10 Unforgettable Things to Do in Cancún: Beyond the Beach Resorts (2025 Guide)
What else is there to do besides lounge at an all-inclusive in Cancún? I can think of 10 things.
Quick summary: 10 things to do in Cancún in 2025
Cancún offers incredible experiences beyond beach resorts. Top activities include day trips to Isla Mujeres, early morning Chichen Itza tours, snorkeling in Puerto Morelos, and swimming in hidden cenotes near Cancún. Adventure options include zip lining at Xplor and authentic Mexican cooking classes. Cultural highlights feature Mercado 28 shopping and the Museo Maya de Cancún. The best time to visit is February-April, with easy transportation via R1/R2 buses and island ferries.
10 things to do in Cancún
My existential crisis began as soon as I lay eyes on that blue water and white sand.
Cancún and I have a complicated relationship. The first time I went, I was working on cruise ships and, during some free time, wandered around a market with overpriced souvenirs. I bought a giant, beautifully painted bowl, which I really loved and used for years. When it broke, so did my heart. The second time I went, it was to help run an incentive program, and I stayed at Nizuc. One of those fabulous places where staff takes you to your bungalow in a golf cart. On this trip, I went to Chichen Itza, which was the first ruin that truly captivated me.
My third visit was a few weeks ago. I went for a hotel site inspection. The guests…were shocking. Quite ratchet, if I want to be as transparent as possible. Obviously, I thought to myself, I am in Cancún, after all.
But over a few days, something happened. I don’t know if it was the bold colors (yes, I said colorS) of the ocean, the sound of the waves (there were waves!!), the hydrating humidity, the friendly people, or the margaritas — perhaps it was a combination of everything. I had fun. Like, a lot of fun. Enough fun that if a friend were to say, Hey, Bethany, wanna go to Cancún? I would almost certainly say yes. Spending account balance pending, of course.
1. Day Trip to Isla Mujeres
I biked the whole island in about two hours, stopping for selfies like this along the way.
The ferry to Isla Mujeres was everything I expected it to be. I walked from my hotel to Playa Caracol to catch the earliest trip out (9:00 am). For some reason, the boat couldn’t dock, and so we had to take the local bus to Playa Tortugas and embark there. I sat on the top deck, feeling a bit grumpy for personal reasons, until my thoughts were interrupted by the unmistakable sound of a microphone connecting to the ferry’s crackling sound system. A man dressed in full mariachi costume (a style of music that originated 1,000 miles west in Jalisco) started to sing Mexican ballads. A few minutes before we docked at our destination, he walked around with a can to collect our generous tips.
Isla Mujeres moves at golf cart speed, literally. Many people rent one and cruise the island's rainbow-colored streets, stopping at Playa Norte where the sea is so calm and clear you can see your toes. I rented a bicycle and rode 8.7mi around the island, only stopping here and there for photos of cute coconut stands and the unbelievably blue water.
Why it's special: Isla Mujeres is the antidote to everything overwhelming about the Hotel Zone in Cancún — smaller, slower, and somehow more authentic despite being thoroughly discovered. Moreover, the downtown is walkable and entertaining, and while the hotel zone has its pockets, there’s really not much wandering to do.
Insider tip: Catch the first Ultramar ferry from either Playa Caracol or Playa Tortugas. Ferries for visitors stop running between 2:15 and 4:00 pm.
2. Visit Chichen Itza
I'll be honest: I only went on a Chichen Itza tour because I had to accompany a group. To my mind, it was a tourist trap, an overrated Wonder of the World. Then I stood in front of the staircase at El Castillo while a guide clapped at the base, resulting in an echo resembling the sound of the Maya’s sacred quetzal bird. It was the first time I truly got goosebumps from a pile of rocks (and not the last – Mexico has had that effect on me).
Book an early access tour if you can swing it. I didn’t, but I would. It costs more, but watching the sun climb over 1,000-year-old architecture while hearing the echo of your footsteps in the Great Ball Court? Worth every peso. Most tours include cenote stops and the colonial town of Valladolid, a perfect day of time travel.
Why it's special: Standing before one of the New Seven Wonders of the World never gets old, especially when you have a guide to explain why it’s a wonder.
Insider tip: The "early access" tours really work. By 11 AM, the site transforms from mystical to chaotic. Also, bring a hat – there's virtually no shade.
3. Snorkeling in Puerto Morelos
You may hop into one of these beauties to embark on your snorkeling adventure.
Puerto Morelos is what Cancún was probably like thirty years ago – a sleepy fishing village where the biggest decision is whether to have aguachile or fish tacos for lunch. The drive south takes you past resort after resort until suddenly, you're in a beachside pueblo. It’s adorable, albeit full of Canadians so most menus are in English (nothing against Canadians!! Love you guys! It’s just not an “undiscovered” locale.)
Anyway a friend and I went for my 41st birthday, and we went snorkeling. It was my first time truly snorkeling and it was magic. Aside from the abundance of iridescent fish, we saw giant, beautiful, graceful sea turtles and I swear I’ve changed as a person.
The Puerto Morelos reef is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (the second largest in the world after Australia) and snorkeling here feels like swimming through an aquarium. The water is impossibly clear, the coral vibrant, and you'll spot fish in colors that don't seem real. Local operators know these waters well and will take you to spots where the aforementioned sea turtles float like they’ve got nothing on the schedule.
Why it's special: All the marine life of Cancún's coast, none of the crowds. Plus, the town itself is worth exploring – fishing boats bobbing in the harbor, beachfront restaurants like Muelle Once, fresh juice and acai spots like Mangata (their eco-green smoothie is my favorite) and affordable beach clubs for lounging in the sun with a spicy margarita after your tour.
Insider tip: Double the fun by booking your Puerto Morelos snorkeling tour at Unico Beach Club, so you can laze the afternoon away on one of their lounge chairs upon your return.
4. Canopy/Zip Lining Adventures
My second ziplining trip ever was in the freakishly high mountains outside of Cape Town. I was so terrified that the (not NOT handsome) Capetonian guiding our group of 7 women was forced to fly every single zip with his muscular arms wrapped around my trembling body. The experience was nothing short of traumatic. I did get myself back out there on a 2024 visit to Cuetzalan and rather enjoyed myself. With Quintana Roo’s tropical landscape, what could be more fun than a little Cancún canopy adventure?
The adventure parks around Cancún—Xplor, Selvatica, Xel-Há—offer more than just zip lines. Think underground river swims, ATV rides through jungle paths, and cenote rappelling. It's like someone took every adventure activity you've ever wanted to try and dropped them in one location.
Why it's special: Where else can you zip line over ancient trees, swim in a crisp cenote, and drive an ATV through the jungle all before lunch?
Insider tip: I can’t believe this is even a tip but — wear sneakers! You’re flying through the air! Sandals are too flimsy for that kind of action. Also, wear your bathing suit.
5. Take a Mexican Cooking Class
With the outside this cute, can you imagine how charming the kitchen is?
Cooking classes are one of my favorite things to do, no matter where I go. The sheer array, textures, and colors of ingredients in Mexican cooking feel more like a work of art than a meal. So step away from the buffet and dive into Yucatán's incredible culinary heritage. The best cooking classes start with market tours – because what’s more fun than navigating the organized chaos of vendors, selecting ingredients, learning the difference between habaneros and poblano peppers? Then head back to the kitchen (no doubt covered in bright tiles and clay pots) to grind spices, wrap tamales, and get drunk on mezcal while you’re at it.
Why it's special: You'll not only learn to cook authentic dishes, but you'll understand the stories and traditions behind them. Plus, you'll actually know how to recreate these flavors when you get home.
Insider tip: Mexico Lindo Cooking is a charming spot, painted bright yellow and pink so you can’t miss it, and one of the more authentic Mexican cooking schools in Cancún.
6. Swim in a Cenote
Duh. Cenotes—natural freshwater sinkholes—are scattered throughout the Yucatán Peninsula like hidden gems. Skip the crowded ones near the highway and seek out places like Cenote Suytun or the hidden swimming holes that require a local guide to find. Cenotes are crisp and clean and after a few minutes, you’ll feel refreshed from the inside out.
Why it's special: Swimming in a cenote is a spiritual practice. These were sacred to the Maya, who considered them a gateway to the Underworld.
Insider tip: Regular sunscreen is banned to protect the ecosystem, so don’t wear it. The water is consistently cool, around 75°F, so it feels incredible after the jungle heat.
7. Shop at Mercado 28
If you don’t spend much time in Mexico and haven’t been to a local market, then make it a point to leave the Hotel Zone for Mercado 28. If you do it right, it should feel like a sensory overload: the smell of fresh tortillas mixing with incense, vendors calling out from every direction in rapid-fire Spanish, mariachi music competing with reggaeton, and colors so vibrant they seem to pulse. It's chaotic, authentic, and exactly what a shopping experience in a Mexican market should be.
Why it's special: It's a true Mexican market experience. It’s messy, loud, authentic, and full of treasures.
Insider tip: Bring small bills. Vendors won’t, and sometimes can’t, break a 500 peso bill.
8. Explore the Mayan Museum (Museo Maya de Cancún)
It's easy to walk past in the Hotel Zone, so pin it on your map and prepare for a crash course in everything you didn't know you didn't know about Maya civilization. The artifacts tell stories spanning thousands of years, and suddenly those ruins you've been staring at on postcards make so much more sense.
The museum houses over 400 artifacts, from jade jewelry to enormous stone sculptures, but it's the storytelling that makes it special. Don't miss the adjacent San Miguelito ruins, where you can walk among 1,000-year-old temples while waves crash in the background.
Why it's special: It's the perfect introduction to Maya culture, and it's one of the few places in Cancún where you can escape crowds and actually learn something profound.
Insider tip: The museum's air conditioning is aggressive and the rooftop gardens offer unexpected views of the lagoon.
9. Relax at a Beach Club in Tulum
Listen, everyone is going to judge you for going to Tulum. Once you accept that fact, it’s easier to enjoy it. After days of adventure and culture, sometimes you need to remember why you came to the Caribbean in the first place. People-watching.
Each beach club has its own personality. Some host the infamous Tuluminati crowd, perpetually high on designer drugs with elaborate cocktails in hand, others focus on yoga retreats and raw food. All of them share that boho-chic aesthetic that makes it look so good on Instagram: white sand, turquoise water, and chic design that makes you question your neutral-hued Ikea couch.
Why it's special: Tulum's beach clubs offer a sophisticated alternative to Cancún's spring break energy with the same incredible coastline.
Insider tip: Reserve day passes in advance, especially during high season. Most clubs have minimum spend requirements, but it's easy to hit them just by breathing. Just kidding, but your $45 guacamole should get you part-way there in a jiffy.
10. Watch the sunrise
This is worth setting an alarm for.
Every morning. Just do it. There is nothing better than this.
Practical Tips for Visiting Cancún in 2025
Getting Around: The R1 and R2 buses are cheap, safe, air-conditioned, and constantly running between downtown and the Hotel Zone. Taxis are everywhere but they’re shockingly expensive. For day trips, rental cars offer flexibility, but be prepared for aggressive insurance sales and confusing parking situations.
Safety: Cancún is generally safe, especially in tourist areas, but use common sense. The Hotel Zone feels like Disneyland—almost too safe—while downtown has more authentic energy but requires standard travel awareness. Petty theft is the biggest concern, especially in crowded markets.
Best Time to Visit: February through April offers perfect weather and fewer crowds. Hurricane season (June-November) brings afternoon thunderstorms and humidity, but also lush landscapes and better hotel deals. September is the wettest month, but also when you'll have cenotes almost to yourself.
FAQ: Unforgettable Things to Do in Cancún 2025
How do I get to Isla Mujeres from Cancún?
Take the Ultramar ferry from the Hotel Zone piers, Playa Caracol and Playa Tortugas. The ride takes 20-35 minutes and ferries run frequently throughout the day. Buy tickets at the pier or online.
What should I buy at Mercado 28?
Look for hand-embroidered textiles, silver jewelry, hammocks, and local snacks like camotes. Many say bargaining is expected – that hasn’t been my personal experience, but feel free to share your stories in the comments.
Can I visit Chichen Itza from Cancún in one day?
Absolutely. And you should. Early morning tours work best and often include cenote stops and lunch. Self-driving is possible but tours handle logistics and provide historical context.
What's the best way to get around Cancún?
The bus system is efficient and budget-friendly for most visitors. Taxis are plentiful but negotiate fares first. Ferries are essential for island day trips.
When is the best time to visit Cancún?
February to April for ideal weather and manageable crowds. September is the wettest month, while hurricane season runs June through November.
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