What are the best tours in Cancun?
Cancún is one of the top tourist destinations, and it is not surprising that this accolade is reserved for this paradisiacal city. Read on to know the 8 best tours to do in Cancun (and its surroundings).
Mayan ruins tour
Visit archaeological sites such as Tulum or Chichen Itza to explore the fascinating history of the ancient Maya. Chichen Itza has also been named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, which makes this destination a must-see site if you are in Cancun or nearby cities.
Free swimming (with the possibility of whale shark sighting)
Enjoy an unforgettable experience interacting and swimming with whale sharks in their natural habitat. Unlike many tours that offer swimming with dolphins or sharks in captivity (we neither agree with nor sympathize with this type of activity or similar), swimming with whale sharks in their natural migration space is an experience not to be missed. Remember that this type of tour must be done under the supervision of an expert in the subject, area, and species. We recommend staying at a safe distance from the whale sharks. However, they are a very calm and peaceful species, and they can easily get nervous.
Snorkeling in coral reefs
Explore the marine biodiversity of the Caribbean while snorkeling in the impressive reefs near Cancun. You can find this kind of tour by contracting with tour agencies that take you by catamaran, yacht, or boat to Isla Mujeres from Cancun. Typically, these tours include this type of activity for 20 to 40 minutes at a designated reef point in the Caribbean Sea.
Get to know Xcaret
Ecological theme park with aquatic, cultural, and natural activities. Ideal for families and nature lovers. At night, you can enjoy an authentic Mayan show, which includes a simulation of a ceremony, followed by mariachi and traditional dances. We recommend visiting Xcaret in November when you can enjoy the Festival of Life and Death. It is essential to book in advance, due to the high demand for this experience.
Visit Isla Mujeres
Take a full-day catamaran tour to visit this beautiful island, where you can snorkel, relax on white sandy beaches, and explore the center of the island. Some even offer a buffet at the beach club or additional experiences within the island. A tour we recommend you take when visiting Cancun.
Isla Contoy
A full-day tour of this protected natural reserve is ideal for bird-watching and enjoying the pristine beaches while relaxing in the incredible views that this virgin island offers. Remember that only 200 people are admitted to the island each day, so we recommend making your reservation in advance to ensure you have a room for you and your companions on the day of your choice.
Note: It is strictly forbidden to use everyday sunscreen on this island, so we recommend using biodegradable sunscreen or one without chemicals in any case. Avoid using sunscreen while you are in the water; preferably, use it once you are out of the water.
Xel-Há Natural Park
In this natural water park, you can swim, snorkel, and enjoy water activities in an environment of cenotes and subway rivers. However, the real attraction is that you can enjoy hours of fun, along with unlimited food and drinks, during your stay. Take a ride on the lazy river, which you can take with snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and floats, among others. We recommend arriving early, as this allows you to find parking and no crowded food areas and be among the first to participate in most activities, thereby avoiding the crowds.
Tour to Cenotes in Riviera Maya or Yucatan
You can't miss a tour to explore the cenotes near Cancun, such as Gran Cenote or Cenote Dos Ojos, which are perfect for swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. There are travel agencies that offer trips to various cenotes in the city. You can also visit them on your own, and the costs can range from 250 to 450 Mexican pesos per person. Other popular cenotes in Mérida are Ik Kil, Suytun, Xkeken, Samula, Zaci, Xcanche, Oxman, Noh Mozon, Mucuyché, and Santa Bárbara.
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These are just some of the best tours you can do in Cancun and its surrounding areas, as this destination offers many more options to suit your interests, whether you're looking for adventure, history, nature, or simply relaxing on paradisiacal beaches.
Published on Jul 10, 2025
