Make a Splash: Things to Do Nearby Cancun’s Interactive Aquarium

Just left the Interactive Aquarium? Here are all the best ways to keep the adventure going!

Last updated: August 12, 2026
Family at an Aquarium

Ready to plan the ultimate day around Cancun’s Interactive Aquarium? You’ve already journeyed under the sea without getting your hair wet, but there’s so much more to see, taste, and do just a few steps from those shimmering tanks. With shopping, adrenaline rides, tasty bites, and laid-back beach vibes all packed into the Hotel Zone, we’re here to help you make the most out of every moment. Whether you want more thrills, a foodie fix, or a perfect Instagram snap, these experiences promise a Cancun day you won’t forget! 

Our top picks near the Interactive Aquarium include: 

  • Sky Wheel 
  • La Isla Shopping Village 
  • Jungle Speedboat & Snorkeling Tour by Aquaworld 
  • Ripley’s Believe It or Not 
  • Playa Marlin 
  • Columbus Romantic Dinner Cruise by The Dolphin Company 
  • Coco Bongo Beach Party 
  • Congo Bar 
  • Adore MediSpa Glow on the Go Facial 

Sky Wheel – Cancun from New Heights 

Step out from the shimmering aquatic displays and look up—because you can’t miss the towering Sky Wheel, just a short walk from the Interactive Aquarium. Hop into your air-conditioned gondola and enjoy a gentle, leisurely spin above the Hotel Zone, with panoramic views that sweep out over the lagoon, the sea, and Cancun’s glittering skyline. The best part? It’s laid-back and suitable for all ages—no need to be a thrill-seeker to love this ride! 

The Sky Wheel is especially magical at sunset, when the whole coast glows with soft pastel colors. Whether you’re seeking a romantic moment or just want a new profile pic, you’ll spot Cancun’s best angles from the top. For families, the rides are safe and slow, so everyone gets a bird’s-eye look at their vacation neighborhood. It’s a super fun way to get your bearings, relive the day, and plan where to head next. 

La Isla Shopping Village – Retail and Relaxation All in One 

Just steps from the Interactive Aquarium, La Isla Shopping Village is a vibrant destination that’s got everyone covered, whether you’re in the mood to splurge or just want to grab a quick gelato. Picture tranquil canals, colorful bridges, palm-shaded walkways, and a sparkling open-air ambiance that makes you want to linger. There’s no shortage of big-name brands here—think everything from Sephora to Calvin Klein—but you’ll also find cute local boutiques selling handmade jewelry and souvenirs with real personality. 

Feel like taking it easy? The outdoor terraces by the water are tailor-made for people-watching over coffee or cocktails. Don’t miss Ah Cacao for their Mayan chocolate espresso, or indulge in local seafood at La Buena Barra, where the terrace serves up stellar lagoon views. With all this plus movie theaters, arcades, and sweet treats by the scoop—from Amorino’s gelato roses to macaroons at Ladurée—La Isla makes it far more than just a shopping mall. It’s the perfect place to chill before or after your aquarium day. 

Jungle Speedboat & Snorkeling Tour by Aquaworld – Speed and Splash

Couple on Jungle Speedboat

Looking to up the adventure? Just down the road from the Interactive Aquarium, Aquaworld’s Jungle Speedboat & Snorkeling Tour lets you captain your own two-seater speedboat through twisting mangrove channels. Zip across the Nichupte Lagoon, wind through hidden waterways, and feel the tropical breeze—all with a guide showing you the ropes in front. It’s hands-on fun that’s a definite upgrade from your usual sightseeing tour.  

The adrenaline rush winds down with an equally awesome snorkeling session at Punta Nizuc reef. Mask up and dip into crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful fish and swaying corals—this underwater world is every bit as exhilarating as the aquarium, only wilder! Whether you’re a newbie or a snorkeling pro, the whole experience leaves you buzzing, blending thrills with natural beauty you’ll be talking about long after you towel off. 

Ripley’s Believe It or Not – Weird, Wild, and Wonderful 

For the curious at heart, Ripley’s Believe It or Not Cancun is a quirky treat nestled right inside La Isla Shopping Village. The outside alone, with its eye-catching murals and whimsical sculptures, sets the tone for the offbeat journey within. Inside, you’ll find hundreds of oddities: shrunken heads, bizarre artifacts, optical illusions, and everything in between. Each gallery tempts you to ask, “Wait, is that real?”. 

Ripley’s strikes that sweet spot between fun and fascinating, with hands-on exhibits and selfie ops hidden around nearly every corner. Kids and grown-ups alike will find themselves giggling in surprise at the funhouse mirrors, puzzling over impossible objects, or “grossing out” at the stranger-than-fiction finds. It’s cool, climate-controlled, and the perfect way to add a twist of the unexpected to your day—plus, it’s just a few steps from the fishes! 

Playa Marlin – Sun, Sand, and Sea Breezes 

Sometimes you just want to kick off your sandals and step into that paradise postcard—and Playa Marlin is where you do it. A ten-minute stroll from the Interactive Aquarium, this wide, powdery-white beach is a local favorite for catching big waves or just stretching out under the Cancun sun. There are public access points, clean showers, and lifeguard stations, making it super accessible for families. 

Set up your towel or rent a lounger, and let the turquoise waves do the rest. If you’re feeling energetic, you can try your hand at beach volleyball, or simply pace the shoreline for the best shell finds. Vendors stroll by with icy paletas and cold coconut water—because nothing tastes better with salty sea air. When you’re ready for something more, remember that bars, restaurants, and La Isla’s shops are only a sun-kissed stroll away. 

Columbus Romantic Dinner Cruise by The Dolphin Company – Sunset on the Lagoon 

Shake off the sand and change gears for Cancun’s most atmospheric evening: the Columbus Romantic Dinner Cruise. This adults-only experience sweeps you onto a stylish, Spanish galleon-inspired boat as the sun dips over Nichupte Lagoon. Cozy up under lantern-lit canopies, toast your date with a crisp glass of wine, and savor a three-course dinner with steak, lobster, or vegetarian delights, all while the water reflects the city lights. 

Live saxophone music sets the mood, and as you drift along the mangroves, there’s a dreamy sense of escape that’ll make you forget the hustle of the Hotel Zone. Whether it’s an anniversary or just a chance to treat yourselves, the Columbus cruise delivers on romance, capping off your Cancun day in style—all just minutes from the aquarium. 

Coco Bongo Beach Party – Dance by the Sea

Coco Bongo Beach Party

If you’ve still got energy after your aquarium visit, Coco Bongo Beach Party is calling. Known for its Vegas-meets-Caribbean energy, it delivers DJs, dancers, acrobats, and nonstop spectacle right on the sand. Expect pulsing music, high-flying performances, and plenty of “how did they do that?” moments as the night builds. 

With the beach as its backdrop, you can dance under the stars, sip colourful cocktails, or relax in a cabana while the action unfolds around you. The crowd is lively and international, and the atmosphere is pure celebration—neon lights, sea breezes, and a soundtrack that keeps everything moving. Whether you drop in for a few hours or stay until sunrise, it’s a standout slice of Cancun nightlife just a short trip from the aquarium. 

Congo Bar – Wild Nights and Lively Libations 

If spontaneous dancing, nonstop music, and an electric crowd sound like your kind of evening, Congo Bar is waiting just across Kukulcan Boulevard. Renowned as one of the Hotel Zone’s most energetic venues, this open-air spot serves up non-stop party vibes until the early hours. Bartenders double as performers, confetti drifts through the air, and regular foam and balloon shows crank up the energy. 

What sets Congo Bar apart is its open layout—no stuffy indoor clubs here, just a massive terrace where you can boogie with the breeze in your hair. The crowd is welcoming and up for fun, making it easy to join the party whether you’re solo or rolling deep. Grab a fruity mojito, try the house “Congo Shot,” and get ready to dance with locals and travelers alike—all just a few minutes from the Interactive Aquarium. It’s pure Cancun fun, from dusk till late. 

Adore MediSpa Glow on the Go Facial – Treat Yourself! 

After all the adventuring, exploring, and maybe a little too much sun, sometimes what you need is a pause. Enter the Glow on the Go Facial at Adore MediSpa, conveniently located in the heart of the Hotel Zone just moments from your other Cancun stops. Step into this serene urban oasis and get pampered with a quick-yet-luxurious facial designed to cleanse, hydrate, and leave your skin bright and happy. 

The atmosphere is tranquil and soothing—think soft lighting, gentle music, and staff who make you feel like you’re a VIP from the moment you walk in. In just half an hour, you’ll leave feeling recharged, camera-ready, and ready to take on the next adventure. Whether you’re freshening up for a fancy dinner or just looking to escape the bustle, it’s the perfect self-care break in your Cancun itinerary. 

 

Done exploring the aquarium? Now you’ve got a whole lineup of adventures, eats, and unforgettable experiences right on your doorstep. Happy exploring, and enjoy everything Cancun has to offer! 

Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do Near Chichen Itza or Everything You Need to Know About Go City’s Cancun Passes 

Step up your sightseeing with Go City®   

We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.   

See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started!   

Powered by AI

This article was generated with the help of AI to provide accurate and up-to-date information. The Go City team has reviewed and curated the content to ensure it meets our quality standards for accuracy and relevance.

Continue reading

Colors of Mexico food tour Cancun
Blog

Christmas in Cancun

Swap your snow boots for your flip-flops and your scarfs for your bikini bottoms by spending Christmas in Cancun. With sands so white you could easily mistake them for snow, Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year on Mexico’s Caribbean coastline. However, this gives the resorts of the hotel zone a phenomenal atmosphere, whilst the glorious high season weather means nothing is off the menu when it comes to attractions. Add to this a platter of feast days and special events and you’ve got a festive season like no other! Here’s our guide to everything going on at Christmas in Cancun and the surrounding area. Early December In this devoutly Catholic country, the Christmas period doesn’t begin with December 1, but the first day of advent, four Sundays before Christmas Day. Traditionally seen as a time of preparation, churches such as Iglesia de San Servacio in the old quarter of Valladolid sparkle with nativity scenes and candles, echoing the lights which add another layer to the buzz of Cancun’s hotel zone. Just 45 minutes away from Valladolid stands Chichen Itza, one of the most important Mayan sites in the entire Yucatan. Immortalized on a hundred T-shirts and as thousands of souvenir models of all sizes, it contains the impressive El Castillo pyramid, a structure perhaps even more impressive today than when it was built 1600 years ago. Las posadas The next big marker is Las posadas, beginning on December 16. It is a nine day event typified by candlelit evening processions through the streets of Cancun. Residents dress up as the Holy Family, and seek a place to stay for the birth of Jesus. After being rejected from entering two homes, as in the Bible accounts of the birth, they are welcomed into the third, where a party with food, drink and pinatas are often evident. Homes are decorated with red-leaved poinsettias – native to Mexico – and other evergreen plants. In addition, children cut the sides of paper bags into a variety of shapes that are then illuminated by candles – a little like a festive version of a jack o’lantern. They’re called farolitos and are placed on windowsills and doorsteps. Christmas shopping In between the nightly processions there’s plenty of opportunity to explore the independent and big name stores that make up Cancun’s retail spaces. For souvenirs and other handmade items we’d suggest downtown’s Mercado 28, followed by a trip to the boutiques of US-style mall Plaza Las Americas. Decked out in all its Christmas finery, it has a friendly rivalry with Kukulkan Plaza a short distance further south, whose elegant flat-domed ceilings provides the perfect spot for the free nightly performances from December 20 – 31. Head to Punta Cancun (the Party Zone) for the best of the city’s nightlife. Around 25 major clubs do their best to attract you, offering open bars, giant dancefloors and DJ sets that extend towards daybreak. Nochebuena Rather than December 25, it’s Christmas Eve – or Noche Buena – the last day of Los Posedos which is the big day for family gatherings in Mexico. Children lead processions into their local churches, at which point the baby Jesus is placed in the manger of the nativity scenes. Most people attend midnight mass with church bells ringing out and fireworks exploding to mark the Holy birth. The feasting continues long into the early hours of Christmas morning, so don’t be surprised if some places are slower to open up than usual. It’s also Christmas Eve when children receive some of their gifts, especially those from Papa Noel (Santa Claus). When it comes to closures, you’ll see nothing like the complete shut down that takes place on Christmas Day in the US or Europe. Generally speaking, resorts and attractions remain fully open, although it’s well worth checking out individual places if you plan a Christmas Day visit. Christmas Day For a sense of the dishes enjoyed at this time of year in Cancun don’t miss your chance to explore the city’s puestos (market stalls) in search of the best seasonal street food. Christmas dinners usually begin with an oxtail soup containing beans and chilies. Bacalao (dried cod) and revoltijo de romerito (stewed greens with potato and dried shrimp) are also common. These are followed historically by a suckling pig, although the US influence has made turkey and glazed hams much more common. Adults then set about consuming large quantities of ponche con piquete, a hot alcoholic drink flavored with seasonal fruits and cinnamon that’s a little like mulled wine. Children get to play with luces de Belén, or Bethlehem lights, a type of sparkler. Holy Innocents Just a couple of days later, on December 28, comes one of Mexico’s more unusual celebrations. Although it commemorates the massacre of the Holy Innocents by King Herod after the birth of Christ, it has become the Mexican version of April Fool’s Day, with pranks played on those deemed ‘innocent’. Everyone seems to save their best tricks for the day, with newspapers and television programs also getting in on the action. Past stories have included reports that Catherine Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, was leaving Britain’s Prince William for a Mexican soccer star. New Year’s Eve Christmas in Cancun continues into January with the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6. This is when many children receive the bulk of their gifts, just as Jesus was gifted the gold, frankincense and myrrh from the Three Wise Men. But for most, the season ends on New Year’s Eve. Celebrations take a number of forms, with dining out a particularly popular choice for the evening hours. As the clock turns towards midnight, many holidaymakers head to the bars and clubs, whilst still more await the fireworks which erupt over Cancun on the stroke of twelve. Save at Christmas in Cancun Packed full of special events and traditional insights, there’s even more reason to visit Cancun at Christmas than at other times of year. For the most part your favorite attractions will remain open, so don’t forget to do the sensible thing and travel with Go City. Do this and you’ll make huge savings on admission costs to top attractions – it’s really as simple as that!
Ian Packham
A colorful Cancun sign standing by the ocean
Blog

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
The expansive beaches of Cancun's hotel zone
Blog

What to do in Cancun in March

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

Have a 5% discount, on us!

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