Top 10+ Things to Do in Cancun for First Time Visitors – Must See & Do Attractions

By Casey Makovich

Cancun has more to offer visitors than just stunning beaches and wild nightlife (though those are great, too). We put together a list of the top things to do in Cancun, including water activities, beaches to explore, and much, much more. If you and your family are looking for the top things to do in Cancun during your trip, check out our list of the best local attractions, including...

  • Royal Swim VIP in Isla Mujeres
  • Xplor Fuego Park
  • Xcaret Park
  • Extreme Adventure ATV Rides
  • Tulum - Tankah Cenotes Adventure
  • Columbus Lobster Dinner Cruise
  • Parasail Cancun
  • Get Up & Go Catamaran Sail
  • Extreme Adventure Snorkel Puerto Morelos
  • 90 Minute Surf Lesson with 360 Surf School
  • Jungle Tour Speedboat Adventure
  • and much more

Save on Admission to Top Attractions

Many of these top attractions are available on the Go Cancun Card All-Inclusive Pass. Choose as you go from many of the most popular Cancun attractions and save up to 45% off combined admission vs. paying at the gate. For all available passes, attractions, and prices – Learn more.

1. Royal Swim VIP "Plus" in Isla Mujeres by Dolphin Discovery

Image of Vest, Lifejacket, Swimwear, Animal, Mammal, Sea Life, Sea Lion, Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Water, Waterfront, Get in the water and interact with friendly dolphins, sea lions, and manatees at Dolphin Discovery Isla Mujeres - one of the most popular experiences in Cancun. You'll get to do fun activities with the dolphins, like foot pushes, dorsal tows, kisses, hand targets, and more. Watch playful sea lions walk and interact with their human companions and then head over to the manatee habitat where you can feed the large mammals lettuce and learn all about their nutrition, habitats, and manatee conservation efforts. This experience includes roundtrip ferry transportation to Isla Mujeres from Cancun, interactive experiences with dolphins, sea lions, and manatees, access to the VIP lounge, continental breakfast, and an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet with open bar. Getting in: Royal Swim VIP Plus at Royal Garrafon Park tickets are included on Go Cancun Card as a premium option on All-Inclusive Passes of 3+ day durations.

2. Xplor Fuego (Night) All-Inclusive Admission

Image of Nature, Outdoors, Cave, Helmet, Child, Female, Girl, Person, Adult, Male, Man, Boy, Face, Head, Head to Xplor Fuego after sunset and enjoy a night full of extreme adventure. Explore illuminated caves, zipline in the dark, and explore the rainforest - all after dark - for a nighttime rush of adrenaline. The entire park is lit up by sparklers and fire to create a nighttime adventure for thrill-seekers. Be sure to pack or wear a swimsuit - you won't want to miss the underground water adventures! While you're there, enjoy the buffet with unlimited drinks. This attraction includes roundtrip transportation from Base Xcaret, unlimited access to ziplines, amphibious vehicles, underground caves and rivers, rafts, safety equipment, lockers, and more. Getting in: Xplor Fuego Park All-Inclusive Admission tickets are an included attraction option with Go Cancun Card All-Inclusive Passes of 3+ day durations.

3. Xcaret Park Admission

Image of Summer, Nature, Outdoors, Scenery, Person, Swimming, Water, Vegetation, Land, Experience over 40 attractions while surround by a natural paradise at Xcaret Park. From picturesque beaches to clear waters teeming with sea life, Xcaret Park has all the best Cancun has to offer in one, convenient location. Explore the Mayan village and temples, float down Paradise River, take a tour of underground rivers, and more. Your Xcaret Park Admission ticket includes access to all shows, attractions, cultural tours, exhibits, beaches, and pools, roundtrip transportation to and from the park, necessary safety gear, and more. Just pack swimwear and sunscreen! Getting in: Xcaret Park Admission tickets are an included attraction option with Go Cancun Card All-Inclusive Passes of 3+ day durations.

4. Extreme Adventures Combo All-Day Pass (private ATV) including roundtrip transportation

Image of Vegetation, Helmet, Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Atv, Vehicle, Glasses, Jungle, Nature, Outdoors, Land, Tree, Woodland, Shoe, Photography, Portrait, Spend the day exploring all the adventures at Extreme Adventure Park, complete with access to your own private ATV (all-terrain vehicle) for a fun-packed day of adventure in Puerto Morelos. Puerto Morelos is home to the second largest great barrier reef in the world and some of the most famous cenotes (naturally-formed sinkholes filled with groundwater). Start your day with snorkeling in the clear blue waters and explore the coral reef. You'll get to see a variety of colorful sea life including fish, starfish, anemones, and more - you might even spot a turtle. After snorkeling, you'll have almost an hour of 'free time' to enjoy the picturesque beaches or oceanfront restaurants before beginning your ATV adventure zipping through the jungle. When you're done with your ATV ride, put on a harness and glide across the treetops on one of six zip lines. End your day with a dive into a natural Mayan cenote filled with clear water and surrounded by nature. Getting in: Extreme Adventure Park All-Day Combo Tour tickets are an included attraction option with Go Cancun Card All-Inclusive Passes of 3+ day durations.

5. Tulum-Tankah Cenotes Eco-Adventure Park Excursion by Mayaland

Image of Adventure, Person, Ziplining, Adult, Female, Woman, Enjoy the beauty and history of Tulum on the Tulum-Tankah Cenotes Eco-Adventure Tour - the perfect way to learn more about Mayan history and culture and visit some iconic spots like the historic pyramids and breathtaking cenotes. You'll get transportation to and from Cancun to the sights and attractions in Tulum. Your guide will provide context to everything you see along the way, making sure you don't miss a thing. You'll also get access to the Tankah (Mayan word for "town center") Eco-Adventure Park where you can visit four cenotes (naturally-formed sinkholes filled with groundwater) and even go swimming in them. Your Tulum-Tankah Cenotes Eco-Adventure Tour tickets also include a zip line adventure, kayaking, and a buffet-style lunch. Getting in: Tulum-Tankah Cenotes Eco-Adventure Tour tickets are an included attraction option with Go Cancun Card All-Inclusive Passes of 3+ day durations.

6. Columbus Lobster Dinner Cruise

Image of Nature, Outdoors, Sky, Vehicle, Yacht, Face, Head, Person, Photography, Portrait, Boat, Sun, Female, Girl, Teen, Kissing, Romantic, Get out on the water and enjoy a 2.5-hour sunset dinner cruise aboard a classic Spanish Galleon. You'll get to see stunning views of the sunset while enjoying a three-course meal (choose from lobster, steak, or vegetarian dishes) and a lively atmosphere complete with a live saxophone band and an open bar. It's the perfect way to spend a romantic evening together on your Cancun vacation. Getting in: Columbus Lobster Dinner Cruise tickets are included with all Go Cancun Card All-Inclusive Passes.

7. Parasailing Adventure in Cancun

Image of Boat, Vehicle, Parachute, Person, Get sweeping views on Cancun's picture-perfect shorelines as you whip through the air on a parasailing adventure. You'll get 10-12 minutes of air time and some of the best views in Cancun of Isla Mujeres, Nichupté Lagoon, and the Cancun Hotel Zone. While you're in the air, you'll have a walkie-talkie so you can talk to the boat crew and let them know how high or low you want to go. Getting in: Parasailing Adventure in Cancun tickets are included with all Go Cancun Card All-Inclusive Passes.

8. "Get up and Go" Catamaran Adventure with Albatros Sailing

Image of Water, Boat, Sailboat, Vehicle, Boating, Water Sports, Yacht, Person, Set sail aboard a luxury catamaran for a fun sailing tour of El Farito - the colorful reef you can hop off at and snorkel around. After snorkeling, hop back on board and enjoy the ride to Isla Mujeres, a small island where you can explore the little downtown area, beaches, and cliffs. Your Catamaran Sailing Tour tickets include access to the Beach Club on Isla Mujeres and the Spinnaker Ride, too, if you want. On your way back, enjoy a buffet-style lunch and domestic bar with an exclusive drink special. Getting in: "Get up and Go" Catamaran Adventure with Albatros Sailing tickets are included with all Go Cancun Card All-Inclusive Passes.

9. Extreme Adventure Puerto Morelos Snorkel

Image of Nature, Outdoors, Water, Underwater, Person, Swimming, Water Sports, Snorkeling, Adult, Female, Woman, Snorkel at the world's second largest great barrier reef, right in Puerto Morelos, and get up close to vibrantly colored tropical fish, lively corals, and lots of marine life. You'll get to snorkel at two different locations, with about 50 minutes at each location. See tropical fish, giant sea turtles, and gorgeous anemones lining the ocean floor as you float over them and explore the sea. After snorkeling, you'll have time explore Puerto Morelos' downtown and beachfront areas. Getting in: Extreme Adventure Puerto Morelos Snorkel tickets are included with all Go Cancun Card All-Inclusive Passes.

10. 90 Minute Surf Lesson at 360 Surf School

Image of Nature, Outdoors, Sea, Water, Sea Waves, Surfing, Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Get the full Cancun experience with a 90-minute surf lesson at 360 Surf School and enjoy one of the locals' favorite activities - surfing. Your experience starts with an informative lesson, so you can enjoy your experience no matter what experience level you are, from beginner to expert. You'll get a surfboard, board wax, leash, and even a lycra top for extra sun protection so you're fully prepared to hit the waves. While you're in the water, experienced instructors will be in the water with you offering tips and guidance to help you get up and surfing in no time! Getting in: 90 Minute Surf Lesson tickets are included with all Go Cancun Card All-Inclusive Passes.

11. Dancer Cruise Cancun with Snorkeling

Image of Vehicle, Yacht, Boat, Person, Outdoors, Nature, Sea, Water, Dancer Cruise Cancun is catamaran cruise that boasts snorkeling adventures, dancing lessons, food and beverages on board, games, and more. It's a one-of-a-kind cruise party. Enjoy a full day of fun on the water with activities that will keep you and your family entertained in between three stops your cruise will make: Meco Reef where you can snorkel around the vibrant coral reef and see tons of sea life, a calm water stop where you can hop off the boat's diving board or ride the two-story slide into the water, and Isla Mujeres where you can explore local shops or relax on the picturesque beaches of the little island. Getting in: Dancer Cruise Cancun with Snorkeling tickets are included with all Go Cancun Card All-Inclusive Passes.

12. Jungle Tour Speedboat Adventure

Image of Water, Boat, Boating, Vehicle, Water Sports, Get behind the wheel of your own personal speedboat and snorkel the waters of Nichupté Lagoon with Jungle Tour Speedboat Adventure tickets. You'll get to captain a two-person speedboat and zip around the waters while following your tour guide towards Punta Nizuc where you can drop anchor and gear up for a snorkeling adventure where you'll see tons of sealife, from fishes to turtles, before hopping back in your boat and returning to land. Your whole adventure will last around 2.5 hours. Getting in: Jungle Tour Speedboat Adventure tickets are included with all Go Cancun Card All-Inclusive Passes.

13. Tulum Express Tour

Image of Person, Don't miss out on the Mayan ruins of Tulum. Enjoy a fully-guided express tour through the old commerce town of Tulum and learn all about ancient Mayan culture. You'll get entry to the Mayan ruins of Tulum, roundtrip transportation from Cancun, and an expert guide who will take you to Tulum's highlights. Visit the pyramids, take a swim, and relax on the beach with a little bit of free time built into the day - all on this comprehensive Tulum tour. Getting in: Tulum Express Tour tickets are included with all Go Cancun Card All-Inclusive Passes.

14. Paradise Snorkel at Paraiso Nizuc with Underwater Museum

Image of Nature, Outdoors, Water, Underwater, Ocean Floor, What's on every traveler's bucket list? Snorkeling in the Underwater Museum at Paraiso Nizuc. Check this one off your bucket list with this snorkeling adventure. You'll get to enjoy a motorboat ride to Punta Nizuc reef where you can snorkel for as long as you want in the crystal clear waters. Make your way over to the Underwater Museum where you can view 16 eerie underwater statues, designed by local artist Elier Amado Gil, and the sea life that they have helped support. Getting in: Underwater Museum Snorkel at Paraiso Nizuc tickets are included with all Go Cancun Card All-Inclusive Passes.

Let’s Recap

There you have it – our picks for some of the most fun and most popular things to do in Cancun. Plan to add a few of the attractions above to your vacation itinerary to make the most of your trip to Cancun. Remember, you can save up to 45% on admission to a number of these popular attractions and more with a Go Cancun Card.

Casey Makovich
Go City Travel Expert

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Cancun snorkeling
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Things to do in Cancun with Teens During Your Vacation

We all know that planning vacations with your teens can be tricky. They don’t love the things they used to as kids but aren’t quite always ready for cultural attractions adults enjoy. What should you plan to keep them happy? So, if you’re looking for things to do in Cancun with teens that don’t just involve them sunbathing on a beach, check out our list of recommended activities and attractions, including: Swimming with Dolphins at Isla Mujeres Xcaret Park Paradise Snorkel at Paraiso Nizuc Isla Mujeres Discovery Cruise Chichén Itzá adventure And more! Swimming with dolphins A full day of adventure at Xcaret Park Snorkeling a tropical reef Cruise around Cancun Catch some waves Explore archaeological wonders Parasail over the ocean Save on admission to teen-friendly Cancun attractions 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 Cancun passes ☀️– 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 –  ✈️ Buy a pass ✈ 
Katie Sagal
Cancun Rain
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Things to Do in Cancun When it Rains

Cancun is known as a beach paradise with endless sunshine and warmth, but every so often you may catch a rainy day. Just in case you are in Cancun when it rains, you might want to have a backup plan. Here are our favorite indoor activities and rainy day trip ideas for Cancun. Interactive Aquarium Cancun Shopping Tours Taco and Beer Tasting Tour Bars and Restaurants Museo Maya de Cancun Interactive Aquarium Cancun Located right in the Isla Vista Shopping Mall, Interactive Aquarium Cancun is the perfect place to take the whole family if the weather isn't all sunshine and beaches. Instead, bring beach life inside and discover Cancun's exciting marine life. You can easily spend the day here, with plenty of touch tanks, fish tanks, and volunteer-led presentations. Watch as dolphins splash around their habitat or get to know the feeling of a sting ray's slimy back as they zip around the tanks. You'll forget you're indoors and not at the beach. Shopping tours While these shopping tours aren't completely out of the rain, you might find it worthwhile to endure a drop or two as you pop in and out of the shops. Shop the streets of Playa del Carmen or peruse the booths at Mercado 28 in Cancun (or do both!) on a guided tour of these two city's shopping districts. What better excuse to spend a couple of hours shopping than rain? Playa del Carmen Hop aboard the bus and head down to Playa del Carmen, another popular resort destination just outside of Cancun. Your tour guide will lead you down Fifth Avenue, the longest stretch of shops and goods in the area. You can shop anything from local-owned boutiques to popular international brands like H&M. Cancun On this guided tour, you'll find other places to shop besides La Isla. Your guide will take you to Mercado 28 and Plaza Las Americas - a shopper's paradise. Mercado 28 is set up just like a flea market, with locally made goods and gifts perfect for friends back home. Plaza Las Americas offers well-known stores like Victoria's Secret, Sears, and Adidas Take your tastebuds on a food tour Immerse yourself in the local cuisine on a Colors of Mexico Taco Tour and Local Beer Tasting. This fantastic foodie tour will keep you out of the rain for an evening whilst you indulge in the best taquerias in town. You'll stop at four local restaurants, all chosen to take you on a journey through Mexico. Feast on tacos de cochinita, tacos coapeñito, tacos de surtido, and tacos al pastor as you explore the best food Cancun has to offer. With a perfectly paired beer (or soft drink) at every stop, you'll never want this tour to end! Your knowledgeable guide will make this unique experience all the better, on-hand to give you a complete history of Mexico's culture, food traditions, and little-known facts about their most delectable secret ingredients. Hit the bars and restaurants  There are plenty of local bars and restaurants in Cancun to explore if your trip to the beach is canceled at the last minute. Find somewhere to settle down for the afternoon to enjoy some delicious seafood and perfectly refreshing drinks. Fred's House is just the place for a bite and a drink. This American-style seafood restaurant offers beautiful views and private cabana seating that keeps you out of the weather's way. Being inside doesn't have to mean missing out on Cancun's views! If you're just stopping in for a quick drink, grab a seat at the bar and use your pass for $20 towards drinks. Will you sip on a piña colada or a beer? Museo Maya de Cancun Check out one of Cancun's best art and anthropological museums: Museo Maya de Cancun. This museum holds one of the most important collections of Mayan artifacts, from jewelry to ceramics and sculptures. There are nearly 400 pieces on display, all showcasing Mayan culture. This museum is definitely worth a visit. You'll head home with a wealth of knowledge – not just a tan! Rainy day savings galore See? You can stay dry all while having plenty of fun indoors in Cancun when it rains. We hope these ideas helped inspire you to create a fun-filled indoorsy itinerary for your trip! It's always good to have a backup plan, just in case. Save up to 50% on Cancun attractions   Discover our full line-up of Cancun attractions, from Xcaret Park to parasailing adventures. 🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.     😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. 
Nicole Muto
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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

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