Cancun Holidays

Things to Do

Cancun Holidays - Things to Do & Attractions

Cancun Holidays - Things to Do & Attractions

Things to Do in Cancun: Cancun Holidays travel guide on the best things to do in Cancun. Have a look below for more details on Cancun Attractions, restaurants, nightlife, bars, clubs, events and shopping.

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Top things to do and Attractions in Cancun:

Things to do in Cancun:

Interactive Aquarium — Right in the middle of the hotel zone, this small but modern aquarium lets you get up close and personal with aquatic life. You can pet rays, nurse sharks, touch starfish, etc. There is also a chance to swim with dolphins in a large pool.

Water and sand — Cancun is possibly best known for its beautiful turquoise waters and powdery white beaches.

Isla Contoy, it is about 30km north of Isla Mujeres and apart from its natural beauty it is considered to be the most important nesting place for sea birds in the Mexican Caribbean with more than 150 different species.

Ocean and beaches — For the more advanced swimmers, the edge of the open ocean can make for a challenging and fun swimming experience. For less advanced swimmers, or those with little ones, pick a resort facing Isla Mujeres for a gentle and relaxing aquatic experience. Be aware that the island becomes extremely hot during day and there are few, if any opportunities to cool off. The sand found here is ground up coral and doesn’t get hot like you might expect. The beaches are absolutely gorgeous and the water is crystal clear and warm. Spending the day on the beaches of Cancun is not only an opportunity to relax, but to shop as well. Many of the native people of Cancun make a living by selling different items to the tourists on the beach. There are a variety of items to be purchased from these vendors, items such as sarongs, jewelry, sea shells and more. However, as in the markets, you have to be willing to bargain to get the right prices.

Xcaret (ecopark) – Xcaret is an Eco-archaeological Park located about 46 mi south of Cancun and less than 4 mi south of Playa del Carmen, in the Riviera Maya. Here you can admire tropical flora and fauna typical of the region as well as different expressions of the Mayan culture. In its facilities you can find an archaeological site, snorkeling in underground rivers, beach, butterfly pavilion, orchid greenhouse, regional fauna breeding farm, Mayan village, jaguar island, among others. For additional cost visitors can swim with dolphins; enjoy the Temascal and Spa services. At night you can admire the unique night show “Xcaret México Espectacular” which features a variety of performances from ancient Mayan culture to traditional Mexican music and dances.

Bird watching at the airport — It may sound odd, but because the airport is basically carved out of a large block of forest, there are all kinds of birds and animals around, especially early in the morning. Look for the Mexican agoutis (large forest rodents) grazing on the lawns next to the forest.

Swim with Dolphins – Wet’n'Wild also offers dolphin experiences. (Beware: no cameras are allowed, then they charge $25 for the first photo, $20 for each subsequent one). Other great places to swim with dolphins are Delphinus Dreams and Dolphin Discovery

Jeep Adventures – Experience some of the most beautiful parts of Cancun in a self drive jeep safari. Tour prices ususally include an experienced guide, and the chance to swim or snorkel in underground caves, explore Mayan ruins and visit a jungle reserve.

Aqua Tours — Exciting water tour! Choose either a jet ski or two person jet boat for a trip through the lagoon out to snorkel on the reef. Popular tours are the Jungle Tour and the Sailing Quest (Catamarans).

The Lobster Dinner Cruise, — Take a trip out on the calm lagoon on a beautiful boat with friends you have not met yet. The staff allow you to take part in the fun or settle back and watch the sunset. Steak and lobster is cooked on the boat and is extra tasty when eaten out on the high seas.

Football — New in Cancun with the First Division team “Potros de Hierro (Iron Colts) of Cancun”. The Atlante team, now based in Cancun, has a brand new stadium downtown.
Markets — Bring your haggling skills and get ready for a vast shopping experience in any of the city markets. Great buys can be found, so stick to your price resolve.

La Isla – La Isla is a huge outside shopping mall in Cancun right near many of the local hotels. It features hundreds of stores ranging from American brands like Polo to Mexican brands like Senor Frogs. There are numerous restaurants including Chili’s and McDonalds along with more local Mexican foods.

Hidden Worlds Cenote Adventure Park, Tulum – 9-5. Situated on the most extensive system of underwater caves and caverns on Earth, the park is home to some of the most stunningly beautiful cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula, as featured in the critically acclaimed 2001 IMAX movie, Journey Into Amazing Caves, the 2005 Hollywood movie, The Cave and the award winning 2007 BBC Planet Earth television series. Enjoy Zip Lines, The Worlds only SkyCycle, and snorkel tours in the most pristine cenotes in the area.

Punta Este Marina, — Drive your own boat through the lagoon in the Jungle Tour and sknorkel on the reef. Diving lessons and dive trips to the best dive spots in Cancun such as underwater museum.

Places to Eat Drink and Party:

Eat

The Cove Cancun – Beachfront Restaurant
Mikado, Blvd. Kukulcán, Retorno Chac L-41, Zona Hotelera (CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort), ☎ 52 998 881 2000. 5:30PM – 11:00PM. Japanese and Thai cuisine featuring teppanyaki tables.

La Capilla Argentina, Blvd. Kukulcán, Retorno Chac L-41, Zona Hotelera (CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort), ☎ 52 998 881 2000, . Argentine steakhouse with a Merranean flair.

Champions Sports Bar, Blvd. Kukulcán, Retorno Chac L-41, Zona Hotelera (CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort), ☎ 52 998 881 2000, 12PM – 2AM. Stepped up bar food with all the games on over 40 screens.

Simply Seafood, Blvd. Kukulcán, Km 14.5, Lote 40-A, Zona Hotelera (JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa), ☎ 52 998 848 9600 ext 6637, Simply Seafood serves off the boat seafood in traditional Caribbean style.

Gustino, Blvd. Kukulcán, Km 14.5, Lote 40-A, Zona Hotelera (JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa), ☎ 52 998 848 9600 ext 6637, Gustino has authentic Italian cuisine using the freshest Merranean ingredients.

Cambalache, Blvd. Kukulcán Km 9, at Forum By the Sea Mall, +52 998 883 0902. This Argentine Steakhouse serves up one of the best menus in Cancun. The atmosphere inside the restaurant makes you feel you have traveled an extra 1000 miles. The staff’s attention to detail and desire to please make you feel like you’re the only one they are serving that night. Great place to have a dinner with the one you love or enjoy the company of friends. The food alone could give this place a 4 star rating, the rest is just an added bonus.

The Cove Cancun, on Playa Langosta (the lobster beach), . One of the prettiest and calmest beaches of the Hotel Zone, The Cove offers an excellent variety of dishes. In the morning they have a delicious buffet with sweet bread, fresh fruit, juice, coffee, eggs cooked to order, and other Mexican delights. For lunch, a la carte service. Then at night, a romantic atmosphere with candles, to enjoy the nights of Cancun with a special selected menu with seafood and fish with Caribbean accent, as well as fine cuts, complemented with an ample wine carte.

La Habichuela, Margaritas 25, near Parque de las Palapas, +52 998 884 3158, ( e-mail: info@lahabichuela.com),. La Habichuela is a must-visit with its Mexican cuisine, Mayan setting and Caribbean seafood. This restaurant has been open since 1977 and is a legend in Cancun. The romantic, outside garden is a popular place to dine with the decoration of various native trees and plants that create a beautiful illusion of the Mayan ruins under the night sky. And not only did La Habicheula receive the National Best Restaurant Award but it is also a part of the Distinguished Restaurants of North America Organization since 2001.

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Cancun, Blvd. Kukulcán, +52 998 885 2375, This establishment combines the atmosphere of a restaurant, bar, and a mini night club. During the daytime hours, Margaritaville is a restaurant and bar. At night, the place is a combination of the three. With an orange sailboat with images of a plane, shark, and the orange sun, Margaritaville attracts families of all ages as well as party goers.

Laguna Grill, Blvd. Kukulcán Km 16.5, +52 998 885 0267, This grill serves seafood, steak, and pasta with a contemporary flair. There is a lush tropical garden at the entrance, intricate handmade tile work on the floor and walls, a small flowing creek that traverses the restaurant, and elegantly-finished tables hewn from trunks of tropical trees. The large terrace is right on the water’s edge. Elegant and comfortable, the next-door Lounge Bar Trágara offers a wide variety of wines and liquors, while you listen to soft background music and enjoy the charm of the lagoon.
Salt, Merranean cuisine from a wood burning oven, show kitchen and an array of culinary displays. Restaurant overlooks ocean.

El Pabilo, Ave Yaxchilán # 31. Art exhibitions every 15 days. Good baguettes and wine.
Paloma Bonita. Daily 6:30PM-11:30PM for dinner. Mexican cuisine with live music in an authentic Mexican atmosphere which recreates different regional ambiances based on architectural, crafts, and folkloric traditions. Features include a traditional Mexican kitchen with coal “comales” where you can watch as tacos and snacks are prepared right in front of you. There is also a tequila bar featuring more than 100 kinds of tequila, and a romantic outside patio separated from the main area.

Roots Jazz Club Tulipanes and Parque de las Palapas. Live Jazz Music, the best place to hear live music in Cancun. Great food and drinks.

El Rincón del Vino, Alcatraces & Parque de las Palapas. Good baguettes, gourmet tapas and the best wine.

Las Tortugas, Plaza Las Avenidas, 8876209. Serving tortas, a kind of Mexican sandwich.The best in town.

Tumbaburros, in Plaza Las Américas (Downtown) and another one across the street from the ADO bus terminal (also in Downtown). Genuine Mexican cuisine and a great atmosphere. Real Mexican good humor and hospitality along with your taco order.
La Destileria, Bulevar Kukulcán Km 12.65, across from Kukulcán Plaza, Cancún Island, ☎ 998/885-1086, 998/885-1087, Daily 1PM-midnight. Combines some of the most authentic Mexican cuisine in the hotel zone with good service and medium price. Very good tequila. Main courses $12-$28.

Atotonilco, Mercado 28 downtown Cancun (Right across from El Cejas). 8AM-6PM. An extremely good sampling of Mexican food from all around the country. Excellent value. Nothing fancy but a gastronomical delight. Try the “Huevos Motuleños”. $4-$10.
Silk Asian Bistro, Boulevard Kukulkan, km. 12. The menu is comprised of a well-crafted combination of traditional favorites such as sushi and sashimi and soy paper vegetarian rolls alongside bolder creations to create a total sensory experience. Guests can also enjoy the theatrical experience of Silk´s Teppanyaki stations where talented chefs whip up culinary delights right before guest´s eyes.

Drink

Cancun’s nightlife is unlike any other destination on Earth! For some, a day in Cancun doesn’t start until tasks like an 11AM breakfast, nap on the beach, and siesta are arduously completed. This is your place to shine.

The legal drinking age in Mexico is 18, but it is not strongly enforced.

Hotel Zone

The Hotel Zone is a huge venue and gets top entertainers and DJs. Don’t be surprised to see Vegas like shows spontaneously erupt while you are sipping your piña colada. These clubs can charge large covers ranging from US$20 to US$60 per person, though the cover can include an open bar.

You may find yourself dancing in a conga line, laughing your cares away and speaking whatever Español you managed to pickup. A must for the first timers, and always good fun for returners also. Coco Bongo’s entertainment includes a show, complete with girls swinging from the ceilings.

Señor Frog’s, Hotel Zone. Señor Frog’s is a restaurant by day and a dance club by night, and is one of the most popular spots for vacationers to visit. The restaurant opens up for lunch and serves international types of food such as pasta, chicken and pizza as well as Mexican cuisine all day until midnight. A cover charge of five dollars will get you into the party after 8PM and includes a souvenir yard glass which you can then pay to get filled with your drink of choice. One of Señor Frog’s famous attractions is the water slide that leads from the club out into the lagoon, just for a little bit of fun! As the evening progresses, Señor Frog’s becomes less family friendly and more of a party establishment, waitresses will circulate, offering shots of tequila for a price. Waiters are also very “hands on”, if you are not traveling in a family group, expect them to try to touch, hug, or kiss the female members of the party.
O’ Ultra Lounge, Hotel Zone. is a very sleek NYC type club and can take some time getting in and out of, but has had some great acts like “Infected Mushroom” rock the crowd till the wee hours.

BASIC DISCOTHEQUE CANCUN, Hotel Zone. is the only night club over the lagoon with an amazing half opened architecture wich offers an extraordinary view and the best wet t´shirt and bikini contest of Cancun.

Dady’o, Hotel Zone. Dady’o has been known to host some of the world’s top DJs, including Tiësto.

Yaxchilan Avenue

Also try the clubs at Yaxchilan Avenue, located in downtown Cancun, where all the locals hang out.
Los 4 Elementos, Hotel Xbalamque (Ave Yaxchilan 31). Try the live music bar Los 4 Elementos. They play live music from 9PM until the last customer leaves! The music is great and prices are significantly lower than those found in the hotel zone clubs.
77 Sports Bars, Ave Yaxchilan.
La Taberna, Ave Yaxchilan.
El Pabilo Cafe, Ave Yaxchilan.

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