Cancun Things to Do

What not to do in Cancun? Is there even anything? Well, unfortunately, yes. It’s important to stay safe, so that’s one thing. But with so many other things to see and do, there are bound to be some things that are better ideas than others. So what are they?

Think that you’ve seen it all in Cancun? Think again. Though this glittering jewel of a resort town does seem to have everything a tourist could want – white sand beaches, palm trees, night clubs, and underwater activities, there’s a whole lot more going on just outside Cancun’s borders. If you’ve never been beyond the reaches of Cancun, now’s a good time to start.

Cancun is the hub and Cozumel is the glittering pearl lying next to it in the sea. Just opposite Playa del Carmen in the Yucatan Channel, this little island is famous for its teal blue waters, its seaside resorts, and its great scuba-diving and snorkeling. Perfect for a lover’s retreat or simply golfing with the friends, Cozumel attracts thousands every year.

From December through April of every year, Mexico’s El Vizcaino Whale Sanctuary and  Mexico’s largest protected area, attracts tourists and researchers from all over the world to the central Baja Peninsula. The 2,546,790-hectare (9833-square-mile) reserve protects a broad swath of the Baja, as well as marine areas in both the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez, along 450km (279mi) of shoreline. Desert scrubland, pine forests, coastal dunes, and mangrove forests are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including 120 bird species, more than a dozen reptiles, and 44 mammals, including big horn sheep, kit fox, mule deer, and big cats, as well as 39 endemic flowers.

Nightlife in Cancun? To be sure. There’s so much nightlife in Cancun, really, you’d better liken it to a Vegas of Mexico to get a good relation. From bars to nightclubs to lounges to music venues, you name it, Cancun’s got it. Hit the beach during the day and then the bars at night – that’s what Cancun is all about. If you want a more mellow experience, head to neighboring Playa del Carmen, but for those of you who want to party, it’s Cancun or bust.

Semana Santa, in the Catholic religion, consists of the last week of Lent, otherwise known as the last week before Easter or Holy Week. Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday are the culminating holidays of the week, and in Cancun, the event takes on special significance. Being a catholic town, Semana Santa is a seriously observed holiday and all of the churches will be celebrating in their own fashion. That sounds serious, doesn’t it? It isn’t. Semana Santa is Cancun’s second busiest time of the year, next to New Years Eve. Everything is open and so be on the lookout for deals where you can find them.

It’s Spring Break and the plane has landed. You step onto the runway, feel that balmy heat, see those white-sand beaches, and your airport transfer guide looks to you with a wily grin and says “cerveza?” It then hits you –this is Mexico, and there are few places in the world that can offer playtime like Cancun.

Often referred to as the little brother to bigger Cancun, Playa Del Carmen has its origins as a sleepy little fishing village that started small. Still smaller than the comparable Cancun, and still full of local character, today Playa del Carmen is a vacation hot spot for those who are looking for the white-sand beaches and blue waters of Cancun without all the high-rises and people. And though Playa del Carmen still retains the character of the sleepy village of its roots, there are still plenty of exciting things to do here.

While not technically in Cancun, Puerto Moroles is a quaint little seaside fishing village with enough character, charm, and white-sand beaches to get people coming here year after year – and directly from Cancun. If you find the hustle and bustle of Cancun too much, or just think you’d enjoy a nice little getaway to see something a bit quieter, a bit different, a bit more of the ordinary, consider heading to the fishing town of Puerto Moroles.

In Cancun and fancy a good time? Sounds like a pick-up line, eh? Well it’s not, but the question remains – if you’re looking for a good time in the Cancun area, there’s plenty adventure just around the bend. Here are some of the best ways to go about having the best time while in Cancun.