swimming with whale sharks is one of the best 5 things to do in cancun

Close to ancient ruins, it offers a look at the cultural history of Mexico, alongside a modern city filled with luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and vibrant nightlife. Are you planning a vacation to Mexico? Cancun is one of the top vacation spots you will want to consider. Let’s take a look at these five cool things to do in Cancun.

 

 

This beautiful beachside paradise with gleaming turquoise water, white sand, and palm trees looks like something you’d see in a movie or on a postcard. People flock from around the world to visit these beaches, but Cancun is more than a beach town. 

 

1. Discover archeological sites

Hotel-lined beaches and luxury are a mainstay of Cancun vacations for sure. But Cancun is a top Mexican vacation destination because of the rich culture and history tours visitors can experience nearby. Take a look at the unique pieces of ancient Mayan history in Cancun:

Tulum

The ancient city of Tulum has been standing since the 13th century. These majestic and amazingly well-preserved ruins are a testament to the culture and ingenuity of the Mayans. Take an educational tour of Tulum for an up-close look at ancient history available only in Cancun.

ruins of tulum in riviera maya quintana roo

 

Chichen Itza

The Egyptians weren’t the only ancient civilizations to build pyramids. Chichen Itza was a pre-Columbian city with a massive pyramid as its centerpiece. Surviving ruins, including the Temple of Kukulcan, and stone carvings hint at the history and secrets of the Mayan people. Take a tour of Chichen Itza with a knowledgeable guide to get the most out of this unique site.

ruins of chichen itza with cancun adventures

 

Ek Balam

Hidden in the lush jungle of the Yucatan Peninsula, Ek Balam is considered one of the most beautiful Mayan cities and, without a doubt, one of the best preserved. During your tour to Ek Balam, you can not miss the opportunity to climb the Acropolis, where the tomb of king Ukit Kan Lek Tok is located, from which, on a clear day, you can see up to the pyramids of Cobá and Chichen Itza.

ruins of Ek Balam in Riviera Maya tour with Cancun Adventures

 

2. Explore caverns & cenotes

The Yucatan Peninsula is famous for its hidden underground world. Cenotes are sinkholes filled with underground freshwater, forming a network of caves and underground rivers. These landmarks unique to Cancun and the surrounding area are like scenes from another world. They were places of ritual and sacrifice for the ancient Mayans. Today you can walk inside and explore these underground caves with knowledgeable guides who will explain all the legends around them and the magnificent geological formations that make them one of the coolest things to see.

tour to caverns and cenotes with cancun adventures

 

3. Swim with Whale Sharks

With deep oceans and rich jungles, Cancun is bound to have some interesting wildlife. But you won’t see any of it from your spot on the beach. In order to have a close encounter with the magnificent and friendly whale shark, you will have to hop on a fast boat that will take you to the place where they swim around in groups. This is a once in a lifetime adventure that you can not miss.

whale shark swim with Cancun Adventures

 

4. Feel the adrenaline with ziplines and ATVs

Some people go on vacation to relax. Others are adrenaline junkies, seeking thrills and adventure set against an incredible backdrop. If you fit into this category, Cancun is the vacation spot for you as it offers great opportunities to seek adventure and try something new.

Feel the thrill of adventure and exploration by flying down a zipline. Soar through tropical canopies or fly down an aquatic zipline into the refreshing waters below. The sensation of flying is sure to get your heart racing. Get off the beaten path—literally—and explore the jungle trails that surround Cancun with a Ziplining & ATV tour. Twists and turns across rugged terrain offer a sense of thrill as you explore this beautiful tropical location.

Polatis UTV and ziplining tour with Cancun Adventures

 

5. Sail the Caribbean

The warm ocean waters of Cancun offer more than relaxation. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or want to relax in a private chartered sunset sail, Cancun is the perfect backdrop for a boating or sailing adventure. The cool breeze out on the open ocean is the perfect complement to Cancun’s warm sunshine. Cancun sailing can bring adventure or romance to your vacation—or a bit of both. Bask in the tropical sunshine, surrounded views of the beach and glimmering water, from atop a paddleboard or exploring the underwater with a snorkeling mask.

Sailing with Cancun Adventures

 

Beach Time

With some of the best beaches in Mexico, Cancun is the perfect backdrop for relaxation. Lay in the sand, work on your tan or read the book you always seem too busy to pick up in the hassle of day-to-day life. The warm water makes swimming—or anything from tip-toeing in the surf to jumping the waves—in the ocean inviting to anyone. Beach lovers will be in paradise; even those who don’t usually prefer to swim in the sea will have a hard time saying no to these beautiful waters. Even if you aren’t staying in a hotel with private beach access, you can enjoy a more secluded seaside experience at an exclusive beach club.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful seaside destination anywhere else in the world. Cancun boasts some of the best beaches in Mexico. Many of them are public; others offer private access to guests staying along Cancun’s famous hotel zone. From Pearl Beach in the north to the easily accessible Dolphin Beach (where you can take a picture next to the iconic colorful “Cancun” sign), Cancun’s public beaches are lined with soft white sand and luxuriously warm water, averaging at 75 degrees in the height of the spring tourist season. 

 

BONUS: Party and City Life

Cancun is a treasure trove of natural beauty, the perfect locale for both relaxation and adventure. It’s also a hotspot for city nightlife, including everything from clubbing to fine dining to street tacos. The hotel zone is the center of Cancun’s nightlife, where you can rub shoulders with other vacationers and the amazing and helpful locals.

Spring Break

Cancun has earned its reputation for being a destination for spring breakers, bikini contests and keg parties included. If that’s your scene, great! You’ll find parties, clubs, and more catering to spring breakers looking for some fun before class is back in session. If not, avoid this crowd by avoiding a trip in March and April. Even in those months, when the Cancun weather is beautiful and water temperatures heavenly, you can avoid the spring break scene by staying at hotels and visiting restaurants that don’t cater to that crowd.

Dining and Nightlife

Food is a key feature of any Cancun vacation. Talented chefs have created renowned restaurants suitable for quiet, romantic dinners by the ocean. You can’t beat the local Mexican food, including street tacos, or the availability of fresh-caught seafood from around the Caribbean. You can find restaurants offering everything from simple, traditional fare to cutting-edge fusion cuisine. Kick the evening festivities up a notch by visiting one of Cancun’s amazing clubs for live music, salsa dancing, and the chance to make some new friends. Or join us at the Traveler’s Table for a delicious 5-course meal featuring local cuisine and tequila, mezcal, and wine pairings.

Luxury

If you are looking for a vacation steeped in luxury, Cancun is the spot for you. The venues at this destination offer excellent accommodating service, and the hotels can’t be beaten. Visit a spa for a relaxing massage or healing skin treatment after a long day in the sun. For luxury shopping, check out Luxury Avenue, Kukulcan Palace, and Plaza Caracol. Along with fashion boutiques, you can find shops selling local products such as bracelets, scarves, and Talavera ceramics.

Best in Mexico

Without a doubt, Cancun is one of the best vacation spots in Mexico. No matter your interests or reasons for travel, you won’t be bored on a trip to Cancun. Create the vacation of your dreams by mixing luxury and relaxation with history, outdoor adventure, and stunning views you’ll never forget. A lot of people talk up the virtues of a Cancun vacation, and this stunning destination definitely lives up to all the hype. There are sights and experiences that can’t be matched anywhere else in Mexico. For a relaxing vacation along the best beaches in Mexico, consider Cancun for your next destination.

Get the most out of your trip to Cancun by booking tours lead by experienced guides through adventures from snorkeling to ATV riding. A great tour—and tour guide—will offer insider information about the local features and the best way to enjoy your destination spots. Check out our Cancun Adventures tours and book your Cancun tours now!

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