Cancun

Things to Do in the Cancun Hotel Zone

With so much to soak up here, who could bring themselves to leave?

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

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.

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Casey Makovich
Go City Travel Expert

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10+ Things to Do in Cancun with Kids for a Fun Trip to Mexico

Planning a trip to Cancún? This southeastern Mexican city has both natural landscapes ideal for outdoor adventures and exciting and innovative indoor attractions, making it perfect for families who want to do it all while on vacation. While Cancun may be known for its nightlife and spring-breakers, there are tons of kid-friendly attractions that the whole family will enjoy. With so many things to do and see, your Cancún vacation is sure to be educational, entertaining and of course, fun. If you’re looking for things to do in Cancún with kids, check out this list of our favorite kid-friendly activities, including... ATV, Ziplines and Cenote Combo Tour at Extreme Adventure Park – All Day Experience Swim Adventure by Dolphin Discovery Xcaret Park with Transportation from Cancun Snorkeling Adventures Cancun Wax Museum Parasailing Adventure in Cancun and more... Save on Admission to Kid-Friendly Attractions Many of these great kid-friendly attractions are available on the Go Cancun® Card. Choose as you go from more than 20 top Cancun attractions and save up to 45% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. Or, build your own pass and save up to 20% off. See all available passes, attractions & prices. Snorkeling Adventures Located on the Yucatan Peninsula, Cancún has miles upon miles of shoreline along the Caribbean Sea, making it the ideal destination for snorkeling. There are tons of snorkeling tours to choose from, so you can pick the one that interests you and your family most.   Free Kid-Friendly Activities in Cancun Parque de las Palapas - Experience local culture in Cancún’s city square, or the Parque de las Palapas. Admission to the newly-renovated park is free, and there’s plenty of space to both play and relax. There’s space to play soccer and lots of seating in the open-air food court. Try Mexican snacks like marquesitas and fried plantains. There’s live music on the weekends and street performances most days. The Parque de las Palapas is the great spot to relax and enjoy Cancún as Mexicans do. Urbano Kabah Park - Located downtown, Kabah Park brings the jungle to the metropolitan area of Cancún. Kabah Park has running trails, a kid’s playground, ponds and a small museum. The grounds are well maintained and safe, so it’s great for families. Keep an eye out for local animals—coatis, or raccoon-like animals that roam the park, while alligators and turtles can be found in the ponds. This urban oasis is a great way to spend a couple of hours outside of the city, without having to travel far.   Let’s Recap There you have it – some of our favorite things to do in Cancún with kids. Plan to add a few Cancun attractions to your vacation itinerary for a fun-filled trip! Remember, you can save on combined admission vs. paying at the gate to many of these popular family-friendly attractions and more with a Cancun Pass.
Shannon Balser
A colorful Cancun sign standing by the ocean
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Great reasons to visit Cancun in September

Lying deep within the low season, September is rarely considered for visits to Cancun. The lack of crowds makes Cancun in September as budget friendly as it comes, with great deals on offer on flights and hotel stays. What’s more, September brings in one of the biggest days in the Mexican calendar, as well as events which only occur two days a year. These are in addition to the usual mix of water sports and beach fun. Join us as we explore the many things to do in Cancun in September! Hit the beaches When it comes to Cancun, it’s sparkling waters are always a good place to start. Located on the Yucatan Peninsula’s east coast, this modern city with an ancient heart faces out into the warmth of the Caribbean Sea. Edged by the world’s second longest coral reef system, its hotel zone is draped with a ribbon of white sand beaches totalling no less than 22 kilometers in length. It catches the gentle breezes to one side and looks out across the jungle around Nichupte Lagoon on the other. Although it’s one of the quieter beaches, Playa Chacmool is still a great example of what you can expect. Beside the sun loungers and parasol rentals there’s plenty of opportunities to enjoy the waves, with swimming and water sports including parasailing possible. The neighboring Playa Gaviota Azul – better known as Playa Forum – is one of the region’s top party beaches, whilst Playa Tortugas (Turtle Beach) on the spit of land connecting the hotel zone with downtown Cancun has a local family vibe that’s hard to resist. Delve into the history Undeniably, the best place to absorb the culture is at the Palacio Municipal (Town Hall) on Avenida Tulum on the evening of September 15 – Mexican Independence Day. Commemorating the start of the fight for liberation against the Spanish in 1810 – taking place with little more than clubs and catapults – the festivities begin with the reenactment of a speech given by Don Miguel Hidalgo, now seen as the father of the country. The celebrations continue with mariachi music, dancing, feasting and a late-night fireworks display. Dating back much further is the abandoned Mayan city of Chichen Itza, founded sometime around AD 600 and home to the magnificent El Castillo pyramid. Although one of the top attractions in the region, we wouldn’t usually recommend a visit at this time of year because some travelers can find the humidity levels in land hard to bear. However, who could resist the chance of seeing the appearance of a snake on the pyramid’s sides during the autumn equinox around September 20, given it’s a phenomenon only occurring a couple of times a year? Cool off in a cenote Likewise, jungle adventures are often avoided at this time of year because of the humidity. Follow this trend and you’ll be missing out on some of Cancun’s other major attractions – its cenotes (flooded naturally-occurring sinkholes). Extending underground for thousands of kilometers by some estimates, they are accessed through the collapse of cave walls and ceilings, resulting in open, semi-open and pit-like cenotes. Sought out at this time of year because of their fresh water, which remains pleasantly cool, cenotes are a unique experience. Surrounded by jungle and held sacred by the Maya, their incredibly clear waters are reached by steps, ladders passed through gaps in the rock and even by plunging several meters. Amongst our favorites are Cenote Yaxmuul beside Jungle Maya Native Park and Gran Cenote, richly decorated with stalactites and stalagmites. Its waters host both fish and small turtles, whilst bats hang out (very literally) around the cave walls. Go turtle spotting The much-larger cousins of Gran Cenote’s reptiles – green, loggerhead and hawksbill turtles – arrive in their hundreds on the protected eastern beaches of Isla Mujeres during the Cancun low season. Egg-laden females push their way across the sands to the tideline most evenings in order to deposit the yet-to-be-born next generation. Males and immature females fill their stomachs amongst the reefs, making them a regular sighting on snorkeling and scuba diving expeditions. But that’s not all! With nesting turtles comes hatching turtles a couple of months later, meaning those eggs laid in June and July will be hatching out right about now. Most hatchings take place towards nightfall, bringing a wonderful end to any day on the island. Do a little window shopping Mention any trip to Cancun in September and the inevitable response will be ‘what about the rain?’ We’re not going to pretend the climate at this time of year is wall to wall sunshine, but nor can we say it’s continuously raining – because it isn’t. Statistically, September is the wettest month of the year, and yet two thirds of its days are entirely rain free. Those days which do see rain generally save it up for a heavy downpour lasting two to three hours in the afternoon. Check the local weather forecast and you can time these moments to coincide with a visit to one of Cancun’s indoor attractions. Join a shopping tour of Cancun and you’ll get to browse the stalls of Mercado (market) 28 as well as the boutique stores located within the Plaza Las Americas shopping mall. Providing two contrasting experiences, Mercado 28 is a great place to pick up local art, decide on a souvenir and eat in authentic restaurants. Plaza Las Americas is where the middle and upper classes shop for the latest brands to make a name internationally. Save in Cancun in September Know what you’re doing and a vacation in Cancun in September can be as epic as one during the high season. Only – you’ll be saving a bunch of cash in the process. Flight and accommodation deals aren’t the only way to stretch your budget either. Check out Cancun’s attractions with Go City, and you’ll get incredible savings on admission costs without having to do much more than turn up whenever you fancy and show your pass on entry.
Ian Packham
Things to do on Labor Day Weekend in Cancun
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Things to do on Labor Day Weekend in Cancun

Are you heading to Cancun on Labor Day weekend? Then you'll need to know what to do! Below, we detail the best things to do in the city and answer all your burning questions. Whichever you pick, you're bound to have a blast! Including: Is Cancun busy during Labor Day weekend? Is September a good time to go to Cancun, Mexico? Does it rain a lot in September in Cancun? Is it still sunny in Cancun in September? The best things to do on Labor Day Weekend in Cancun Is Cancun busy during Labor Day weekend? On Labor Day weekend, countless souls travel across the border to party up, and ring in the end of summer. Taking place across the long weekend from September 1 - 4, Labor Day itself lands on the final Monday. It's your last hurrah before Thanksgiving, so make the most of it. You'll be in good company too, as plenty of people have the same idea. Is September a good time to go to Cancun, Mexico? Mexico is one of the most beautiful countries on the planet, and Cancun is arguably the touristic jewel in its crown. So, yes, it's always a good time to visit Cancun, and September is one of the months in our calendar. However... Does it rain a lot in September in Cancun? Did you know that September is Mexico's wettest month of the year? Yes, even the country that Breaking Bad bathed in warm, orange hues has rain. How much rain, you ask? Well, 9 inches over seven days throughout the month. So, while it may be the country's wettest month, it's hardly comparable to most of North America. Is it still sunny in Cancun in September? You'll be pleased to hear that, yes, you're still likely to have some sun over nearly every day in September. There's nearly a 30% chance you see nothing but sun and blue skies, but over 70% chance of some clouds blocking the perfect view. So, pack the sunnies, short shorts, and sunblock, but add a light waterproof or umbrella just to be safe. With all your burning questions out of the way, let's explore the best things to do in Cancun on Labor Day weekend! Things to do on Labor Day Weekend in Cancun: Congo Bar Cancun It wouldn't be Labor Day weekend without enough booze to forego operating heavy machinery. Yes, that was a poor attempt at a labor joke. While the joke may disappoint, Congo Bar Cancun certainly will not. Making bassy waves in the center of Cancun's party district, Congo Bar is always packed with revelers hoping to drink and dance the night away. They're joined by DJs playing hand-raising anthems, go-go dancers riling the crowd up, and a whole host of cocktails, beers, wines, and shots. From 9PM - 3.30AM, expect nothing but drunk conga lines, an assortment of party props, and drinks. Lots of drinks. Oh, and did we mention that with us, nearly every drink on the menu is part of the ticket? Not just one per head, but all your drinks throughout the night? There are plenty of bars open for business in Cancun on Labor Day weekend, but why settle for anything less than a night of free-flowing booze? You'd be silly not to, really. Are you silly? No, we thought not. Things to do on Labor Day Weekend in Cancun: Snorkeling Tour Immerse yourself in a captivating snorkeling expedition off Cancun's stunning shores. This adventure encompasses five unique sites: El Meco, part of the Great Mayan Reef, offers an up-close encounter with vibrant coral formations. At the second stop, embrace the enchanting presence of sea turtles in their natural habitat before switching gears at stop three for the MUSA underwater museum, where captivating exhibits blend art and nature. The pinnacle awaits at stop number four, where you'll explore a sunken shipwreck. Finally, marvel at the ethereal beauty of cenotes at your fifth and final stop. Ignite your spirit of discovery and relish intimate glimpses of the hidden marine world on this unforgettable journey. Things to do on Labor Day Weekend in Cancun: Chichén Itzá & Valladolid Experience Mexico's cultural riches with a comprehensive roundtrip tour of Chichén Itzá, the awe-inspiring Mayan marvel. Your journey begins with hotel pickup, leading you to the historic site. Then, you'll have two and a half hours to explore the enigmatic temples, delve into their history, and capture memorable photos. Following the pyramid's mystique, venture to Valladolid, where you'll have an hour and a half to meander through baroque cathedrals, Spanish colonial architecture, and charming pastel-colored edifices. If you want to balance out your weekend of partying with some culture and history, go explore some ancient wonders! Things to do on Labor Day Weekend in Cancun: Parasail Adventure If you don't suffer from vertigo, and the thought of sailing high above the seas tethered to a speedboat fills you with glee, then you'll love this parasailing adventure over the clear blue Cancun waters! Soar above Cancun's coastline for approximately 3 miles, treating your senses to mesmerizing beach vistas. Equipped with a walkie-talkie, you'll stay in touch with the crew, who'll adjust your altitude throughout your 10-minute thrill ride, so you always feel completely safe. See the Cancun coastline like never before, and relish the sensation of flight – a one-of-a-kind opportunity for unforgettable memories. Things to do on Labor Day Weekend in Cancun: Ventura Park And finally, if you don't mind braving the crowds for some white-knuckle fun, Ventura Park is a must-visit. Thrill-seekers can dive into the heart-pounding world of Aaahventura, a high-flying zip line that sweeps you above the treetops. But that's just one of the many pulse-pounding attractions at Ventura Park. There are a ton of rollercoasters, waterslides, and other entertainment to keep the blood pumping. And for those who savor a relaxed pace, worry not – we've got you covered too! Drift along the Lazy River, taking in the stunning surroundings at your leisure. Engage in a game of mini-golf, explore virtual reality adventures, or indulge in dolphin swimming for fellow animal enthusiasts. And those were our picks of the best things to do on Labor Day weekend in Cancun! If you're spending a few days around the holiday and want to know how to spend it, 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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