Places to Visit in Cancun

Cancun is best known for its perfect sandy beaches and for the Spring Break party that never stops, but there are ancient wonders and untamed jungle to explore on the northeast coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. Here you can spend your time on land, out at sea, or even up in the tree canopies – whatever suits your fancy! Let Sea Side Reservations is your guide to a truly hassle-free Cancun vacation by calling us to book your accommodations and by perusing our compilation of the best places to visit in Cancun.

Cancun Beaches

Cancun Beaches

In Cancun, you’re never far from the water. Nearly 14 miles of sand stretch across a “7-shaped” pattern, along Kukulcán Boulevard in the Hotel Zone. You could walk miles and come across nearly a dozen beautiful beaches, each with their own unique feel, despite lining the same turquoise waters. Resorts offer private entrances, but all beach property is public, by law, in Cancun, so it’s yours to enjoy, no matter where you choose to stay.
Cancun Beach

Playa Tortugas

Playa Tortugas (Turtles Beach) can be found in the northern corner of the 7, in the heart of the Hotel Zone. This beach offers the deepest water for adult swimming, but has shallower areas for children as well. Larger waves draw waterskiers, jet skiers, and parasailers, but you’ll still see a lot of people
snorkeling and paddling on sailboards. You can catch a ferry to Isla Mujeres, dine at one of the beachside restaurants, or shop at the indoor craft and flea market. Though it’s often busy, Playa Tortugas manages not to feel too crowded, with plenty of rocks hiding more secluded sunbathing spots.

Playa Delfines

Playa Delfines (Dolphin Beach) is near the Ruinas El Rey, along the southern end of the 7, off Boulevard Kukulcán. Visitors like that there are no hotels in the immediate vicinity and that the beach is large enough to feel relaxing, no matter how busy it is. There are a few palapas and a playground, but no restaurants here. Instead, you’ll find street vendors peddling authentic Mexican treats like fish wrapped in banana leaves or kibis. The sand is coarser and darker than the powder you’ll find up north, and visitors must beware of riptides and strong currents when swimming, but the beach is still a favorite among surfers and people hoping to catch a glimpse of the dolphins who gave the beach its name.

 

Playa Caracol

Playa Caracol (Snail Beach) is situated up north, near Plaza Caracol and the Xcaret dock, with an entrance next to the Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Resort. The calm waters, gentle surf, and flat sea beds attract snorkelers and swimmers. Choose from a number of restaurants catering to American tastes or grab a quick bite from the food carts lining the beach. Shower facilities are available here if you want to clean up before heading to Museo Arqueológico de Cancún or the Cancun Golf Club at Pok-Ta-Pok – both located less than a mile from this beach. The Yamil Lu’um Mayan Ruin is a place of historical significance less than two miles away. If you’re looking for a more secluded beach, you’ll find one a short
stroll to the west.

 

Cancun Tours

Cancun tours simplify vacationing by combining activities, transportation, and often dining in one convenient package. A friendly, knowledgeable guide can answer any questions you may have and act as your ambassador to Mexico, providing narration to enrich your understanding of local culture, sights, and history.

Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza Tours

The Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza makes a great day trip for history buffs. Here you’ll find the largest and most impressive ancient Mayan city dating back to the 7th to 13th centuries. A.D. Basic guided tours take you through a discussion of this advanced civilization’s architecture, knowledge of astronomy, religion, and rituals. More immersive tours may include lunch with local Mayans. At night, Kukulkan’s Pyramid becomes a show of light and sound.

Cancun Sailing Tours

If you wish to explore Cancun by sea, you can choose to ride aboard a catamaran, sailboat, or luxury yacht. There are half-day or full-day trips that take groups out for snorkeling, fishing, or shopping. Tours frequently feature the “birdwatcher’s paradise” of Contoy Island, the private beaches of Isla Mujeres, the El Meco Mayan archaeological site, the natural lagoon nature preserve of Nipchupte. Most tours provide some kind of dining option and include open bar.

Jungle Adventure Private Boat Tour

Cancun is most famous for its access to the Atlantic Ocean’s Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, but
there are many interior Caribbean lagoons to explore. Jungle adventure cruises take you on a private three-hour tour through the Nichupte mangrove labyrinths, where you’re likely to see egrets, spoonbills, leopard frogs, iguanas, crabs, white turtles, and even crocodiles. Eventually you arrive at Nizuc Point, a coral reef with ample tropical fish and excellent snorkeling conditions. Rental gear included with your trip includes Subwings, which allow you to swim swiftly underwater like a dolphin.

 

Cancun Ziplines

Travel & Leisure names ziplining as one of the “top adventures.” This unique experience sends you soaring through the treetops, while safely harnessed to a cable. Cancun boasts North America’s largest ziplining circuit, with over two miles of panoramic views bound to get your heart racing.

Cancun Zip Line

Cancun Combo Tour: Zipline and ATV Tour

The Cancun Zipline and ATV tour takes you through a 12-course zipline through the tree canopy, where you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the jungle. Next, you’ll ride on a Polaris Trail Boss 330 for a half-hour ATV ride through the forest to Cenote Lukama, where you can float in a natural cavern before your half-hour return trip to the welcome center for a light lunch. Tours depart at 9, 10:30, 12 and 1:30, and return five hours later.

Jungle Tour: Tulum, Cenote

Enjoy a full day of fun with a visit to the abandoned Mayan city of Tulum, which offers views of the Caribbean Sea from behind stone walls atop a rocky bluff. This coastal site thrived during the 13th through 15th centuries as a port for Cobá, and now stands as one of the best-preserved Mayan sites in the Yucatán. After touring the Temple of the Frescoes and learning about the city’s ancient history, you’ll visit Rancho San Felipe, a Mayan community with 30 residents who are eager to share their way of life. Next, you’ll take a brief hike to the Sac Actun and Nohoch Nah Chich caves, where you can snorkel in crystal-clear underground cenotes (sinkholes), surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites. The tour moves onto a 4×4 offroading adventure and rappelling down to the underground pond of Yaxmuul, followed by jungle ziplining, and one last dip in the natural pools. Buffet lunch includes homemade Mayan fare.

Cancun Extreme Zipline Canopy Tour

Daredevils may take an exhilarating, five-hour ziplining experience in Cancun. In addition to the high-velocity, vertiginous 12-course zipline adventure, you’ll also travel by army truck through the ancient Mayan jungle for a dip in a secret grotto. Swing on ropes and free-fall into the waters if you’re seeking additional thrills. Afterward, a light lunch of fruit and chicken fajitas is provided in the shade of palm tree huts.

 

Find a Place to Stay in Cancun

We oversee properties close to all the best places to see in Cancun. We want your trip to the Yucatán Peninsula to be as safe, convenient, and hassle-free as possible. Sea Side Reservations has been providing quality vacations for more than two decades, with high guest satisfaction ratings. Whether you’re looking for a resort, condo, or beach house, we’ve got properties to match your needs. Contact us for details.

 

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