Parasailing Adventure

Cancun Itinerary - 3 Days in Cancun for First-Time Visitors

By Katie Sagal

Heading to the tropical paradise of Cancun but aren’t sure how to make the most of your amazing vacation? To help you maximize the fun on your Mexican vacay, we’ve put together a list of our top things to do when you’ve got three days in Cancun. From swimming and sailing to arts and culture to relaxing beachside with a cool drink, this itinerary has it all. Plus, this suggested itinerary also helps you save money on admission to Cancun’s top attractions and activities. This 3-Day Itinerary Includes:

  • Swimming with Dolphins at Isla Mujeres
  • 90-minute Surf Lesson
  • Cancun Wax Museum
  • Interactive Aquarium Cancun
  • Isla Mujeres Discovery Catamaran Sail
  • And more!

Are you spending less time in Cancun? Check out our 1-day in Cancun itinerary and our weekend in Cancun itinerary for more fun ideas.

Day 1Stop #1: VIP Swimming with Dolphins at Isla Mujeres (All Day)

dolphins-isla-mujeres-aerial-view-playing

Start off your Cancun vacation with what’s sure to be one of your favorite memories from the entire trip – Swimming with Dolphins at the gorgeous Isla Mujeres.

Spend some time in the water with a friendly dolphin, and watch them play and dance. Then, you’ll also get to swim with sea lions and manatees, too, for quite the VIP experience.

After your one-in-a-lifetime swim with not one but three different amazing marine mammals, you’ll want to relax. Head to the lounge eat and drink to your heart’s content. What a first day!

Day 2Stop #1: 90-minute Surf Lesson

mother-teaches-son-basics-surfing-lessons

Spend some time working on your bucket list with this 90-minute Surf Lesson from 360 Surf School. Staffed by trained professional surf instructors, this is the best place in Cancun to learn how to enjoy Mexico’s favorite water sport.

Begin with some on-beach training, then head to the waves to practice your newfound skills. Trainers will be on-hand in the water the whole time to help you out, too! Don’t forget to take advantage of their local knowledge, either – your trainers are a great insider resource for learning about the best places to dine, etc.

Stop #2: Cancun Wax Museum

 

Next, you’ll want to take some time to enjoy a little bit of Mexican culture with the visit to the Cancun Wax Museum. With more than 1,000 life-like wax creations, this fascinating institution is a great place to see the people who most inspire Mexico.

These inspirational people hail from around the world, too, including everyone from Barack Obama to Queen Elizabeth to Amy Winehouse. We recommend reserving between 1 and 2 hours for this attraction.

Stop #3: FlowRider at Aquaworld

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For families with smaller children, the FlowRider at Aquaworld is a smart alternative to the in-ocean surfing opportunity. This attraction provides an hour of uninterrupted time in a controlled environment with artificially-generated waves. It’s a great chance to learn to body surf or board, and provides the opportunity for practicing advanced moves, too. Plus, the bottom of the pool has a trampoline-like composition so falls will be virtually pain-free!

parasailing-blue-ocean-cancun

For those looking for a little more of a thrill-ride, hop aboard a Parasailing Adventure and take to the skies to enjoy this wonderful tropical paradise from above. You''ll be strapped in for take off on this awesome parachute ride for 12 minutes of sky-time.

You'll also be provided with a walkie talkie so that you can communicate with the team onboard – choose how high or low you go as you glide along!

Day 3Stop #1: Luxury Catamaran Sailing Tour

aerial-view-luxury-private-motor-yacht

Spend your final day in Cancun on an amazing adventure that combines a little bit of just about everything into one unforgettable experience. Sail out to the beautiful Isla Mujeres on a luxe catamaran, spend an hour or two snorkeling the El Farito reef, explore Isla Mujeres’ downtown area, enjoy your included buffet lunch and exclusive drink special, and then sail back to Cancun.

It’s a special experience that ends the trip on a high note. This excursion will keep you busy until around dinnertime.

Stop #2: Drinks at Fred’s

 

But wait, one last thing! If you’ve got any energy left after your day-long excursion to Isla Mujeres, head to Fred’s House! This modern American seafood restaurant and oyster bar offers plenty of delicious cocktails, cold beers, chilled wines, and more. With a pass from Go City, you can enjoy drinks at Fred’s with $20 towards drinks, and head home happy!

Save on Attraction Admission

So these are a few suggestions for how to most fully enjoy your three days in Cancun. Experience the best of swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and sailing that this tropical wonderland has to offer, and combine that with a little bit of culture, and you’ve got one fantastic vacation.

If you want to pay less for your fun in the sun, pick up a pass for Cancun with Go City and save on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. This itinerary calls for a 3-Day pass, which can help you make huge savings on admission fees for these and other exciting attractions in Cancun.

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Cancun snorkeling
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Best Cancun snorkeling spots

Cancun, Mexico is home to the Great Mayan Reef. The coastal waters of Cancun offer some of the best snorkeling anywhere on Earth. You can swim out right from your hotel beach to snorkel, but you are likely to see more of the seafloor than sea life.
Casey Makovich
Things to do at Night in Cancun
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Things to do at Night in Cancun - Evening Activities

Looking for the best things to do in Cancun at night? You've found them! Below, we'll cover all the best experiences you'll find when the sun goes down. So have a nap, settle down, and strap in, because we're pulling an all-nighter! Including: Romantic dinner cruises Great views of Cancun's skyline Bar hopping fun Night time snorkeling and more! Columbus Romantic Dinner Cruise Ahoy there, lovers! If you've never boarded a Spanish Galleon and sailed the seven seas while having a romantic dinner for two, then this one's for you! Because that's exactly what this is! Soak in the breathtaking views of Cancun's glistening shoreline while gorging on a mouthwatering multi-course dinner. From succulent steak to veggie delights, your veggie/meaty need will be more than met. And with an open bar, you can keep the drinks flowing as you toast to the good life. But wait, there's more! There's even a live saxophone band onboard, so you can boogie the night away while sparks fly. And, if you want to capture the magic of the moment, you can get commemorative snaps for just $20. You can even get a lift to and from your hotel for a few bucks. And if you're celebrating a special occasion like your birthday or anniversary, just give them a heads up, and they'll add some extra sparkle to your night. If your trip to Cancun is a romantic one, this dinner cruise is easily one of the best things to do at night in the city! Sky Wheel Cancun Take a late-night ride through the sky and watch the sunset over the gorgeous ocean and beaches aboard the Sky Wheel. This colossal 177-foot-tall observation wheel offers a 20-minute breezy ride with some of the best views of the city. Each gondola is spacious enough to comfortably accommodate six to eight people, so there's plenty of room for your friends or family. These cozy capsules boast 360-degree crystal windows and air conditioning that keep you cool as a cucumber while you ride. As you rise to the top, feast your eyes on the serene lagoon on one side and the seemingly infinite, crystal-blue ocean on the other. Take a chill pill and enjoy the peaceful loop with your entourage as you complete four or five rotations on the wheel. And don't worry; that'll give you ample time to capture the ultimate Instagram-worthy shot! Drinks at Fred's House Take a break from the hustle and bustle of life and get your chill on at Fred's House. This hip and modern American seafood restaurant and oyster bar is situated on the lagoon side of Cancun's Hotel Zone, making it the perfect place to relax after a day of adventure. With Go City, your pass unlocks $20 to splurge on drinks from their fully stocked bar, where you'll find a plethora of tantalizing options. From refreshing cocktails to fine wines, you'll find something to take the edge off on your oh-so-strenuous vacation. They even do signature drinks that'll make you feel like a VIP, and their delicious local beer will quench your thirst like nothing else. Whether you're hanging out with your pals or having a chill night with the fam, this happening hotspot is definitely worth a visit. Go crazy at Congo Bar Cancun Located smack dab in the heart of Cancun's party central, Congo Bar Cancun is a mecca for the wild and crazy crowd. This open-air bar is always jam-packed with locals and tourists who are out to have a good time. Go-go dancers are on hand to entertain the crowd while DJs spin and scratch on the decks to keep your head bobbing. And, every now and then, get ready for a massive ballo n and confetti shower that will make you feel like you're living your best life. Get your conga line game face on, grab your party props, and get ready for an epic night of fun and entertainment. Plus, the cherry on top, your ticket includes a complimentary domestic bar from 9PM until 3.30AM, so you don't have to break the bank for a drink. Beers, spirits, and cocktails are all available, so really, you've no excuse! Moonlight Bioluminescence Snorkeling Tour Ever snorkeled with the devil in the pale moonlight? Dive into the shallow waters of the Great Mayan Reef and prepare to be amazed by the vibrant sea life of Cancun. Snorkeling at night is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will blow your mind! Your Moonlight Bioluminescence Snorkeling trip will take around 90 minutes in total and includes a briefing before you start, and then three stops at three unique reefs. The first reef is a coral reef, where you'll find octo us, moray eels, squid, lobsters, and crabs swimming around the unique reef formations. Reef two is where you have your best shot at swimming with a sea turtle or two. Most snorkelers consider this their favorite part of the Moonlight Snorkel Tour. And at the third, you'll switch off all lights and see the 'Tinkerbell Experience'; hundreds of tiny bioluminescent particles will provide all the wonderful, natural light you'll need! You'll be given a briefing prior to entering the water, so there's no need to worry if you're a newbie. And, when you're done, you'll get a free souvenir photo included in your trip to commemorate your undersea adventure. Easily one of the best things to do at Night in Cancun for nature lovers! Lucha Libre, Tacos, and Beer Witness the true power and key strength of Mexican wrestling! AKA Lucha Libre! Join the enthusiastic locals as you cheer on your wrestler of choice in an edge-of-your-seat match that will leave you breathless. But before the action-packed show, you'll need some fuel. How do five tacos sound? Juicy, melt-in-your-mouth slow-cooked pork, marinated in a heavenly blend of spices and achiote paste and served in freshly made corn tortillas with all the trimmings. That'll do nicely. And, to wash it all down, enjoy a selection of refreshing Mexican beers. Once you're fueled up, your guide will take you straight to the skip-the-line entrance for the Lucha Libre show. Brace yourself for flying attacks, acrobatics, and larger-than-life displays of showmanship, as the técnicos (goodies) and rudos (baddies) face off in the ring, garbed in their iconic colorful masks and skin-tight spandex suits. For a perfect evening of entertainment, this Lucha Libre show is one of the best things to do in Cancun at night! And those are our picks of the best things to do in Cancun at night! Looking for some daytime distractions? 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
A view across a Cancun beach in the hotel zone
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Is Cancun safe to visit?

Cancun welcomes millions of visitors each year eager to relax on its white sand coastline, party night long in its clubs and explore the historic remains of the Riviera Maya. As one of North America’s top beach resorts, this family-friendly destination has something for everyone. The Caribbean Sea offers extraordinary snorkeling, sultry year-round temperatures ensure the beaches are alive with sunbathers and those in need of a little retail therapy won’t be disappointed either. So far, so incredible. But is Cancun safe for travelers? Here’s the truth behind the headlines. How safe is Cancun? The very thought of voluntarily traveling to Cancun scares some would-be visitors witless. However, millions take their vacations here each year, begging the question, how safe is Cancun? Taken as a whole, crime rates in Mexico are higher than other nations with similar economies. But burrow down into these figures and you’ll discover that the vast majority of these crimes take place far from the shores of the Yucatan Peninsula. Safer than US cities including Detroit and New Orleans, the Yucatan has some of the lowest crime rates in the country and a murder rate lower than that of another popular tourist destination with a very different reputation – Thailand. The Mexican government makes huge efforts to keep tourists safe. The tourist areas of Cancun and the Riviera Maya more generally are well policed, with a dedicated tourist police service. This hasn’t stopped sporadic attacks taking place linked to the country’s drugs trade, but tourists are not directly targeted and rarely get caught up in them. Most crimes take place away from the tourist areas and hotel zone, in neighborhoods such as Lopez Portillo, far from anywhere of interest. If in doubt, make use of a local guide, who will know where is and isn’t safe for you to explore. How to stay safe in Cancun One thing to watch out for when looking for a trustworthy guide is people stopping you on the side of the street and offering their services. Unfortunately, they are almost always scammers. Instead, be sure to make use of guides you know to be trustworthy, such as those suggested by hotels and those used by Go City who lead tours to Chichen Itza and Valladolid. In general, you shouldn’t let the stunning beaches and nightlife put you into a false sense of security. Whilst it’s unlikely you’ll be the victim of a crime on vacation in Cancun, petty crime can take place anywhere. You should keep a close eye on your belongings at all times, and not leave them unattended when you head to the bar if you’re traveling alone. You should also avoid wearing flashy items such as jewelry and watches, or carry expensive-looking electronics. They are always best left in a hotel safe. To sum up, you should follow the common sense precautions that you should be taking wherever you go in the world. Is Cancun safe at night? It is always wise to be extra cautious after sunset, which takes place between 6:30PM and 7:30PM throughout the year. Secluded areas of beach are best avoided, as are roads away from the main strip of the hotel zone. It’s considered safe to walk around this area of bars, restaurants and nightclubs, but if you’re intending to travel further afield, a taxi is recommended. If you are deemed to be drunk the police can arrest you. You will have to pay a fine for your release from the nearest cells. Likewise, you should stay clear of illegal drugs. There are now no legal penalties for carrying or consuming small amounts deemed to be for personal use (equating to 5g of marijuana), but harsh penalties exist for higher amounts and being a foreign national will not save you from prosecution or imprisonment. Cancun’s hotel zone is also a safe place for members of the LGBTQ+ community, with a good number of gay bars welcoming locals and visitors alike. Are buses safe in Cancun? Buses are the main form of public transportation around Cancun and are generally considered safe, though you may want to avoid using them after dark. Routes R1 and R2 are of particular interest to travelers since they connect downtown Cancun with the lagoon-side hotel zone. The US State Department recommends pre-booking taxis – most hotels will have a function for this – rather than hailing them from the road side, since you’ll have more control over your security. You will however need to agree a price before setting off on any journey. Hotel receptions will be able to suggest the approximate amount you should be paying. Alternatively, it’s also possible for most foreign nationals to rent a car for the day, giving you the freedom of the road. Watch out for bus drivers, who tend to travel at speed and weave in and out of traffic without warning. Other than that, roads along the Riviera Maya are pretty quiet and relaxed affairs. Parking is often free at resorts (excluding any tips) and available at most major attractions too. Natural dangers in Cancun to be aware of Your biggest risk when heading to Cancun might actually be natural, depending on what time of year you choose to visit. If you head to the Yucatan during the budget-friendly wet season, heavy downpours can lead to localized flooding. June through the end of October is also hurricane season. The chance of Cancun being struck by a hurricane is so small it’s not seriously worth worrying about. Landfall is most likely to happen in either September or October. Also be aware – and pay attention – to signs at lagoon-side locations warning of crocodiles, and don’t swim nearby under any circumstances. Is the water safe to drink in Cancun? Locals drink the water straight from the faucet, but as a traveler you should avoid this to be on the safe side. Only drink bottled mineral water. For the same reason you might want to avoid ice in drinks or any foods that will have been washed in municipal water supplies, such as salads, however tasty they appear. You should stick to fruit you can peel yourself. Hotel buffet tables are often identified as the source of food poisoning – ensure all foods are piping hot and protected from flies. Enjoying your time in Cancun safely Speak to anyone who has traveled to Cancun personally and they are sure to tell you that Cancun is safe. Governments around the world broadly agree. With your safety in Cancun sorted, the only thing left is to enjoy your time in this jewel in the crown of Mexican destinations. Explore the range of beaches, historic sites and modern attractions with Go City and you’ll have access to reduced admission prices to some of Cancun’s top attractions without losing flexibility during your stay. Who can say no to that?
Ian Packham

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