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

By Casey Makovich
Published: July 18, 2024

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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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? 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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! 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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!
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Famous Cancun Landmarks & the Most Instagrammable Places to Take Pictures in Cancun

If you didn't Instagram it, did it even happen? Whether you want to show off your vacation photos or not, you most definitely will want to take pictures to remember all of the incredible things you did in Cancun. Cancun is a popular vacation destination because of its bright blue oceans, gorgeous beaches and warm weather. From days of relaxation pool or beach side to adventures at Chichén Itzá, there's something for everyone to enjoy (and photograph!). This is why we’ve had our team of city insider’s put together a list of some popular places to take pictures in Cancun. Best Ways to See Famous Cancun Landmarks There’s plenty of great places to snap the perfect Instagram photo of famous Cancun landmarks during your trip. Getting around Cancun is easy, especially when tons of attractions on the Go Cancun Card offer free round trip transportation. See all included attractions here. Many of the photo opps we listed below are located near some of the top attractions in the city – so you can combine the best sights with the best things to do. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Best Places to Take Photos in Cancun 1. Dolphin Discovery Cancun 2. Chichén Itzá 3. Xplor Park 4. Cruise the waters of Cancun A post shared by Dancer Cruise Cancun (@dancercancun) on Mar 10, 2018 at 7:27am PST One of the reasons Cancun is such a popular destination is because of the beauty of its oceans and beaches. The turquoise waters are something you have to see for yourself, and the best way to do so is aboard a cruise. Whether you hop on a sail boat or a catamaran, we guarantee you'll come across some of the most picturesque views you've ever seen. Keep your camera out! You can choose for a relaxed night on a dinner cruise or try the lively and upbeat Dancer Cruise, complete with a diving board and water slide on deck. Getting in: Columbus Sunset Dinner Cruise tickets, Isla Mujeres Discovery Cruise tickets and Dancer Cruise Cancun tickets are included on Go Cancun Card. 5. Garrafon Park 6. Parasail above Cancun 7. Explore a cenote 8. Snorkel Puerto Morelos 9. La Isla Shopping Village in Cancun A post shared by Elaine Resende (@elaineresende_) on Jun 5, 2018 at 8:05am PDT It may be called a shopping village, but La Isla Shopping Village is way more than that. The indoor-outdoor shopping mall is also home to attractions and rides. No matter what you're looking for, you're sure to find it here. You can peruse the racks at your favorite stores, like H&M and Victoria's Secret, or explore the souvenir shops owned by the locals. If shopping isn't your ideal vacation activity, not to worry - you can visit the aquarium, dine on authentic cuisine or catch a movie here too. Getting in: Shopping in Cancun tickets and Interactive Aquarium Cancun tickets are included on Go Cancun Card. Address: Blvd. Kukulcan km 12.5, La Isla, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico Let’s Recap While this list is by no means exhaustive, it does contain a bunch of our favorite places to take pictures in Cancun. From the most popular attractions to natural caves to snorkeling, there’s something to suit every taste when it comes to Cancun photo opportunities. Remember, a number of these famous Cancun sights and attractions are available with the Go Cancun Card, where you can save on combined admission prices vs. paying at the gate. If you have recommendations for other places to get the best photos in Cancun, feel free to comment below!
Nicole Muto

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