- Jacqlyne Mba-Jonas
Cancun Itinerary - Tours and Activities
Updated: 2 days ago
As one of the most popular destinations in Mexico, Cancun has no shortage of beautiful all-inclusive resorts, white sand beaches, crystal blue waters and abundant nightlife. While you may be tempted to lounge at your all-inclusive beachfront resort all day with a margarita in hand, soaking up some sun, there are a ton of activities that you could enjoy doing. There's something for everyone, from activities that will immerse you in Cancun's rich history and culture to activities for adrenaline junkies. So lets dive into my extensive collection of things to do while in Cancun.
Part of the job of a travel agent is to save clients time and money. I looked through hundreds of tours and picked out the best tours to book in various categories that are both the best in quality and price.
Prices listed are when booking for a single adult and are subject to change. Rates are typically discounted for larger groups and children, so use the links provided to see the exact cost for your specific scenario and book what is of interest to you. For tours marked with red stars (***), reach out to me to assist you with booking those tours for added discounts.
Also check out my other itineraries for Cancun's neighboring cities. Playa del Carmen, Cozumel and Tulum, each within an hour or two of Cancun.
Coco Bongo Nightclub with Open Bar
Enjoy an open bar and experience Coco Bongo nightclub and disco in Cancun. This is one of the most popular nightclubs in Cancun offering dancing, live shows, professional rock-star impersonators, and crowds of partiers.
Duration
6 hours
Availability
Everyday at 7pm
Price
$106 per person for premium tickets
$125 per person for VIP gold tickets
$155 per person for VIP front row tickets
Cirque du Soleil® JOYÀ
Experience tablecloth dining along with the Cirque du Soleil® show 'JOYÁ' at the Vidanta Riviera Maya resort. Allow yourself to be mesmerized by the story of an alchemist and his granddaughter seeking out the secrets of life. The show draws on the heritage and history of Mexico to weave the story, presented in an intimate dinner theatre in the jungle of the Riviera Maya.
Duration
1.5 hours
Availability
Tuesday – Saturday at 6pm
Price
$94 per person show only
$132 per person premium seats, appetizers and champagne
$182 per person premium seats, three-course dinner and champagne
$248 per person early access, VIP seating, VIP service, VIP dinner and unlimited champagne
Experiencas Xcaret***
The best vacations of your life are in Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya with the parks and tours by Xcaret. Surround yourself with Mexico’s flora and fauna at Xcaret park Cancun with the variety of attractions to visit, like Mayan ruins, the Mexican Folk Art Museum, among many more. Do unlimited snorkel at Xel-Há All-Inclusive, unveil the mysteries of inlets, cenotes and lagoons in this paradise. Fly over the Mayan jungle in zip-lines and venture into caverns on amphibious vehicles at Xplor park during the day, and at Xplor Fuego at nighttime. Know the four different types of cenotes that exist with the Xenotes Tour. Live the most colorful Mexican floating fiesta with live music and tequila open bar at Xoximilco Cancun. Feel the adventure of rafting in the only whitewater rapids of the Mexican Caribbean at Xavage park. The secrets of the Mayan world are open to you in the archaeological tours by Xcaret, that take you to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza and to the most popular Mayan ruins of the Yucatan Peninsula, Tulum and Coba.
Duration
At your leisure
Availability
Varies by park
Price
There are 9 different parks and tours to choose from and prices change frequently. Prices are also discounted if multiple parks are chosen. Transportation to and from the parks can be added for an extra fee. Reach out and let me know what park(s) and/or tour(s) you would like, I can provide a quote for it.
Dolphin World
Come have a vacation of a lifetime at Dolphin World! Choose between:
Dolphin Encounter: Perfect for those who can’t swim, you will have an amazing interactive encounter with dolphins.
Dolphin Swim: Interact, swim and have a ride with one dolphin.
Royal Dolphin Swim: Interact, swim and have a ride with two dolphins.
Other than interacting with dolphins there are several other activities to choose from. Snorkel with sharks and bicycle tour. A buffet lunch, open bar and round-trip ferry from Cancun are also included.
Duration
At your leisure
Availability
Monday – Saturday at 10:30am, 12pm, 1:30pm and 3:30pm
Price
Dolphin Encounter: $109 per person
Dolphin Swim: $139 per person
Royal Dolphin Swim: $169 per person
A dock fee of $10 per person will be charged and paid on arrival
Private Cancun Bay or Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour
Enjoy unlimited drinks with a national open bar while sailing on the Caribbean Sea. This full-day excursion is just for you and your private party on board, ensuring a relaxing way to take in the natural surroundings. Head for Isla Mujeres or simply sail on the bay. Snorkeling on the reef is optional, while onboard staff ensure an unforgettable day.
Duration
4 – 7 hours
Availability
Monday – Saturday at 10:30am, 12pm, 1:30pm and 3:30pm
Price
$1,200 per group of 25 people for a 7-hour Charter to Isla Mujeres
$950 per group of 25 people for a 4-hour Charter of the Cancun Bay
Plus a $15 environmental tax per person paid on arrival
Alternative
If you prefer a yacht, you can get one for 2 or 4 hours starting at $585 for a group of 25 people
Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour
During your time in Mexico, ensure you experience the white sands and turquoise waters of Isla Mujeres. On this full-day tour from Cancun, cruise to the beautiful island on a catamaran and snorkel in the protected waters of a marine park. Spend free time relaxing on the beach and feast on a lunch buffet accompanied by an open bar. Hotel pickup and drop-off included.
Duration
7 hours
Availability
Monday – Saturday at 10:30am, 12pm, 1:30pm and 3:30pm
Price
$68 per person plus $13 dock fee paid on arrival
$119 per person for the Premium Experience:
Larger Luxurious Catamaran with Less People
Premium Open Bar and Lunch
Dock Fee Included
Jungle Tour & Snorkel at Punta Nizuc Reef
Explore the natural delights of the Yucatan on a coastal jungle tour from Cancun. You have the chance to drive a boat past lush mangroves, and you’ll visit Punta Nizuc Reef to go snorkeling and swimming among tropical fish and coral. Use of all equipment is included.
Duration
2.5 hours
Availability
Everyday at 9am, 12pm and 3pm
Price
$46 per person plus a $15 environmental tax paid on arrival
Alternative
If you prefer, you can snorkel with whale sharks for $170 per person.
Submarine and Optional Snorkeling Tour
Explore Cancun's waters on this submarine-style glass bottom boat ride. Cruise through a mangrove swamp during this excursion to Punta Nizuc, the second-largest coral reef in the world. On this family-friendly adventure, learn about the local fish, coral and other animals in this marine habitat through your guide's informative commentary. Opt to snorkel on the reef with provided equipment.
Duration
4 hours
Availability
Every day at the top of every hour from 9am – 3pm
Price
$33 per person for the Submarine Tour Only
$69.60 per person for the Submarine and Snorkeling Tour
Plus a $15 environmental fee per person paid on arrival
Two-Tank Scuba Dive at MUSA
There may be many sites to see in the world and many adventures on your to-do list, yet none of them compare to the Cancun Underwater Museum. Over 500 sculptures make up the Cancun Underwater Museum, known as MUSA. MUSA can only be called a success story, as still to this day the artificial reef it created has benefited our reefs and marine ecosystem. Besides the art, marine life is present too -you'll find a diversity of fish, turtles and the spectacular elkhorn coral. Swim through the coral covered statues with the fish banks! There's a lot to see and learn here. This tour is for certified divers only.
Duration
5 hours
Availability
Monday, Tuesday and Saturday at 8am
Price
$89 per person plus a $15 environmental tax paid on arrival
Alternative
Non-certified divers can dive at MUSA for $129 or dive at a local reef for $115
Aqua Twister Speed Boat Ultimate Adventure
Come a board Aquaworld's 20-seater speedboat for a 30-minute thrill ride you'll never forget. This thrilling ride includes power brake stops, fish tails and 270º turns. Be prepared to smile, scream, shout, shriek and laugh. Oh, and get wet!
Duration
2.5 hours
Availability
Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm
Price
$70 per person plus a $15 dock tax paid on arrival
Romantic Dinner on a Galeon Around a Lagoon in Cancun with Sax Music
Fall in love again to the rhythm of a live sax on an enchanting sunset cruise. On a Spanish Galleon, while the sun hides behind the darkness of night, the colors of the sky will light up once more the flame of love. Experience a night full of quiet moments, a spectacular tour over the water, under the shining stars surrounded by music and an incredible and delicious dinner gourmet.
Duration
3 hours
Availability
Tuesday - Sunday at 7pm
Price
$99 per person for a beef or vegetarian dinner without transportation
$119 per person for a beef or vegetarian dinner with transportation
$109 per person for a deluxe dinner (Surf & Turf or Lobster) without transportation
$139 per person for a deluxe dinner (Surf & Turf or Lobster) with transportation
Captain Hook: Pirate Show and Dinner Cruise
Step into the world of swashbuckling pirates and Spanish galleons with tickets for 3-hour Captain Hook dinner cruise from Cancun. Sit down to a gourmet dinner and enjoy an evening of pirate tales, dancing, entertainment, then see a live-action battle at sea. This 3-hour dinner cruise includes access to an open bar, with air-conditioned indoor seating as well as an open-air dance floor and deck.
Duration
3 hours
Availability
Everyday at 7pm
Price
$35 per person for a Chicken Dinner
$40 per person for a New York Steak Dinner
$100 per person for a Lobster Dinner
$110 per person for a Surf & Turf Dinner
Plus a dock tax of $15 per person paid on arrival
Jet Ski Rental
Take a break from sunbathing on an active excursion in Cancun’s Nichupte Lagoon. Absorb coastal panoramas as you zip across the water on a jet ski, with a choice rental periods and departure times to suit your schedule. Receive instructional briefing before setting off and benefit from support and supervision of professional guides.
Duration
30 mins
Availability
Everyday, every half hour between 11am and 5:30pm
Price
$80 per jet ski (two people to a jet ski or one person) plus $15 dock fee paid on arrival
Parasailing
Parasail above Cancun's tropical coastline during this thrilling activity. Pull-on a safety harness and listen to a short safety briefing, then fly safely up to heights of 240 feet (80 meters). See the ribbon of Cancun's white sand beach stretched out below you and enjoy a panoramic view of Isla Mujeres, the hotel zone, and the turquoise Nichupté Lagoon. Hotel pickup and drop-off included.
Duration
10 mins
Availability
Everyday at 9am, 12pm and 2:30pm
Price
$65 per person plus a $10 dock fee paid on arrival
Flyboard Experience
Let a pair of jet boots propel you through the air and fly up to 30 feet over the water to admire a gorgeous view. The key to a successful flight is to keep your balance, and once you’re confident enough, try pirouettes and crazy tricks to impress bystanders! It takes a little practice but it’s a whole lot of fun!
Duration
15 mins
Availability
Everyday, every 20 mins from 10:40am – 4:40pm
Price
$70 per person plus a $15 environmental tax paid on arrival
Hoverboard Experience
The Hoverboard is a cross between surfing and skateboarding, it’s about balance and equilibrium. The board is attached to 18-meter hoses which propel you through the air as water pumps through them. Fly up to 5 meters at 40km per hour. Surf, and perform stunts in midair to impress onlookers. This activity is generally an 'all-weather sport' so it's a great option for a cloudy day when you're looking for something different to do in Cancun.
Duration
15 mins
Availability
Everyday, every 20 mins from 10:40am – 4:40pm
Price
$70 per person plus a $15 environmental tax paid on arrival
ATV Tour, Five Ziplines and Cenote Swim
Travel through the Mayan jungle on this action-packed all-day guided tour. Hop on your own ATV (or ride along with a driver) and head to a cenote, an underwater pool, where you can take a refreshing dip. Then fly above the treetops on a ziplining course. A local Mayan lunch is included. Only those 18 years old and above are permitted to drive their own ATV. Hotel pickup and drop-off included.
Duration
4 hours
Availability
Everyday at 8am and 12pm
Price
$55 per person for a double ATV
$69 per person for a single ATV
Horseback Riding Tour
Your day begins at the Mayan jungle, where you will meet your partner of this adventure: a beautiful horse that will take you to explore the paths of the Mayan jungle, passing through some Cenotes, on your way to a beautiful beach. At the end of your tour, you will have time to rest at the beach club, where you can cool off with a drink and a delicious snack. Hotel pickup and drop-off included.
Duration
2 hours
Availability
Monday – Friday at 9:30am and 12pm
Price
$89 per person
Extreme Horses Adventure with Ziplining, ATV & Cenote
Take an unforgettable adventure riding through the Mayan Jungle and explore ziplining through its trees, four wheeling deep into jungles terrain and swimming in a cool, fresh-water Mayan cenote. With its beautifully preserved reef and thick jungle terrain, Puerto Morelos is the ideal location for a fun day out. Deep inside the Mayan jungle, the team will welcome you for your safety briefing and prepare you with your equipment (helmet, harness, gloves). Now you are ready to zip through the trees on 6 ziplines and 3 interactive bridges, feel the adrenaline going off track on the 50-minute ATV-ride and cool off by jumping into a 100% natural, freshwater cenote. End your day by enjoying some pork tacos. Hotel pickup and drop-off included.
Duration
5 hours
Availability
Everyday at 9:30am and 1:30pm
Price
$98.54 per person
Street Food, Street Art & Local Market Day Tour
Eat the best Cancun Street Food trying a top selection of 5 local street food dishes, each one in a different place, including the Cancun Local Market. With this skip-the-line tour, you'll spend a day exploring our personal Cancun secret street food spots. You'll avoid the long lines and hassle of ordering your meal onsite, which gives you more time to enjoy. Taste dishes of recipes full of tradition, that have passed from generation to generation in Mexican street gastronomy Our local English-speaking guide will explain to you every detail related to the food, drinks & story behind each Cancun street joint. Naturally flavored water, freshly squeezed juice and soft drinks are included. Also, sides such as guacamole, beans, pico de gallo, and a variety of salsas are offered. Hotel pickup and drop-off included.
Duration
3.5 hours
Availability
Monday – Saturday at 10am and 6pm
Price
$69 per person
Cancun City Tour and Shopping
Pair Mayan-ruins sightseeing with shopping on this combo tour from Cancun or Riviera Maya. Discover the archaeological site of El Meco and learn about its historical role in trade. Move on to an artisanal craft market, Celso at Market 28, in the heart of Cancun. Visit Cancun landmarks and highlights, including the Tequila Museum. Snap frame-worthy photos of Cancun’s coastline at El Mirador in Playa Delfines. Entrance fees, tequila tasting, and hotel pickup and drop-off included.
Duration
3 - 6 hours
Availability
Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 10am
Price
$39 per person
Chichen Itza, Ik Kil Cenote & Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour
The Yucatan Peninsula offers visitors a treasure trove of history, from the pre-Columbian archeological sites of the Maya civilization, to 16th century towns settled by the Spanish. Experience this history firsthand with a full-day tour from Cancun or the Riviera Maya. See the ancient Maya site Chichen Itza (admission not included) the pyramid of Kukulcan and explore the architecture in Valladolid. After a busy day exploring, refresh yourself in the waters of the Ik Kil cenote, and enjoy a delicious buffet meal. Hotel pick up and drop off included.
Duration
12 hours
Availability
Everyday at 8am
Price
$39 per person plus a $30 entry fee to Chichen Itza
Tulum, Coba, Playa Del Carmen and Cenote Swim from Cancun
Visit two of the most important Maya archaeological sites on this full-day tour: Coba and Tulum. Admire the backdrop of the Caribbean Sea while exploring the temples and pyramids of Tulum with a certified guide, then head to Coba to climb to the top of Nohoch Muul—the tallest pyramid on the Yucatán Peninsula. In the afternoon, take a swim in a 'cenote' (underground cave), sit down for a traditional Mexican lunch, and explore the city of Playa del Carmen. Round-trip transport is included.
Duration
11 hours
Availability
Everyday, time TBD
Price
$52.80 per person
Photography Session
The photographer specializes in fun, candid, spontaneous, lifestyle photography sessions mixing the beauty of the Cancun beaches with their creative eye. Your photo session will be unique with a variety of poses such as action photos, splashing photos, close-ups, full body images, group combinations, etc. You can share your memories the next day with a fast turn around time!
Duration
30 mins
Availability
Monday - Saturday at 10am
Price
$150 per pair. $25 for each additional person paid on arrival.
Alternative
This is an hour long photography session for $199 per trio.
Night Mayan Temazcal Purification Ceremony
Purify your skin and your mind during a shaman-led ceremony inside a ‘temazcal' — a type of ancient Maya sweat lodge heated by hot stones — then cool off in a freshwater cenote, or sinkhole. After this mystical experience, visit a traditional Maya community for a typical dinner with a family. Round-trip hotel transport is included from Cancun and the Riviera Maya.
Duration
6 hours
Availability
Wednesday and Saturday at 4pm
Price
$115 per person