Things to do in Cancun for adults during your vacation (Ideas for couples & groups of friends)

Cancun boasts gorgeous beaches, crystalline waters, and tons of activities to keep the whole group entertained for days.

By Nicole Muto
Published: July 18, 2024
Cancun

Whether you're headed to Cancun to kick back and relax or go full-throttle on a jet ski, you'll find that there's plenty of fun to be had. If you're looking for the best activities and landmarks to add to your itinerary, check out our list of Cancun must-sees, including...

  • Chichén Itzá and Valladolid
  • Dolphin Encounter and Maroma Beach Club access
  • Columbus Sunset Dinner Cruise
  • Snorkel an Underwater Museum
  • Parasail Cancun
  • Tulum Express Tour
  • Shipwreck Snorkeling Experience
  • Paradise SubSee Excursion
  • and more...

Chichén Itzá

Chichén Itzá is one of the most famous Mayan temples in Mexico. It's definitely worth a visit to see the famed structure with your own eyes. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the area to take in the historical ruins. As you explore, you'll learn more about the Mayans' advancements in math, science, and architecture.

The temple is one of the most uniquely built historic structures in the area. After you explore Chichén Itzá, it's time for a typical Mexican buffet lunch at Hacienda Selva Maya followed by a cooling dip in the natural cenote Saamal. You'll have plenty of time for a refreshing swim.

On your way back to Cancun, you'll also stop at the colonial town of Valladolid where your guide will provide some top tips and leave you to explore its impressive architecture and quaint pastel-colored buildings.

Getting in: Chichen Itza, Cenote & Valladolid Day Trip tickets are included on the All-Inclusive pass as a premium option.

Chichén Itzá

Dolphin encounters

Interacting with dolphins will be a dream come true! Learn all about the playful creatures in your briefing, hop in the pool, and suit up in your life vest ready for your unforgettable experience with these intelligent and gentle mammals.

The dolphins will make you part of their performance. You'll get handshakes, kisses, foot pushes, and maybe even get towed across the pool by their dorsal fin! On top of that, you'll have full access to Maroma Beach Club.

Getting in: Dolphin Encounter and Maroma Beach Club Access is included on the Cancun Explorer Pass.

Swimming with dolphins

Columbus Sunset Dinner Cruise

This one is perfect for couples in Cancun looking for a romantic night out. Cruise around the lagoon as the sun sets and enjoy a relaxing evening together. The cruise is complete with a 3-course steak and vegetable meal with delectable desserts. Soak in the sights and dance to the music provided by a live saxophone band. 

Getting in: Columbus Romantic Dinner Cruise tickets are included on all Cancun passes.

Columbus sunset dinner cruise

Snorkel around an underwater museum

This isn't your typical trip to a museum. Journey out to Paraiso Nizuc for a once-in-a-lifetime experience under the surface. The Underwater Museum is a collection of 16 unique statues that reside below sea level off the coast of Cancun. Hop aboard a motorboat and head to the reef! Aside from this underwater sculpture garden, you'll also see lots of local fish and marine life. You'll have a great time exploring this one-of-a-kind museum. 

Getting in: Underwater Museum Snorkel at Paraiso Nizuc tickets are included on all Cancun passes.

Underwater museum

Parasailing fun

There's truly no better view of Cancun than the one you'll get from a personal parasailing trip. If you've been parasailing before, you'll know how thrilling the ride can be. If you haven't, you need to add this to your bucket list. It's the only way to experience what it's like to fly! Once you're strapped into the safety gear, you'll take flight from the back of the boat. 

Glide through the air over the crystal blue water and see the view of Cancun's gorgeous beaches unfurl from the highest point. If you're brave, you can even choose to have the captain dip you in the water at the end of your ride. 

Getting in: Parasailing Adventure in Cancun tickets are included on all Cancun passes.

Parasailing in Cancun

Isla Mujeres adventure

Isla Mujeres is a small island located 20 minutes off the coast of Cancun where you'll find some of the best white sand beaches. While the island is only 10 miles long, there's plenty to see and do here. The island exudes a vibe of relaxation and enjoyment. Spend the day at the Beach Club where you'll have access to the pool and all of the club's amenities. Once you've lounged to your heart's content by the pool or at the beach, grab a bike and explore the island fully. 

Bike up one of the many cliffs for picturesque views of the island on the coast of Cancun. If you pedal into the heart of downtown Isla Mujeres, make sure to stop at a few of the local-owned shops and pick up souvenirs. 

Getting in: Isla Mujeres Discovery Sail tickets are included on Go Cancun pass. 

Isla Mujeres

Tulum Express tour

Cancun is full of beautiful beaches and tons of activities, but that's not all there is to it. There are many ancient Mayan temples and ruins in the surrounding areas that serve as a large part of Mexico's history. Journey to nearby Tulum to see some of the ruins for yourself. 

Your tour guides will take you to some of the most notable sights and provide a background of their importance. You'll learn more about the Mayan civilization and how it shaped so much of what we know today. Once you've had your fill of the temples, take some time to explore the beaches. Relax on the coastline or take a leisurely walk up to the cliffs for unbeatable views. 

Getting in: Tulum Express Tour tickets are included on all Cancun passes.

Mayan temples

Underwater shipwreck snorkeling

Don't miss the opportunity to snorkel over the only shipwreck site in Cancun. Whether you're an expert swimmer or a newbie, this is perfect for adventurers of every skill level. Once aboard the boat, you'll head out to reefs just 5 minutes off the coast for two hours of uninterrupted snorkeling exploration.

Start off at El Meco, the best-preserved reef on the Great Mayan Reef. As you swim around, you'll see colorful fish, local marine animals, and maybe even sea turtles. 

Your next stop will be the Underwater Museum, where you can admire the 16 different statues that reside under the water. And of course, save the best for last! The final stop of your snorkeling adventure will be at the shipwreck site. You'll be able to swim over the ship and explore the ruins of the wreck below. 

Getting in: Reef, Turtle, and Shipwreck Snorkeling Tour tickets are included on all Cancun passes.

Shipwreck snorkeling

Paradise SubSee excursion

Hop aboard this half-boat, half-submarine hybrid for a unique ride in the water. The submarine-like vessel will allow you to see all the wonders of the water without having to get wet. The SubSee will take you past gorgeous reefs and the Underwater Museum. The guide on board will point out notable structures and local fish as you cruise by. 

Getting in: Paradise SubSee Excursion tickets are included on all Cancun passes.

Subsee

Shopping in Playa del Carmen

One of the most famous spots in Playa Del Carmen is lively Fifth Avenue. The 22-block shopping oasis is full of popular restaurants, souvenir shops, and activities. Head down to Playa del Carmen from Cancun for a day full of exploration. Your tour guide will bring you to all the best shops, from locally-owned craft shops to name-brand stores like H&M. There's an endless amount of stores to visit - shoppers will love this trip. 

Even if shopping isn't your ideal vacation activity, this is still a great tour to take - Fifth Avenue is more than just stores and restaurants! There are a few different public parks and beaches that line the street that are all easy to get to. 

Getting in: Shopping in Playa Del Carmen Tour tickets are included on all Cancun passes.

Playa del Carmen

Save up to 50% on Cancun attractions

Discover our full line-up of Cancun attractions from Isla Mujeres to Paradise SubSee

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option.

Pick whichever Cancun attraction pass suits you, and save while you sightsee!

Nicole Muto
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

A woman floats in the shallows in Cancun
Blog

Should I visit Cancun in June?

Cancun and June go together so well they even rhyme. After the busy months of the first half of the year, Cancun in June is quieter, with some great flight and hotel deals to be had. However, this doesn’t mean that the city shuts up shop until December. Far from it. There’s still a wealth of attractions to delight and entertain, including the arrival of turtles and whale sharks along Cancun’s frankly wondrous Caribbean shores. To prove it, here’s our guide to what to do in Cancun in June! Beach hopping Cancun’s 22 kilometers of white sand beaches – extending along the hotel zone – are a major draw at any time of year. In June, there’s even more reason to soak up the sun from the likes of Playa Delfines or Playa Langosta. Mounting humidity levels can be kept at bay by sticking to the hotel zone’s thin band of land, separated from the higher temperatures of the mainland by Nichupte Lagoon. Looking refreshed with the arrival of the new season rains, you can see the jungle and many of its species, from birds to monkeys, at its most glorious. And from the controls of your very own speedboat too! But don’t worry – although June is one of the wettest months in the Cancun calendar, just a quarter of days experience the month’s afternoon showers. They won’t force you to cancel any plans. That’s particularly good news when both turtles and whale sharks are potential attractions during the month. Head across to Isla Mujeres by catamaran and you can encounter turtles both in the coral-laden shallows immediately offshore and on the beaches of Punta Sur as they return to the sands they hatched from to continue the circle of life. Whale sharks meanwhile arrive in Cancun’s waters from May, and stay until September, filling their days feasting on the plankton-rich waters. Swimming close to these animals – which at up to 18 meters long are the world’s largest fish – is one of the highlights of the year, yet alone the month. Staying fresh With sea temperatures matching those on land – 29°C – it’s no wonder such a plethora of life chooses to spend their time here beneath the waves. Just a short journey south of Cancun, the town of Puerto Morelos is the gateway to the Mesoamerican Reef. Also known as the Grand Mayan Reef, the ‘grand’ is well placed, it being second in size only to the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia. One way to ensure you see it at its best is by booking a dedicated snorkeling tour, where turtles are just one of 500 different species of fish and sea creatures you have the chance to lay your eyes on. No less impressive are the Yucatan Peninsula’s unique collection of natural limestone water-filled sinkholes, or cenotes. Fed by underwater rivers, these open and semi-open cave-like structures are some of the most dramatic places to cool off in the region, with the crystal-clear waters accompanying stunning jungle locations. Held sacred by the Maya, many are located close to other sites of interest, allowing visitors to combine a tour of the pyramid of Coba with time at a cenote for instance. Don’t stop at sundown Come sunset at around 7:30PM, temperatures only drop by 5 – 8°C, meaning your adventures don’t need to stop with the fall of night. In fact, crowd pleasers including Xcaret ecopark offer special night time admission, allowing visitors to see the evening spectacular as well as 50 other park attractions. If you’re keen to take the evening down the romantic route with a significant other, you can both delight in the sunsets or moonlight and stars on a boat cruise and multi-course dinner across Nichupte lagoon. But if it’s Cancun’s nightlife that attracted you to the destination in the first place, there’s little need to go any further than Congo Bar at the northern end of the hotel zone. It is almost unrivalled when it comes to the club scene, although The City Nightclub and Coco Bongo also have long lines forming for those without the luxury of VIP access. Enjoy June’s special events Irrespective of the heavy beats and live DJs, the busy schedule of events means both day and night feel like party time in Cancun in June. Dia de la Marina, or Navy Day, is celebrated on June 1. Look out for events including military parades, historic battle reenactments and fireworks taking place either in Cancun or in nearby coastal towns. Having started in May and stretching through to mid-June, the Festival de los Océanos (Ocean Festival) showcases all the seas around Cancun have to offer through a range of talks, concerts, children’s activities and culinary events. Movie screenings take the lead at the International FILMA festival, which features Spanish language and international movies and art house shorts. Keep a particular eye out for the atmospheric classic screenings that take place on the beach after nightfall. June is also Pride month around the world, celebrating the globe’s LGBTQ+ communities. Although there’s no Pride parade in Cancun, its Riviera Maya neighbors host a series of events. The gay clubs in the downtown area also make the most of the month. How to save in Cancun in June Ticking off the top things to do in Cancun is as easy in June as it is in March, April or May. Whilst the weather will be cloudier than during these months, and the rain a little heavier, there’s no reason to worry yourself about being trapped in a hotel room for days on end or having to hide beneath an umbrella for your entire stay. Instead, it’s still very possible to enjoy the huge range of outdoor attractions available in Cancun in June, and with lower visitor numbers too, reserving your museum visits for those occasional downpours. Whatever you’re planning for when you’re in this Mexican paradise, be sure to include Go City. Simply by having our app you can make incredible savings on a whole raft of Cancun attractions!
Ian Packham
The expansive beaches of Cancun's hotel zone
Blog

What to do in Cancun in March

You’re in for a treat if you head to Cancun in March! One of the best months to visit this top Mexican beach destination, it provides the dose of sun, sea and sand that anyone tired of the Northern hemisphere’s dull winter weather is probably crying out for. Kissing the Caribbean Sea, and ideally situated for exploring the region’s pre-Columbian relics, Cancun is not just for self-proclaimed beach bums. From cultural tours to jungle ziplines, here are our picks of the top things to do in Cancun in March. What to expect from Cancun in March March lies towards the end of Cancun’s high season – beginning in December with the Christmas vacation period. However, book your flights and accommodation in good time – the previous November or December should do it – and you’ll still be able to find reasonable rates. The main hotel zone remains busy through to April, with spring breakers from the US filling their rooms from mid-March. And for good reason. In March, Cancun’s climate is perfection. Occupying the dry season, it’s neither too hot nor too cold – daytime temperatures average 27°C. Sea temperatures are almost identical and visibility good. Humidity levels are low, meaning bright, sunny blue skies as alluring for those keen to uncover the region’s Mayan roots as those looking to lay a towel on the nearest stretch of sand. Life’s a beach Nor do you have to look far for a ribbon of pristine white sand – there’s over 22 kilometers of it. Playas Azul, San Miguelito and Delfines are all within easy reach of the lagoon-side hotel zone. Each offers something different, but edged by crystalline waters, they all share the same sense of there being no better patch of sand anywhere in the world. When you succumb to the call of their warm Caribbean waters, you won’t be disappointed either. That’s because the hotel zone is part of the world’s second-largest reef system – the Grand Mayan (Mesoamerican) Reef – running all the way to Honduras. There’s therefore plenty of opportunity to get amongst the fire and staghorn corals of Cancun National Marine Park by snorkeling or scuba diving. The most unusual way to do this has to be at Cancun Underwater Museum (MUSA – Museo Subacuático de Arte). Containing 500 specially sunk sculptures, its three ‘galleries’ are between three and six meters down. They aim to provide new spaces for coral polyps to grow, and form an integral part of many reef and snorkeling tours. Staying above the waves, kayaking is an incredible way to check out the nooks and crannies of Nichupte Lagoon, which provides an important area of mangrove habitat for all manner of species. Mayan majesty The Mayan stepped pyramids of the city of Chichen Itza, parts of which were constructed 1400 years ago, are wonderful at any time of year, and so special they’ve been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the civilization’s largest cities, its most famous landmark is the Temple of Kukulcan. It’s better known simply as El Castillo – the Castle, and by archeologists as Structure 5B18. Extraordinary at any time of year, it was constructed so that the sun on March’s spring equinox creates the shape of the serpent Kukulcan on the pyramid’s flanks. Oceanside Tulum, roughly 1.5 hours south, is equally mesmerizing. Ancient city walls up to 5 meters high helped protect it for 250 years, making it one of the best-preserved of any Mexican historic site. Facing the breaking day, it has its very own pyramid called El Castillo, as well as the Temple of the Frescoes, used to track the movement of the sun. A great way to absorb Cancun’s modern persona is with a shopping tour to Mercado 28 and Plaza Las Americas. The first is a mix of swap meet, street food and handmade souvenir stalls full of bright hues and the sound of bartering. The second is a sunlit covered mall with an upscale vibe and the biggest names in brands. Natural treasures But there’s still more to Cancun in March. This area of the Yucatan Peninsula encompasses some magical areas of jungle. Enticing in and of themselves, they also hide spectacular natural sinkholes called cenotes (and pronounced ‘se-no-tay’). The perfect place to relax and cool off away from the crowds, there are around 30,000 cenotes ranging from tiny pools to grand cathedrals of rock. They include Tankach-Ha, which pairs perfectly with a trip to the ancient Maya citadel of Coba, where with the help of a rope you can scale the heights of its 42 m pyramid. Surrounded by the jungle, there’s also plenty of opportunity to explore a tree canopy that’s home to loose-limbed spider monkeys, cute coati and a staggering array of bird life – toucans and parrots amongst them. Beyond animal sightings, the adrenaline-junkie is well-served by the jungle around Cancun, with ziplining, rappelling and getting behind the controls of an ATV all popular activities. Sample the region’s cuisine All this action will have your stomach rumbling, and Cancun’s culinary scene should not be forgotten when planning a trip to the city. Beyond the usual tacos, burritos and tamales the Yucatan has some intriguing regional delights that will soon have your taste buds crying out for more. Look out for specialist chicarronería stalls, whose crispy pork belly castacán will have even reluctant carnivores reaching for more. Be sure to leave space for dessert though. Marquesitas should be high on your list to try. Consisting of thin crepes, they are filled with shredded cheese and sweet ingredients such as chocolate sauce or hazelnut spread before being rolled into a cigar shape. Although it might sound odd on paper, the mix somehow works! Thirsty? Then wash it all down with pozol, a thin porridge-like drink made from cocoa and corn famed for its revitalizing properties. Save on attractions in Cancun in March See more, pay less. It’s a crazy idea, but also the very reason Go City exists. Visit Cancun’s attractions with us and you can make incredible savings all from one digital pass and without having to forgo the freedom to do what you want when you want to do it!
Ian Packham
Woman in a Hammock on a Beach in Cancun
Blog

Beat the Heat: Cool Things to Do When it’s Hot in Cancun

Heatwave in Cancun? These experiences promise fun, shade, and perfect vibes.

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.