Things to Do in the Cancun Hotel Zone

Whether you're looking for total relaxation in paradise or aqua adventures, the beloved Cancun Hotel Zone has so much to offer.

By Casey Makovich
Published: July 18, 2024
Cancun

Visit the Cancun Hotel Zone and you'll see why so many tourists come each year to this exciting vacation spot. From enjoying serene nature walks, and making the most of the glittering water, to big adventures, let's find out what you can do for fun in Cancun without even leaving the surrounding hotel zone. 

  • Xcaret Park
  • Moonlight Bioluminescence Snorkeling Tour
  • Underwater Museum
  • Columbus Lobster Dinner Cruise
  • and many more

Xcaret Park

Xcaret Park

With crystal clear water, infinity pools, and all the natural beauty Cancun has to offer, Xcaret Park is an oasis you don't want to miss. The park has 40 different attractions, including a Mayan village and old Mayan temples. Visitors to the park receive roundtrip transportation and complete access to all attractions.

Moonlight bioluminescence snorkeling tour

Bioluminescence

Check out guided moonlight bioluminescent snorkeling tours around Cancun's coral reefs - it's possible to see twinkling squid, eels, lobsters or sea turtles. The full bioluminescent experience with plankton and small particles lighting up all around you will be unforgettable.

Underwater museum snorkeling at Paraiso Nizuc

Cancun snorkeling

Take some time to go snorkeling in the crystal blue waters of Paraiso Nizuc. You'll get the chance to take a motorboat ride to Punta Nizuc reef and visit the floating platform that offers beer and snacks. Where you snorkel depends on your hotel location. Afterwards, you will be granted access to the Underwater Museum at Paraiso Nizuc.

Parasailing adventure

Parasailing

If you have ever wanted to try parasailing, it's time to check out Cancun's Parasailing Adventure. You'll get 10-12 minutes of time up in the sky. During your flight, you'll have a walkie talkie and you will be able to speak with the people on the boat.

You'll get to decide how high your flight goes, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the 3-mile ride along the beach. While in the air you will see Isla Mujeres, Nichupte Lagoon and the Cancun Hotel Zone.

Catamaran sail

Catamaran

Check out the Albatros Luxury Catamaran "Get Up and Go" Catamaran Sail that brings you from Cancun and Isla Mujeres. You'll get the chance to snorkel on the El Farito reef and then explore downtown Isla Mujeres. During the sailing tour, you'll also get a buffet-style lunch and a domestic bar. Your tickets include access to the Isla Mujeres Beach Club.

Columbus Lobster dinner cruise

Colombus dinner cruise

Relaxation, great views, and amazing food... could there be a better way to spend a romantic evening in Cancun than the Columbus Dinner Cruise? Listen to the music provided by a live saxophone band, enjoy appetizers, and take in the beautiful sights of the island on your 2.5 hour dinner cruise. You'll have the choice of steak or vegetarian-friendly dishes and there is an open bar available for all during the cruise. Dessert is also included.

An amazing sunset, plus an excellent dinner aboard a yacht - bliss!

Extreme Adventure Puerto Morelos snorkelling

Puerte Moralos

Explore the second-largest barrier reef in the world right off the coast at Puerto Morelos. It's a popular surfing destination and people come from all over the world to check out the barrier reef and catch some waves. Marine life is extensive on the reef; it's home to sea turtles, brightly colored fish, and more.

You'll have the chance to snorkel in two locations and get to ride an ATV between the two areas. This adventure includes up to two hours of snorkeling. Before you leave Puerto Morelos you'll have the opportunity to have a local meal or check out the beach. Complete snorkeling gear is provided.

Reef, turtle and shipwreck snorkeling tour

Reef snorkel Cancun

Enjoy a stunning four-stop Reef, Turtle and Shipwreck Snorkeling Tour with bilingual guides and snorkeling equipment included. Visit part of the Great Mayan Reef at the first stop and see many different schools of fish in all their kaleidoscopic glory.

At stop number two, 98% of visitors will be able to see a sea turtle - how's that for good odds? Visit the MUSA Underwater Museum at stop number three, and explore the coral engulfed shipwreck with a dizzying array of fish and other marine life. 

With roundtrip transportation provided from any hotel in Cancun.

Take a surf lesson

Surf lesson in Cancun

If you have ever wanted to learn how to surf, here is your chance. Your 90-Minute Surf Lesson will help you catch some of those famous Cancun waves. Learn how to surf from some of the best instructors around - assistant instructors will also be on hand throughout to help you stay safe and enjoy the experience. You'll learn about safety equipment and head out to the waves for your first lesson. 

Surfboard and a lycra top with UV protection is included and water or juice is provided during your lesson.

Paradise SubSee excursion at Paraiso Nizuc

Sub see Cancun

The Aquaworld Paradise SubSee gives you a full view of the ocean floor - it's a submarine-like vessel that includes a glass-lined cabin below deck. Be in the water without having to snorkel and get a full view of the coral formations, see the Cancun Underwater Museum statues, and view the colorful sea life.

The boat is air-conditioned and your tour will be narrated. Beer and soft drinks are available on the boat.

Snorkel in Musa Nizuc plus Subsee Experience tickets

Subsee Cancun snorkelling

Enjoy a day snorkeling by starting out on the Aquaworld SubSee Explorer and stop around Punta Nizuc to snorkel among all types of fascinating aquatic creatures. Take the 30-minute ride on the Subsee Experience to soak up the underwater views, then sit back and relax with a drink.

At your destination of Paradise Platform, check out the 16 different statues in your snorkeling gear. Stay close to the guides for your best shot at seeing a sea turtle.

Jungle Tour speedboat adventure

Jungle tour speed boat

Become the captain of your own ship with a two-person Jungle Tour Speedboat Adventure. Gear use is included, including a new snorkel to keep. You will have the chance to explore the area channels with 2.5 hours of speedboat time. Find out from the experienced guides to see where you should head for your exploration. Using the snorkeling gear, dive below the water and get a glimpse of the dizzying array of aquatic plant life. 

Dancer Cruise Cancun with snorkeling

Dancer cruise Cancun

A fiesta can be found on the Dancer Cruise Cancun with Snorkeling. The double-decker catamaran sails between Cancun and Isla Mujeres and onboard you'll enjoy food and beverages, dance lessons, contests, and activities.  The boat also includes a waterslide and diving board. You'll have three opportunities to jump in the water and explore the area as the boat stops.

Stop one is the Meco Reef, stop two is in an area with calm waters to give everyone a chance to swim, and the last stop is at Isla Mujeres, where you will have two hours to check out the island. On the way back to Cancun, have fun dancing with the DJ, have a few drinks and relax.

Royal Garrafon Natural Reef park adventure

Royal Garrafon reef adventure

The Royal Garrafon Natural Reef Park Adventure includes roundtrip transportation from Cancun to Isla Mujeres and back. The boat ride is 30 minutes and includes a continental breakfast on the way to the island. You'll have access to the Beach Club and you can swim in the pool.

Check out the Pre-Hispanic Steam Bath on the island and head back to the Beach Club for a buffet-style lunch. While on the island, you can kayak or snorkel in the crystalline water and join the guided walking tour on the coast of Punta Sur.

Flowrider "ride the wave" experience of Aquaworld

Flowrider

If you have ever wanted to try surfing but you aren't ready for the open ocean, the Flowrider "ride the wave" experience of Aquaworld can't be missed. You'll be able to catch a wave with the help of an instructor. The surface is soft, much like a trampoline. No matter what your surfing capability, you'll have fun on the FlowRider. It's a great opportunity for experienced surfers to try out new tricks in a controlled environment.

Shopping tour in Playa del Carmen with hotel pickup

Shopping Playa del Carmen

On this awesome shopping tour, you'll get picked up from your hotel and spend the next hour in air-conditioned comfort on your way to one of the best beach towns in Mexico, Playa del Carmen. An English-speaking tour guide is on the bus to give you background, and you'll have access to complimentary ice-cold water on the trip.

In Playa del Carmen, it's time to start shopping. There are many locally-owned boutiques and also name-brand stores. You'll have plenty of choices when it comes to restaurants, and the chance to check out a wide variety of street performers and artists.

Save on admission to top Cancun attractions with Go City®

Discover our full line-up of Cancun attractions including Jungle Tour Speedboat Adventure, Extreme Adventure Puerto Morelos snorkeling, surf lessons, and more.

🤩 >> 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.

Whichever Cancun pass you pick, you'll save as you sightsee

☀️Compare Cancun passes☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 – ✈️ Buy a pass ✈️

Casey Makovich
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

Cancun beyond the beach
Blog

Things to Do in Cancun Besides The Beach or All-Inclusive Resort

With beautiful waters and beaches, Cancun has been a destination for vacationers for decades, and it's easy to see why. But what's a person to do if they can only enjoy so much time by the sand and the water? What is there to do that lets them stretch some muscles and even their brains?
Casey Makovich
Things to do in Cancun on 4th of July Weekend
Blog

Things to do in Cancun on 4th of July Weekend

Planning on spending the 4th of July weekend in Cancun? Good choice! Below, we'll detail all the best things to do on your mini-vacation. Whether you're looking to bar hop, go adventuring, or simply relax, we've got you covered. Including: 4th of July Fireworks Bars and Clubs Adventures Water parks and more! Fireworks Extravaganza at Laguna Beach It wouldn't be the 4th of July without fireworks, would it? So, if you're looking for things to do over on the big weekend, head to Laguna Beach for the ultimate spectacle of gunpowder and minerals! Proceedings kick off at 9PM, and beyond the fireworks themselves, you'll find plenty of food and drinks trucks to keep you topped up. And, well, you're on the beach, so no harm in getting there early and making the most of it! Cancun Nightlife Cancun's bar and club scene is unprecedented, offering revelers a metric ton of places to sip refreshing cocktails, chug a beer, or groove the night away on the dancefloor. And, during the 4th of July weekend, it's no different. In fact, you'll find plenty of spots that offer drinks deals during the weekend, as well as sets from renowned DJs. So, our best advice is to shop around and see what suits your fancy. Coco Bongo Beach Party Speaking of Cancun's nightlife, we'd be remiss to not mention the famous Congo Bongo. This is one beach party that'll be popping off during the 4th of July weekend, so if you're looking for boozy things to do, why not celebrate there? With Go City, all your drinks are included. All you need is to turn up, take a seat, and watch the show. Oh, did we forget to mention that your Congo Bongo beach experience features DJs, musicians, death-defying aerial acrobats, and other adrenaline-fueled performances? Our bad. Water Sports and Snorkeling Adventure Why not make your 4th of July break in Cancun an adventurous one? If you're a fan of hidden treasure, colorful marine life that won't bite your head off, and stunning displays of bioluminescent light, why not try a snorkeling adventure beneath the waves? Your guide will be on hand to...guide you to each part of the reef, where you'll see magical parts of nature come to life. Oh, and the shipwreck, which has lay on the ocean bed for hundreds of years. Cultural Excursion to Chichen Itza If you like your adventures to be above the water rather than below, why not explore the ruins of an ancient Mayan city? Head to Chichen Itza and take a trip back through the very fabric of time. There, marvel at the impressive pyramids, learn about Mayan history, and witness the architectural wonders of this magnificent archaeological site. Be sure to take some photos too - the Mayans won't mind. Romantic Dinner Cruise Taking your husband, wife, or partner to celebrate the weekend? If you're looking for romantic things to do in Cancun on the 4th of July, why not whisk them away on a Romantic Dinner Cruise? Multiple courses featuring veggie and meat options, decadent drinks, and grand views all await you. And if you're lucky, you'll spot some of the city's fireworks from your table. The rest of the romantic gestures we leave up to you. Ventura Park If the heat's getting to you and you need to cool off, splash your way to Ventura Park. With tons of waterslides, pools, and other watery goodness to soothe your sunburnt back, it's one of the best things to do in Cancun on the 4th of July weekend with kids. And hey, the children are our future, so why not make their present a fun one? Isla Mujeres If you'd rather relax during your mini vacation, head to Isla Mujeres. Just a short boat ride from the Cancun mainland, this tropical paradise is as tranquil as islands come. Picture yourself lounging on pristine beaches, snorkeling in turquoise waters, and exploring charming streets. You can practically taste it, can't you? That taste is bliss. Utter bliss. And by god, does it taste glorious. Visit Tulum Another day, another spectacular Mayan ruin. This time it's in Tulum, an archeological wonder that overlooks the Caribbean Sea. Don your best adventurous fedora, holster your whip, and prepare to wander through ancient structures, relax on the picturesque beach, and soak in the awe-inspiring beauty of this archaeological site. Beach BBQ and Picnic Of course, if you'd rather create your own experience this 4th of July, then Cancun's got plenty of space for it. Heading to one of the city's beaches and cooking up a storm is one of the best things to do on your vacation if you're traveling with a group. Pack your favorite snacks, grill some delicious food, and relax under some palm trees. The most daring of you can even put on your swimmers and take a dip in the crystal clear waters. So brave. Yacht Party on the Caribbean Sea Do you ever feel the need to rub shoulders with wealth? Ever wondered what it's like to own a yacht and party the night away as you drift over the Caribbean Sea? Well, you needn't wonder any longer. All aboard! Sip a cocktail or two, dance the evening away, and make sure to grab some pics of the wonderful view. Image courtesy of marketa1982/Shutterstock Xoximilco Cancun And finally, we'll end our exploration of the best things to do in Cancun on the 4th of July weekend with an actual, bonafide floating bar. But it's not just your average floating bar - oh no. Instead, this galleon of gallons is an homage to Mexican culture. You'll drift along the Xoximilco canals, feast on Mexican dishes, drown your sorrows in delicious booze, and bob your head to live Mexican music. And the whole thing is curated by your very own host, who'll do their darndest to break the ice, make you laugh, and force you to have fun - just like any good host should! And that's all the best things to do in Cancun on the 4th of July weekend! If you're planning on staying a little longer than the holiday, you might need some inspiration for your extended vacation. If so, Go City's got you covered. With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all of Cancun's best bits for one low price!
Dom Bewley
A couple enjoy the beach at Cancun
Blog

Visiting Cancun in May

Although it’s the official start of the wet season, you shouldn’t be put off from visiting Cancun in May. The prevailing climate is still very much geared towards enjoying the city’s spectacular coastal attractions, from its ancient Mayan sites to over 22 kilometers of beaches on the Caribbean Sea. So why not let us guide you through the very best things to do in Cancun in May? First though, we describe one of the most important aspects of heading to Cancun at this time of year – what to expect from the weather. Cancun weather in May Yes, May 1 is the date marked in Cancun diaries as the first day of the rainy season. No, this doesn’t mean you’ll be faced with 12 hours of wall-to-wall rain if you decide to visit Cancun in May – the sun still makes its presence felt most days. Thunderstorms are most common towards the end of the month, and even then tend to be short, heavy showers. They affect life on the streets for just a couple of hours in the late afternoon. Evenings are generally balmy with clear skies once more. Although May is one of the most humid times of year in Cancun, if you’re sticking to the coast you’ll hardly even notice. Temperatures here are 1 – 2°C lower than inland areas – where temperatures range from 23 – 33°C – since the sea breeze helps whip away the muggy air. Say hi to the local wildlife Plan your vacation to Cancun in May and you won’t be the only new arrivals in town. The turquoise waters immediately out to sea also welcome whale sharks from May through September. The world’s largest fish, these gentle giants feed on nothing but plankton. Measuring up to 18 meters in length, swimming or snorkeling close to them is a magical experience whatever your age, and easy to organize too. Other arrivals include endangered green, loggerhead and hawksbill turtles. Snorkelers can find them relaxing amidst the shallows of the Grand Mayan (Mesoamerican) Reef, sweeping down from Cancun to the central Americas. But even if you keep your feet firmly dry, it’s possible to witness them after dark as they bury their eggs on the beaches of Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres, where you can also encounter manatees. Roughly 30 minutes from mainland Cancun by ferry, the journey is even more memorable on your own crewed catamaran. Experience the strip For a slice of local life, head away from the high-rise towers of the beachside hotel zone for downtown Cancun. It’s home to Cancun’s best shopping – the famous Mercado 28 market and the giant Plaza Las Americas shopping mall. But the downtown area is not just a shopper’s delight. It also has a charming lagoon-side promenade, the Malecon Tajamar, where you’ll find many families enjoying the coastal breezes long into the night. The center of Cancun’s legendary nightlife remains firmly within the main strip that forms the hotel zone. For many it focusses on Coco Bongo and the similar sounding Bar Congo, who both have a legion of fans taking to their dance floors for live DJ sets on a nightly basis. If your clubbing days are behind you, there’s still plenty to entertain you within the hotel zone. For instance, beside the stores of La Isla sits the La Gran Rueda Cancun Ferris wheel. Open from the early afternoon until late evening each day, its gondolas bring you high above the hubbub of street level to spectacular views across the coast. Discover Cancun’s Mayan history Cancun’s Caribbean shores aren’t the only way to experience sparkling waters. This region of coast is also home to a miraculous series of natural sinkholes formed by freshwater dissolving the limestone rock over thousands of years. Known as cenotes (say-no-tays), there are around 30,000 in total, and every one offers something slightly different. Filled with crystal clear waters, they are the perfect place to cool off. Ranging in size from a couple of meters wide to the size of a football field, some of their pools are large enough to have become populated by fish, whilst others provide dramatic stalactite and stalagmite formations beyond the dense foliage and vines of the surrounding jungle. Amongst the best – Aktun Ha and Oxman cenotes. Considered sacred by the Maya, cenotes are not the only part of Mayan culture to slip into the life of modern-day Cancun. Another is the temazcal ceremony, which lurks somewhere between revered rite, spa treatment and sweat lodge. Most comparable to the sauna experience, steam scented with herbs such as copal and sage is produced by pouring water over hot stones. Often accompanied by shamanic chants, sessions last around two hour and relax you in body and mind, as well as drawing toxins out of your body. To dodge the afternoon showers that can affect Cancun in May, head to the city’s Maya Museum (Museo Maya). Filled with natural light, its contemporary design ensures its many treasures are displayed at their very best. A path also leads from the museum through the jungle to San Miguelito, a ruined settlement containing temples, pyramids and the remains of homely dwellings. Festival fever If the point of your vacation in Cancun is to let your hair down and forget your worries, you’ve certainly come to the right place. One of the top things to do during the evening hours is to join the Xoximilco party boat. Taking its lead from the cultural traditions of the country, step aboard and you’ll discover a brightly-colored world of live music, tasty foods, singing and dancing. The region’s cuisine is also centerstage during May’s Food and Wine Festival, attracting many of the top chefs in the area. The most important date in the calendar when it comes to music has to be the US Memorial Day Weekend, preceding the last Monday of the month. The long weekend sees the arrival of Cancun Jumpoff, one of the world’s largest urban electronic music festivals. Save on attraction admission in Cancun in May! Although your mind might have already turned to all things beachwear, don’t forget the one very easy way to make the most of your vacation – and make significant savings to – Go City! Explore with Go City and you’ll have access to many of Cancun’s top attractions without losing the flexibility you’re sure to crave!
Ian Packham

Have a 5% discount, on us!

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