Micki and I have spent ample time in both Cancun and Tulum and love each of them for different reasons. While both offer something unique, we’ve found that we enjoyed our time in each place more once we defined what exactly we were looking for and matched it to our moods and expectations before arriving in Mexico.

Cancun or Tulum? Which is the Best Vacation Destination for You?

Though it can be an easy answer for those who’ve had the good fortune of visiting each destination previously, the decision essentially boils down to what features you’re looking for in a getaway as well as your budget, expectations, ease of arrival and even your timelines.

So, whether you’re in for vibrant nightlife and luxury resorts or a more serene getaway close to nature and ancient ruins, this guide will hopefully help you decide which destination suits you best.

Cancun: Vibrant Nightlife with Modern Luxuries

Cancun, often synonymous with the Spring Break crowd, is a well known resort town on the northeastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. The famous Hotel Zone is a long, beachfront strip of high-end hotels, nightclubs, shops, and restaurants, all facing the breathtakingly blue Caribbean Sea. Cancun is ultimately designed for travelers seeking a luxurious, all-inclusive experience with the convenience of modern amenities.

Why Choose Cancun?

• Vibrant Nightlife: Cancun’s nightclubs and bars offer an electrifying atmosphere with world-class DJs and parties that last until dawn.
• All-Inclusive Resorts: The city is known for its vast array of all-inclusive resorts catering to every type of traveler, from families to party goers to couples seeking high class romance.
• Shopping and Dining: With an extensive selection of shopping malls, boutique stores, and dining options, Cancun is a hub for those who enjoy urban conveniences by the beach.
• Activities and Excursions: Beyond the beach, Cancun offers numerous activities such as golfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and visiting nearby Mayan ruins like Chichen Itza.

Tulum: Bohemian Charm Meets Ancient History

A couple of hours south of Cancun, Tulum presents a contrasting vibe that’s more laid-back and immersed in nature. Known for its eco-friendly boutique hotels, Tulum is the epitome of a bohemian paradise, with yoga retreats, organic cafes, and artisan shops. Its beach is dotted with palm trees and rustic cabanas, with the ancient Mayan ruins overlooking the sea, offering a unique backdrop.

Why Choose Tulum?

• Eco-Chic Lifestyle: Tulum’s accommodations tend to be designed more in harmony with nature, often offering a sustainable and intimate experience.
• Cultural Richness: The town is close to some of the most significant Mayan archaeological sites, including the Tulum Ruins and Coba.
• Natural Wonders: From the nearby stunning cenotes (natural sinkholes) to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Tulum is a haven for nature lovers and adventurers.
• Wellness and Relaxation: With a focus on wellness, Tulum tends to attract those looking to unwind through yoga, meditation, and spa treatments using natural, local ingredients.

Things to do in Cancun

There are a myriad of things to do in Cancun from adventure tours to spas. Here’s a few of our favorites:

Playa Delfines stands out for its expansive stretches of sand and vibrant turquoise waters, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and even surfing. For those interested in marine life, the Interactive Aquarium Cancun allows visitors to get up close with dolphins, sharks, and a variety of tropical fish in interactive experiences.

Beyond the beaches, Cancun serves as a hub for exploring historical and natural wonders. The Mayan ruins at El Rey offer a glimpse into the ancient civilization right in the heart of the Hotel Zone. For a day trip, the majestic Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is within reach, offering insights into the Mayan culture and architecture.

Nature lovers will be drawn to the natural beauty of the cenotes, such as Cenote Ik Kil, with its crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Adventure parks like Xcaret and Xel-Há combine the beauty of the natural environment with thrilling activities, from zip lines and river tubing to snorkeling and cultural shows.

We also love heading over to Isla Mujeres for the day and if you had a group, taking a catamaran cruise over to it would be a fun way to get to and from the island.

Things to do in Tulum

Tulum’s charm lies in its ability to blend culture, history, and natural beauty into a serene and enriching experience.

The Tulum Ruins are the town’s most iconic attraction, perched atop a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. These ruins offer breathtaking views and a chance to walk through the remnants of a once-thriving Mayan port city.

Beach lovers will find their slice of paradise at Playa Paraíso, known for its powdery white sand and clear, calm waters, providing a more relaxed atmosphere compared to Cancun. For a unique experience, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve offers a chance to explore untouched landscapes, including beaches, coral reefs, and jungles teeming with wildlife.

Tulum is also famous for its cenotes, natural sinkholes filled with fresh water. Cenote Dos Ojos, for example, is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving, with its clear, turquoise waters and intricate cave systems. We enjoyed our first time at Cenote Dos Ojos a few years ago. These natural pools offer a cool respite from the heat and a small peek into the geological wonders of the Yucatan Peninsula. Locally, there’s also Cenote Sac Actun and Gran Cenote that are very close to Tulum proper.

The town itself is a haven for foodies and those seeking wellness experiences. Tulum’s culinary scene is diverse, focusing on fresh, local ingredients and innovative dishes. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating, allowing diners to enjoy their meals in the open air. Wellness retreats and yoga studios are abundant, promoting relaxation and mindfulness amidst the natural beauty of Tulum.

Making the Decision: Cancun or Tulum?

The choice between Cancun and Tulum ultimately boils down to the type of vacation you want.

Cancun is ideal for those who:

• Crave the excitement of a bustling city’s nightlife and entertainment.
• Prefer the convenience and luxury of large, all-inclusive resorts.
• Enjoy having plenty of shopping and dining options at their doorstep.
• Are looking for a vacation where everything is within reach, offering a mix of relaxation and adventure.
• Are okay with being near to resort properties along the beach.
• Want to be at their resort within 20 minutes of getting off their plane.

Tulum suits travelers who:

• Want a quieter, more serene setting that’s close to nature.
• Appreciate the charm of small-scale, eco-friendly accommodations.
• Desire a cultural experience, exploring ancient ruins and engaging with local traditions.
• Value sustainability and wellness as integral parts of their travel experience.
• Enjoy long stretches of beach with minimal large resorts.
• Are okay with longer drives to get where they want to be.

More to think about…

Both Cancun and Tulum are gateways to Mexico’s stunning Caribbean coast, but cater to distinct tastes and experiences. Cancun’s allure lies in its vibrant nightlife, luxurious amenities, and city convenience, making it a perfect choice for those who seek an energetic and pampered vacation.

Tulum, on the other hand, appeals to the soul seeking tranquility, natural beauty, and a touch of history, all wrapped in an eco-conscious and wellness-oriented package with a smaller city to explore and closer to ruins and cenotes.

Your decision may also depend on the kind of memories you wish to create. Are you looking to dance the night away and indulge in the epitome of resort living with dozens of restaurants within a few blocks of your resort, or do you envision yourself waking up in a beachfront cabana to the sound of waves, ready to explore the depths of a cenote or walk around a Mayan ruin?

All this isn’t to say that you can’t find relaxation and tranquility in Cancun or a few wild parties in Tulum. Each location has its share of both, but Cancun’s tourist roots stretch farther back so in general, the hotels, restaurants and attractions cater to a larger, more boisterous crowd. What Tulum might turn into in 20+ years is still up for debate however now the building and style trend is definitely towards the more ecological side.

Where to Stay in Tulum

We’ve stayed in small hotels, condos and even more traditional all-inclusive resorts in and around Tulum over the years. Here’s a few personal favorites we’ve stayed at or had friends and family rave about.

Kanan Tulum Hotel and Spa – Gorgeous bohemian chic beachside resort

La Zebra Boutique Hotel – Smaller upscale boutique hotel on the beach

Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa – One of the larger more traditional all-inclusive hotels in Tulum

Copal Tulum Hotel – Tons of greenery and nice rooms right in town

Hotel Posada 06 Tulum – I stayed here a few years ago with Micki and the kids and had a great time. Quaint and quiet in town hotel close to shops and restaurants

Where to Stay in Cancun

We’ve done plenty of all-inclusives when staying in Cancun though we have stayed in a few condos and even a normal hotel when we had an early flight the next day. HZ refers to the Hotel Zone strip which runs north to south outside of the main city in Cancun.

Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun – A personal favorite from when we stayed here last! Great spa and calm oceanfront at the northern end of the Hotel Zone.

Paradisus Cancun – Center of HZ with great views, tons of restaurants/nightlife and nice beachfront

The Westin Resort & Spa Cancun – Quieter location on south side of HZ giving you a nice tropical feel

Sun Palace – Couples only boutique retreat on the south of HZ

Ambiance Suites Cancun – Clean in town hotel great for a cheap overnight stay when needed

Getting There

Getting to Cancun or Tulum is relatively straightforward.

Cancun

Cancun has been on the tourist radar for decades now and has a popular and busy international airport only 20 minutes away from the Hotel Zone. Flights to Cancun tend to be cheap and plentiful from most North America, South American and European countries. Local buses are easy to jump on and off and taxis are everywhere plus ride sharing sites like Uber also exist.

Tulum

Tulum opened their very own international airport recently (Tulum Airport (TQO) | Felipe Carrillo Puerto Airport). However there are only a fraction of flights currently landing compared to Cancun, so if choosing Tulum, realize that you might be forced to land in Cancun and have to drive or take a bus or shuttle service (approximately 2 hrs from Cancun airport).

There’s a train route under construction from Cancun to Tulum, called the Tren Maya, which is sometimes referred to as the Mayan Train or Maya Train. The current projection is that the Cancun to Tulum route will be open in June 2024, but there’s a solid possibility of delays, so make sure it’s running if you plan to use it to get down to Tulum for your stay.

Taxis are easy enough to find though collectivos (small van-like local buses) are more the norm there for farther jaunts. Of course, both cities have good long distance ADO buses that can get you anywhere in the peninsula and even down to Belize or central Mexico.

Cancun or Tulum, Both Are Awesome

Whether you choose Cancun or Tulum, both destinations promise an unforgettable escape to the Riviera Maya. We’ve had amazing experiences in both places both with our kids and without and tend to call the Riviera Maya our unofficial second home. We’re excited to see how the new international airport in Tulum and the new Yucatan train changes both the landscape and the possibilities in the region. but time will tell if the train helps or hinders the areas it’s opening up.

In either case, you can’t go wrong with either location as the beaches are beautiful, the food is delicious and the people are welcoming.

What you may not realize is the Riviera Maya and Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula itself also contain dense jungles and some of the best cenotes you’ll find anywhere in the world.

What’s a cenote?

Since limestone bedrock can be found all across the Mayan Riviera, over the years many of these areas of porous rock have formed into underground rivers. These freshwater underground rivers usually form caverns of crystal clear water as the limestone filters and purifies the water naturally.

Eventually, many of these caverns have collapsed and have opened themselves up to the sky, ready to be explored. These limestone sinkholes are called cenotes and there are literally thousands of them found across this Mexico region, with new ones still being found today in the Riviera Maya.

What this means for you, is that no matter where you go in the Mayan Riviera, you’ll likely find one of these inviting cenotes to spend your day. Whether you’re there just to swim, jump off the surrounding cliffs or even there to go snorkelling and scuba diving in, cenotes offer a great way to explore the Riviera Maya’s hidden world away from the beach.

Coming from the Mayan word “dzonot” or “tsonot,” which essentially translates to “well” in English, cenotes (pronounced “say-no-tays”) also hold a historical value to the region. The ancient Mayans realized that these large wells could supply enough freshwater to sustain entire villages and even larger ancient cities like Chichen Itza relied on cenotes to survive.

Some of these pools were considered sacred and everything from gold to jade to gorgeous mother of pearl jewelry have been found over the years including the bones from ancient sacrifices the Mayans did to procure a bountiful season. While the sacred pools remain closed and have been preserved, the rest of the Riviera Maya’s cenotes are open for visitors.

Types of Cenotes in Riviera Maya

There are essentially four types of cenotes found in Riviera Maya. This includes open air cenotes, semi-open cenotes, cave or semi-closed cenotes and underground cenotes.

Open air cenotes tend to resemble small ponds or lakes with the vast majority of the water easily accessible. Though they can often have steep sides, they’re fairly common to find and offer ease of access vs the other cenote styles. These are best for families as everything is within site and access to the water is usually the easiest.

Semi-open cenotes are cenotes with rocky overhangs. Often a good portion of the cenote is considered open air with corners that are partially blocked from the sky. They tend to feature darker areas that are fun to explore with snorkeling gear. Generally they’re fine for families as well.

Cave cenotes are typically cenotes with a small hole leading to the sky. It is often darker while swimming here and you often need to take a ladder to get down to the water itself. Not recommended for smaller children, they probably feature some of the best high diving you’ll find if you’re an adventure seeker.

Underground cenotes are exactly as they sound. These flooded cenotes are closed off from above and can only be explored by scuba diving and usually only with a knowledgeable guide. Also only recommended for expert cavers.

Why visit a cenote in Riviera Maya?

While sun and sand make for a great vacation, sometimes it’s nice to check out something new. With cenotes found near most of the major areas in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, getting to one often only takes a short trip. Some are also adjacent to popular archive sites or make a great stop when visiting other areas of the peninsula.

So, if exploring crystal clear, freshwater pools in a naturally formed limestone setting sounds like a perfect day away from the salt and sand of the Mayan Riviera (it really is), read on as we take a look at the best cenotes in Riviera Maya.

Cenote Cristalino

Cenote Cristalino is one of the first cenotes our family ever explored in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. Interestingly, Cenote Cristalino is also one of the first cenote posts we ever wrote on this site back in 2010 so it still holds a special place in our hearts.

Just a stones throw away from Playa Del Carmen (10 km south of Playacar proper) and an easy taxi ride to get there, it’s not as popular as some of the bigger cenotes on this list however we’ve always enjoyed the times we’ve visited it. Almost across the road from Barcelo Maya Beach All Inclusive, it’s few open clear water pools complete with nibbling minnows make it an inviting cenote to visit.

It’s also less touristy than many of this list as the area is less developed. The last time we were there a few years ago, it also hadn’t been bought out by a bigger company so it still maintains a rustic charm. You can find a place to buy snacks and changing rooms exist on site. There’s a small daily fee to get in.

Cenote Azul

Cenote Azul is a nice open cenote that appeals to families and those looking for a relaxing day out. Its shallow areas are perfect for children, while deeper sections satisfy snorkelers and those wanting to swim a few laps. The surrounding rock formations offer spots to jump from for the more adventurous visitors.

Walking distance from Cenote Cristalino, it offers more services such as showers and restrooms. There is a small fee to use the services there however it’s only a 10 minute ride from Playa Del Carmen so makes for an easy getaway if you’re staying in the region.

Cenote Dos Ojos

One of the most famous cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula, Cenote Dos Ojos, or “Two Eyes Cenote,” boasts two connected sinkholes resembling a pair of eyes. Its crystal-clear waters and extensive underwater cave system make it a paradise for snorkelers and especially divers as it features an fairly extensive labyrinth of flooded caves to explore. The light filtering through the openings also creates a magical atmosphere, perfect for underwater photography.

The day we went to Cenote Dos Ojos, we saw many more divers than swimmers. Since the water in this luminescent blue cenote can be quite deep, it’s definitely not geared towards younger families though ours were fine with the lifejackets we brought that day and the cave portion is quite cool to see.

Geared more towards divers that swimmers, there are changing rooms, bathrooms, lockers for rent and even a restaurant on site. Cenote Dos Ojos can be found approximately 22km (13 miles) north of Tulum on Carretera 307.

Gran Cenote

A short 10 min drive from Tulum proper up QROO 109, Gran Cenote is a semi-open cenote surrounded by lush vegetation. Its clear, turquoise waters are home to turtles and small fish, making it an excellent spot for snorkeling. Numerous wooden platforms and stairs provide easy access for swimming and soaking up the serene beauty of this natural pool.

While it’s much quieter than Doj Ojos, Gran Cenote is a bit more friendly towards families and is a quick trip from Tulum. There are open caves you can easily swim into and lots of the cenote bottoms have sand you can stand on. While you can’t stay right by the water, you can spread out above the cenote area. As the name implies, Gran Cenote itself is quite large.

One of the biggest draws to Gran Cenote in Maya Riviera are the turtles and the short distance to Tulum. There are showers, bathrooms, lockers and even hammocks you can use. Day fees at Gran Cenote are around the 200 peso range.

Cenote Zacil Ha

Just down the road from Gran Cenote, Cenote Zacil Ha is another cenote favorite for those staying Tulum. Cenote Zacil Ha features a very open air feeling and even includes a small zipline you can use to get into the long pool.

Cenote Zacil Ha makes a great (and cheap) refreshing stop when returning from the popular Coba archeological site. At under 100 pesos, it features bathrooms and changing rooms.

Cenote Aktun-Ha

Another cenote close to Tulum and just a few hundred meters from Cenote Zacil Ha, Cenote Aktun-Ha (“water cave”) is a very large open air cenote in Riviera Maya. It also nicknamed Cenote Carwash as the local taxi drivers used to use the water to wash their vehicles.

With plenty of turtles and fish in the cenote, it has a maximum depth of around 18m or 60ft so you’ll see the occasional diver down below as well. There are restrooms, changing rooms and platforms you can use to access the water. It also features a 10ft (3M) diving platform

Cenote Ik Kil

Located near the very cool and popular Chichén Itzá, Cenote Ik Kil is an open-air cenote with dramatic vine-covered cliffs and cascading waterfalls. The circular shape of this cenote and the hanging roots reaching down towards the water surface create a mystical vibe.

It’s a popular spot, so consider visiting early in the morning to avoid crowds or stay for a few days at one of the cabins on site. Cenote Ik Kil includes bathrooms, change rooms and even has a restaurant on site. Prices are in 100 Peso range for adults and 50 Peso for children.

Cenote Zací

While not in Riviera Maya itself, located in the heart of Valladolid, Cenote Zací is a semi-open cenote that offers a convenient break from city exploration. Its massive open cave features a small island with lush vegetation in the center, and its waters are home to rare eyeless black fish. The on-site restaurant provides a unique dining experience with views of the cenote.

Located between Cancun and Chichen Itza, Cenote Zaci is also a great stop if you’re exploring the ruins that day and want to cool off before driving the rest of the way back to Cancun. Though the waters in this cenote aren’t the clearest, swimming in the giant cavern of Cenote Zaci is an unforgettable experience. It has bathrooms, changing rooms and a restaurant on site. Prices are around 60 pesos for adults and 30 pesos for children.

 Cenote Escondido (Mayan Blue) and Cenote Cristal

Cenote Escondido, nicknamed Mayan Blue by the locals, and Cenote Cristal are both large, open-air cenotes close to Tulum. Both feature jungle settings as well as have cliff jumping (12ft or 4m) and a rope swing.

These 2 cenotes are both owned by the same company and are right next to each other. Both offer ample parking, toilets, showers and changing rooms. Each cenote costs 150 Pesos as an entry fee. If having to decide between one or the other, most people recommend Cenote Escondido over Cenote Cristal. With more area to explore, Cenote Escondido is bigger, and almost feels like you’re swimming in a river than a typical cenote.

Tips for Visiting Cenotes in Riviera Maya

• Bring Eco-Friendly Sunscreen: To protect the delicate ecosystem of the cenotes, use biodegradable sunscreen however note that many cenote owners strongly discourage any sunscreen at all to minimize the impact lotions have on the system.
• Wear Water Shoes: Many cenotes have rocky bottoms, so water shoes can help protect your feet.
• Bring Mask and Snorkel: While many sites offer snorkel rentals, the quality can be suspect and paying for each use can add up over time. Better to bring your own and, if space is tight in your bag, leave the flippers at home and just bring along your mask and snorkel.
• Respect the Environment: Keep the cenotes clean by not leaving any trash behind. Each cenote is a natural wonderland complete with a delicate ecosystem. Make sure to minimize your footprint when visiting.
• Check for Entrance Fees: Most cenotes charge an entrance fee, which is used for maintenance and preservation.
• Make sure you don’t get scammed: The most expensive cenotes charge up to 150 pesos for an adult but many charge only 50 or 60 per person.
• Leave valuables at home: Small theft around certain cenotes is a problem. Leave your valuables at the hotel or rent a locker on site if you have things you don’t want walking away.
• Extra costs for cameras and drones: A few companies have realized they can have an upcharge for people bringing in costly cameras and drones and have decided to charge extra for it. Depending on the cenote, the costs can equal the entrance fee. If you don’t need it, leave it behind.

Whether you’re an avid cave diver, a snorkeling enthusiast, a cliff jumper or simply looking for a picturesque spot to relax, the cenotes of the Riviera Maya offer something for everyone. Each cenote has its unique charm, inviting visitors to explore the hidden treasures of the Yucatan’s underground world.

With something unique to see at each cenote, from stalactites and stalagmites to colorful turtles and even more colorful fish, you’ll never get a chance to experience such a large array of cenotes anywhere else on the planet.

We’ve written dozens of articles about Mexico over the years and often consider the Riviera Maya and Playa Del Carmen to be our second home.

Over the years, we’ve spent many months in and around Cancun, and have done just about everything there is to do.

Cancun is best known for beautiful beaches and great nightlife, but there are plenty of fun cultural things, family fun, and there’s even great food.

Cancun, found in Mexico’s Mayan Riviera, is an area of beautiful beaches, stunning scenery and is teeming with a range of activities.

Some of our fondest memories of Cancun include lazy afternoons on the beach, mornings exploring cenotes and Mayan ruins with visiting friends, and sunny days snorkeling as a family in underwater wildlife sanctuaries and visiting eco-theme parks.

We loved spending evenings watching amazing shows, hanging with the locals downtown on Sundays, spending warm days in parks and cooler days in malls, as well as going to far flung restaurants all along the coast and even over to Cozumel.

We’re even so enamored with Mexico’s beautiful gulf coast that we’ve seriously considered buying property in Mexico on numerous occasions. Once the kids are on their own, Mexico’s Mayan Riviera area will likely be our winter home. We’re also always one click away from hopping on a plane to Cancun any time we see a hint of snow here in Canada.

With all that said, we’ve discovered more than a few of the best things to do in Cancun, Mexico, along with the Mayan Riviera. Let us know which ones are your personal favorites!

Best things to do in Cancun Mexico

Hit the beaches

It might seem obvious, but if you’re visiting Cancun, you’re likely here for the miles and miles of beautiful white sand beach and warm azure waters. Before all the other once sleepy fishing beaches along the coast followed suit, Cancun was welcoming visitors from all around the world to enjoy its 14 miles of pristine paradise. It’s not hard to see why – you can be on a beach within the hour of landing in Cancun airport and taking a shuttle to your hotel.

The most popular beaches in Cancun include Playa Delfines (Dolphin Beach), Playa Forum, Playa Caracol, Playa Chac Mool, Playa Tortuga and Playa Del Nino. Generally, the waves are calmer on the northern side of the Hotel Zone, and the powder soft sand in Cancun can’t be beat.

There’s been a dramatic increase in the amount of sargassum (seaweed) on the beaches in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum in the last couple of years, and it looks like it might be here to stay. At best, it’s a mild annoyance, but at worst it’s a stinky mat that can make beaches unusable. That said, you should be able to avoid a lot of the sargassum if you visit a resort with a groomed beach. If not, then check sargassum beach conditions via this sargassum tracker.

Playa Delfines is a beautiful spot nestled away from the bustle of the regions many hotels. Located at km 20 of the Hotel Zone, and home to the always busy Cancun sign you see in every other selfie coming out of Cancun, there are also many amenities, water sport rentals and a playground for kids here. You’ll find the iconic Cancun sign here, making it a perfect spot for a selfie.

Playa Tortuga and Playa Del Nino are two family favorites since they’re on the far northern reach of the hotel strip. Both are protected by Isla Mujeres meaning the water is some of the calmest in Cancun – great for the little ones.

Playa Forum, situated at the northeasterly tip of hotel row, is famous for its party scene. While nearby Playa Chac Mool (Chac Mool Beach) has a nice set of free palapas to hide from the afternoon sun. The water at both places can be pretty rough, so make sure to watch the flags and lifeguards are letting people in the water.

Playa Caracol, slightly north and around the corner of Playa Forum, is another popular beach in Cancun. There aren’t a lot of amenities, but it’s a great place to stretch out on the public beach.

Note: All beaches are public in Mexico so you can walk anywhere along them. However, getting from the street to the water or finding parking can sometimes be a hassle. Most of the beaches in Cancun have hotels with private loungers set up everywhere, however you’re always free to pay for a seat in one of the many beach clubs or just drop a towel anywhere you want to be. They can’t stop you.

Go deep sea fishing

Cancun is a great jumping off point for deep sea fishing, with tons of options from which to choose. There’s always something biting no matter the season in Cancun, with Atlantic Sailfish, Blue and White Marlins, Grouper, Wahoo, Tuna and Red Snapfish all calling the waters around Cancun home. If you’re interested in deep sea fishing in Cancun, check out this  handy chart to let you know which fish is in season.

Take a day trip to Isla Mujeres

The closest of Cancun’s neighboring islands, Isla Mujeres is only a 15 minute ferry ride away, but it feels like another world, with roads filled with golf carts, smaller beaches and quaint eateries strewn about the island.

Journey to Isla Mujeres in the morning, and then rent a golf cart and drive the entire length of the island checking out the turtle sanctuary, Mayan ruins, some of the nicest ocean side cliffs in Mexico, as well as some unique snorkeling. Or experience the islands on a exhilarating zip line or a watercraft that circles the island to gain a unique and fun view.

Here’s a great place to start your travels – Book ferry from Cancun to Isla Mujeres!

If you’re looking for an activity park, plenty of visitors to Isla Mujeres stop by Garrafon Park. There’s a zip line, swimming pool, snorkeling, restaurants and kayaks here. We haven’t made it to Garrafon ourselves, but we’ve stopped our golf cart by the side of the road to watch people on the zip lines at Garrafon. It looks like a lot of fun!

We usually take an hour and visit Punta Sur, on the tip of Isla Mujeres, wich has a lighthouse & large sculptures on a path overlooking the ocean.

You can check out this post on things to do in Isla Mujeres for more hints on what to do once you get there.

Swim with Whale Sharks

Thirty foot long whale sharks migrate past Cancun from early June to mid-September. The whale shark is the largest known fish in existence, and are filter feeders that feed almost exclusively on plankton and small fishes.

There are several tour operators who will take you, and most tours visit nearby Isla Holbox to see the sharks.

Visit Isla Contoy

Only 200 visitors a day are allowed to this protected National Park and Ecological reserve. Isla Contoy is uninhabited, and boasts stunning blue green waters and great snorkeling. You’ll need to take a tour to visit.

Go shopping

With Cancun’s gorgeous temperatures, why would you want to hit a mall? Well, besides for the occasional rainy day, and when that sunburn takes hold and you just can’t handle another hour in the sun, Cancun is accustomed to its global visitors boasting a ton of international shops to accommodate them.

As well as high end malls like Plaza Las Americas, La Isla Shopping Village and Luxury Avenue Cancun, there are outlet malls like Las Plazas Outlet Cancun, as well as handicraft stores like Ambarte, which feature gorgeous locally made hand crafted items. For the thrifty, or those looking for unusual finds, there are also plenty of flea markets and local handicraft markets all around Cancun.

As far as local markets go, Mercado 28 flea market is a fun visit. If you’re looking for local produce, cheese and meat, Mercado 23 is your place.

El Centro (Downtown Cancun)

El Centro (Downtown Cancun) is an entirely different world than the Hotel Zone.

Downtown is where you’ll find Mercado 28, the Malecon Americas Shopping Center, as well as Parque Las Palapas, which is Cancun’s main plaza complete with food carts, playgrounds and a stage. Avenida Tulum is the main street.

We’ve visited downtown Cancun as a family several times, and even stayed in a hotel in the Centro, and were totally comfortable there. That said, use the same precautions you would if you were visiting any new city, and check any current travel warnings. It has many familiar food locations like Subway, McDonald’s, Hooters and more.

Myan Museum of Cancun

The Museo Maya de Cancún y Zona Arqueológica de San Miguelito, or Myan Museum of Cancun, is a spot of culture in Cancun.

The museum houses a nice collection of Mayan archaeological artifacts and has ruins on site as well. It’s a sleek, modern, air conditioned building. Most descriptions are in Spanish, but some are in English.

You can visit from 9:00 to 6:00, but doors close at 5:30. Admission is 75 pesos.

Go snorkeling or scuba diving

Want to get away from the beaches, but love being in the water? Cancun offers snorkeling and scuba diving trips right from the town center. Most head out towards Isla Mujeres while some go south towards Playa del Carmen. With warm clear blue waters, it’s easy to spot fish and coral.

Looking for more tours and activities? There are many things to do in Playa del Carmen. Snorkel at secret lagoons of the Yucatán Peninsula and swim with turtles. Take a scuba diving lesson in Riviera Maya and explore the deep limestone sinkholes known as cenotes. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, swim alongside whale sharks or blue sharks on Playa del Carmen coast.

If you want something a little different, consider going scuba diving to the MUSA Underwater Sculpture Museum in Isla Mujeres. This is the largest underwater museum in the world, and seeing fish and coral make their homes among the hundreds of works of art is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Take a catamaran cruise

Prefer the water topside? There are plenty of ways to get out on the ocean that don’t involve getting your feet wet. Taking a catamaran cruise is one idea. There are plenty of boats to choose from family friendly boats to party boats. There’s even a pirate cruise featuring a live action pirate adventure. Most Cancun boat cruises include meals and alcohol so it’s up to you to decide if the party booze cruise, the family cruise or if a always romantic sunset cruise is more your speed.

Photo by Shinya Suzuki

Party the night away at Coco Bongo and enjoy Cancun’s wild nightlife

Love to party? Cancun is generally regarded as the party capital of the Mayan Riviera and as such it has a thriving night scene. From wild shows and antics at Cancun’s Coco Bongo’s to early morning nachos and cervezas at Carlos and Charlie’s there’s surely something in Cancun for the night time party animal. Cancun really gets wild during college Spring Break so if madness and mayhem are your thing, then book accordingly.

While Coco Bongo is definitely the most iconic of Cancun’s nightlife, there are plenty of other hotspots like Forum By The Sea, The City, and Daddy o’s Nightclub. Cuncrawl gets pretty good ratings if you’re looking for a nightclub crawl.

You legally need to be 18 years old to drink alcohol in Cancun.

Visit Señor Frogs

Yes, we know it’s touristy and expensive. But there’s no denying that Señor Frogs is a Cancun institution. If you lean into it, Señor Frogs can be a really fun time!

Rent a jet boat in Cancun

Catamaran not fast enough for you? Then maybe you want to rent a jet boat in Cancun and go on a jungle expedition. There are several companies in Cancun that rent two seater speed boats and take you on a follow the guide, hold onto your hat and ride with mad dashes through mangrove lagoons and rivers. You’ll also get a chance to snorkel along a gorgeous coral reef. We haven’t done this one yet, but rest assured it is on our list.

Ventura Park Cancun

Fans of amusement parks and families with children will enjoy a day in Ventura Park.

The facility is made of seven different worlds and provides free meals and beverages for the visitors.

Visitors keen on adventure can go zip lining, fans of water activities can enjoy the water slide park, the Fun World offers entertainment for the kids, the Grand Prix surprises with a spectacular go-kart track, the Underworld gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy Virtual Reality.

Captain Hook Cancun

Captain Hook Cancun is a dinner cruise and pirate show featuring three 18th century Spanish galleon replicas. We haven’t visited this one ourselves, but it gets pretty good ratings.

There are lobster, steak, chicken and even vegetarian options, with prices ranging from $75 to $95 for adults, which includes dinner and the show.

Take the Columbus Lobster Dinner Cruise

The Columbus Lobster Dinner Cruise makes the most of Cancun’s magical atmosphere, adding a romantic vibe and fresh local food.

The ship sails the Nichupte Lagoon and sunset serves as a romantic backdrop for a romantic lobster dinner with the wine and soothing music.

Swim in the closest cenotes to Cancun

Generally, most of the nearby cenotes start in Puero Moralas, and run down the coast. We’ve listed a couple of the cenotes that are closest to Cancun here, along with a couple of our favorites and don’t miss cenotes near Cancun.

Cenote Park

There’s a small cenote at Cenote Park in Cancun itself. We won’t swim there because people often throw garbage in the cenote, and it’s small with little water. That said Cenote Park itself is fairly nice. There’s a small playground, lots of vegetation, and some nice paths. We suggest traveling outside of Cancun to visit a cenote.

Cenote La Noria

La Noria is a deep cenote that’s close to Puerto Morelos. It’s great for diving, and also has a run cave swing, and a floating platform.

Verde Lucero

Verde Lucero is an open cenote, meaning that it’s easy to access from a central pool like cenote. There are small caves off to the side, and a zipline and cliff for jumping.

Cenote Azul

Cenote Azul is one of the best known cenotes for Cancun visitors. It’s close to Playa del Carmen, with crystal clear water and even a cliff jump.

While you’re there, stop by the beautiful Cenote Cristalino and Cenote El Edén, which are both nearby.

Ik Kil Cenote

If you research cenotes on Instagram, Ik Kil is likely the image you’ll see most often. It’s a spectacular view from the top, with a view of a deep hole surrounded by vines.

The downside is that it’s often overwhelmingly busy, especially as it’s popular with tours.

Cenote Dos Oyos

Cenote dos Oyos is closer to Tulum than Cancun, making it a bit of a drive. That said, dos Oyos is one of our favorites. It’s a beautiful, crystal clear cenote with plenty of fish. We’ve only snorkeled and swam there, but dos Ojos is famous for underwater caves that draw SCUBA divers year round.

Take an ATV tour

If you’re outdoor adventure minded, then an ATV tour in the jungles outside Cancun may be perfect for you.

Most ATV tours from Cancun include (optional) zip lining, a cenote swim, and lunch.

El Rey Archaeological Zone

The El Rey Archaeological Zone is in the heart of the Hotel Zone in Cancun. There are 47 buildings here that date to about 250 A.D, with a pyramid shaped temple. El Ray is close to the beach and famous CANCUN sign you’ll see on social media.

There’s not a lot of signage, but you’ll see plenty of iguanas and the location in the hotel zone is incredibly convenient. It costs 55 pesos (kids under 11 are free), and most people can see the entire site in about an hour.

If you’re going in the middle of the day, bring water, sunscreen and a hat as it can get quite hot.

El Meco Archaeological Site

Most tourists miss El Meco Archaeological Site, which is a short half hour taxi ride from the Hotel Zone. Like the El Rey Archaeological Zone, there’s a central pyramid and plenty of iguanas. However, because El Meco is further from the Hotel Zone, it’s much quieter than El Ray.

You can see almost everything in about an hour, and it’s much less crowded than El Ray, or Chitzen Itza.

The Interactive Aquarium Cancun

The Interactive Aquarium Cancun is one of Cancun’s most popular family attractions. You’ll find almost 2,000 aquatic species here. The aquarium is inside La Isla Shopping Mall.

Click here to read a helpful article from the Dodo that gives some of the reasons we never recommend swimming with dolphins.

Xoximilco

Xoximilco is a park designed by Xcaret. When you visit, you’ll journey through canals on Mexican gondolas, enjoy traditional music, get a taste of traditional cuisine and tequila.

Kids are welcome, but many of the river boat games are geared to adults.

See Xoximilco prices and buy tickets here.

Take a Tequila tasting

Many tours from Cancun include a tequila tasting, or stop by La Destilleria restaurant, where you can sample 3 types of tequila.

Things to do outside of Cancun

We’ve done almost everything there is to do in this part of the Yucatan, from enjoying the beaches of Cancun with the kids, golf carting around Isla Mujeres, and walking along Quinta Avenida in Playa Del Carmen, to swimming with turtles in Akumal, wandering the ruins down in Tulum, and crossing over to the lovely city of Merida. The list goes on.

A favorite of ours was when we took a ferry to Cozumel, and a bus then a high-speed ferry to Belize. All of these paradises originating from the Cancun and Playa Del Carmen area.

With so much happening all along the Mayan Riviera, limiting yourself to just staying in Cancun will mean you’re missing some of the best things to do on this side of Mexico. Playa del Carmen is only a forty minute drive from Cancun and even Tulum can be easily reached for a day trip.

Of course, you have the pyramids of Chichen Itza, the island of Cozumel, swimming with turtles down in Akumal and dozens of cenotes within easy reach of Cancun as well.

If you like the comfort of knowing when you’re starting and when you’re returning on your excursions, there are hundreds of day tours available that will get you to where you want to be and save you the hassle of figuring it all out for yourself.

If you want to jump on one of the nice long distance buses or even one of the ridiculously cheap local buses, you can do that too. We’ve also rented cars to tour the peninsula and have taken both collectivos (local mini buses) as well as taxis on many occasions.

Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is a complex of ruins that date back to the Mayan civilization, and one of the most popular day trips from Cancun.

Chichen Itza’s pre-Columbian ruins are remains of what was once one of the largest, most developed cities in the region. The ruins have been restored now occupy around five square kilometers.

The site attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, especially on the days of the equinoxes, when the site shows its most mysterious face.

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve UNESCO World Heritage Site

Nature lovers will love a trip to the 120,000-hectare Sian Ka’an Biosphere reserve. It’s a UNESCO site that lets outdoor enthusiasts visit tropical forests, mangroves, even the barrier reef. Visitors report sightings of birds, jaguars, ocelots, pumas as well as marine wildlife like sea turtles and hundreds of fish species.

Valladolid

Valladolid is a smaller city that’s rich in local culture and history, combined with natural attractions. The city’s atmosphere is vibrant and cozy at the same time.

Take time to visit colonial era cathedrals and convents, piazzas with friendly restaurants and bars, or natural sites like Cenote Zaci.

Cenote Zaci is in the middle of town, and it’s walking distance from the main plaza. There are small cliffs you can jump off of, and crystal clear water for swimming.

In the city itself, a local mercado makes shopping a unique experience.

Visit Tulum

Tulum is quickly becoming one of the hottest destinations for Cuncun day trippers. Tulum is arguably best know for its long stretches of white sand, Instagram-worthy scenery, and relaxed beach vibe.

One thing I’ve never loved about Tulum is that the main highway winds through the town, dividing the town from the beach. That said, it’s still a fun place to visit, with plenty of beach bars, restaurants and small shops to keep you busy.

The Myan ruins in Tulum, while much smaller than Chitzen Itza and others nearby, are definitely blessed with the most beautiful setting over the clear Caribben sea. See how our day visiting the ruins in Tulum went here.

Quick recap of some of the best things to do outside Cancun

Looking for things to do in Cancun with kids? Check out this post we wrote about things to do in Cancun with kids, or things to do in Cancun on a budget.

Some of our favorite things to do just outside Cancun include:

• Visiting the popular Xcaret eco theme park (see our Xcaret review here)
  • Save on Xcaret tickets here.
• Exploring the newly opened Xenses park (See our Xenses review here)
  • See Xenses ticket prices here.
• Swimming with turtles in Akumal (see our guide on how to swimn with endangered sea turtles in Akumal)
• Taking the ferry to Cozumel (see things to do in Cozumel here)
• Going for breakfast in Puerto Morelos (see how we fared on our day trip to Puerto Moralesere)
• Just hanging with the locals in Playa Del Carmen (read about our love for Playa Del Carmen here).

Have we missed anything? If you think there should be something added to our list of things to do in Cancun Mexico please let us know in the comments.

After checking it out for ourselves, we can definitely say it’s not just for kids, however there are a lot of things for children to discover here. I can also guarantee that by the end of the day you’ll be questioning your perceptions as the park challenges all of your senses.

Tip! We found the cheapest ticket prices for Xenses on the Xenses website, where you can find tickets for about 10% off gate admission.

See Xenses prices here.

You see, as part of the Xcaret family of eco-parks, the designers of the Xenses Xcaret park wanted something a little more out there than what their other parks, namely Xcaret (check out our Xcaret review), Xplor Fuego and Xel-Ha offer.

Sure, there’s a zip line and water slide at Xenses, but that’s about all Xenses and the other parks have in common. You see, Xenses isn’t just about filling your adrenaline needs, it’s about opening up your body and mind to everything around you.

They say that by the time you’re done at Xenses you’ll be a Xensei or a master of your senses. I’m not sure about that, but if you’re curious to know more, read on for our thoughts and a full Xenses review of Xenses park in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

Where is Xenses

Tucked just across the driveway from Xcaret, the Xenses park is around 10 minutes south of Playa Del Carmen in Mexico’s Riviera Maya and about 50 minutes south of Cancun. Compared to the older, more mature parks of the Xcaret family, Xenses still hasn’t hit its stride yet, however that’s a good thing if you don’t like big crowds.

Looking for some fun things to do closer to Cancun? Check out our mega list of the best things to do in Cancun for all ages, our things to do in Cancun with kids, and our things to do in Cancun on a budget.

Our Playa Del Carmen taxi driver didn’t even know where it was exactly. Luckily, we’d spent the day at Xcaret the day before (read our latest review of Xcaret here), and saw a bunch of Xenses signs as we pulled into Xcaret, so we just told our driver to go towards Xcaret and follow the signs to Xenses. That said, the park is so new that it’s to be expected, and I’m sure it’ll be a popular place for those looking for alternatives to the more adventure aimed themed parks in the area.

A half day excursion

Another notable difference between Xenses and most of the other parks is the other parks are all day long events. In the case of Xcaret, it’s a very, very long day when you factor in the late show espectacular. Xenses, on the other hand, can easily be done in four or five hours, so it still gives you lots of time to hit the beaches in Playa Del Carmen or even check out a cenote or two. It’s also priced less than the other parks in the Xcaret family so it’s also a little easier on the wallet.

Exploring your senses at Xenses

As you can probably guess, the whole inspiration for Xenses is to explore all the senses, with a strong emphasis on touch, sight, sounds and smell. The taste aspect comes into play when you check out their lunch and snack area and stop for food, but I’ll get back to that in a bit.

As you walk into Xenses, you’ll see the main building is circular in design with exhibits, the exits to the other areas, and even the lockers in a confusing spiral of directions. They call this area the Pinwheel and you’ll understand the term as soon as you see it for yourself.

Each section blends into the next and it’s very easy to get turned around. If you get lost, don’t worry, they want and expect you to get turned around here. Luckily, there are plenty of helpful guides in every area of the park whose sole job is to help point you in the right direction.

Lockers are included

Another similarity to the other parks in the area is that chances are very high that you’re going to get wet while checking out Xenses. It’s possible you can enjoy some of what the park offers without donning a bathing suit, however if you really want to get your money’s worth, a bathing suit (and, ideally, water shoes) are a good idea.

Tip! Don’t forget your water proof camera or water proof cell phone bag if you want to capture some memories of your day here. If you don’t want to take a camera, opting for their photo package might be a good idea but I’ll talk about that towards the end of this post.

When you first get your ticket, you’ll be issued a few things for your time there. One is a locker key, another is a wristband, and the final is a little waterproof fob that goes on your wrist. The locker room in Xenses is accessible from the main hall in the Pinwheel.

Note: The locker areas are communal and the male and female change room/washrooms are to the left and right of the locker rooms. I only say this since we saw a little more skin in the shared locker area than we expected to that morning, so please don’t change in the shared locker rooms.

The Main Hall – The Pinwheel

As I already mentioned, when you first enter Xenses, you’ll find yourself in the main hall called the Pinwheel. While you’re still dry, now’s not a bad time to check out all the crazy exhibits here. There are a dozen or so rooms for you to wander around, through or over. You’ll find everything from standing in a dry swimming pool while water flows overhead to upside down rooms to rooms so filled with lights and color you’re not sure where the walls and floors end.

I don’t want to spoil all the surprises but rest assured your perceptions will be tested and you’ll be delighted by a few of the halls. You might find others a little underwhelming without pretty specific camera placement for you to get the full effect and this leads me to our next section.

Cameras at Xenses

You’re fully allowed and encouraged to bring your own waterproof camera to Xenses (we brought our GoPro for the water activities) and the gift shop even sells see-through waterproof cases for your cellphones so you can keep them with you throughout your stay, however a lot of the exhibits require pretty specific camera placement to the get the full effect of the room.

Fortunately, the designers at Xenses understood this and there are dozens (if not hundreds) of cameras found throughout Xenses. This is where the wristband fob I mentioned comes in. Just place your unique fob over the specially marked sign and look at the camera wherever it may be hiding. You have about three seconds before the camera flashes to get your pose on.

All your pictures from the day get saved to their network and the nice part about this is you can check out your pictures anytime at one of the hundreds of huge TV’s adorning the park. We used this system the whole day as well as took our own pictures as we went.

The nice thing is you don’t need to purchase the pictures if you don’t want to but the kids loved setting off the camera in each zone and I think our daughter Jordan had a few hundred herself by the end of the day. Each person gets their own wrist fob however all the pictures of the group are available as a bundle deal if you want to purchase them at the end. We never priced out all the packages however I think you can get a USB stick with all your combined memories of the day for under the $100 mark.

Important tip! You can save about half off the photopass if you buy your photopass online on the Xenses website. When we looked, you could add on the photopass for $58 USD when you buy your park tickets. Even better, one photopass includes all photos of a group up to 10 people who are registered at the same purchase.

The lockers and bathroom

After you check out all the rooms off the Pinwheel in the main hall, it’s time to head to the lockers to throw on your swimming suit. True to the spirit of Xenses, even the trip to the lockers was a shock to the system. To get to them you have to walk through a dizzying spinning crossway that even I, with a decent sense of balance, had a hard time getting through without almost falling over. Micki, who’s prone to car sickness, just looked at it, shouted “Hell No!”, closed her eyes and walked through it while holding the railing.

Once inside the communal locker room, we found an amusing collection of central sinks with curved mirrors and odd contraptions from a toilet bowl water fountain to mock toilets. The locker room itself is a playful area, with fake peek-a-boo slits in the stalls to giant half-bottomed statues that also work as seats.

The kids really loved this area, and there are also private shower stalls in each male and female wing as well as family change rooms. You can come back to this area at any point during your stay at Xenses.

Xensatorium

The first real attraction at Xenses is the Xensatorium. In the ads they’re very secretive about what exactly it is, however I’ll give you a hint. Imagine walking through a very, very long tunnel without a speck of light, while your other senses get turned up to about a thousand. If you ever wanted to experience the four corners of the world with just your sense of touch, hearing and smell then you’ll definitely love this area.

IMPORTANT: If you’re afraid of the dark, or claustrophobic, think hard and long before you head into here. Seeing that Jordan is only eight, I stayed with her and there were more than a few times when I had to convince her to keep going. Cole on the other hand, at 11, blazed through it and loved it so much he wanted to go again.

If you run into trouble, there are also infra red cameras placed throughout the Xensatorium and if you ever feel the need for help, you can just need to raise your hand and staff will be there in moments. Jordan and I had a moment of indecision and staff appeared before we even had the chance to raise our hand.

I will say that it was a unique experience and the walk through the beautiful lighted cenote cave system, the Eden, on the way out should make even those afraid of the dark willing to brave it just for that part. It’s a fairly long twisting route through a semi open cave with plenty of spots to take a picture, regroup with your fiends and check out the parrots.

To get the full effect of the Xensatorium, they recommend that you take off your water shoes/sandals to be able to really feel your way through it all. Cole, Jordan and I took ours off however, Micki chose to keep them on. We both say that our way was better, so feel free to do whichever you feel comfortable with. There is a bit of a walk to get through it all, however the floors were easy on the feet.

Tip! Remember to grab your shoes from the two way lockers that are next to the washrooms on your way out from the Xensatorium. (We forgot to grab ours and I had to run back through to grab them again.)

Once you’re through the Xensatorium, it’s a bit of a walk back to the Pinwheel so make sure you grab a few glasses of lemonade in the Xitric Gardens. It seems that at Xenses, lemonade comes directly from the tree and it’s tasty and free so enjoy!

Crooked Town

As the old rhyme goes, there once was a crooked man and he walked a crooked mile. Well, the beautifully recreated old Mexican town of Townville in Xenses must have been designed for him. After figuring out how to get to the town (I’ll give you a hint, look for the beating heart of Xenses back in the Pinwheel), and walking through a waterfall, you enter the crooked town of Xenses.

This amazing piece of architecture will skew your sense of up and down. Is the little stream actually flowing upward? Are the houses slanted or straight? Am I walking uphill or downhill? Why are the stairs so awkward to climb? You’ll ask these and a dozen more questions as you make your way through the picturesque town.

Along the way you’ll read amusing stories, and get a chance to walk into some of these peculiar buildings. Make sure you take some pictures, because if seeing is believing, you won’t believe what you’re seeing!

The kids especially enjoyed walking through the crooked town and took a picture (or three) at every opportunity.

Hammocks

After you get through the crooked mile and cross behind the old church, you’ll come across a huge sand-filled area with dozens of hammocks strewn about everywhere. If you’re like us, at this point you’ll be a little hot. The thought of laying down in the blazing sun won’t sound too appealing, but, as you’ll soon find out, they make a great stop after exploring the Xenses Riviera Maya underground adventure zone.

The Adventure Zone

I called it this simply because Xenses doesn’t really have a name for it. Essentially, it’s a group of activities you do in a certain order. The pathway starts in the hammock area just past the crooked town and also ends here. Most of the adventure zone takes place in a labyrinth of a cave/cenote system except for a few parts. The Adventure Zone is also the most lively area of the park and you’ll soon find out why.

The Slip Waterslide

Remember when I said a swimming suit was fairly crucial at Xenses? Well, as you climb to the top of a small hill you’ll realize there’s only one way down, via the Slip. The slip is a nice water slide that starts off little slowly and speeds up as you go along. Did I mention the latter stages are in the dark? Well, they are, and as you exit the slide into the light you’re not going to know whether you’re up or down. Of course my son Cole wanted to do it again and again.

Bird Flight

Think face forward zip line and you’ll understand what the Bird Flight is all about. In it, they strap you into a harness and you glide down a limestone cavern ending back in the original cave you started in.

It’s a great feeling as you soar like a bird over trees and around corners however watch out for the end since it can be a little abrupt and it gave me a good wedgie. A staff member will fit you into your harness and help get you out so it’s a fairly quick, easy and safe process as well.

Riverlaxing

Now this was one was truly enjoyable for all our family. In it you choose one of three channels and lay back in a foot and a half of warm, salty water as you float on your back through blue bliss. Along the way you’ll pass through a variety of cave systems, but the temperature is just perfect as the slow current weaves around the bends.

Tip! Make sure you leave a bit of space between you and the people before you, since not all people float at the same speed and you don’t want to have to put on the brakes while you’re floating so they can stay ahead of you.

Sludgerie

As relaxing as Riverlaxing was, the next activity, gliding through the Sludgerie was a stark contrast. Like Riverlaxing, you’re supposed to lay back in the cool mud and let your body soak in the natural moisturizer. The reality is that most people slip and slide their way through this one as fast as they can.

The temperature is a little bit of a shock after the lovely Riverlaxing activity and though I suppose this fits in with Xenses shock to the senses ideology, it would be nice if they heated the mud a little more. Luckily for me, Jordan wanted to skip it, so I got to skip it with her.

The Showers

As you exit the Sludgerie, there are many buckets hanging down from the cave roof. To rinse off all the mud, all you have to do is brave the water that comes out of them. My son Cole and I had a little fun pulling the buckets down on each other.

The Sauna

Feeling a little chilled after your cool shower?

Not a problem, because as you follow the pathway Xenses leads you through a well heated cave. Don’t worry, just as you start to feel a little overheated, you’ll start cooling off again. There is only a tiny alcove to show where the cave sauna ends, so if you’re still chilled, walk slowly through this part and you’ll be golden.

Fast Forward

A great thing about the Adventure Zone at Xenses is that you can easily skip any activity. This is perfect for those with small children or people who don’t feel all that comfortable with a particular activity. Jordan opted out of a few of the activities and it didn’t really slow the process down or force us to reroute everyone.

There is a waiting area off to the side of the major activities where you can wait for others to catch up. The vast majority of the way is paved and easy walking except for the slide and zipline. Even those have smooth floors, however they have a bit of an incline in places so walking to them requires a little extra work.

The Hammocks (Part 2)

As you exit Xenses Adventure Zone you’ll find yourself in the Hammocks area again. Now is a great time to unwind and warm up. Just be careful because that hot Mexican sun can roast you before you know it.

Marbles

As you exit the Hammocks and re-enter the Crooked Town you’ll pass through the marble area. In it there are dozens of giant marbles making there way around a cavernous room along pathways and machinery. It’s a loud room, however it was fascinating watching the round balls make their way around the whole room.

The Xnack

Located just off the Pinwheel, the Xnack housed a decent collection of snacks, from sandwiches to chips, and it also included a huge selection of healthy gluten free and vegetarian foods and even some bulk food options. The kids were impressed that you could fill your own beer glass from their fountain and that they had a warm nacho cheese dispenser as well.

Outside, there’s a small barbecue area where you can purchase hamburgers and hot dogs as well as drinks and candy. There are also several areas to eat outside, including on a giant typewriter or under a canopy of floating umbrellas. For those that want a little air conditioning, there’s a retro-fitted air conditioned bus complete with seats and tables.

The Giftery

When you first enter the Pinwheel, you’ll notice a large gift shop in the center. The Giftery is stocked with everything from tshirts to water bottles.

What makes the Giftery stand out from all the other souvenir shops is all the puzzles and oddities it stocks. Remember at the beginning when I mentioned Xenses could be mistaken for a discovery center? Nowhere is this more evident than in the Giftery. Our kids love science things and they spent more time in the Giftery checking out the cool things than in some of the activity areas. Luckily, we were still traveling for another few months otherwise I know our suitcases would have grown another few inches.

Final Thoughts and Review of Xenses

Through and through, we all enjoyed our half day spent at Xenses. It was so different from Xcaret and the other nearby parks that it really didn’t feel like them at all. It’s like the designers of the park had a slew of fun projects they just couldn’t make work at the other Xcaret family of parks, but wanted to see come to fruition. The result? Xenses. A place that definitely challenges all the senses.

Seeing that we had just spent the previous day at Xcaret, we didn’t feel like Xenses was a letdown in comparison. We’ve been to Xcaret a few times now and the kids always love it, however Xenses is so unique that when asked which park they’d like to return to next time we’re in Cancun or Playa del Carmen, they both say Xenses just because it’s so unique. Cole even says the Xensatorium was his favorite activity so that came as a surprise as well.

There’s no doubt that Xenses has a different take on an adventure park, however no one ever said they all have to be a certain way. Xenses is different, in a good way, and considering how much cheaper it is than its main competitors, it should definitely be on peoples radar, especially those looking for something different or those with only a limited time in the area.

Quick Information about Xenses

Location

10 minutes south of Playa del Carmen, or 50 minutes south of Cancun in Mexico.

How to get to Xenses

You can take anything from a taxi (easiest) to a collectivo (hardest) to get to Xenses. You can also buy a tour directly from Xenses that includes everything from transportation to your entrance fee. Xenses Cancun access is especially easy when you arrange transportation with the company directly.

See Xenses Cancun transportation prices Xenses here.

Taxi: The easiest way to get to Xenses is to take a taxi from Playa del Carmen. It costs around 150 pesos ($10 dollars) for a taxi anywhere in town right to the front gate of Xenses and 180 pesos to get back.

Collectivo: You can also take a collectivo ($2) from the collectivo stand on 2nd calle and you can be asked to be dropped off at the gate. Just note that there is a very long walk from the highway to the park itself. This post on seeing wild sea turtles in nearby Akumal has a good section about taking collectivos from Playa del Carmen.

Bus: Those coming in from Cancun or Tulum to Xenses can take an ADO bus to the station in Playa del Carmen and then grab a taxi from outside the terminal. Since Xenses is a smaller park than its siblings, getting a taxi from Xenses back to your hotel can take a few minutes. Just purchase your taxi fare at the admission office and they’ll arrange for one to come get you.

Car: If you have a car, there’s lots of free parking and the signs from Playa del Carmen make the place hard to miss. Just follow the first signs that point to Xcaret and follow the smaller signs to Xenses once you get off the highway.

Ferry: Xenses Cozumel access is by ferry, and then by one of the methods above. Since Cozumel is an island off the coast near Playa del Carmen, just take the ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen, and bet a taxi, collectivo, bus or car.

Time to do Xenses

It takes around four hours to do Xenses Riviera Maya if you don’t go back and redo any activities. The whole park is set up with long walking paths and it helps to think of your day there as a series of activities you do in the order they’re presented in. It’s not easy to jump around doing different activities and we never even bothered trying.

Xenses Hours

Xenses Mexico is open from 8 to 7 Monday to Saturday, however they recommend entering the park between 8:30 to 10 or 1 to 2, since Xenses is considered a half day event and you’ll need that time to do all the activities.

Who’s it for

Xenses is great for everyone. Our family of 4 (kids 8 and 11) enjoyed themselves tremendously and even younger kids would enjoy what Xenses offers. Some areas like the Xensatorium might be frightening for those afraid of the dark, however parents can opt to go with the kids if it helps. The staff suggested I follow along behind my daughter, however she got too scared so I went before her and held her hand the entire way.

In the Adventure Zone, you can opt out of any activity and there are walkways to go from zone to zone if you choose to skip them for whatever reason. The stafff at Xenses suggest the place is for kids aged five and up and continually ask if you have a heart condition, epilepsy, claustrophobia and so forth since some of the activities can be a bit strenuous and lots of them take place in the underground cave system at Xenses.

Special Notes

There is a ton of walking at Xenses and though the vast majority of the park has smooth walkways, there are inclines at different points that some may find tiring. There are also numerous times where you’re required to go barefoot so those with sensitive feet might find it a bit of a challenge at times however if you wear water shoes you should be fine.

On-site amenities

There are numerous washrooms on site including free lockers, showers and change areas. They also have family change rooms. There is also a restaurant/snack bar called Xnack located in the main building as well as a souvenir market in the center where you can purchase everything from water shoes and shirts to waterproof cellphone cases.

Prices and where to buy Xenses tickets

Tip! When we checked, buying online on the Xsenses website saved about 10%.

We couldn’t find an online Xenses coupon code.

See Xenses online discounts here.

Right now, the regular at door price is $59 for adults while kids 0 to 5 are free. Children 5 to 11 are half price at $29.50.

Purchase your tickets online before you go directly from Xenses Xcaret via this link. Buying online on the Xenses website should save you around 10%.

If you’re interested in going to more than one park, the Xenses Mexico website also has some great deals when you combine other parks like Xcaret, Chichen Itza, Xenotes or Xoximilco  with your Xenses ticket. Check out the combo deals on their website here.

Is there anything you’d like us to add to our Xenses review? Did you find something cool at Xenses you’d like to share, or do you have Xenses reviews to tell us about? Let us know!

After spending more time in Mexico’s Mayan Riviera area this winter we decided to check out some of the nearby eco-parks. Our kids loved our last visit to Xcaret Cancun so much that we decided to go back again.

There’s plenty to see and do at Xcaret, which is just outside Playa del Carmen, including floating down the underground river, lounging on hammocks by the lagoon, enjoying a buffet lunch, touring the aviary, checking out the many animals and marine life as well as all the cultural centers and the huge Xcaret Mexico Espactacular night show.

Important tip: If you’re looking for the best price, we’ve found the best discounts online through Xcaret’s website, where you can get 10-15% off booking at the gate.

Since it’s been a couple of years and a few things have changed, including some great new attraction additions, we’re writing a brand new review of Xcaret in Cancun Mexico, with plenty of information to make your visit easier and more affordable.

In this Xcaret review, we’ll tell you:

• How to get to Xcaret from Cancun or Playa del Carmen
• The best things to see and do at Xcaret
• Tips for making your Xcaret visit easier
• How to get the best price on your Xcaret tickets

Before we get to our Xcaret review, let’s take a quick look at how to get to Xcaret from Cancun or Playa del Carmen.

Xcaret Transportation Information

Xcaret is 37 miles (60 km) south of Cancun, 4 miles (6 km) south of Playa del Carmen, 20 miles (30 km) north of Akumal and 34 miles (55 km) north of Tulum.

We’ve spent a lot of time in the area, including several weeks in Cancun, and months at a time as a family in Playa del Carmen.

By far, the simplest way to get from Cancun to Xcaret is to get a transportation included package from Xcaret. They’ll pick you up at your hotel, drive you to the front door at Xcaret, and pick you up after the evening show to whisk you back to Cancun. You can also get transportation to Xcaret from Playa del Carmen and practically anywhere in the Riviera Maya. The cost is currently about $27 USD for return transportation from your hotel, however that varies on which package you go with.

Tip! If you book online through this link you can get up to a 15% discount on your Xcaret transportation and admission from Cancun. Click here to check prices.

Click here to see options further down for driving yourself to Xcaret, taking the bus to Xcaret, or taking a taxi to Xcaret.

Our Xcaret Cancun review

First, we’ll talk about our trip and what Xcaret has to offer, and then give you some helpful tips to make your trip easier (and hopefully save you some money, as well).

Animals everywhere!

Our kids are huge animal lovers, and Xcaret doesn’t disappoint in this regard.

There are plenty of animals scattered throughout the park, including a huge variety of butterflies and birds like parrots, macaws and flamingos. There’s also tons of animals like monkeys, jaguars, panthers and deer as well as marine animals such as stingrays, sea turtles, sharks, manatees, and a sizable aquarium full of colorful fish and jelly fish. A lot of the animals, like the giant tapir above, are native to the area so it’s nice to get to see them up close as well.

Aquarium with many different fish

Be sure to set aside a good half hour to walk through the Xcaret aquarium. We’ve seen quite a few aquariums worldwide, from the wonderful Vancouver Aquarium to the Aquarium in Lisbon, Portugal, and we still enjoyed Xcaret’s display with over 500 coral reef structures, hundreds of colorful fish and varied marine life.

Inside, besides for the fish exhibits, there are shark and jellyfish exhibits as well a touch pool for the little ones complete with starfish and sea cucumbers.

Outside exhibits house giant sting rays, a manatee lagoon, and, our favorite, sea turtles. Not only can you see baby sea turtles, but large adult ones as well. The sea turtle lagoon where they stay is gorgeous and we could sit and watch the sea turtles swimming around the natural pool for hours.

Bat cave!

Both times we visited Xcaret, the bat cave was a huge hit with our kids. Unlike most bat exhibits, this one is in a real, underground cave. To see the bats you enter via a long set of stairs and stand in semi-darkness until your eyes adjust to the lack of light. Once your eyes are acclimatized, you realize you’re in a real bat cave with live bats flying around you.

Bird aviary

Xcaret’s bird aviary sanctuary is gorgeous, with waterfalls and ramping pathways on multiple levels. We visited this as one of our last stops in Xcaret, but I really wish we’d had time to linger more. There are over 1,500 birds in here, most housed in one giant aviary, with verdant vegetation and blooming tropical flowers everywhere. It’s well worth an hour or so to visit if you’re a bird lover.

Butterfly Pavilion

Right next to the Bird Aviary is Xcaret’s Butterfly Pavilion. Here you can see 20 different species of butterflies in one of the largest butterfly enclosures in the world. Similar to the aviary, there are pathways and waterfalls aplenty, as well as a hatching area complete with explanations of for all stages of the butterfly life cycle.

Monkey Island

Xcaret features both spider monkeys and howler monkeys in the park. Though they tend to quiet down in the heat of the day, you can see them climbing around in the morning and right before dusk.

Xcaret Underground River

One of the most popular attractions at Xcaret eco theme park is their underground river. The river winds its way through naturally formed caverns and caves under Xcaret. The water is a crystal clear aquamarine, and you can even find little fish along the bottom. Floating from beginning to end can take about an hour, however there are numerous locations along the way to get out if you want to.

Tip! We found that the water got a little cool for our eight-year old after a while and we decided to exit around the 3/4 mark. Because of that, it’s a good idea to rent or bring flippers to speed up your journey (we didn’t have any) since the water slows down in certain areas and the flippers will help you along. If you get a Xcaret Plus pass, snorkeling equipment is included in your ticket price. Life jackets are free (and mandatory) for everybody.

At the start of the underground river, Xcaret staff put your belongings in a duffel bag, and transport it to the end of the lazy river for you to pick up. You’ll get a waterproof label with your number on it for pickup, and the duffel is stored in an area with Xcaret staff at the end of the river. You’ll need to show the number to pick up the duffel.

We did find that the duffel bags were slung around and piled on top of each other. If you have any breakable equipment or valuables, you may want to rent a locker instead of using the free duffel bags. Because we were going to the lazy river, but we had our DSLR camera with us, we elected to use the secure locker area. It’s $5 for the day and there is also a $10 key deposit that is returned once you leave.

Tip! You may want to bring water shoes or waterproof sandals for the Underground River. Charles found that the rocks along the underground river were a bit hard on his feet, and sandals or water shoes would make standing up in, and getting out of, the underground river much easier. I was wearing my trusty waterproof Keen sandals (with an enclosed toe), so I had no problems.

There are showers and washrooms at the main exit point of the underground river, however it’s a long walk back to the rental lockers if you need to pick up any of your other personal belongings. It’s definitely a good idea to throw some sandals or shoes in the provided duffel bag if you elect to go barefoot or use flippers down the river for your return walk.

Lagoon and hammocks

Xcaret has a gorgeous location on the Caribbean sea, with a calm-water lagoon between the beach and jungle areas at Xcaret. There are lots of hammocks along the beach to the right of the lazy river exit, as well as lounge chairs and tables set out around the inner lagoon.

We loved lounging in the hammocks on the white sand, watching the little blowhole spray and looking out over the ocean. There’s also a protected lagoon for swimming nearby and some fantastic photo opportunities all along the water.

Xcaret Children’s World

Xcaret’s new Children’s World area is lots of fun for kids aged 0 to 12. There’s a playground, a small splash park, a small beach, a parakeet habitat and a cenote (natural freshwater pool). We found the cenote to be a little full of leaves the day we visited, but otherwise looked like a great way to cool down in the hot afternoon.

Our eight and eleven year old both loved the Children’s World Secret Adventure area, which has four water slides, hanging bridges, a waterfall and lots of rope climbing. It’s like a mini adventure for kids and is a good distance from nearly everything else in the park so it’s a fairly quiet area.

Parents can walk alongside on a separate path around the activities, but the adventure area is meant for 4-12 year olds and most adults won’t fit through the ropes even if they wanted to join in.

Note: To get the most out of the area, kids should wear water shoes, otherwise their feet could get sore on the ropes and rock walkways. Ours didn’t have any and had to be a lot more careful where they stepped and while playing in the water than other kids we saw wearing some. The cenote is a natural pool and as such, there are rocks and sharp areas along the sides as well if they decide to explore a bit.

The Children’s World zone also has it’s own washroom and a small store complete with drinks, small snacks and beach toys. There’s also a small sandy area for the little ones and lots of seating for everyone in the shade. The children’s area is not near the ocean side of Xcaret and is off to the side, far away from the crowd. Expect a bit of a walk getting to it.

Xcaret restaurants, buffets and snacks

Xcaret natural adventure park has many snack areas and several buffet restaurants.

Tip: We found it a much better value to get Xcaret Plus than to pay for the buffet and flippers separately.

Both times we’ve visited Xcaret, we’ve eaten at the largest buffet restaurant, La Laguna. There’s a wide variety of food there, and it seems to be restocked quickly. Our kids loved the desserts and the soft serve ice cream bar.

The first time we were at Xcaret, we ate around 2 pm and it was quiet. On our second visit, we ate right at 12:30, and it was very busy. Servers were constantly re-stocking the buffet, though we only needed to wait ten minutes for items to be refilled, as the restaurant looked to be at full capacity. I’d suggest eating slightly before or after noon to make sure the buffet was less busy.

Soft drinks, coffee and tea are included in the buffet price, but you’ll pay extra for fancy drinks or additional alcohol at the bar.

Here’s a list of the restaurants at Xcaret.

Dos Playas

This is the restaurant at the beach area, where you can get a Mexican snack or a Caribbean buffet.

La Península

La Peninsula specializes in seafood and offers a buffet.

La Laguna

A large restaurant near the center overlooking the Jaguar exhibit, La Luguna is an international buffet, with plenty of pasta, pizza and sushi.

La Cocina

A smaller restaurant near the park entrance, La Cocina offers Mexican snacks and is a great place to sit and watch the daily equestrian show while enjoying a cold beverage.

La Orquídea

This restaurant offers a la carte breakfasts and snacks.

La Caleta

If you’re a carnivore, this is the buffet restaurant that specializes in meats.

El Manglar

El Manglar is only open during high season, and focuses on seafood.

La Isla

This is a restaurant for private events, like weddings, that seats up to 500.

Mexico Espectacular Dinner

This is where you’ll sit if you opt to buy supper with your Mexico Espectacular night show tickets.

As well as the above, there are many other smaller snack areas and bars all throughout Xcaret Park Cancun.

Cultural activities in Xcaret

If you’re interested in Mayan or Mexican culture, there’s a lot to see at Xcaret. The big draw, of course is the Mexico Espectacular show at night (more on that later), but there are also many interesting smaller attractions in the park like watching the high flying Voladores.

Unfortunately, we always seem to be in a hurry to finish and grab supper before the nightly show when we visit the Mayan villages and colonial Mexican areas. It’s a shame, because the traditional Mayan mini villages, with displays of traditional houses and cooking, look interesting.

The Mexican graveyard, next to the bird aviary, is colorful and gives a glimpse into Mexican culture, though I do wish there had been more signs explaining its significance.

We saw the equestrian show on our last trip to Xcaret, and it was well done and interesting. I suggest you check out our previous Xcaret review if you want to read up a bit more on the traditional aspects of the park.

Some of the cultural highlights in Xcaret include the Mayan archaeological sites found throughout the park, the Hacienda Henequenera with its 19th century story, the views from the St. Francis of Assisi Chapel overlooking the bay and the Mayan Village with its fascinating take of pre-Hispanic living.

There’s also a chocolate cafe, and chocolate and coffee workshops. Unfortunately, we just didn’t have time to visit them on this trip, but it’s high on my list for our next visit!

Nightime Xcaret Mexico Espectacular show

This is a huge draw for Xcaret, and it’s easy to see why. The show is two hours long and it has a cast of hundreds, colorful and varied costumes, plus a spectacular lighting show. The performances showcase Mexican culture and history, from the time of the ancient Mayans, through the arrival of the Spanish, to modern Mexican culture and music.

You can buy tickets for the night Espectacular show only, if you don’t want to visit the Xcaret park. The Xcaret at night includes admission to Xcaret from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm so you can see a few exhibits before the big show.

Honestly, the full Xcaret admission is only about $20 more than Xcaret at night, and you get a lot more, including admission for the full day.

Click here for our link to get up to 10-15% off admission to Xcaret.

You can also add the Xcaret Xclusivo to get a reserved seat at the Grand Tlachco Theater, a selection of dried fruits, one bottle of sparkling wine, soft drinks for kids and personalized attention.

We’ve been to see the night Espectacular show twice, and enjoyed it both times. It’s fun for adults and kids, and both our kids watched the entire two hour show without fidgeting in their seats. It may have helped that we fed them cotton candy from the snack shops outside.

Tip! Head over to the night show by 6 pm if you want to be near the center lower down for a better view.

Xcaret Amenities

Photos

There are plenty of photo ops throughout the park. When you enter, you’re given wristbands that are tied to your ticket. Throughout the park there are locations that allow you to scan in your wristband and take a picture with fixed cameras. The online system keeps track of your photos throughout the day. There are also photographers on site at various locations, with distinctive yellow shirts and plenty of signs indicating they work with Xcaret.

At the end of your visit, you stop by a kiosk, and can get all your photos. The cost onsite is $100 USD for digital photos of your entire group, or you can opt to pre-pay for them as part of your admission.

We found the onsite cost for photos a bit pricey for us, so we just used our own phone cameras at their photo op locations (since they’re so well placed). That said, there are plenty of photo stations throughout the park and it saves you from having to carry your camera throughout the day so they can be a great way to keep your memories alive once you leave the park.

Tip! The best deal for photos is online, where you can buy a photo pass with your park tickets for around $59 USD. Even better, that photopass covers ALL the photos for up to a group of 10.

You can get details on the photopass here.

Souvenirs

There is no shortage of souvenirs at Xcaret, ranging from T-shirts to stuffed animals to magnets and postcards.

Pick up your souvenirs before the nightly Mexico Espectacular show. We were busy during the day, so we decided to pick up a small souvenir for Jordan on our way out of the night show.

Unfortunately, after the Espectacular show, the gift shop was so packed with people leaving for the front gates that we decided it wasn’t worth the wait. It would have been much easier to pick up a souvenir during the day when the gift shop was quieter.

Need a break?

Xcaret is a lot of fun, and it’s also a lot of physical activity like walking and swimming. Our favorite place to take a rest are the hammocks on the beach, which are a beautiful place to relax for a while. However, if you have little ones, the new Children’s Area is a great place to unwind away from the crowds and in the shade.

Sunscreen

Xcaret wants to encourage using biodegradable sunscreen. You can deposit your regular sunscreen at a booth when you get there and they give you biodegradable samples for free. Be sure to remember to grab your own sunscreen on the way out. You’ll need to show the claim ticket they give you.

Lockers

Lockers are by the Xcaret Plus zone. The cost for lockers is 100 pesos (about $5 USD at the time of writing), with a 100 peso deposit fee for the key. There are changing booths in the locker area, along with benches and shade. Because we were going to the lazy river, and had our DSLR camera with us, we elected to use the secure locker area.

Xcaret Spa

Unfortunately we didn’t have a chance to check out the Xcaret Spa, but it definitely looked inviting. It would be a great way to spend a few hours away from the kids and be pampered so maybe next time!

Weddings

While we were there, we happened to see a wedding by the lagoon at Xcaret! It’s a gorgeous setting, and I would have loved to see more, but unfortunately we had to leave for the evening show. You can contact customer support if you’re thinking of having a wedding at Xcaret to find out what kind of services they offer.

Xcaret Admission Plans

Xcaret Plus

Regular (Basic) Xcaret admission doesn’t include lockers, flippers, or any food (but it does include life jackets for the underground river).

When you get an Xcaret Plus admission, you get lockers, flippers, snorkel and mask, towels, and a buffet meal, as well as access to the Xcaret Plus locker area. It’s a good value if you’re planning to do the underground lazy river and eat at one of the buffet restaurants.

Your buffet meal includes one beer and unlimited beverages (soft drinks, flavored waters and coffee) while consuming food at the buffet.

The Xcaret Plus admission was $109 USD at the time of writing, while basic admission is $84. Both prices are the discounted online price you’ll pay, 21 or more days in advance, on the Xcaret website.

Xcaret Optional Activities

You can add on optional activities like SNUBA, the Adrenelina jet boat, the Mexico Espectacular Dinner, Dolphin Ride, Swim with Sharks, Stingrays Encounter, Sea Trek Stingrays and Adventure Kids, a children’s ray and shark encounter, when you buy your tickets online.

You can see all of Xcaret’s optional activities here.

Xcaret Total

The Xcaret Total admission package, which will get you one optional activity from three Optional Activities: Adrenalina, Sea Trek® or Snuba®. You also get the lunch buffet and Xcaret Plus admission. This is a great deal if you’re already planning to check out one of these activities anyway.

See Xcaret Total prices here.

Xcaret Tips!

Xcaret is a big park, and planning a bit before your trip can help make it a lot more comfortable and fun for the whole family.

Plan your day

Xcaret is a huge place with lots of walking. We found that with kids, it just wasn’t possible to see and do everything we wanted in one day (though we came close!). You may want to make a list of must-see items, and do those first, to ensure you don’t run out of time.

Our must-see list this time included seeing the animals, checking out the aquarium, lounging in the hammocks, floating down the underground river and watching the Xcaret Espectacular Show.

Prepare for the heat

Even in Mexico’s cooler season, it’s hot. Make sure you wear lots of sunscreen, a hat, cover up, and drink lots of water or non-alcoholic liquids.

Wear comfortable shoes

Xcaret is big, so you’ll be doing a lot of walking, with some of it up and down stairs. Make sure your shoes are comfortable.

You may also want to bring water shoes or waterproof sandals. These will make standing up in, and getting out of, the underground river and some of the play areas much easier.

Xel-ha vs Xcaret

We get a lot of questions as to whether Xcaret or Xel-Ha is best for kids. While Xcaret is a huge park with an underground river and lagoon, it also has a lot of space devoted to aquarium, cultural and animal displays. Xel-Ha’s focus is much more on water activities and adventure, with snorkeling, zip lines over the water, caving, cliff jumping into the water, rope swings, and more.

It very much depends on your children’s level of activity and adventure, but parents of children under six, or kids who aren’t as comfortable in the water, will probably enjoy the activities at Xcaret more than Xel-Ha. Teenagers or those kids who crave wilder adventures might prefer Xel-Ha however, that said, no one is too young or too old to enjoy Xcaret.

Xenses vs Xcaret

If you only have a limited amount of time, you can read our Xenses review as well. (Subscribe to our newsletter above to be informed when that gets posted in the coming days).

Just across the road from Xcaret, Xenses is a unique park, owned by Xcaret, that delights in shocking your senses. If you have around 4 hours to spare (it’s also cheaper than Xcaret) and you’re looking for a different experience, then this newly built park might be for you.

I don’t want to spoil too much but if you like to experience new things, have a sense of humor and a sense of adventure then you’ll probably enjoy Xenses. It’s such a different take on a theme park that Xcaret vs Xenses can’t really be compared but to give you an idea, our older son actually prefers Xenses while our younger daughter says Xcaret is still the reigning champ of eco-parks.

Xcaret coupon code

We’ve found that the cheapest and easiest way to get tickets for Xcaret is to buy them online on the Xcaret website. Click here to check prices online at Xcaret now.

You can get Xcaret discount tickets that are between 10 to 15 percent off when you buy online, and the park also offers package discounts if you buy multiple parks or add on transportation to Xcaret. If you’re planning to visit multiple parks, these can be a great deal.

You can check out the package discounts here.

Kids are half price! If you buy online, there’s even a weather guarantee that will let you rebook any day within one year.

You can use our link to check out the online discounts.

Important! Xcaret often has specials on the website.

The specials change every few months. The best way to see current deals are to go to the Xcaret promotions here.

Click here go directly to Xcaret Promotions to see the deals.

How to get to Xcaret park cancun

We talked about this at the beginning of the article, but the easy button for getting from Cancun to Xcaret is to add transportation to your Xcaret ticket. They’ll pick you up at your hotel, drive you to the front door at Xcaret, and pick you up after the evening show and drive you back to Cancun.

If you book through this link you can get up to a 15% discount on your Xcaret transportation and admission from Cancun.

Driving from Cancun to Xcaret

If you want to self drive, it’s an easy, flat road from Cancun past Playa del Carmen to Xcaret. The 50 miles (80 kilometres) should take you about 60 minutes from the Hotel Zone in Cancun. The highways are in good shape and signs are everywhere for Xcaret. Parking at Xcaret is free.

Tip! Whenever we rent a car, we quickly do a search on Expedia or another booking site to compare costs for different rental car companies.

Driving from Playa del Carmen to Xcaret

It’s just a short 15 minute (6 mile/10 kilometer) drive from Playa del Carmen to Xcaret. Just head south down Highway 307 (the main highway) and follow the signs to Xcaret. The turn is on the right from the highway but veers over. Parking is free.

Taxi from Cancun to Xcaret

Few people opt to take a taxi all the way from Cancun, because of the cost, which should run between 60 and 100 USD one way. You may also have trouble finding a taxi at the end of the day outside Xcaret that’s willing to drive you all the way back to Cancun.

Taxi from Playa del Carmen to Xcaret

From Playa del Carmen, it costs about 150 pesos ($8 USD) to get a taxi to Xcaret, and typically about 180 pesos ($9 USD) to get back. You can hail down a taxi anywhere in the city however if you’re having a hard time finding one you can try outside either of the ADO bus stops or outside any of the larger stores like Walmart or Chedraui. Like anywhere, it’s not a bad idea to agree on the price before you get in so there are no surprises when you get there.

Uber to Xcaret

Uber has just started operating in Cancun, but isn’t in Playa del Carmen as of mid-2017. You’ll need to check the Uber app to see if a driver is available to pick you up in Cancun for drop off at Xcaret, but you may need to arrange alternate transportation back to Cancun.

Bus from Cancun to Xcaret

You can take the ADO bus from Cancun Airport or the downtown Cancun bus terminal to Playa del Carmen. It’s about 114 Mexican pesos, or 6 USD).  Once in Playa del Carmen, you’ll need to transfer from the Playa del Carmen bus terminal to either the ADO bus that runs past Xcaret (ask at the terminal), or grab a collectivo (shared van/taxi) for about 3 USD on Calle 2.

However, and this is important, the collectivo will only drop you off at the highway. There’s a tunnel you need to walk through off the highway and then there should be an Xcaret bus waiting that will shuttle you to the park entrance. If for some reason the shuttle is not available, I estimate that it’s at least a 20 minute walk (1 mile) from the highway to the Xcaret entrance.

On the way back to Cancun or Playa del Carmen, you’ll need to grab the ADO bus back since there are no collectivos available then. It was a long wait, and we were all tired and worn out, so we took a taxi. It cost us about $10 USD to get back to Playa del Carmen from Xcaret via taxi.

 Staying near Xcaret

Thinking of staying at Xcaret?

2018 Update! Xcaret parks now have their own official hotel, called the Hotel Xcaret! Your stay includes fully free access to Experiencias Xcaret Nature parks and tours, as well as each of their dining plans. There’s a free shuttle to the parks.

Click here to see the on site Xcaret Hotel prices and details.

Click here to see Xcaret Hotel all-inclusive plans! In addition to day and night time activities and meals at the resort, it includes full access to Experiencias Xcaret’s nature parks and tours, as well as each of their dining plans.

If you don’t want to stay at the Xcaret Hotel, the all-inclusive Occidental at Xcaret Destination (also known as the Occidental Grand Xcaret Hotel) is right next door. It gets great reviews (we may even stay there the next time we’re in Playa!) and features 10 bars, 11 restaurants & 5 outdoor pools to keep you busy as well as their own jungle excursions and Mayan ruins.

If you like, you can even get their Unlimited Xcaret Xperience which gives you full access to Xcaret for the entirety of your stay.

Click here to check prices at the Occidental at Xcaret Destination.

Click here to book now.

Are you thinking about going to Xcaret? Do you have any questions? Ask us in the comments below and we’ll do our best to help you out!

Where is Xcaret?

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you book after clicking on one, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

True, there is a strong party scene in the city, but there are also many attractions to keep kids happy, whether they’re toddlers or teenagers.

Things to Do in Cancun With Kids

We’ve spent months each year in and around Cancun, and have seen and done just about everything on this list.

If you’re looking for a list that includes more adult fun, check out our best things to do in Cancun article, or save money with our things to do in Cancun on a budget.

Build Sand Castles and Play on the Beach

There’s not much that can amuse a kid longer than a beach full of soft white sand, and a set of play buckets and shovels.

What’s especially great is that Cancun’s beaches are so accessible. Really, all you need to do is grab a transfer from the airport, and you can be on a beautiful white beach near your hotel within half an hour.

While Cancun is known for bigger waves than most of Quintana Roo, there are still plenty of family friendly beaches. Waves are generally calmer on the northern side of the hotel zone, but watch for local flags that show current beach conditions.

Playa Tortuga is a great family beach because it is shallow, with an offshore reef that creates gentle waves. Playa Tortuga draws many local families, as it’s outside the touristy hotel zone.

Playa Del Niño is a great beach for kids as well, with gentle waves and shallow water, and it’s frequented mostly by locals.

You’ll probably also find yourself at Del Niño’s neighbor, Playa Delfines, at some point. However, although Playa Delfine’s water is crystal clear and there’s a good kids playground, the waves can get rough so be careful.

Unfortunately, in the last five years, sargassum (seaweed) on the beaches in Cancun has become a problem, and it looks like it might be here to stay, and that deforestation and fertilizer use in the Amazon may play a role.

At its worst, sargassum makes swimming difficult, and it smells like garbage. You should be able to avoid a lot of the sargassum if you stay at a resort with a groomed beach.

You can check current sargassum beach conditions via this sargassum forecaster.

In Mexico, all beaches are public. That mean you can walk anywhere along the beach. However, some resorts try to restrict access by not allowing you to walk through the resort to the beach, and not allowing parking near beach access. However, once you’re on the beach, you’re free to drop a towel anywhere you want.

Most hotel beaches have private loungers set up, so you can always pay to enjoy one, and order some tasty nachos off them menu.

Visit a beach club

There are also plenty of beach clubs in Cancun where you can pay for a lounger, or even a private lounge bed for the family. The beaches are groomed, the food and drink are flowing, and there’s often music and entertainment.

Mandala beach club costs $25 per lounge chair for the family zone, with s kids’ pool, beach showers, bathrooms, towel service, restaurant and bar. It’s a fairly swanky place, with a dress code in place. Kids under 10 are free.

Cocos Beach Club is a family friendly alternative, with great beach access and tasty snacks.

The Beach Club Delirio Day club is always busy, with great tunes and food.

Xcaret

Xcaret eco-archaeological Park is a great choice for kids of all ages.

Xcaret is actually closer to Playa del Carmen than Cancun, so you’ll need arrange a way to get there. We usually rent a car, but you can also take the bus (we usually take the ADO bus), or even grab a shuttle or taxi.

Xcaret offers an underwater river to a beach, birds and animals, a Mayan village and even archaeological sites. You can easily spend a full day here, or longer.

Click here to save up to 10% by bying Xcaret tickets online.

See our Xcaret review here.

Cenotes

A plunge in the crystal clear water of a cenote (a natural pool formed in limestone) is a perfect family antidote to scorching temperatures.

Cenote Aktun Chen is close to Cancun, and well-rated, but the bottom is deep enough that you should bring life jackets for little kids.

Cenote Dos Ojos is closer to Playa del Carmen, but great for families who scuba dive, but you can visit and simply snorkel like we did.

Explore Mayan ruins

One of the most unique family things you can do around Cancun is to visit the Mayan ruins nearby.

The big draw nearby, and well worth a day trip from Cancun, is Chichen Itza. Chichen Itza is a complex of ruins that date back to the Mayan civilization.

Chichen Itza ruins are remains of what was once one of the largest, most developed cities in the region, and take up around. The ruins occupy around 1 cubic mile.

If you don’t want to leave Cancun, stop by El Rey Archaeological Zone. It’s in the heart of the Hotel Zone in Cancun. There are 47 buildings here that date to about 250 A.D, with a pyramid shaped temple. El Ray is close to the beach and famous CANCUN sign you’ll see on social media.

Have an ATV or Jeep adventure

If your family loves to get outdoors with a little adrenaline rush included, then an ATV or Jeep tour in the jungles outside Cancun may be perfect for you.

Most ATV tours from Cancun include (optional) zip lining, a cenote swim, and lunch.

Swim with Whale Sharks

If your kids are old enough, then Cancun is one of the few places in the world where you can swim with whale sharks in the wild. The whale shark is the largest known fish in existence, and are filter feeders that feed almost exclusively on plankton and small fishes.

Thirty foot long whale sharks migrate past Cancun from early June to mid-September.

There are several tour operators who will take you, and most tours visit nearby Isla Holbox to see the sharks.

Rainy Day Fun at Plaza Las Americas Mall

It’s good to have something lined up for the kids to do on those inevitable rainy days.

The modern Las Americas Mall is large enough to burn off some energy just walking around, and there’s also a food court, movie theater (though kids movies are usually only in Spanish, with English subtitles), and a noisy arcade where kids can play.

Our kids loved the Zooriders, where they got to scoot around on stuffed animals.

Playgrounds

If you’re looking for a cool indoor playground, check out the air-conditioned play center on the second floor of the Kukulkan Plaza in the Hotel Zone.

There’s also an indoor arcade in the Plaza Las Americas Mall where we’ve spent a few hours on rainy days.

Catch a movie

You can easily catch the latest flicks at the Cinépolis Vip Cancún movie theater in Las Americas Mall.

Unfortunately, most kids’ movies are in Spanish only. However, many movies are subtitled in English, if your kids are of reading age.

An adult ticket is around 74 pesos, or $4 USD.

There’s even a VIP section at Cinépolis Vip Cancún, which we loved because you can order snacks, alcoholic beverages, or even a full meal, from a tablet at your seat and have them brought to your chair. An adult ticket for VIP is around 138 pesos (or $7 USD).

Cancun Interactive Aquarium

Cancun Interactive Aquarium, in La Isla Shopping Center, lets kids touch starfish and rays, and feed sharks.

It’s a small aquarium, and only takes around an hour to visit, but kids really seem to like it.

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is an easy 20 minute ferry ride from Cancun. The kids will love touring the island on a golf cart, and playing on the white sand beaches.

Don’t miss the Tortugranja, a turtle sanctuary and small aquarium where they rehabilitate injured sea turtles, and kids can hold a hatchling sea turtle.

If you’re in the mood for a more organized adventure, Garrafon Reef Park is a great choice for active older kids with zip lines, kayaking and snorkeling.

Subsee Explorer AquaWorld

Subsee Explorer is a great alternative for kids not old enough to snorkel. This sub-like glass bottom boat takes you out to see colorful fish and marine life of the Nizuc Reef.

We haven’t tried this yet, and its reviews are pretty underwhelming on TripAdvisor, but it’s worth a try if you aren’t snorkelers.

Atlantis Submarine

You’ll have to take a trip to Cozumel Island to take a submarine tour with Atlantis Submarines.

Kids will also love looking at underwater life in the Atlantis, an authentic 48-passenger submarine. Kids must be a minimum of 36″ in height and four years old to ride the submarine.

Click here to see reviews on TripAdvisor.

Captain Hook Cancun

Captain Hook Cancun dinner cruise is a live action pirate show, where you will be attacked by another boat on the crystal clear blue Caribbean waters. It’s a lot of fun for all ages, and comes with a buffet meal. You’ll sail aboard an 18th-century reproduction of a Spanish galleon ship.

Pirate Show Cancun Jolly Roger

Kids will love watching this spectacular battle between pirates in the Caribbean sea, complete with amazing acrobatics on the Jolly Roger galleon pirate ship. Tickets run around $95 for adults, $45 for kids 5-11, and free for kids under five.

We haven’t tried this one yet, but it looks like some cheesy family fun that’d be great for when you’re tired of the beach or on a rainy night.

Reviews on TripAdvisor are pretty good. Check them out here.

Wet’n Wild Cancun

Wet’n Wild Cancun is a water park with slides that’s fun for the family, and a great way to beat the scorching heat. Food and drink are included. The park’s a bit smaller than most water parks in Canada or the USA, but fun nonetheless.

We like the park, but are definitely not fans of their swim with dolphins. Here are some factual, non-preachy, reasons why you shouldn’t swim with dolphins, including safety concerns and concerns about treatment of dolphins in captivity.

Check Out Some Fun Kid-Friendly Restaurants

Carlos N Charlies and Senor Frogs is a lot of fun for kids, but come early because the partygoers take over by around 8 pm, and it starts to get pretty wild.

If your kids are picky eaters, you’ll find a lot of the same chain restaurants as in the USA, including McDonalds, Margaritaville, Chili’s, and Outback Steakhouse.

La Casa de Los Abuelos is a great choice if you want a break from the kids, because they have a kids’ room supervised by nannies.

Ice Cream

You can get American ice cream favorites for a premium price at Baskin-Robbins, Cold Stone, Ben & Jerry’s, and Haagen Dazs in Plaza La Isla mall.

Aldo Gelato offers up delicious gelato in a dizzying array of flavors.

If you’re looking for something a little more local, also try the La Michoacana Mexican chain on Avenida Tulum.

Whether you’re just hanging out on the beach, or heading off on an underwater adventure, there’s a lot to do in Cancun with kids of all ages.

Do you have any favorite things to do in Cancun with kids? Let us know!

Like any city that caters to tourists, Cancun can be a budget-buster, but take heart. The trick to keeping your trip affordable is to get off the tourist track and find the local deals.

Tips for exploring Cancun, Mexico, on a budget

There’s a lot to do in Cancun, but it’s not always affordable.

These are our best tips for keeping your Cancun vacation budget in check. Check out our mega list of the best things to do in Cancun for options that cost a bit more or our things to do in Cancun with kids for even more ideas.

Strike Out on Your Own

Many of the local attractions around Cancun, from visiting cenotes to snorkeling with endangered sea turtles in Akumal, can easily be done independently. A quick taxi ride or even a quick walk can get you out of the hotel zone and into the heart of Cancun.

Take the Bus

Get familiar with the local colectivos or rent a car for a day to cut down on transportation costs.

The local ADO bus line runs comfortable, air-conditioned buses throughout the Cancun area, including down to Playa del Carmen, Akumal, and Tulum. Buses in Cancun run almost everywhere, and they’re affordable—it’ll only cost you 8.5 pesos (around one USD) to get from the Hotel Zone to downtown.

Skip the Snacks and Drinks at Your Resort

If you’re not staying at an all-inclusive resort, you’ll pay a premium price for the convenience of having snacks readily available at your hotel, so stock up when you are out and about and near convenience stores, gas stations, or supermarkets. You’ll save a fortune over prices at your resort.

Use a Daily Deal Site

Most people use local deal sites all the time at home, but don’t think of checking them out on vacation. Groupon’s Cancun site often includes great deals for local tourist attractions like Xel-Há Park. You may want to hit the Google Translate button, though, as many local deal sites (including Groupon) are in Spanish.

Eat and Shop Like a Local

In Cancun, as with most touristy cities, the highest prices are reserved for the areas with the most tourists. If you make your way outside of the Hotel Zone, you’ll pay much less at restaurants and shops. You’ll often also find a more authentic Mexican experience.

Turn Off Your Cell Phone

Use your hotel’s free Wi-Fi to keep in touch, or arrange a roaming plan with your service provider ahead of time. For local calls, you can save money by buying a local SIM (Telcel is the biggest cell company) and a pay-as-you-go plan if you have an unlocked phone.

Bring Sunscreen, Batteries, and Cosmetics

Imported toiletries and electronics often cost a premium in Cancun. If you do need to pick up something, supermarkets usually offer the best choice and the lowest price.

Pay in Pesos

Paying in Mexican pesos can help you avoid high exchange rates in shops, and even get you a better price. There are bank machines all around the city that will let you take out money in USD or pesos.

Don’t Be Too Shy to Haggle

Bartering is a time-honored tradition in Mexican culture, and you’re expected to respectfully haggle a bit when you’re shopping. Don’t settle on the first price they throw at you and take your time checking out the nearby shops as well.

Speak a Little Spanish

You’re less likely to look like a tourist, and get a better deal, if you negotiate prices or give taxi directions in Spanish (even if your Spanish is a little rusty). Many restaurants even have a separate, cheaper menu printed in Spanish.

We’re huge fans of the free, easy to use Duolingo app, which lets you learn languages for free.

Check out our reviews of Lingoda or Rosetta Stone for kids or Promova or Babbel Live.

Look for the bargains

Don’t let the fear of high prices keep you away from enjoying the sunny sands of Cancun. With a little bit of preparation and planning, you can catch some rays and save some pennies as well.

Even popular attractions like Xcaret and Xel-Ha have discounts! Children from 5 to 11 years old pay 50% of the adult price and children under 4 are free of charge. Must show ID at the Park’s box-office. Xcaret is an eco park with a sample of Mexico’s culture, nature, food, music and beauty.

Buy on-line now and get up to 15% off.

Sure, Cancun’s packed with great things to do, but sometimes you just want to chill at the beach! Here are 10 of Cancun’s best beach hotels that make the most of the city’s famous soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water.

Le Blanc Spa All-Inclusive Resort

The adults-only, five-star Le Blanc Spa Resort consistently rates as one of Cancun’s best hotels. There’s not only a gorgeous white sand beach, but also an excellent fitness area, luxurious rooms, and restaurants with delicious food.

Live Aqua Cancun Adults-Only All-Inclusive

If you’re looking to get away from the kids, the 4.5-star Live Aqua Cancun is a perfect choice. Known for its quiet, relaxed ambiance, you can unwind in one of the resort’s eight infinity pools, enjoy a meal at one of the 12 restaurants, or step out for some nearby shopping.

Paradisus Cancun All-Inclusive Resort

The Paradisus’s nine restaurants and seven bars will keep you busy when you’re not relaxing on the 75-yard stretch of white sand beach. If you’re in the mood for luxury, get the Royal Service option, which gives you a private butler for your stay.

Riu Palace Las Americas All-Inclusive

This is the place to stay if you’re looking for an active beach vacation. Sports such as table tennis, volleyball, cycling, golfing, windsurfing, catamaran sailing, and snorkeling will keep you busy when you’re not enjoying the nightly entertainment, or food and drink.

Marriott CasaMagna Resort Cancun

The Marriott CasaMagna is a perfect choice for real beach lovers, with a clean beach that’s like pure sugar sand and free of rocks.

Sandos Cancun Luxury Experience Resort All-Inclusive

The Sandos is known as a mellow, relaxing place to stay that gets rave reviews for excellent food. The Sandos’s beach is as lovely as any other along the Cancun strip, and the three infinity pools are a wonderful place to relax with a good book.

Hard Rock Hotel Cancun All-Inclusive

The newly renovated 4.5-star Hard Rock Hotel Cancun is an edgy, fun, and interesting resort. The hotel is decorated with authentic music memorabilia, the restaurants get great reviews, and you can enjoy 24-hour room service and live entertainment when you drag yourself away from the crystal-clear water and white sand.

Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun All-Inclusive

Most visitors to Cancun don’t see much beyond their resort in the Hotel Zone and maybe an obligatory trip to the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza, or the tourist attractions at XPlor, Xel-Ha or Xcaret park.

Sure there are plenty of things to do Cancun, but it’s really a shame that most folks stay at their all-inclusive hotel, because just outside of Cancun you’ll find lesser-known gems well worth a visit.

Here are five alternative Cancun day trips that we think you shouldn’t miss.

Puerto Morelos

Just 20 minutes down the highway from Cancun, the sleepy fishing town of Puerto Morelos is an easy day trip that feels a world away from the fast pace of Cancun.

There’s not a lot to do here other than grab a bite to eat in town, watch the fishing boats, lounge on the beach, and snorkel in the clear water, making it the perfect place for a relaxing day out away from the crowds.

Here’s how to book bus or minivan from Cancun to Puerto Morelos.

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres (Spanish for “the island of women”) is only 15 minutes by ferry from Cancun. Rent a golf cart when you arrive in Isla Mujeres and spend the morning touring the island.

Don’t miss the Tortugranja, the turtle sanctuary where they rehabilitate injured sea turtles and help raise hatchlings to survive in the open ocean. In the afternoon, hang out on one of the white sand beaches and read a book, or choose from one of the many great restaurants in town.

The Colonial City of Merida

Colonial Merida is about as different from Cancun as you can imagine. While Cancun is known for its brash party atmosphere and boatloads of tourists, Merida is a cosmopolitan, historic Mexican city filled with locals and expats who’ve made the city their home.

Make sure you check out the sprawling colonial buildings along the leafy Paseo de Montejo and shop for Mexican handicrafts at the bustling market district, just southeast of the Plaza Grand. It’s a good three-hour drive on a decent, flat highway from Cancun to Merida (or a one hour flight).

The Mayan Ruins at Tulum

Most visitors to Cancun head to the larger Mayan ruins like Chichen Itza or Coba for a day trip. However, the smaller Mayan site at Tulum is well worth a visit just to take in the spectacular sight of ancient ruins perched high atop cliffs overlooking the turquoise Caribbean water below. It’s a beautiful site, easily walkable in a few hours, and only about an hour and a half by car from Cancun.

The beach is one of the nicest and quietest on the Yucatán Peninsula and the town also has some great restaurants and shopping when the sun goes down.

Akumal

The small resort town of Akumal (the name means “place of the turtles” in Mayan) is known for its shallow, protected waters and diverse marine life. If you scuba dive or snorkel, then Akumal is worth a visit for a chance to swim with endangered green sea turtles.

Make sure you stop by the Centro Ecologico Akumal, which is doing great work educating tourists and locals alike about ecological protection of Akumal’s unique marine environment. Akumal is about an hour and 20 minutes drive south of Cancun halfway between Playa Del Carmen and Tulum.

Dig Deeper

Cancun has so much to offer beyond the touristy fare in the Hotel Zone. Take a closer look at this beautiful place and you will be rewarded with once-in-a-lifetime views and experiences.

For most vacationers, a trip to Cancun means enjoying great beaches, drinks and food at one of the many all-inclusive resorts along the Hotel Zone. Let’s face it, there’s definitely something to be said for a laid-back, all-inclusive break from reality in Cancun.

But there’s a lot to Cancun beyond the resort strip that most vacationers never see. There’s a real, thriving culture, populated with fun festivals, bustling outdoor markets and great entertainment.

Squares Can be Cool

Like any Mexican town, Cancun’s local scene revolves around the city center square (called a plaza in Spanish). We’ve visited the local plaza in cities throughout Costa Rica, Mexico and Spain itself and there’s always so much to do and see.

In Cancun, the local Parque de las Palapas is the focus of much of the local art, entertainment and culture.

You can see Parque de las Palapas at its liveliest on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, when the square is packed with locals taking in lively music, laughing at children’s clowns and entertainment and snacking on everything from helado (ice cream) to tacos and churros.

Party Like the Dead

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is one of the most colorful, fun ways to get a feel for the real Cancun. It’s a three-day festival (October 31 to November 2) celebrated to welcome home the souls of those who have passed on.

In Cancun, like most of Latin America, Dia de los Muertos is celebrated with copious amounts of food, especially colorful skulls made of sugar and candies of almost every flavor imaginable. During Day of the Dead celebrations, you’ll see altars throughout the city decorated with orange marigolds and a glass of water to wet the dry lips of the dead after their journey.

If you can’t make it to Cancun during Dia de los Muertos, don’t worry; the people of Cancun love a festival and there seems to be some sort of celebration going on almost every week, complete with parades and decorations.

Check Out Mayan Culture

Cancun is also home to a rich Mayan history, with thousand-year-old Mayan ruins scattered around the city.

There are even Mayan ruins within the touristy Hotel Zone. At the archaeological site El Rey, you can still see the remains of brightly colored mural paintings as iguanas zip across the weathered stones.

The Museo Maya de Cancun, right in the heart of the Hotel Zone, is well worth a visit if you’d like to learn about Mayan culture in detail.

Join the Locals for a Splash

There’s some great beach action just outside of the Hotel Zone, especially if you’re looking for quieter beaches. Sometimes these beaches are worth visiting just to splash alongside the locals.

Playa Marlin is a particular favorite with locals because of its expansive views. But water currents are unpredictable, so be mindful.

If you’re looking for gentle waves, Playa Tortuga is especially popular with local families and is a great place to spend an afternoon away from the hotel.

Looking for some more great things to do in Cancun?