17 Best Things to Do in Cancun for Couples in 2023

Wondering what are the things to do in Cancun for couples this year? I got you covered!

Cancun is not just for people looking to party. It is a great spot for couples to relax, reconnect, and have fun.

If you are wondering if Cancun is the right spot for your next couples getaway, keep reading to learn about the best activities in Cancun for couples. 

Romantic Things to Do in Cancun for Couples

Sometimes you need to take a little adventure with your partner to relax and reconnect. There are a lot of reasons Cancun is an excellent spot for a romantic getaway.

The Cancun International Airport has direct flights from over 120 different cities, making it easy to travel to.

Plus, once you are in Cancun there are countless hotels and resorts to choose from. But, what really makes Cancun a great vacation spot for couples are the different romantic activities to choose from.

Here are the top romantic activities in Cancun for couples.

1. Swim in the Cenotes

Cenotes are freshwater sinkholes that connect the surface with a vast underground river system that runs all over the Yucatan Peninsula.

However, the word sinkhole does not do justice to the beauty of the cenotes.

Cenotes are freshwater pools made up of refreshing, crystal-clear water. There are countless cenotes on the Yucatan Peninsula, and many are found in picturesque jungle settings. 

There are three different types of cenotes, one that are fully open to the surface, partially open, and closed to the surface.

Open cenotes often look like a pool, where you can jump in and swim around.

Partially open cenotes often have a pool as well as a section with rocks overhead where you can swim and see the cenote’s amazing rock formations. 

Cenotes are unique to the Yucatan Peninsula. The ancient Mayan people believed the cenotes connected the earth to the underworld- and one visit to one and you can see why.

You can spend a day relaxing by a cenote, or take a tour that includes a visit to a cenote. 

✔️ Chichen Itza, Cenote and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour

5.0 ⭐️ 14,859 Reviews

Spending your day visiting some of the area’s must-see attractions.

Your tour includes hotel pickup and all transportation.

Your first stop of the day will be at the famous archeological site of Chichen Itza. There your guide will teach you about the site and you will get to see the iconic Kukulcan Pyramid.

From there you will head to Cenote Saamal where you can go for a swim and cool off in its clear, refreshing water.

The last stop of the day will be at Valladolid, a colonial town in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula.

There you will get to stroll around the main plaza and enjoy a buffet lunch before heading back to your hotel. This tour lasts around 12 hours. 

The trip was incredible! Our tour was Norma and she was fantastic! She was very knowledgeable and passionate about what she does. Our driver Jorge was also great!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Sarah_J, Aug 2023

2. Relax on the beach

No trip would be complete without spending some time relaxing on one of the beaches in Cancun.

No matter how you and your partner like to relax- be it sipping a margarita, getting a massage, or something a bit livelier like playing the waves or a game of beach volleyball, Cancun has the beach for you.

If you are staying at a beachfront hotel or resort, you can easily spend time relaxing on their beach. Most resorts have romantic beach loungers, where you can get away and enjoy some quality time together.

Or, if you want a change of scenery or are staying at a downtown hotel, there are plenty of public beaches to check out.

The entire stretch of the Cancun hotel zone has public beach access points.

Along the north edge of the hotel zone, you will find family-friendly beaches with calm water where you can relax for the day, and rent a paddleboard or kayak.

Along the southern part of the hotel zone, the water can get rougher.

Here you can find beaches with tons of great amenities, including nearby beach clubs, or head further south and go to Playa Delfines where you can enjoy long stretches of undeveloped beach.

3. Explore Ancient Mayan History

The history of Cancun goes back a lot further than the 1970s when the first resorts were built.

Cancun and the entire Yucatan Peninsula were the home to the ancient Mayan people.

They built impressive cultural and religious centers, with many pyramids and temples still standing today.

Visiting these sites and learning about their history and culture is a great activity to do while in Cancun.

You will be amazed by the natural beauty surrounding the sites, and impressed by the ancient Mayan’s ingenuity. 

You can rent a car, use public transportation, or take a taxi to visit different archaeological sites in the area.

Or, you can take a tour that will include a knowledgeable guide and help you make the most of your day by taking you to cenotes or villages near the ruins. 

✔️ Chichen Itza, Buffet Lunch, Cenote, Tequila Tasting & Valladolid

4.5 ⭐️ 8,619 Reviews

You will travel with your local guide to the ruins of Chichen Itza.

You will arrive early in the morning so you can take amazing pictures on your tour while your guide shows you around and explains the importance of this pre-Colombian site for the Mayan people.

You will get to walk along El Castillo and admire the beauty of the Kukulcan Pyramid.

From there you will head into the jungle and visit Cenote Chichikan. There you will have the chance to cool off in the cenotes’ refreshing, clear water.

You will enjoy a buffet lunch with Mexican flavors at the cenote and, if you are interested, participate in a tequila tasting.

The last stop on your tour is the colonial town of Valladolid. There you will walk around this pueblo magico or Magic Town’s plaza. This tour lasts 12 hours. 

Frank was an absolute amazing guide he was with us our whole trip and was so knowledgeable about the Mayan culture and the areas we visited! Luna was an amazing driver and got us to and from our locations in great timing along with keeping all of our possessions safe while we were enjoying the trip!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Taylor_D, Aug 2023

4. Indulge in a Romantic Dinner

Most couples agree that treating yourself to a romantic dinner is nothing like treating yourself.

In Cancun, you can take the romantic dinner to the next level. Cancun is known for its amazing food, in addition to traditional regional and Mexican food, you can find international cuisine from all over the world.

Many hotels and resorts offer special beachside romantic dinners that you can book. Or, if you want a truly special experience, you can sign up for a dinner cruise.

Dinner cruises will take you for a boat ride where you can enjoy the colors of the sunset, great food and drinks, and an unbeatable atmosphere. 

✔️ Romantic Dinner on a Spanish Galeon in Cancun

4.5 ⭐️ 16 Reviews

Fall in love again with your partner on this romantic dinner cruise on a wooden galleon. You will take off and set sail around the Nichupte Lagoon.

You will enjoy beautiful views of the sunset while listening to a live saxophone player. You can choose between an early sunset cruise or a later cruise under the stars.

Your cruise includes alcoholic beverages and your choice of surf and turf, steak, or a vegetarian meal.

This is a great activity for people looking to celebrate an anniversary, honeymoon, or any other special occasion. 

Everything was awesome!! We had a wonderful time. We would highly recommend it! Great sax music & food.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Annemarie_A, Mar 2023

✔️ Captain Hook: Pirate Show and Dinner Cruise in Cancun

4.0 ⭐️ 1,450 Reviews

Set sail for an evening of pirate tales, dancing, and entertainment, and a live pirate battle at sea.

Enjoy the open bar and a delicious meal of your choice of lobster tail, surf and turf, steak, or grilled chicken.

You can eat inside the air-conditioned seating area or on the open-air deck.

You will enjoy the Caribbean coast at night while the pirate crew creates an unforgettable atmosphere complete with dancing.

This is a great tour if you want to go out and have a great time with your partner. 

So much fun! (Even for non drinkers) lots of music, a good backstop, lot of sword fighting and even fireworks! Food was pretty decent for a boat excursion.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Melanie_S, Aug 2023

5. Go on a Catamaran Cruise

Sitting on the beach in Cancun is great, but sailing on the turquoise water along the coast of Cancun is even better.

Catamaran cruises are a great way to take in all the sights of the area, including the underwater beauty, relax, and have fun.

There are different catamaran tours to choose from: daytime tours that include snorkeling and visits to Isla Mujeres or sunset cruises where you can sip happy hour drinks and catch the sunset.

Let the staff spoil you with drinks, snacks, and a tour of some of the most picturesque parts of Cancun. 

✔️ Luxury Catamaran and Snorkel. Lunch & Open Bar

4.5 ⭐️ 2,204 Reviews

Sail along on the coast of Cancun and take an adventure to Isla Mujeres.

This half-day tour will take you into the turquoise waters where you will stop at a coral reef and have the chance to get into the water and go snorkeling.

Once back on the boat, you will enjoy a gourmet lunch and open bar while sailing to Isla Mujeres.

Once there you can take a guided tour to visit must-see spots or explore the island on your own.

You can check out the downtown shops and restaurants or visit the famous Playa Norte beach.

Once back on the catamaran, you can enjoy a drink while sailing back to Cancun. 

Great trip. Even with rough water the snorkeling and boating were awesome. The staff on the boat were cordial and attentive to our needs […] Overall a very nice trip and I would highly recommend.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Kristofer_D, Aug 2023

6. Take Dance Classes 

Get close with your partner- both physically and emotionally when you take a dance class.

Learn to move to Latin beats and have a good time. Plus, you can take your new skill home with you and keep practicing after the vacation is over! 

✔️ Cancun Salsa or Bachata Dance Lesson

5.0 ⭐️ 6 Reviews

Learn one of the most popular forms of dance worldwide- Salsa in this dance lesson!

Your professional, experienced teacher will guide you through the basics of salsa or bachata.

They will guarantee you have a good time, and no previous dance skills are needed! 

The instructor was very friendly and fun to dance with. He picked me up from my hotel for the lesson.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ DANITA_M, Sep 2020

7. Swim with the Turtles at Akumal Beach

Akumal is a small town on the Riviera Maya located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum.

Akumal has a small downtown with restaurants and hotels, but is largely undeveloped and has a relaxed, Caribbean vibe.

The word Akumal means “place of the turtles” in Mayan. There could not be a more fitting name for this place.

Every year turtles go to Akumal beach to lay their eggs and there is a large population of resident turtles that live just off the white sandy beach.

Floating on top of the calm, clear water and gazing down at the turtles calmly swimming and eating is an unforgettable experience to share with someone. 

✔️ Snorkeling with Sea Turtles in Akumal Beach

5.0 ⭐️ 76 Reviews

Meet your guide at the entrance to the Akumal National Park for a snorkeling adventure.

You will get a full safety briefing as well as information about the species and ecosystem you will see while snorkeling.

You will then enter the water on foot and swim with your guide in a circuit established by the marine park officials.

In addition to the Akumal turtles, you will have the chance to see tropical fish and rays.

Your guide is a certified diving professional and biologist and will be able to answer any of your questions about the marine life you see. This tour lasts around 1 hour. 

We had a great experience with Darwin. We saw plenty of turtles and other beautiful fish and it was the perfect amount of time to be out in the water. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Tripadvisor Reviewer, Apr 2023

8. Go Scuba Diving in Cozumel

Whether you are a certified diver or want to experience the underwater world for the first time, a day trip to Cozumel to go scuba diving is an experience you will never forget.

Located off the coast of the Riviera Maya in front of Playa del Carmen, Cozumel has long been a favorite destination for scuba divers.

It is known for its crystal-clear waters and impressive coral formations that are home to sharks, rays, turtles, and tropical fish.

Beginner divers can take an intro to scuba diving class before heading out to the reef, and certified divers can sign up for boat diving excursions. 

✔️ Chankanaab Cozumel Scuba Diving

4.5 ⭐️ 47 Reviews

Experience Cozumel diving at the Chankanaab Marine Park.

Your dive instructor will give you an introduction to scuba diving class in shallow water before you swim out to the coral reef.

There you will see a variety of marine life as well as underwater sculptures.

Once you surface from your dive you can enjoy the rest of your day at Chankanaab Park- your entrance fee is included in this tour!

Spend the rest of your day relaxing on hammocks and under the shady palapas. 

Our scuba guide was very helpful and informative! We went to a few different statues, a very old cannon from a ship and an underwater cavern. We got to see a ton of fish and animals!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Kadin_G, Jun 2023

9. Experience a Mayan Ceremonial Night

What could be more intimate than participating in a traditional Mayan Temazcal ceremony?

Temazcal ceremonies have been practiced for hundreds of years and are believed to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

The ceremony involves going into a sweat lodge. These are typically igloo-shaped, and the leader of the ceremony will place hot, volcanic rocks in the center of the room.

They will then pour water over the rocks to create steam, often adding herbs to the rocks too.

All ceremonies are different, but many times the leader will sing or chant and lead you through an amazing cleansing process. 

✔️ Mayan Ceremonial Night: Temazcal, Cenote Swim and Dinner

4.0 ⭐️ 8 Reviews

Your tour will start with a walk through a Mayan community where you will learn about their history and culture and learn to make homemade tortillas.

Next, your temazcalero guide will explain the ritual of the Temazcal.

From there you will enter the sweat lodge. You will have around 30 minutes in the sweat lodge, and you are free to enter and leave the sweat lodge throughout the ritual.

After that, you will get to jump into a refreshing cenote and go for a swim.

Your tour will end with a delicious meal of typical Mayan food. This tour lasts 7 and a half hours. 

The experience was great. From the ceremony, to the sweat lodge. The Mayan people were great. The traditional village was excellent as well.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ George_B, Dec 2021

10. Museum Date at Museo Maya de Cancun

Learn about the ancient Mayan civilization without having to leave the hotel zone with a visit to the Museo Maya.

The museum is located in the Cancun hotel zone, so you can easily walk, or take a bus, or taxi to get there.

The museum covers all sorts of information about how the Mayan people lived including what their daily life was like, how they built their communities, politics, and beliefs.

From the Museo Maya, you can walk through the jungle and get to the San Miguelito ruins too!

This is a fun and easy way to take a deeper look at the people who lived in the Cancun area hundreds of years ago. 

11. Escape to Xcaret Park

Spend the day at one of the area’s biggest adventure parks- Xcaret.

Xcaret is located just south of Playa del Carmen and has over 50 attractions for guests to enjoy.

The park has jungle, underground rivers, and beach access.

The most popular attractions are the underground river tours, butterfly pavilion, coral reef aquarium, and the aviary.

The park not only shows you the nature of the area but teaches you about the history and culture. Your day at the park ends with an incredible 300-performer show that tells the history of Mexico.

✔️ Priority Access: Xcaret Day Trip + Night Show + Transportation

4.5 ⭐️ 1,311 Reviews

Enjoy a hassle-free day at Xcaret. This tour includes round-trip transportation from your hotel to the park.

There you can spend the day snorkeling, strolling through the jungle, and touring Mayan archeological sites.

Finish your day with the folkloric show before returning to your hotel. 

The beauty of the land, the river, the ocean, and the exhibits are complemented well by the beauty of our Mexican hosts.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Richard_K, Aug 2023

12. Take a Nature Trip to Sian Ka’an

Experience the best of the natural beauty of the area with a trip to Sian Ka’an.

Located just south of Tulum, Sian Ka’an is the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean.

Sian Ka’an means “origins of the sky” in Mayan and this Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to a huge array of biodiversity.

The protected area includes mangroves, tropical forests, marshes, and coral reefs and is home to a variety of bird and marine species. 

✔️ Private Sian Ka’an Muyil Lazy River Tour

5.0 ⭐️ 37 Reviews

Enjoy a private tour from Cancun into the heart of the Sian Ka’an biosphere.

Your tour will take you to the Muyil archeological zone, which was one of the earliest and longest-inhabited Mayan settlements.

You will then get to float on a relaxing river cruise in the waters of the Chunyaxche. This tour lasts about 5 hours. 

Very good experience. The tour was very relaxing and informative at the same time. I would recommend it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Philipp_H, Jul 2023

13. ATV Ride through the Mayan Jungle

Get your adrenaline going with an ATV ride through the jungle.

Cancun has several adventure parks where you can get off the beach and get your heart pumping with zip lines, ATV rides, and swims in cenotes. These parks are a great place to push your limits in a safe, fun way!

✔️ Best ATV Tour, Ziplines, and Cenote Swim

4.0 ⭐️ 2,119 Reviews

This tour is for adrenaline junkies. It includes roundtrip transportation from your hotel.

Once at the park, you will get to hop on an ATV and head into the jungle. There you will find a beautiful cenote that you can hop into and go for a swim.

Next, you will get to fly over the trees on a ziplining circuit. Your tour ends with a delicious Mayan lunch.

This tour lasts 5 hours. 

George, our guide was awesome. He was funny, and really was pleasant. Had a lot of patience with some of our group members […] and always made sure we were comfortable.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Beverly_H, Aug 2023

14. Enjoy a Parasailing Adventure for Couples

Spend some quality time with your partner while flying high above Cancun with a parasailing adventure. There is no better place to admire the different blue colors of the Caribbean Sea than up in the air. 

✔️ Parasailing in Cancun Beachside Including Transport

4.0 ⭐️ 231 Reviews

Fly 240 feet above the waves with this parasailing adventure.

From up high you will enjoy views of the Cancun shoreline, Nichupte Lagoon, Isla Mujeres, and the hotel zone.

Before flying you will get a short safety briefing. Transportation is included in this one-hour tour.

An amazing experience from start to finish. Amazing team and great customer service. Will do it again next time I’m in town.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Jovana_B, Aug 2023

15. Go Tequila Tasting

Is there anything more Mexican than tequila?

Learn more about this product, try the different types, and check out tequilas you cannot get back at home with a tequila-tasting tour.

If you are lucky you will find a bottle to take home with you to commemorate the vacation. 

16. Watch a Show at Cirque du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil is known worldwide for its shows that combine music, acrobatics, circus, and dance.

The Riviera Maya is home to the JOYA show that tells the story of an alchemist and his granddaughter.

The show incorporates Mexican history and culture and is performed in a theatre in the jungle.

You can choose to have dinner and champagne along with the show, and it is an experience you do not want to miss.

✔️ Cirque du Soleil® JOYÀ Admission Tickets

4.5 ⭐️ 749 Reviews

Enjoy this thrilling show that is unique to the Riviera Maya.

You can choose different seating options and if you want dinner and drinks included when booking your ticket. 

Great show and experience! The menu items were on point, the ambiance was romantic and engaging. The show, beginning to end was amazing. We’ll certainly return to see it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Aaron_A, Aug 2023

17. Party at Coco Bongo

Live the ultimate Cancun party experience with a night at Coco Bongo.

Coco Bongo is not just a nightclub, it is a complete party experience. It is a Vegas-style show complete with dancing, singing, acrobatics, and music that results in a high-energy Mexican party.

Be prepared to stay up late dancing and having a good time!

Where to Stay in Cancun for Couples

When it comes to the best resorts, Cancun has it all.

Here are our recommendations if you are traveling with your partner and want a romantic resort:

🛏 Le Blanc Spa Resort for Cancun 

This adults-only all-inclusive resort is located in the hotel zone on a private stretch of beach.

The spacious rooms have 2 personal hot tubs and minibars.

The hotel has 3 outdoor pools to enjoy as well as a full-service spa and fitness center.

The resort has French-fusion, Italian, Japanese, and Thai restaurants as well as breakfast and lunch buffets.

Guests here love views, helpful staff, and great facilities.

The hotel was super clean and the spa was amazing!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ anna, may 2023

🛏 Nizuc Resort & Spa

Nizuc Resort and Spa is located in the secluded Punta Nizuc and offers guests amazing Caribbean sea views.

Rooms all have a spacious bathroom with bathtubs and a waterfall shower.

The resort has a full-service spa that offers a variety of treatments including hydrotherapy.

There are six on-site restaurants that serve modern Mexican, Mediterranean, and Asian. Guests here love the beautiful facilities and attentive staff.

The hotel was unequivocally excellent.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ troy, august 2023

🛏 Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach

The Grand Fiesta Americana is a 5-star resort that offers rooms with ocean or partial ocean views with private terraces.

The resort has an onsite spa that offers a variety of treatments and beauty services.

There are six fine dining restaurants at the resort and they serve international cuisine.

Guests here love the pools, beach access, and wonderful dining options. 

Rooms were very comfortable, service was excellent and food was better than we expected.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ luis, august 2023

Best Time to Visit Cancun 

You can visit Cancun all year.

The dry season runs from November to May and is the most popular time to visit, with most visitors going for the Christmas and Easter holidays.

The dry season has predictably great weather with warm enough temperatures to enjoy the water and beach without overheating.

There is always a chance of rain in the tropics, but rain showers in the dry season pass quickly and rarely affect your vacation plans.

Some people prefer to come in the rainy season. The temperatures and humidity rise, but the beach, ocean, and cenotes are the perfect way to cool off.

There are fewer tourists in the rainy season, although it rarely rains all day. 

In the rainy season you can enjoy tourist attractions without the large crowds and often find great deals. 

How many days in Cancun is enough?

It depends on what you want to do! The Cancun airport offers direct flights to many cities worldwide, so many people take advantage of the convenience and go to Cancun for a long weekend or longer.

There is so much fun stuff to do in Cancun that you could keep coming back trip and trip and still find new things to do.

That said, if you are only coming for a few days, do your research and prioritize what things you want to see and do!

Figure out what matters the most to you- see ruins, spend time on the beach, go to a cenote, and save the other activities for your next visit!

Travel Tips for Couples Visiting Cancun

Cancun has everything. Make the most of your time together by doing your research and figuring out what matters to you as a couple.

If your idea of connecting is to be out exploring the jungle, riding ATVs, and ziplining into a cenote, book those tours!

Or, if what you need is some quiet time to connect, make sure to book a resort that will let you relax together. 

Many resorts offer special dinners for couples looking for a romantic experience. Make sure to ask if your resort offers beachside dining and spoil you! 

When planning your trip do not get so caught up in the romance that you forget travel basics. Remember to pack any medications you need and purchase trip insurance. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts: Things to do in Cancun for couples

Yes, Cancun might have a reputation as a party spot, but it is actually a great place for couples.

Whether you need a peaceful beach or a new adventure to connect with your partner, Cancun has it for you.

Plus, it is hard not to feel romantic in a place as beautiful as Cancun!