Cancun beyond the beach

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

Cancun is a top destination for people who want to have fun, relax, and experience Mayan culture.

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?

Cancun has beautiful beaches, but it's also great for a change of pace and plenty of culture. There are so many things to do besides the beach or all-inclusive resort activities! Find a balance between relaxing and adventuring and make your Cancun vacation all the more enjoyable.

Read on for our guide to things to do in Cancun besides the coast!

Xcaret Park

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Xcaret Park is bursting with 40 different attractions. There's the Mayan Village, Mayan Temples, the Paradise River, and the Vino De Mexico Wine Cellar. Visit them all in a day, or come back again, it’s up to you. Xcaret Park also has a Children’s World where kids can play in their own pool and several water rides, so you won't have to worry about keeping the whole family entertained.

The Paradise River is true to its name — you will take a beautiful float down the river in almost surreal beauty as parrots fly overhead. You can also tour the Underground Rivers, or take the Scenic Tour that gives you 360-degree views of the Caribbean. If you visit Xcaret Park on your first day in Cancun, you may never want to go back to the beach!

Getting in: Xcaret Park tickets are included as a Premium Attraction option on the Go City® All-Inclusive Cancun pass.

Extreme Adventure Park

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At Extreme Adventure Park, you can snorkel at two different reefs — each considered one of the most beautiful sites in all of Mexico. The Great Mayan Reef, for example, will give you the chance to see sea turtles, many different colors of reef, and more species of fish than you can imagine.

An ATV ride through the jungle may also be on the itinerary. Imagine yourself as an explorer, but on a prepared path, as you drive through the jungle looking at flora and fauna. When your ATV ride is over, you can also choose from six different zip lines and interactive bridges to climb from tree to tree. 

Getting in: Extreme Adventure Park tickets are included as a Premium Attraction option with the Go City® Cancun All-Inclusive Pass.

Tulum-Tankah Cenotes Eco Adventure Tour

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An adventure to remember, and also a chance to learn more about the Mayan culture. The trip involves visiting an archaeological dig site, where you’ll learn more about the great Mayan civilization, and the archaeologists who discovered important knowledge about their ancient culture.

You’ll also get to visit and swim in beautiful cenotes, which are naturally occurring swimming holes formed by rivers. You’ll also have a chance to kayak through the river and learn even more about the Mayans who lived here centuries ago. 

Getting in: Tulum-Tankah Cenotes Tour is separately ticketed.

Columbus Romantic Dinner Cruise

This adventure is an opportunity to sail around Cancun’s lagoon as the sun sets while indulging in a perfectly prepared steak or vegetarian meal with appetizers and desserts. You and your special someone will find it tastes even better while surrounded by all of this natural beauty. Have a photo taken while you’re onboard and be serenaded by a live saxophone band too. This will be an evening to remember for the rest of your life. 

Getting in: Columbus Lobster Dinner Cruise tickets are included on all Go City® Cancun passes.

Tulum Express Tour

Many describe the Mayan ruins of Tulum as the most interesting archaeological sites of all. These ruins are surrounded by crystal-clear water, picturesque cliffs, and white sand beaches. To make the tour of the ruins especially great, there will be a presentation by a bilingual guide to help you learn all about this important site.

Tulum was once a place with vigorous commerce and it still has three walls intended to protect the residents of the city from invaders. Several houses here were intended as burial sites for royalty and still stand today.

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

Isla Mujeres Discovery Sail

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The Isla Mujeres is a small island near Cancun. In just a 20-30 minute ferry ride, visitors will have a chance to explore an important island that has both remnants of the Mayan civilization and modern amenities. While on the ferry, you can eat a delicious breakfast while enjoying the beautiful blue waters Cancun is noted for.

Once you’re there, you can explore ancient ruins, or you can visit the downtown area which has many different shops to explore. There is also a pool at Isla Mujeres if you’ve had enough of the beach for a while. There's also a domestic open bar during your day-long stay. 

Getting in: Isla Mujeres Discover Sail tickets are included on all Go City® Cancun passes.

Moonlight Bioluminescence Snorkeling Tour

Moonlight Bioluminescence Snorkeling Tour

See ocean wildlife in a way you never thought you would have an opportunity to witness. Snorkeling at moonlight makes the sea life sparkle, thanks to the illumination. On this tour, you will spend an hour and a half visiting three different reefs.

Even new snorkelers have the skills needed to enjoy this tour. Area 1 on the tour is known for octopus, moray eels, squid, and more, while Area 2 is where you are most likely to swim with a sea turtle. Area 3 is where the bioluminescence will amaze you, as you are surrounded by tiny particles that light up the water all around you. 

Getting in: Moonlight Bioluminescence Snorkeling Tour is separately ticketed.

Playa del Carmen shopping tour

Whether you decide you need a new bathing suit, souvenirs to remember your trip, or you just want to spend some time wandering around in air-conditioned shops, Playa del Carmen is for you. There are unique, locally-owned stores and also name-brand stores that Americans are used to back home. There is also street entertainment, excellent restaurants, and bars. 

Getting in: Playa del Carmen Shopping Tour tickets are included on all Go City® Cancun passes

Mercado shopping tour in Cancun

The resort city of Cancun also boasts the Mercado 28, a flea-market shopping area that has endless booths and restaurants. These are owned and operated by locals, so you know their goods — such as handcrafted purses, jewelry, and more — are authentic. Another great chance to find a great souvenir for yourself or gifts for friends and family.

Shopping in Cancun

You will also be able to eat real, authentic Mexican food here. The next stop is the Plaza Las Americas mall, which has stores including Sears, Victoria’s Secret, Adidas, and more. There are also drugstores, restaurants, and movie theaters. You should be able to find just about anything you want or need. 

Getting in: Shopping Tour in Cancun tickets are included on all Go City® Cancun passes

Chichen Itza

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Chichen Itza is a city built by the Mayans and is considered to be one of the most famous archaeological sites in all of Mexico, with some of the oldest buildings on the entire continent of North America. You could spend a full day at this site wandering around this ancient site. There is also a resort pool, botanical garden, private hospitality suite, and lounge area. 

Getting in: You can visit Chichen Itza at your own pace separately. Or, if you want to visit using your Go City® Cancun pass, Chichen Itza is included as part of a day trip, where you'll also visit the ancient site of Valladolid.

Cancun Wax Museum

Never met Queen Elizabeth II? What about Elvis? Amy Winehouse? How is it possible, you might ask? At the Cancun Wax Museum of course. There are more than 100 different figures that have national importance, and global influences too. The wax museum is at La Isla Mall, so you can combine the time spent in the museum meeting up with Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and others, and then go shopping. Just don’t expect them to join you! 

Getting in: Cancun Wax Museum tickets are included on all Go City® Cancun passes.

Can't choose? No need, see it all with Go City® 

With an All-Inclusive Pass from Go City, you can visit both attractions for a fraction of the cost. Plus, you could save up to 50% on all your Cancun must-sees. Or pick an Explorer Pass, if you've chosen your fave and have a specific bucket list you're dreaming of ticking off.  

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

Casey Makovich
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to do for Thanksgiving in Cancun
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Things to do for Thanksgiving in Cancun

If you don't fancy a cold and awkward Thanksgiving at the in-laws, check out our picks of the best things to do in Cancun over the Thanksgiving weekend! Including: Is Thanksgiving a good time to go to Cancun? Is Cancun busy over Thanksgiving? Can you swim in Cancun in November? Things to do for Thanksgiving in Cancun Is Thanksgiving a good time to go to Cancun? If you're looking to escape the cold and wet climates you'll often find in America over Thanksgiving, then Cancun is just the ticket. With tons of sun, sand, and plenty of things to do, it's a welcome break from the usual family affair - if that doesn't float your boat. Having said that... Is Cancun busy over Thanksgiving? Thanksgiving falls on Cancun's peak tourist season, so expect plenty of other people to have exactly the same escape plan! November to April is typically the busiest time to visit, which just so happens to fall on ol' Thanksgiving. So, while it's a great time to get away, you may be queueing for things for longer. Can you swim in Cancun in November? Indeed you can! November is prime time for swimming in one of Cancun's many clear, pristine oceans. Average temperatures in Cancun hit 79°F in November, and the waters are typically even warmer at a stunning 82°F. So it's the best time to take a dip, which you can't say for many other places in America over Thanksgiving! Things to do for Thanksgiving in Cancun: Xcaret Park If you're looking for relaxing things to do in Cancun for Thanksgiving, why not take a trip to the gloriously laid-back Xcaret Park? Arguably the most unusual theme park in the area, Xcaret Park forgoes white-knuckle thrills for a more beach resort/explorer vibe. It may sound strange, but it works better than it has any right to. Inside, you'll find over 50 attractions that offer various ways to relax, explore, or do both. Explore the Mayan Village and Old Mayan Temples, take a ride down Paradise River as parrots fly overhead, visit the Vino De Mexico Wine Cellar, visit the kid-friendly waterpark at Children's World, or just relax on a beach. All of that, and much, much more, are ready to be experienced. So, if you fancy a more laid-back alternative to the usual theme park affair, check out Xcaret. You won't be disappointed. Things to do for Thanksgiving in Canvun: Xel-Há Park On the flip side, if you are a thrill seeker looking for more heart-stopping adventures, then Xel-Há Park has got you covered. Featuring a myriad of snorkeling spots, zip lines, river runs, and waterslides, it's one of Cancun's most unmissable theme parks. Take a tour of the nearby river and dive beneath the waves to see exotic creatures up close. Leap off a cliff into pristine waters below. Hack your way through a jungle trail like Indiana Jones, or zip along the treeline at breakneck speed. If any or all of the above sound good to you, you know where to go. Things to do for Thanksgiving in Cancun: Congo Bar Of course, one of the best ways to enjoy the newfound Thanksgiving sun is with a refreshing cocktail or three. While you'll find a number of parties popping off over the period, why not head to Congo Bar and skip the bill? Our treat. That's right - if you go with us, you'll have access to a completely free bar from 9PM til 3.30AM. Beers, spirits, wines, and more are all available, so pick your poison and party through to the early hours. But Congo Bar isn't just a bar - it's an entertainment paradise. DJs spin crowd-pleasing bangers, go-go dancers kick through the night, confetti showers on guests fairly regularly, and expect conga lines to form every minute. Sure, you could hit up one of the other parties over Thanksgiving, but why break the bank when you get it all and more at Congo Bar? Why indeed. Thing to do for Thanksgiving in Cancun: Dolphin Encounter in Isla Mujeres Have you ever hugged a dolphin? Don't lie, you haven't. Do you want to hug a dolphin? Of course you do! So why not go encounter some dolphins at Isla Mujeres and do just that? You'll spend 40 minutes learning and interacting with these fascinatingly intelligent creatures, all from the comfort of a floating platform. Even non-swimmers can enjoy this underwater festival of fun! Thanks to your guide/marine animal specialist, you'll learn what makes dolphins tick, what they eat, and how many people try to protect their natural environment. With us, you'll get your flipper meet-and-greet, as well as a slap-up brunch on the island itself. Relax by one of the nearby pools, hit the shops, or even go shark-watching. Easily one of the best things to do for Thanksgiving in Cancun. Things to do for Thanksgiving in Cancun: Dancer Cruise Cancun! Or, if you prefer being above the water rather than knee-deep in it, why not go on a Dancer Cruise? With a wealth of entertainment on board, and even opportunities for thrill-seekers to hop beneath the waves, it's a best-of-both-worlds situation that's hard to pass up. The boat -and your captain - make three stops on your trip. The first is Meco Reef, where you can head beneath the waves after a light breakfast to see colorful schools of fish, different corals, sea turtles, and more up close. Or, just stay on the deck for a dance lesson. Next is water activities, which include diving and waterslides for those inclined or a trampoline for those who don't fancy a dip. Finally, you'll explore the nearby Isla Mujeres, where you can shop til you drop, or just relax on the beach for a couple of hours. Then, when you're done, get back on board and head back to the mainland. Easy. And those are our picks of the best things to do for Thanksgiving in Cancun! If you're planning on spending a few more days on either side of the holiday, upgrade your itinerary with Go City! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all of Cancun's best bits for one low price.
Dom Bewley
Things to do in Cancun on 4th of July Weekend
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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
What to do on Memorial Day Weekend in Cancun
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What to do on Memorial Day Weekend in Cancun

While Memorial Day in America is typically a time to reflect and honor service people who have given their lives for our freedom, many people also use the holiday as a chance to get away and enjoy themselves. And, given Mexico's neighborly nature, many choose to head to Cancun. If you're considering the same, but wonder what to do there on Memorial Day weekend, we can help. In this guide, we'll take a look at all the best experiences to try over the holiday. So take a look, and see what suits you! Including: Ancient sites Sailing adventures Snorkeling tours Theme parks and more! Visit Chichén Itzá & Valladolid If you fancy something cultural, look no further than a roundtrip tour of Mexico's magnificent Mayan marvel, Chichén Itzá. This tour picks you up from your hotel and takes you to the site, where you'll have two and a half hours to wander around the temples and structures, learn about their history, and take plenty of photos while you wander. Once you've seen enough of the famous pyramid, you'll be whisked away to Valladolid, where you'll have an hour and a half to freely explore baroque-style cathedrals, Spanish colonial architecture, and myriad pastel-colored buildings. If you want to balance out your weekend of partying with some culture and history, and want to know what else to do on Memorial Day in Cancun, this tour could be just the ticket. Enjoy a Parasail Adventure If it's thrills and spills you're after, look no further than this exhilarating parasailing experience! You won't get many better views of Cancun, either. Your parasailing adventure will take you above 3 miles of the Cancun coastline, giving you ample opportunity to see the beautiful beaches beneath your feet. And don't worry, your roughly 10-minute glide through the sky will be entirely safe; state-of-the-art equipment is used to keep you firmly fixed to the vessel below. You'll even have a walkie-talkie should you need to contact the crew. They'll rein in the rope if you're too high up for comfort. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the stunning coastline from a whole new perspective. And hey, feeling like you're flying's pretty cool too. Experience a Reef, Turtle, and Shipwreck Snorkeling Tour Have you ever wanted to explore a shipwreck on the sea floor, swim alongside sea life, and witness true underwater beauty? If so, this snorkeling tour is just for you. Just a short boat ride off the coast of Cancun, you'll drop anchor and have two hours to explore the wonders of the deep at five different stops. The first, El Meco, is part of the Great Mayan Reef. You won't get many better looks at coral up close on the planet. The second stop is an area where sea turtles love to hang out. With a near-100% chance of seeing them up close, it's one of the tour's highlights. The third is a unique underwater museum called MUSA, and it's exactly as it sounds. Underwater exhibits, art, and more are ripe for viewing. The fourth stop is the aforementioned shipwreck - arguably the tour's highlight. The fifth and final stop takes you back to the surface, where you'll gaze upon awe-inspiring cenotes. Whether you're a newb or a seasoned pro, if you're game for a tropical paddle, you needn't wonder what to do on Memorial Day weekend in Cancun. You know what to do - it's this. Live it up at Ventura Park If you prefer thrills of the white-knuckle sort, a trip to Ventura Park should be top of your Memorial Day itinerary. Adrenaline junkies should check out Aaahventura, a zip line that soars above the treetops. It's not for the faint of heart, but the views from on high will reward those daring enough to try! You'll also love the park's go-karts, rollercoasters, bungee swings, and water slides. Those of you who prefer the stress-free life, we feel you. And don't worry; you're catered to too! The Lazy River is the perfect way to kick back and enjoy the ride, letting you enjoy the gorgeous scenery at a slower pace. You've also got mini-golf, VR, and dolphin swimming - if you're an animal lover. Perfect for the whole family if the sun is out in full force, Ventura Park is one of the best attractions in Cancun! Party on at the Cancun Jumpoff Don't worry, party people; we haven't forgotten about you either. Plenty of people head to Cancun to live it up over the Memorial Day weekend. If you're one of them, you won't be better served than at the Cancun Jumpoff. It's a four-day extravaganza filled with beach parties, pool parties, and non-stop fun. DJs spin the latest dance hits, and there are contests and other activities to keep the energy up. If you want to meet new, like-minded people, you'll find thousands of them there. Whether you're traveling down with friends, going with your partner, or doing it solo, you won't find many better parties over the Memorial Day weekend than at Cancun Jumpoff. Just don't bring the kids - this one ain't for them. Max your cards on a shopping tour But maybe you're not in it for the party. Maybe you'd rather hit the shops and spend big during the holiday sales. Don't worry; we've got you covered too. This shopping tour covers the two best spots in Cancun - more on them in a bit. Let's start at the beginning, where you'll be whisked away on a luxury air-conditioned bus, where your expert tour guide will provide you with a background of the sun-soaked city, its history, and how the locals live. Which will come in handy when you visit your first destination - Mercado 28. It's a flea-market-style shopping area with booths and restaurants owned and operated by locals, making it the perfect place to find hand-crafted purses, accessories, jewelry, or other souvenirs for friends back home. You'll also dine in style at one of the many authentic restaurants in the area. The next stop is Plaza Las Americas, where you'll find big-name brands sold at low, low prices. This one isn't for your friends and family back home; it's your turn to treat yourself. So, if you were wondering what to do on Memorial Day weekend in Cancun, we hope this guide has given you some ideas! If you need more inspiration for your Cancun break, check out Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all of Cancun's hottest attractions for one low price!
Dom Bewley

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