Top Tours and Activities for the Perfect Cancun Itinerary
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  • Writer's pictureJacqlyne
    • Jul 15, 2021
    • 11 min read

Top Tours and Activities for the Perfect Cancun Itinerary

Updated: Oct 29, 2023

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 let's dive into my extensive collection of things to do while in Cancun.


If you plan to visit any of Cancun's neighboring cities, here are recommendations for Playa del Carmen, Cozumel and Tulum.


Disclaimer

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 below 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.

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

Starting from $79 per person

Alternative


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

Starting from $90 per person

Alternative


Xcaret Park

Visit the number 1 attraction in the Riviera Maya at the Xcaret Park and enjoy the cultural traditions of Mexico. Explore underground rivers, and enjoy sights such as the Manatee Lagoon, House of Whispers and much more.


Duration

15 hours

Availability

Everyday. Pick up time TBD

Price

Starting from $146 per person

Alternative

Dolphin World

Come have a vacation of a lifetime at Dolphin World! Choose between:

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

  • Manatee Encounter: $69 per person

  • Dolphin Encounter: $109 per person

  • Dolphin Swim: $139 per person

  • Royal Dolphin Swim: $169 per person

  • A dock fee of $15 per person will be charged and paid on arrival


Private Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour From Cancun

Set sail on a private catamaran during this half-day (full-day option available), customizable cruise on the Caribbean Sea. Choose to visit iconic Isla Mujeres and dive into the water to snorkel in the coral reefs. Sail past an ancient temple and turtle reserve and relax on the boat while sipping a cocktail from the open bar.


Duration

4 – 7 hours

Availability

Everyday at 9am and 2pm

Price

Prices listed above are for 4-hour charters. See details page for prices for 7-hour charters.


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.


Duration

7 hours

Availability

Everyday at 9am and 12pm

Price

Starting from $37 per person with open bar

Alternative

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 hours

Availability

Everyday at 10am, 12:30pm, 3pm and 4pm

Price

$28 per person plus a $15 dock tax paid on arrival

Alternative


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

Everyday, at the top of every hour from 9am – 3pm

Price


Two-Tank Scuba Dive at MUSA

Learn scuba skills during this full-day experience for beginners in Cancun. Begin with a theory class in a pool to familiarize yourself with scuba equipment and get an introduction to scuba diving. After your lesson, board a boat for two open water dives with a PADI scuba instructor in the Mexican Caribbean. See the Underwater Museum and the Manchones Reef during the tour.


Duration

5 hours

Availability

Everyday at 10am

Price

$86 per person plus a $15 dock tax paid on arrival

Alternative

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

Tuesday and Saturday at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm

Price

$60 per person plus a $15 dock tax paid on arrival

Alternative

Seabreacher Ride - $149 per person


Romantic Dinner on a Galeon

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

  • $89 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 6:30pm

Price

Starting from $40 per person

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 - 1 hour

Availability

Everyday, every half hour between 10am and 4:30pm

Price

Starting from $58 per jet ski

Alternative


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, 2:30pm and 5pm

Price

$65 per person plus a $15 dock fee paid on arrival

Alternative


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

$119 per person plus a $15 dock tax paid on arrival

Alternative

Jetpack Experience - $119 per person

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

20 - 30 mins

Availability

Everyday from 9:30am – 4:30pm

Price

$131 per person plus a $15 dock tax paid on arrival

Alternative

Floriding Experience - $35 per person


ATV Tour, Ziplines and Cenote Swim

Brave dirt roads, rocky climbs, muddy descents and water crossings on a powerful all-terrain vehicle (ATV) as you test your driving skills to the max on this jungle adrenaline adventure. Race through the air on a 5-zipline circuit, built to international safety standards, and opt to brave a Tarzan jump into a cenote. Besides transfers, your package includes lunch and purified water: choose between solo and shared ATVs.


Duration

4 hours

Availability

Everyday at 8am and 12pm

Price

Starting from $48 per person

Alternative


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

Alternative

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. You'll spend a day exploring our personal Cancun secret street food spots. Taste dishes of recipes full of tradition, that have passed from generation to generation in Mexican street gastronomy. 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

5 hours

Availability

Everyday at 9am

Price

$83 per person

Alternative


Cancun City Tour and Shopping

El Meco Mayan ruins, traditional handicraft markets, the Tequila Museum, Playa Delfines... discover Cancun's most iconic sights on this guided sightseeing tour of the city. Hotel pickup and drop-off included.


Duration

5 - 8 hours

Availability

Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 9am

Price

$43 per person

Alternative


Chichen Itza, 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 the pyramid of Kukulcan and explore the architecture in Valladolid. After a busy day exploring, refresh yourself in the waters of a cenote, and enjoy a delicious buffet meal. Hotel pick up and drop off included.


Duration

12 hours

Availability

Everyday at 7am

Price

$45 per person plus a $35 entry fee to Chichen Itza

Alternative

Tulum, Coba, Playa Del Carmen and Cenote Swim

Visit two of the most important Maya archaeological sites on this full-day tour to 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 per person plus Coba local tax of $20 paid on arrival

Alternative


Photography Session

Whether it’s a honeymoon or a proposal, a family gathering or a bachelorette, or just a classic vacation with the kids, capture memories to last a lifetime with your own personal photographer on this Cancun walking tour. Follow a set route through the city’s highlights and hidden gems or opt for specific locations, such as the beach, romantic scenery, or historic scenery. Take home around 20 high resolution images.


Duration

1 - 1.5 hours

Availability

Everyday at 9am and 5pm

Price

$85 per person

Alternative

Private Photo Shoot - $425 per group of 10


Maya Temazcal Night Ceremony with Cenote Swim & Dinner

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.


Duration

4 hours

Availability

Wednesday and Saturday at 3:30pm

Price

$109 per person



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Hi there! I'm Jacqlyne. Welcome to my Blog!

 

I'm a Certified Travel Agent, who can save you all the time and stress of planning travel on your own. I can also save you hundreds to thousands of dollars on a trip! I have planned everything from solo, birthday, bachelor, bachelorette, honeymoon and destination wedding trips. I have helped clients with family trips to Disney, cruises, month long trips across Europe and much more. I have a perfect 5 star rating from past clients. I would love to help you see the world, so reach out to me for your next trip to learn how I could assist you. You'll never go back to planning travel how you use to again!

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