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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A couple enjoy the beach at Cancun
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Visiting Cancun in May

Although it’s the official start of the wet season, you shouldn’t be put off from visiting Cancun in May. The prevailing climate is still very much geared towards enjoying the city’s spectacular coastal attractions, from its ancient Mayan sites to over 22 kilometers of beaches on the Caribbean Sea. So why not let us guide you through the very best things to do in Cancun in May? First though, we describe one of the most important aspects of heading to Cancun at this time of year – what to expect from the weather. Cancun weather in May Yes, May 1 is the date marked in Cancun diaries as the first day of the rainy season. No, this doesn’t mean you’ll be faced with 12 hours of wall-to-wall rain if you decide to visit Cancun in May – the sun still makes its presence felt most days. Thunderstorms are most common towards the end of the month, and even then tend to be short, heavy showers. They affect life on the streets for just a couple of hours in the late afternoon. Evenings are generally balmy with clear skies once more. Although May is one of the most humid times of year in Cancun, if you’re sticking to the coast you’ll hardly even notice. Temperatures here are 1 – 2°C lower than inland areas – where temperatures range from 23 – 33°C – since the sea breeze helps whip away the muggy air. Say hi to the local wildlife Plan your vacation to Cancun in May and you won’t be the only new arrivals in town. The turquoise waters immediately out to sea also welcome whale sharks from May through September. The world’s largest fish, these gentle giants feed on nothing but plankton. Measuring up to 18 meters in length, swimming or snorkeling close to them is a magical experience whatever your age, and easy to organize too. Other arrivals include endangered green, loggerhead and hawksbill turtles. Snorkelers can find them relaxing amidst the shallows of the Grand Mayan (Mesoamerican) Reef, sweeping down from Cancun to the central Americas. But even if you keep your feet firmly dry, it’s possible to witness them after dark as they bury their eggs on the beaches of Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres, where you can also encounter manatees. Roughly 30 minutes from mainland Cancun by ferry, the journey is even more memorable on your own crewed catamaran. Experience the strip For a slice of local life, head away from the high-rise towers of the beachside hotel zone for downtown Cancun. It’s home to Cancun’s best shopping – the famous Mercado 28 market and the giant Plaza Las Americas shopping mall. But the downtown area is not just a shopper’s delight. It also has a charming lagoon-side promenade, the Malecon Tajamar, where you’ll find many families enjoying the coastal breezes long into the night. The center of Cancun’s legendary nightlife remains firmly within the main strip that forms the hotel zone. For many it focusses on Coco Bongo and the similar sounding Bar Congo, who both have a legion of fans taking to their dance floors for live DJ sets on a nightly basis. If your clubbing days are behind you, there’s still plenty to entertain you within the hotel zone. For instance, beside the stores of La Isla sits the La Gran Rueda Cancun Ferris wheel. Open from the early afternoon until late evening each day, its gondolas bring you high above the hubbub of street level to spectacular views across the coast. Discover Cancun’s Mayan history Cancun’s Caribbean shores aren’t the only way to experience sparkling waters. This region of coast is also home to a miraculous series of natural sinkholes formed by freshwater dissolving the limestone rock over thousands of years. Known as cenotes (say-no-tays), there are around 30,000 in total, and every one offers something slightly different. Filled with crystal clear waters, they are the perfect place to cool off. Ranging in size from a couple of meters wide to the size of a football field, some of their pools are large enough to have become populated by fish, whilst others provide dramatic stalactite and stalagmite formations beyond the dense foliage and vines of the surrounding jungle. Amongst the best – Aktun Ha and Oxman cenotes. Considered sacred by the Maya, cenotes are not the only part of Mayan culture to slip into the life of modern-day Cancun. Another is the temazcal ceremony, which lurks somewhere between revered rite, spa treatment and sweat lodge. Most comparable to the sauna experience, steam scented with herbs such as copal and sage is produced by pouring water over hot stones. Often accompanied by shamanic chants, sessions last around two hour and relax you in body and mind, as well as drawing toxins out of your body. To dodge the afternoon showers that can affect Cancun in May, head to the city’s Maya Museum (Museo Maya). Filled with natural light, its contemporary design ensures its many treasures are displayed at their very best. A path also leads from the museum through the jungle to San Miguelito, a ruined settlement containing temples, pyramids and the remains of homely dwellings. Festival fever If the point of your vacation in Cancun is to let your hair down and forget your worries, you’ve certainly come to the right place. One of the top things to do during the evening hours is to join the Xoximilco party boat. Taking its lead from the cultural traditions of the country, step aboard and you’ll discover a brightly-colored world of live music, tasty foods, singing and dancing. The region’s cuisine is also centerstage during May’s Food and Wine Festival, attracting many of the top chefs in the area. The most important date in the calendar when it comes to music has to be the US Memorial Day Weekend, preceding the last Monday of the month. The long weekend sees the arrival of Cancun Jumpoff, one of the world’s largest urban electronic music festivals. Save on attraction admission in Cancun in May! Although your mind might have already turned to all things beachwear, don’t forget the one very easy way to make the most of your vacation – and make significant savings to – Go City! Explore with Go City and you’ll have access to many of Cancun’s top attractions without losing the flexibility you’re sure to crave!
Ian Packham
A view across a Cancun beach in the hotel zone
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Cancun in October – a good time to visit?

Escape the crowds with a trip to Cancun in October! It may fall within both the low season and be the peak of the hurricane season – but don’t let this worry you unnecessarily. The last storm to come anywhere near Cancun was back in 2005, and still didn’t approach close enough to affect the beach life people visit this part of the Yucatan Peninsula for. As well as its extraordinary white sand beaches, there’s an incredible array of cultural sights to look out for, from the temples of the Mayan civilization to the kitchens of downtown Cancun. And then there’s the preparations leading up to the Day of the Dead, one of the most important dates in the Mexican calendar. Check out these incredible reasons to visit Cancun in October.   Save whilst on vacation in Cancun in October The low season still has an amazing number of things to do and see for anyone searching out vacation destinations. Plan with the changing weather in mind and Cancun in October won’t feel all that different from its high season months. What’s more, most of the attractions we’ve featured can be visited by making use of our All-Inclusive or Explorer passes. With Go City you get substantial savings on attraction admission without having to jump through endless hoops. For flexibility and discounted rates, you shouldn’t go to anyone else. So grab a Cancun pass and save while you sightsee!
Ian Packham
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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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