjoy MUSA: Opt for a glass-bottomed boat or just go scuba diving!

2. Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a sleepy little island off the coast of Cancun where you can hop on over for these amazing experiences:

a. Make friends with baby turtles

Tortugranja is a government-owned hatchery and rehabilitation centre for endangered sea turtles. You can head over here for a cool tour of the facilities and to marvel at their wonderful conservation efforts.

Female green, loggerhead, and hawksbill sea turtles also make their way to the beaches in Isla Mujeres between May and October at night. So if you’re there in July or December, you’ll see the baby turtles scuttle over into the sea – what a moment!

b. Swim with the whale sharks

Between May and September, whale sharks hang out in the warm waters around Isla Mujer. Go ahead and take a dip with them basking in the shallow waters. Although whale sharks are technically “sharks,” they’re actually quite docile and don’t pose any harm.

c. Enjoy the sunset at Playa Norte or Playa Sol

Who doesn’t enjoy the wholesome combination of a beach and a sunset. Catch one at Playa Norte or Playa Sol while taking a dip in the toasty waters – you’ll go back with memories to last a lifetime.

d. Garrafon Natural Reef Park

This natural marine park is home to striking, colorful reefs with ample opportunities to swim, snorkel, go kayaking and even zip line across the sea. Plan a relaxing day here for sure!

3. The El Meco Archaeological Site

This archeological site has been recently open to the public and carries a lot of references to one of the most prominent Mayan deities: Itzamna.
We recommend you explore this off-the-track site before heading to the busier ruins in Cancun.

4. Chichén Itzá

Chichén Itzá is an ancient Maya city, a UNESCO world heritage site, and one of the new Seven Wonders of the world. This ancient city is most famous for its pyramid ruins, and the best known ruin is El Castillo or the Temple of Kulukan. Other landmarks to explore and admire include El Caracol, the ancient observatory, and Sacred Cenote, an ancient site of sacrifice and pilgrimage, and tzompantli (Mesoamerican rack of skulls).

5. Tulum Ruins

The Tulum ruins are another prominent archeological site to visit if you want to push the boundaries of your knowledge about Mayan culture.
According to historical record, the no more than 1600 people lived in Tulum, which implies to was more of a administrative or religious centre. Another interesting fact about Tulum: it was one of the few walled cities that the Mayans built.

We recommend you take a guided tour to soak in all the fun facts about this ancient city.

6. Museo Maya de Cancún

Museo Maya de Cancún or the Maya Museum of Cancun gives a wonderful overview of the art, architecture, and culture of the powerful Mayan civilization. The museum has over 3,500 exhibits, however, only 350 are on display at a given point.

There are two permanent exhibits, while the other halls host special Mayan-themed exhitions from time to time.

You can visit the museum from Tuesday to Sunday between 9 AM to 6 PM.

7. Isla Contoy

Isla Contoy is one of the hidden gems of Cancun, located just off the coast. This tiny island is a striking conservation zone and national park known for being the most important nesting place of seabirds in Mexican Caribbean.

Only 200 visitors are allowed on the island daily, so you can be sure that it’s not going to be super touristy. Some of the best things to do on this tiny island (other than birding) are: snorkeling and gorging on some great barbeque.

8. Jungle Tour at Playa Delfines (Dolphine beach)

If you’re up for an adventure on the trip, the jungle tour at Playa Dolphins is something you can’t pass up. Typically, it’s a two day tour where one day is dedicated to swimming with dolphins (yes!) and the next day is for exploring the jungle on a boat.

This tour will also give you the opportunity to explore the Mesoamerican reef (the second largest reef in the world) when you dive off from your boat for a quick snorkeling session. As you navigate the mangrove forests, try to spot iguanas and turtles as well!

9. The Interactive Museum

The interactive museum in Cancun is located in the La Isla Mall and is a great spot to visit if you’re traveling with a little one.

You’ll see about 140 species in the aquarium whose habitats range from tidal pools to the deep ocean. Don’t miss the touch tanks and performances by the star attractions of the aquarium: dolphins, sea lions, and sharks.

10. Party hard at Coco Bongo

Cancun is known for being a party city and you’ll love the thriving, eclectic atmosphere at Coco Bongo: great music, stellar aerial performances, and awesome drinks to get you up and dancing.

The place is quite crowded on any evening, so you may want to get a VIP skip-the-line pass for exclusive service and a great view of the stage.
The Wrap: The best time to visit Cancun

The best time to visit Cancun is in fact during the peak tourist season between December and April when the weather is just perfect and the parties are on full swing.

However, if your agenda is to go turtle watching, July and December are the best time to visit Cancun. If snorkeling, swimming, and diving are high up on your list, plan your Cancun trip between July and October (September and October are a little rainy though). Lastly, if you want to nab the best deals on hotels and flight fare, visit Cancun in late spring or mid-fall.