16 Best Things to Do in Cancun for Your Bucket List
The turquoise waters and white sand beaches are just the beginning of what awaits in this Mexican hotspot.
While others crowd the hotel pools, Cancun serves up bucket list moments for every type of traveler. Here are 16 must-do activities:
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1. Go Swimming with Whale Sharks
From June to August, whale sharks visit the waters near Cancun, creating a once-in-a-lifetime chance to snorkel with these gentle giants.
These magnificent creatures can reach 40 feet long and weigh up to 10,000 pounds, yet they’re completely harmless to humans.
The best spots to find them are around Isla Contoy and Isla Holbox off the northern coasts of Cancun and Isla Mujeres.
2. Watch the Sunrise at Playa Delfines
Waking up early on vacation might sound crazy, but trust us – sunrise at Playa Delfines is totally worth setting your alarm for!
As Cancun’s largest beach, this spot gives you front-row seats to a morning sky show that paints everything in orange and pink. After the sun’s up, snap a pic at the iconic Cancun sign.
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3. Visit Las Coloradas
Ever seen a pink lake? The stunning pink waters of Las Coloradas will make you feel like you’ve landed on another planet!
Located about 3 hours from Cancun, these cotton-candy colored lagoons get their unique hue from high salt concentration and tiny organisms in the water.
The best time to visit is between March and August when the sun is strongest and makes the pink color pop. These months are also perfect for spotting flamingos!
4. Watch JOYÀ by Cirque du Soleil
JOYÀ is a magical journey through a mysterious jungle where reality and fantasy blur together.
Set in a theater perched above a lagoon with a waterfall, this Cirque du Soleil production follows a rebellious teenager and her grandfather on a quest for the meaning of life.
The 80-minute show combines jaw-dropping acrobatics, stunning visual effects, and storytelling inspired by Mexican culture.
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5. Visit Isla Mujeres on a Day Trip
Just a quick 20-minute ferry ride from Cancun sits a slice of Caribbean heaven that feels worlds away from the busy Hotel Zone.
Isla Mujeres charms visitors with its laid-back vibe, crystal-clear waters, and picture-perfect beaches.
Spend your day lounging at the famous Playa Norte, exploring downtown by golf cart, or visiting Punta Sur with its breathtaking views and pre-Columbian ruins dedicated to the goddess Ixchel.
For an extra splash of fun, join a catamaran tour that includes snorkeling at Meco reef, a delicious buffet lunch, and plenty of time to explore the island’s colorful streets.
6. Explore the Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA)
Who says museums have to be boring buildings with “do not touch” signs? At MUSA, you’ll need a snorkel mask instead of walking shoes.
This underwater gallery features over 500 life-sized sculptures submerged off the coasts of Cancun and Isla Mujeres.
Created by British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, these haunting figures serve a double purpose – they’re both art and artificial reefs.
Over time, coral grows on the sculptures, transforming them into living masterpieces that change with each visit.
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7. Party at Coco Bongo
Ready for the wildest night in Cancun? Coco Bongo is a jaw-dropping mix of Las Vegas-style shows, flying acrobats, and non-stop music.
You’ll be swept up in a whirlwind of high-energy performances featuring everything from Game of Thrones characters to classic pop culture icons.
The open bar keeps the fun flowing while confetti explosions and smoke machines create an electric atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.
8. Take a Sunset Dinner Cruise
Watching the sun melt into the Caribbean Sea while sailing on crystal-clear waters? Now that’s vacation goals!
Cancun’s romantic sunset cruises combine breathtaking views with mouthwatering meals and live music that sets the perfect mood.
As your boat glides through the lagoon, a talented saxophonist plays smooth tunes while you enjoy a three-course dinner featuring options like steak, shrimp, or vegetarian fare.
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9. Visit Chichen Itza and Valladolid
Stand in the shadow of the mighty Kukulcan Pyramid and feel like you’ve traveled back 1,000 years. This day trip packs three amazing stops into one adventure.
First, explore Chichen Itza, where your guide will reveal secrets about the ancient Mayan calendar and the mysterious serpent shadow that appears during the equinox.
Next, cool off with a refreshing swim in a sacred cenote – these natural sinkholes were considered gateways to the underworld by the Maya.
Finally, wander through charming Valladolid, where colorful colonial buildings surround a historic main square perfect for souvenir shopping and snapping photos. Don’t forget to try the churros!
10. Experience Xavage Park
Calling all thrill-seekers! Xavage Park is Cancun’s newest playground for adrenaline junkies who want to push their limits on land, water, and air.
Race through winding channels in your own speedboat, conquer the highest ropes course in the region, or drive monster trucks over crazy obstacles.
The park’s crown jewel is its horizontal zip line – the longest in Cancun – where you’ll soar above the jungle landscape.
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11. Kayak through Nichupte Lagoon
Trade the crowded beaches for a peaceful paddle through Cancun’s hidden natural wonder.
Your guide will point out exotic wildlife like soaring albatrosses and stingrays swimming beneath your kayak.
Most tours include a stop at the only beach inside the lagoon – the perfect spot for a refreshing swim and amazing photos of this protected nature reserve.
12. Explore Tulum Ruins
Want to walk where ancient Mayans once ruled? Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea, Tulum Ruins combine history and jaw-dropping views in one amazing spot.
This walled city was once a major trading hub and lighthouse for Mayan ships, with El Castillo (the castle) standing tall at 40 feet high.
Keep your eyes peeled for the resident colony of iguanas that have claimed the ruins as their sunbathing spot.
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13. Attend Xoximilco Cancun
Craving the ultimate Mexican fiesta? Hop aboard a colorful trajinera (gondola-like boat) at Xoximilco Cancun.
This lively tribute to Mexico’s UNESCO World Heritage Site Xochimilco takes you floating through canals while mariachi bands serenade you with traditional tunes.
A friendly host keeps the party going with funny stories and games while you feast on delicious dishes from all across Mexico and enjoy an open bar.
14. Ride the Cancun Skywheel
Looking for the absolute best views in Cancun? The Skywheel at La Isla Shopping Village stands a whopping 70 meters tall, making it the highest Ferris wheel in the entire city.
As you reach the top, prepare to be amazed by breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Caribbean Sea, Nichupté Lagoon, and the entire Hotel Zone stretching out before you.
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15. Experience Xcaret Park
Xcaret Park combines the best of Mexico’s stunning nature and rich heritage all in one amazing place.
Float down underground rivers, marvel at 1,500 colorful birds in the massive Aviary, and watch butterflies dance around you in the 3,500-square-meter Butterfly Pavilion.
History buffs will love exploring the ancient Mayan ruins scattered throughout the park – this site was a trading center and port 2,000 years ago!
For the ultimate view, climb aboard the 80-meter-high Scenic Tower that rotates 360 degrees, giving you spectacular vistas of the Riviera Maya and Caribbean Sea.
16. Shop at Mercado 28
Mercado 28 is a shopper’s dream with hundreds of colorful stalls selling everything from soccer jerseys and beaded Christmas ornaments to leather goods and handmade ceramics.
This bustling open-air market in downtown Cancun gives you the perfect chance to practice your haggling skills – remember, the first price is never the final price!
Between shopping sprees, refuel at one of the market’s authentic food stalls serving up mouthwatering Mexican dishes. Many visitors rave about the fresh mangoes, guacamole, and street corn.
