45 Unique Things To Do In Cancun in 2023 (Tips from a Local)
Congratulations! You have landed on the most complete guide to all the things to do in Cancun, one of the most popular Mexican beach destinations.
Hi! I am Isabella and I have lived in Cancun for 12 years and counting. Even if now I often travel to other areas of Mexico, Cancun remains my home where I always return to.
Therefore I thought I should share in this post all the amazing things you can do in sunny Cancun and practical tips to make the most of this amazing Mexican Caribbean destination.
Lined with turquoise water and pristine white sand beaches, Cancun is not short of incredible adventurous activities and world-class resorts.
From basking in the sun all day on the spectacular Cancun beach to getting pampered in one of the Ultra Luxury All-inclusive Resorts, exploring the city, or setting off for an adventure, let’s see what are your options if you decide to spend a few days, or months, in Cancun.
But first, you may want to make sure you know when it’s the best time to visit Cancun to make sure you pick the right time for you.
And also do not forget to include in your Cancun bucket list, trying one of the spectacular restaurants in Cancun. More on this here below as well.
So without further ado, please find the 45 amazing activities and places to visit in and around Cancun, suggested by an expert. 🙂
Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of those links, I may earn a commission at zero cost for you. You can read my disclaimer policy and privacy policy.
Top Things To Do In Cancun Mexico
In this section, I will share all the most incredible tours and activities that you can do in Cancun. This list includes organized tours with a tour guide that take you to discover the most beautiful sites and natural wonders in and around Cancun.
You can choose among many private tours or group tours according to your budget and time.
1. Kayaking in the Nichupte Lagoon
One of the most overlooked spots and one of my favorites is the Nichuptè Lagoon, a huge mirror of sweet water that separates the city from the hotel zone and one of the best places to visit in Cancun.
It has been recently cleaned and it’s home to juvenile fishes that hide in the mangroves, beautiful birds, and if you are lucky you can even spot dolphins and manta rays.
I have found a local company, Go Kayak Cancun that organizes kayaking in the lagoon, the best and most ecological way to explore it and you can now book their tour from VIATOR
They organize tours at sunrise or sunset, which is the best time of the day to kayak in the lagoon, for the colors of the sky, and the amount of wildlife you can spot.
I took this tour once and I had a blast. You will navigate through mangrove channels and spot local wildlife. Besides it’s a good workout.
Andres is a fantastic guide passionate about nature and ecological practice. He is voluntarily organizing a cleaning team every month to keep the Nichupte lagoon healthy.
He does tours in the morning and late afternoon. If you are a morning person, that is the best time to spot more wildlife with fewer motorboats around.
Otherwise the sunset trip is great too. I took that one. 🙂
👉 Book your kayak tour now with GOKAYAK on VIATOR
2. Take some surf lessons
You have heard that right, you can surf from Cancun beach. It’s not the most popular destination for surfing in Mexico but it is well known among surfers as there are quite good swells in many different spots on Cancun beach.
Whether you are a pro or a beginner or you just want to try it, Cancun offers different surf school that will teach you!
You will get the basics of surfing with some off-the-water theory lessons and then you jump in the water for some practice in this 1h 30-minute lesson.
👉 Book your surf lessons on VIATOR
3. Go on a scuba diving adventure
Go Diving Cancun will take you scuba diving to a beautiful natural reef OR the famous underwater statues MUSA. And the good part is that you don’t need to be experienced or certified due to the very shallow water.
This tour has a 5⭐ rating and people are raving about it!
👉 Book your scuba diving adventure on VIATOR
4. Go Snorkeling on the Barrier reef in Puerto Morelos
This 4-hour tour is one of the fun things to do in Cancun.
It’s called “adventure tour” because it’s packed with exciting activities that you can enjoy all in one day!
It includes snorkeling, ziplining, riding ATVs, and swimming in a cenote.
Once you get to Puerto Morelos you’ll take a boat ride to the Puerto Morelos Reef National Park for some snorkeling.
Then, you’ll head off to the Maya jungle to ride four-wheelers and zoom through the trees on a zipline before cooling off with a dip in a refreshing cenote.
Best suitable for adventurous travelers who want to squeeze more activities in half a day!
👉 Book your snorkeling tour on VIATOR
5/6/7. Take a trip to Isla Mujeres (3 options)
Going to Isla Mujeres is definitely one of the things you should do if you love to swim in crystal clear turquoise water and walk on a white sand beach, enjoy the local town vibe, and get to Punta Sur by golf cart.
There re different ways to get to Isla Mujeres and here I am going to share them all with you.
👉 Join a catamaran tour to Isla Mujeres
Keep in mind that the majority of the catamaran tour is packed with many people, and they cater party lovers whose priority is dancing and drinking on the boat and are less focused on exploring. Just so you know.
👉 Book a private sailing trip to Isla Mujeres
A private sailing trip is only for you and your travel partner, is more intimate and you can have a peaceful sailing trip to Isla Mujeres with some snorkeling stops and all the space of the sailing boat for yourself.
It can be pricey if you are only 2 or 3 people but worth it.
You can get to Isla Mujeres by ferry and get around the island at your own pace.
The only difference is that you won’t be able to do snorkeling along the way but you have a lot of time for yourself on the island and maybe join a snorkeling trip from the island.
8. Rent a private yacht all for yourself
Did you know you can charter a spacious yacht from Cancun for a daytime cruise?
You can decide where to go and what you see depending on the duration of your rental, meaning you’ll optimize your time on the water.
Enjoy the lounge on deck as the music plays and admire the beautiful scenery around you. You can stop to snorkel as well if time allows.
Complimentary ice, water, and soft drinks are available on the boat. If you love private tours, I have got you covered as well! 🙂
9. Jungle Tour Adventure: Speed Boat Tour and Snorkeling (Shared Speed Boat)
This short 2-hour tour will take you on small speed boat tours zipping around the Lagoon Nichupte.
You will stop by the Punta Nizuc coral reef for some snorkeling. You can choose from several departure times to suit your schedule.
Snorkel gear and bottled water are included together with an English-speaking guide.
👉 Book your jungle tour adventure here
10. Whale Sharks Tour from Cancun
You cannot miss this life-changing experience to swim with whale sharks, the gentle giant of the sea. They are huge but completely harmless and you can swim close to them without touching them or disturbing their environment.
The whale sharks tours are well organized to let you swim with them three times, as you will need to take turns with the other travelers.
It’s indeed an incredible tour, and if you had to choose among all those listed here I wouldn’t miss this one for the world.
But keep in mind that it’s only available from June through the end of August.
👉 Book your whale sharks tour here
11. Take a trip to Chichen-itza
Although it’s now packed with vendors which in my opinion spoil the magic of this sacred place, Chichen-Itza deserves at least one visit in a lifetime.
I went about 3 times. After all, it’s still one of the world’s seven wonders and a UNESCO world heritage site.
There are tours from Cancun that will take you there with a certified guide and will stop in some cenotes. Although to be really honest, I think you should go on a tour only if you don’t have any other options.
The best way to visit Chichen-Itza is early morning when the big groups haven’t arrived yet.
In one of my articles, I wrote about other ways to get from Cancun to Chichen Iza, if you want to check it out.
However, if you don’t have enough time you can join an organized tour, which has the advantage of a certified guide to offer some great information, and you don’t have to think about the logistics because everything is already organized for you.
Besides, organized tours to Chichen Itza usually include other interesting stops at a cenote and the pretty colonial town of Valladolid.
► Best tours to Chichen Itza from Cancun that you can join. Click on the tour below to read more!
12. Take a trip to Valladolid
Valladolid is the nearest colonial city that will connect you with the local culture to understand what Mexico is about. Unfortunately, although so beautiful, Cancun won’t show you exactly what Mexico is.
If you stay in Cancun and you don’t explore around it’s like you haven’t been to Mexico, except for its beaches and all-inclusive hotels, but that could be anywhere.
To get to Valladolid you can either hop on the ADO public bus or join a tour to Chichen-Itza which always include a visit to Valladolid.
However, keep in mind that you will have very little time to walk around. I personally would prefer to get to Valladolid on my own and stay for a couple of nights.
13. Visit the spectacular cenotes near Cancun
If you have never swum in a cenote, you should at least once visit one of the spectacular Cancun Cenotes, only 30 minutes drive from Cancun.
Each one has its own charm and offers a great way to spend one day in nature, swimming, jumping, or just relaxing on the rim surrounded by the soothing Jungle.
If you don’t know what’s a cenote, check out my complete guide on the Cancun Cenotes where I also give you a brief synopsis of their history.
The best way to enjoy the cenotes near Cancun is by renting a car and driving because public transportation won’t go there.
If you don’t feel like renting a car you can always join one of the amazing cenote tours from Cancun.
14. Go see the jaw-dropping pink lakes of Las Coloradas and see the Flamingos in Rio Lagartos
Located at about a 3-hour drive from Cancun, these spectacular lakes are indeed pink. It’s not a Photoshop trick, although some of the Instagram photos are a little too saturated, they do serve the purpose.
You cannot swim in the lakes at Las Coloradas, of course. They are part of a salt factory that’s been there for ages. They have now turned it into a money-making tourist attraction after all the success they saw on Instagram.
You can easily get there on your own by car but you can also join a tour and combine a boat tour in the famous Rio Lagarto reserve to watch the graceful pink flamingo and then continue your trip to the pink lakes.
The boat tour is what makes the trip worth it, in my opinion. Click on the link below to find out more.
► Book Las Coloradas and Rio Lagartos tour here
15. Visit Isla Holbox
Holbox is a spectacular island only a couple of hours from Cancun. Actually, Cancun Holbox by car is about 2 hrs and 30 minutes but if you go by bus you would need about 3h.30 minutes.
I know, it’s a lot of time to go in one day, and if you ask me, I am telling you it’s not worth it. You should spend at least a couple of nights enjoying it fully.
However, if you have a limited time, the best way to go is by an organized tour where you will be going on a boat tour to do some site spotting on the nearby island (Isla de los Pajaros) on your way to Holbox.
It’s the best way to make the most of your time there.
You will find white sand deserted beaches and turquoise water, where there are no cars and people move around by bike or golf cart.
It’s much less developed and chaotic than Isla Mujeres and with more authentic vibes.
Here below is the link to the tour. Click on it to learn more.
►Boat Tour to Holbox Paradise Island from Cancun
16. Take a day trip to Tulum
You cannot miss the Tulum archaeological site and the boho-chic hotel zone of Tulum if you are in the Yucatan peninsula. It’s a must.
The Mayan ruins are a unique sight and the view of the Mayan temple with the turquoise waters as a backdrop is a postcard-worthy picture.
And then you can take a dip in the beautiful sea and spend the rest of the day on the spectacular beach.
I recommend Cinco Tulum where for a moderate cost, you can have a great meal and use the beach facilities. Read my post on how to get from Cancun to Tulum if you wish to go on your own.
Otherwise, you can book a tour where they take you to the ruins with a certified guide and make other stops in the meantime. It’s a great way to optimize time and see more in one day and with a certified guide included.
Organized tour options to Tulum from Cancun are available and combine a visit to the Tulum ruins with other fun sites, such as cenotes, and beaches.
Here are the top-rated tours from Cancun to Tulum
17. Spend a day in Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is the notorious party town of the Riviera Maya, but besides the party, you can stroll along the famous 5 Avenida for some shopping and nice restaurants, and relax at the beach for a nice swim in the tranquil azure sea.
You can easily get to Playa del Carmen from Cancun on your own by bus, but if you feel more comfortable you can check out taxi rates. They should be around 1000 MXN one way. (about 50 USD)
18. Visit Isla Contoy
Isla Contoy is definitely one of the unique things to do in Cancun. Boat Tours live from one of the Cancun marinas and will take you to this spectacular uninhabited island to learn about the local fauna, and enjoy the immaculate white sand beaches and pristine water.
Isla Contoy is a natural park and protected area and only supervised and regulated eco-tourism is allowed. Only a few tour operators have permission to bring a maximum of 200 daily visitors.
It is home to four species of sea turtles that find a safe haven for nesting on the beaches of the island, the loggerhead turtle, the Green turtle, the Hawksbill turtle, and the leatherback turtle.
The reserve is also a sanctuary to approximately 152 tropical marine birds, among which frigates, brown pelicans, and cormorants.
Here are some suggested tours to Contoy Island
19. Rent a car and drive around the Yucatan Peninsula
Driving around the Yucatan Peninsula is super safe and easy. It will give you the freedom to check out gorgeous hidden spots off the beaten path and also move at your own pace, change the itinerary, and spend more time where you feel like it.
You don’t even have to book your stay in advance. Just go with the flow, which is my favorite way to travel.
To rent a car I recommend DiscoverCars which is a car rental platform where you can compare prices from different car rental companies and find the most convenient for you.
You can also purchase very affordable full-coverage insurance for your own peace of mind. Make sure you read the fine print at the time of booking, though, to avoid surprises.
THINGS TO DO IN CANCUN
Things To Do in Cancun with Kids
20. Priority Access: Xplor Adventure Park with pick up and drop off
If you are feeling adventurous this full-day tour will take you to Xplor another man-made adventure park from the Xcaret group.
Even in this case, there is nothing ecological about this park but it is indeed a beautiful subterranean river.
In your full-day package you will be able to paddle through atmospheric caves filled with stalactites; glide over the jungle canopy on a high-velocity zip line, and drive an amphibious vehicle on exciting off-road trails.
Enjoy a rich international buffet and sip your drinks from the open bar.
This is an inclusive tour and everything is covered.
You need to book in advance in order to include your return transfer from your hotel.
► Book your full-day Xplore park
21. Spend a day in the Xel-Ha tourist park
Xel-ha is another adventure park near Cancun from the Xcaret group, the ones that are not eco-friendly in my opinion.
These are not my favorite parks because they are always very crowded, but I reckon they are very organized and great for families. You can pre-buy your ticket on VIATOR and save time.
I prefer to skip these kinds of parks and rent a car and explore Mexico on my own, instead. But to each one their own, right?
If you have kids, this park will certainly amuse them and you have all the comfort and facilities at hand, to relax and enjoy the place too
22. Spend a full day in the popular park Xcaret
I can’t believe I am including Xcaret in this post, but unfortunately, Xcaret, the so-called ecological park, is one of the most visited places in the Riviera Maya from Cancun but there is nothing ecological about it.
I would rather rent a car and go on an adventure on my own than be included in a zoo-like area squeezed with a mass of people and support dolphin exploitation.
If you decide to go to Xcaret please at least don’t do the swim with the dolphin activity. I beg you! These beautiful intelligent animals should be swimming free in the ocean on their own and not entertaining people and kissing kids. Come on!!!
Anyway, if you really want to go to Xcaret here is where you can book. But please don’t throw your money and swim with the dolphins!!
You can rent a car and travel around on your own or join organized tours and have an experienced guide take you around.
23. Swim with the sea turtles in Akumal
A great place where to take your kids, or yourself, is Akumal Beach because you can swim with turtles right from the shore. The beauty of it is that they are not kept in captivity.
They are free to roam in the ocean and they just come close to the shore because that area is rich in plankton and other marine creatures that they feast on.
THINGS TO DO IN CANCUN
Free Things To Do In Cancun Mexico
24- 31 Go where the locals hang out
Cancun is not only the Hotel Zone, where the luxury Cancun all-inclusive hotels are. There is also a town where local people live (including me).
There is nothing appealing about Downtown Cancun, to be honest, however, there are a couple of interesting places that you might want to check out and mingle with locals.
Mercado 28
Mercado 28 is a little touristy now, but you can find some Mexican souvenirs.
Mercado 23
Where locals go grocery shopping, an interesting place to browse around. Watch your purse, though.
Malecon Tajamar
That’s a nice promenade along the Nichupte Lagoon on the downtown side. Locals use to go there early morning and in the evening to exercise. It’s beautiful at sunrise and full moon.
Plaza las Americas
Plaza Las Americas is a mall where locals go shopping, to movies, and to coffee. It’s located right in front of the Malecon at walking distance from each other.
Parque las Palapas
One of the few walkable plazas where you can see local life going by with families with kids hanging out and a few restaurants in the surroundings.
Avenida Nader
One of the newly refurbished areas where locals hang out at night, with lots of new lovely restaurants of all tastes and pockets
Puerto Cancun
Puerto Cancun is the new high-end mall where you can enjoy world-class stores and upscale restaurants beside a beautiful view of the harbor.
Plaza La Isla
Plaza La Isla has been there forever and it’s one of the largest open-air malls in Cancun. It’s located in the Hotel zone facing the lagoon.
It includes some of the most upscale restaurants in Cancun such as Elephanta and the Thai Restaurants. It’s also the best place where to watch the sunset over Cancun Skyline.
32. Explore Cancun beaches
One of the highlights of Cancun is the endless white sand beach washed by turquoise crystal water, one of the most amazing picture-worthy beaches in Mexico.
Although it’s actually one unique beach 18 km long, only interrupted at one point by km 8, by Crystal Palace hotel (former Hyatt), there are many different beaches each one with its own features and name as I write in my article on the best beaches in Cancun.
Although the entire coast is occupied by huge hotels, the beach is totally public and you can hang out anywhere you want as long as you are not using the hotel’s facilities.
There are a few spots along the Zona Hotelera road where you have access to the beach. My favorites are Playa Caracol and Playa Delfines.
33. Check out the Mayan ruins in Cancun
Get a glimpse of the Mayan culture by visiting the brand-new archeology museum and the tiny archaeological sites in Cancun, El Rey, and El Meco.
Of course, they are not Chichen-Itza, but still, they will give you an idea of the Mayan civilization and its history. It’s all located a few miles from your hotel in Cancun.
It’s not exactly a free thing to do in Cancun because you have to pay a small entry fee but you don’t need to join a tour to see them.
THINGS TO DO IN CANCUN
Things to do in Cancun at night
Cancun is one of the top Mexican destinations for its vibrant nightlife, which is what makes it one of the prime spots for spring breakers and party lovers.
However, there are many things to do in Cancun at night that go beyond the clubs and loud music. Here I will share the top activities and events that you can participate in from Cancun in the evening and night.
34. Assist the Cirque du Soleil show
The show draws on the heritage and history of Mexico to weave the story, presented in an intimate dinner theatre in the jungle of the Riviera Maya.
Here is where you can purchase your tickets but mind that the transportation is not included, so you may want to check with the reception of your hotel to book a return taxi for you.
►Book your Cirque du Soleil tickets here
35. Enjoy the shows at Coco Bongo
The Coco Bongo has become a landmark in Cancun for night entertainment.
Even if you are not into partying and loud music like me, you will still appreciate the spectacular shows from local artists who will perform during the night mimicking the most popular singers, such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, Queen, and many more.
You won’t be late if you don’t want to, as the show usually wraps up around midnight to one am.
► Book your VIP entrance at Coco Bongo here
36. Enjoy the night show at Xcaret
The popular theme park of Xcaret includes an entertaining and captivating night show at sunset with Pre-Hispanic Dances, and a Horse Exhibition, where history and folklore are represented by more than 300 artists on the stage of the Gran Tlachco.
This ticket includes day and night access to X-Caret for a full day of entertainment. So make sure you bring the necessary change of clothes
►Book your Xcaret Night show tickets here
37. Captain Hook: Pirate Show and Dinner Cruise in Cancun
This is a fun night boat trip for party lovers. You will enjoy a gourmet dinner and an evening of pirate tales, dancing, and entertainment, then see a live-action battle at sea.
This 3-hour dinner cruise includes access to an open bar, with air-conditioned indoor seating as well as an open-air dance floor and deck.
► Book your Captain Hook Pirate Show and Dinner Cruise tickets here
38. Amazing Romantic Dinner on a Galeon around the lagoon in Cancun with sax music
If you are not into parties, but you prefer a more intimate night out but original, why not book a romantic dinner cruise in an old galleon.
You will glide across the Nichupte Lagoon on a Spanish-style galleon accompanied by the timeless rhythms of live sax as you enjoy your choice of beef, vegetarian, lobster, or surf ‘n’ turf while the sun is setting.
You can choose between deluxe and simple dinner options to suit your budget and transportation from your hotel, which is optional.
►Book your romantic dinner on a Galeon here
39. Cancun Authentic Taco tour
If you want to enjoy authentic Mexican food, you will enjoy this taco tour organized by Cancun food tour. I did it and despite I am a local in Cancun, I enjoyed trying different restaurants that I have never heard of.
Make sure you go on an empty stomach because you will eat a lot. Also, you will make a couple of stops at the Mercado 23 and the beautiful murals of Cancun.
►Book your taco tour in Cancun on VIATOR
40. City Tour, Tacos, Tequila, Beer & Shopping
We must include in the things to do in Cancun another culinary tour. We are in Mexico after all, one of the most beloved cuisines in the world.
With this tour, you will visit some of the best food spots in Cancun. You will be eating some of the top Mexican food including tacos, quesadillas, and desserts at five different stops
You will also learn about Mexican food and drink culture from your guide.
To ensure the best experience, the maximum number of travelers is capped at 10.
As an option, you can stop by a shopping mall where you can buy tequila, mezcal, crafts, and much more.
►Book your with City Tour, Tacos, Tequila, Beer & Shopping on VIATOR
THINGS TO DO IN CANCUN
Things to do in Cancun Hotel Zone
Some of the things to do in Cancun I mentioned above are located in the Hotel Zone. Here below I will list them again for your convenience plus new awesome things to do
41. Check out some of the beautiful white sand beaches of Cancun.
Among all the amazing Cancun beaches, my favorite ones are Playa Chac Mool and Playa Kukulkan.
Although it seems that Cancun beaches have only access through the Cancun luxury beach hotels, you can find some beach access along the Avenida Kukulcan.
Read my post on the Cancun beaches ( linked above) to learn how to access the top Cancun beaches.
42. Walk around Plaza La Isla
Plaza La Isla is one of the best places for shopping in Cancun but also for a good stroll in the evening to watch the sunset on the Nichupte Lagoon while having a delicious meal in one of the upscale Cancun Restaurants.
43. Go snorkeling by the hotel Club Med
At the very end of Cancun Beach at about km21 it’s where the beach is interrupted and turns into a 90-degree angle towards Cancun airport.
That’s where Club Med is. You can’t get into the hotel if you are not a guest. But if you walk down Playa Delfines and walk along the beach you can get there and snorkel from the shore.
If you don’t feel link joining one of the snorkeling tours, this is a great option to do it on your own.
44. Spend a day in one of the Cancun Beach Clubs
Some of the spectacular all-inclusive hotels in Cancun offer a day pass for you to enjoy their installation and restaurants.
In fact, there are not many beach clubs in Cancun, so the best way to enjoy some comfortable beach facilities is by getting a day pass in one of the Cancun resorts on the beach.
It’s worth the splurge for sure.
45. Visit the Mayan Museum and archeological site nearby
If you want to learn some Mayan history, this new museum will be a great way to spend a couple of hours in Cancun, especially if it rains or, if outside it’s too hot.
Nearby there are some cute ancient Mayan ruins as well that you can check out.
THINGS TO DO IN CANCUN
What should I avoid in Cancun?
🚫 Don’t stay in your hotel the entire Vacation
One of the things you should avoid in Cancun is being scared to get out of your hotel. Especially if you are staying in one of the spectacular all-inclusive hotels in the hotel zone you may be tempted to stay in and get yourself pampered. Who can blame you?
But I assure you that if you go out and check out some of the places I have mentioned here above in this post you will be ecstatic.
Cancun is surrounded by incredible historical sites and natural wonders that are worth checking out
However, there are a few things you should avoid in order to stay safe and have a smooth vacation, which I will talk about in the next section.
I read in a popular magazine that renting a car should be among the things that you should not do in Cancun. I think their writer has never been here or if he/she has, she had a bad experience.
Renting a car is one of the best ways to enjoy Cancun and the Yucatan Peninsula and in my opinion the safest way.
🚫 Don’t go to the theme parks
Another thing the Fodors writers suggest you should do is visiting those parks, but those are not the real Mexico. I am sure they get commissions for promoting them. I do too, but still, I believe there are more authentic and natural places that you will enjoy more
🚫 Don’t swim when the red flag is out
This should be for the next section but I include it here among the thing you should not do in Cancun.
Although the incredible turquoise water is inviting, there are rip tides in that will pull you out and won’t let you back in.
It’s dangerous. So follow the beach guards’ instructions. They know better!
🚫 Don’t eat in your hotel all the time
Although you have booked and paid for an all-inclusive hotel, Cancun is full of amazing restaurants that you should experience.
🚫 Don’t let the timeshare guys convince you of their deal
It’s never for your advantage but a mouse trap! You don’t need a timeshare when you can travel the world with no ties, right? Also getting out of it once you are in, is a nightmare.
Is Cancun Safe?
Cancun is a relatively safe destination and although some episodes of crime came out in the news, we can say that for tourists it’s safe to travel. There are a few things that you should be mindful of, though, and I will list them here below.
✔ Don’t drink tap water –
It’s not safe to drink water in Cancun or in Mexico in general and that is why in your hotel room you will always find a bottle or two for your use.
✔ Don’t leave your bag unattended
Make sure you keep your belonging close to you and never out of sight. Petty theft is very common and they are magicians when it comes to making things disappear in a blink of an eye.
✔ Use the safe of your hotel room
If your hotel room is equipped with a safe, you should use it to keep your documents and personal items if value. Make a copy of your docs to bring with you and if you are renting a car, of course you should bring your original driving license with you.
✔ Don’t leave your drink out of sight
The scam of adding drugs to drinks and then stealing your stuff is not only seen in the movies. It’s a real thing. So never leave your drink out of sight, especially if you are traveling alone.
✔ Bring your documents with you or a copy
if you can leave your documents in the safe of your hotel room, bring a copy with you otherwise bring your documents but put them in a place where they can be safe, like in a money belt or anything similar.
✔ Don’t flaunt your wealth. Leave your jewelry at home, you don’t need it here anyway.
You don’t need jewelry or fancy items in Cancun, even in a luxury hotel. However, if you like to dress up and use accessories, avoid using them when touring around. Keep them in the safe of your hotel and use them only there.
Read more about safety in Cancun on my dedicated post!
Book your transfer from Cancun Airport to your hotel!!
Cancun airport transportation is a reputable company that I would use if I didn’t have friends coming for me when I fly to Cancun.
Things to do in Cancun: Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cancun popular for?
Cancun is mainly popular for its spectacular white sand stretch of beach, the magnificent highrise all-inclusive hotels, and all the many watersports you can do from here, from scuba diving, paddleboarding, snorkeling, boat tours, and much more.
What should I be careful of in Cancun?
Just be aware of your surroundings and walk on the beach or in dark places at night alone. Be careful of the water currents and don’t swim if there is a yellow or red flag. Read my post on safety in Cancun for more details.
Is 3 days enough time in Cancun?
Yes, 3 days is enough to check out the main attractions in Cancun but if you stay longer, trust me, you won’t get bored. There are so many things to do in Cancun that you will always be entertained if you want.
Can you walk around Cancun safely?
Yes, you can walk around pretty safely in the most central part of Cancun, in the hotel zone especially but also central downtown during the day. However, I would be more careful during the night and stay in the most touristy and crowded areas only.
Do I need pesos in Cancun?
Yes, it’s much better to travel with pesos because if you use USD or Euro although they are accepted, the exchange rates would be really really bad for you. Make sure you exchange your currency in the local casa de Cambio or banks.
Can you drink the water in Cancun?
You can’t drink tap water in Cancun, although it’s not lethal, you don’t want to end up with any stomach bugs or diarrhea during a vacation. So don’t risk it.
Can you brush your teeth in Cancun and Mexico?
Yes, you can brush your teeth with tap water but since many hotels provide purified water bottles, you may want to use them to be on the safe side.
Things To Do In Cancun: Before you go
I hope this long list of experiences and tips has helped you decide what to do when you are visiting Cancun and it didn’t overwhelm you.
Or maybe you decided to extend your time here so that you can do more activities. I am going to leave you with more articles on this spectacular destination. I hope they will be helpful.
Living in Cancun: Pros and Cons
