Top 10 Things to do in Cancún

1. Visit Ancient Maya Ruins

Even if you were to walk blindfolded through the streets of Cancún, you could not miss the tremendous influence of the ancient Mayans on Cancún culture.  With a tour out of Cancún, it’s easy to access on of the 7 wonders of the world, Chichén Itzá (pronounced chi-cha ni-zah). These ruins house roughly 800 years of Mayan history and tell the rich story of the Mayan people.

Be sure to see the most-famous pyramid El Castillo (meaning the castle), the murals and the ball court where the losing players were decapitated in a sacrificial ritual to the gods.  It’s no wonder this is one of the top 10 things to do in Cancún.

2.  Snorkeling

Though it’s possible to snorkel from shore at many of the Cancún beaches, the best snorkeling in Cancún is off of dive boats.  The clean, pellucid waters and the abundance of colorful fish make snorkeling one of the top 10 things to do in Cancún.  Punta Cancún, El Garrafon National Park and Puerto Morelos have some of the best snorkeling and opportunities to see underwater wildlife.  Be sure to book in advance because the best tours often fill up quickly.

3.  Learn to Scuba Dive.

If you liked snorkeling but want to explore the wates in greater depth, a scuba class should be on your list of top 10 things to do in Cancún.  Scuba Cancún and divePro Cancún Diving offer great, professional instruction and provide all equipment for you.

4.  Swim with Dolphins

Cancún offers a myriad of choices when it comes swimming with dolphins.  The two most respected dolphinaries are Dolphinaris Cancún and Delphinus Cancún.  Both Dolphinaris and Delphinus offer great programs for all ages.  Whether you want to swim with dolphins, get a dolphin kiss or become a trainer for a day, you’ll find it in Cancún. 

5.  The Cancún Interactive Aquarium

The Interactive Aquarium Cancún should be on your top 10 things to do in Cancún because it offers many once-in-a-lifetime experiences.  At the aquarium, visitors learn about and interact with a wide variety of sea creatures, rays, piranhas, eels, jelly fish and more. For a surcharge, guest can even go for a dunk in the shark tank. (Don’t worry, you’ll be in a protective cage).

6.  Xcaret EcoPark

The Ecaret EcoPark is consistently on the list of top 10 things to do in Cancún and it’s no wonder why. Visitors can explore the impressive biodiversity and see every type of autochthonous species, including: jaguars, exotic birds, sea turtles and dolphins.  There are shows, shops, pools, lagoons, beaches and underwater rivers.  Xcaret is the perfect place to for families because it offers a wide array of activities for all tastes.

7.  Learn to Cook

If you’d like to bring the food from Cancún home with you but don’t want to soil your suitcases with salsas and sauces, enroll in a course at Can Cook in Cancún.  Chef Claudia teaches her students how to make authentic Mexican food such as guacamole, salsa, tamales, Mexican-style flank steak, fish battered tacos and more. 

At Claudia’s course, you’ll learn the basics of Mexican cooking and begin to master the complex balance between hot, savory and sweet flavors.

8.  Ride Horses through the Jungle and on the Beach

Ever wanted to stroll along the pristine, white-sand beach on horseback at sunset? Well, you now have your chance at the Bonanza Ranch, which leads guests on rides through the fertile rainforests and along the Cancún beaches.  Rides are great for children and adults and start at about $70 a person.  Your horse will agree that this is one of the top 10 things to do in Cancún. 

9.  Swim with Whale Sharks

Every June, whale sharks, the largest fish species, migrate to Cancún and bask the warm Caribbean waters.  These massive, docile creatures slowly swim through the water, catching plankton in their mouths.  From June through September, certified dive operator run dive operations to swim with the animals. 

Even though these creatures are harmless, your heartrate will rise as one slowly slips by.  It shouldn’t only be on the top 10 things to do in Cancún list, it’s should also be on the top 10 things to do in your life list.

10.  Bullfighting

Though you might not have expected it, Cancún has bullfighting, not just bullfighting for tourists, real bullfighting.  The entire spectical last about 2 hours and includes songs, dancing and of course, bullfighting.  If you’re feeling brave, you may even get the chance to fight a real, albeit small bull.  Be sure to bring your camera because you won’t want to miss one of the 10 ten things to do in Cancún.

Even if you experience all of the top 10 things to do in Cancún, they’ll still be much more to explore. If you’re hungry between adventures or at the end of the day, be sure to learn more about Cancún restaurants and at night if you still have energy, experience all that the world-renowned nightlife in Cancún offers.