Things to Do in Cancun

The travel experts at Casago have got you covered with some of the best things to do in Cancun! With this definitive guide, you’ll discover the area’s hottest restaurants, outdoor activities and places to pick up artisan Mexican goods. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a history buff, there are plenty of diverse Cancun tours and attractions to choose from. Cancun promises miles of white-sand beaches, trendy nightclubs and wild after-hours parties, but this popular Spring Break destination offers much more for the discerning traveler. Wondering what other activities are available in this sun-drenched Yucatan paradise?

Cancun Restaurant Scene

Cancun offers tantalizing cuisine for all palates, featuring everything from tasty street fare to fine dining. The Cancun restaurant scene is definitely eclectic, and caters to an international crowd. Dine on fresh sushi one night and authentic Mexican mole the next. Cancun’s denizens hail from the world over, and bring their talents and regional dishes with them. Travelers can find budget-friendly taco stands, vegetarian cafes and gourmet restaurants featuring haute cuisine. During your vacation, try to include at least one of Cancun’s top-rated restaurants:

  • Restaurant Benazuza – international, Spanish-fusion
  • Maki Taco – Japanese, Mexican, Sushi
  • Chianti – Italian-European fare
  • Bovino’s Churrascaria – Brazilian cuisine
  • Restaurante Careyes – Fresh seafood, steaks and fusion cuisine

Popular Activities in Cancun

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Cancun Beach Guide

Boasting 15 miles of gorgeous soft sands, clear blue water and gentle ocean winds, Cancun is renowned for its sublime beaches, each with its own flavor and character. Interested in jet skiing over turquoise waves, or looking for a nice, quiet stretch of sand to worship the sun? Here are some of the area’s top beaches:

  • Playa Chac Mool – Close to the downtown area, Chac Mool has gentle waves, smaller crowds and is a great place for watersports. Bonus: free chairs with umbrellas!
  • Playa Delfines – Cancun’s largest beach, Delfines is situated in the Hotel Zone, close to all the action. Being a popular public beach, you’ll find showers, restrooms and plenty of palapas.
  • Playa Tortugas – Tortugas is a very popular beach for families with small children since the waves are small and safe for little swimmers. If you get hungry, there’s a terrific restaurant right on the beach that serves up ceviche, mahi tacos and more!
  • Playa Forum – Located a few yards behind Coco Bongo nightclub, Forum beach draws big crowds on the weekends and is known for its fun, party vibe.

Cancun Golf

Cancun and the surrounding Riviera Maya has become a world-famous golf destination for both professionals and amateurs. Vacationers will find stunning courses designed by the likes of Greg Norman, Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones Jr., and Robert Von Hagge. If you’re ready to tee-up, these greens have everything you’d expect from a championship course: stunning backdrops, challenging fairways and amazing service.

  • Cancun Golf Club at Pok Ta Pok
  • Moon Palace Golf & Spa
  • Grand Coral Golf Riviera Maya
  • Iberstar Cancun Golf Course
  • El Manglar Golf Course

Cancun Nightlife

Party until dawn at some of Cancun’s legendary nightspots, featuring nightly lineups of in-demand DJs, performers, and special celebrity guests:

  • Dady’O
  • Mandala
  • Palazzo
  • Carlos N’Charlie’s
  • Coco Bongo
  • Grand Mambo Café
  • Senor Frogs

Cancun Shopping Paradise

Beautiful souvenirs, hand-made goods, artisan crafts and luxury items are all on offer in this popular tourist destination. From street vendors and charming boutiques to ultra-lux shopping malls, you can enjoy some serious retail therapy in Cancun. You’ll find great deals on jewelry and clothing, and keep in mind that Cancun shopping is tax-free! Some of our favorite markets and shops include:

  • Luxury Avenue – modern mall with 25 exclusive shops
  • Mercado 28 – outdoor souvenir market in downtown Cancun
  • Plaza Caracol – over 200 shops, a little bit of everything including a tequila museum
  • Plaza Las Americas – huge mall with 235 stores and a cinema
  • Casa de las Artesanias – locally-made handicrafts and items reflecting Mayan culture and traditions

Cancun Fishing Charters

Fishing in Cancun is excellent year-round. Depending on the month, you can land bonito, grouper, snook, tarpon, sailfish and giant blue marlin, to name a few species.

Put your skills to the test on a full-day charter aboard a luxury sportfishing boat equipped with GPS, fish-finder and seasoned mates who know all the best spots. Local operators offer deep sea fishing, bottom fishing and fly-fishing tours that can accommodate groups of up to six people. Avid anglers and novices get the chance to explore some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful fishing spots, including the warm waters off Isla Mujeres and Isla Blanca.

Popular Cancun Tours

You can’t miss a day trip to the Yucatan’s largest and best-preserved Mayan archaeological site – the spectacular ruins of Chichén Itzá. Other favorite sights and attractions include:

  • Cancun Underwater Museum – features 500 aquatic sculptures and snorkeling opportunities
  • Xel-Ha Park – ecological playground featuring cenotes and grottos, adventure activities and cultural exhibits
  • Parque Xcaret – Another eco-archaeological park catering to families, with a butterfly pavilion, aquarium, wildlife exhibits, dolphinarium, and a small replicate of a Mayan ruin
  • Tulum ruins – Soak in the storied history of the Maya city of Tulum, perched above lovely palm-fringed beaches
  • Isla Contoy – A full-day snorkeling tour to Isla Contoy, a wildlife preserve that protects endangered sea turtles and 150 bird species. Snorkel among tropical marine life at the vibrant Ixlache Reef.

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