Top Things To Do In Cancun After You’ve Relaxed On The Beach

From white sand beaches and perfect weather to great food and  rich cultural history, there’s plenty to see and do in Cancun, Mexico. In fact, there’s so much to choose from that your biggest problem while visiting might be deciding where to start and what to see on your trip.

With no shortage of available attractions and activities in Cancun, ranging from the Frida Kahlo Museum to a visit to near by Playa del Carmen, it’s important to also entertain more unconventional activities and pastimes. Why not use a vacation day or two to try something new that you normally wouldn’t do in your everyday life?

Knowing how you can save money and get the most out of your dollar while on vacation can also be helpful in having a great trip, as is being aware of safety concerns and knowing which areas tourists from the United States should avoid in Cancun. Keeping all these things in mind will surely lead to a fun and memorable vacation for all.

Local Sights

If you feel overwhelmed by planning your trip to Cancun and don’t know where to begin, seeking out local touring groups and checking out local spots might be just the thing to help you get the ball rolling. Tour groups grant you access to a variety of attractions around Cancun including romantic dinner cruises, aquariums, and local food tours — and doing it all in a package can help you to plan ahead and better anticipate your total budget! If you’re not a fan of being in a tour group, starting with some of the more popular spots is the way to go.  Here are some top suggestions of popular Cancun activities:

Snorkeling: You can go on a snorkeling tour and experience the famous underwater life in this coastal city. If you’re in the market for a bit of extra adventure, consider scuba diving in Cozumel to gain a whole new perspective on undersea life as it has a vibrant reef system.  For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, don’t miss the opportunity to dive the world famous MUSA Underwater Art Museum.  Since the ocean water here is crystal clear, you will be able to view the many unique undersea sculptures.

Flickr: by Andy Blackledge

Frida Kahlo Museum:

Though it’s about 40 miles from Cancun, art lovers will enjoy the Frida Kahlo Museum in Playa Del Carmen, which honors one of Mexico’s most iconic artists and boasts exhibits in both Spanish and English. You’ll likely leave with a whole new appreciation for this amazing artist, and the experience is definitely worth making a day trip!

Local Cuisine:

Follow up your museum time with some delicious Mayan style grilled fish steaks to get a true taste of local cuisine. Trying local cuisine is another way you can fully experience the culture of Mexico and have a new and memorable experience.

Speedboat Thrill Ride:

If adrenaline is more your thing, you might be interested in the AquaTwister Speedboat Thrill Ride at AquaWorld, which really is exactly what it sounds like. If you have an urge to feel your pulse racing and your heart drop to your stomach, you’ll love the AquaTwister.

Metal Detecting:

No vacation is complete without trying a new and unconventional activity. Any tourist will go to the beach while in Cancun, but how many can say they’ve gone metal detecting while on vacation in Mexico? Metal detecting is a fun activity and a stray from your normal routine that will help make your stay in Cancun all the more memorable. The perfect white sand beaches of Cancun are a perfect place to try out this new hobby, as many people visit these beaches and there’s likely a lot of things that have been dropped in the sand and left behind. You can even use certain metal detectors while snorkeling, adding an extra layer to an already fun activity like swimming.

Staying Safe in Cancun

You’re in Cancun to relax and have fun, so making sure that safety is a priority can help you achieve that fun and relaxation without any mishaps. Sticking to areas that are safe for U.S. tourists will ensure your stay in Cancun is memorable for all the right reasons.

“Due to Cancun’s limited access – one entrance, one exit – along with heavy security throughout, Cancun is incredibly safe,” says Pin and Travel. While you may have heard about crime in Mexico, often concerning drug cartels, you can experience Cancun safely and without issue as long as you use common sense and travel with care and caution anywhere beyond the main tourist area. Talk with your hotel front desk or concierge and ask if there are any nearby areas you should avoid, especially at night.  The violence and crime that does exist, rarely affects the tourist areas at all.

Basic safety rules apply when in Cancun: avoid isolated areas, stick to well-lit locations at night, don’t carry valuables on your person while out and about, stay at one of the many family-friendly hotels in Cancun, and make sure you use a reputable taxi service when getting a ride.

Your common sense will take you a long way when traveling. Listen to your gut and ask the people around you for tips and suggestions when you are unsure of what to do or where to go.

Embracing the Travel Mindset

Cancun will be all the more spectacular if you leave your worries and anxieties at home and try to live in the present while on vacation. Cancun is such a beautiful place with so much to experience that you’ll want to do anything you can to make sure you’re absorbing every bit of it!

Try leaving your cell phone and laptop at the hotel and enjoy your days unencumbered by technology and obligation. If you find yourself thinking about work or worrying about whether or not the house sitter killed all your plants, take a few centering breaths and let it go. You’re on vacation! All you need to worry about is getting enough beach time and experiencing the culture.

While you’re in Cancun, one thing is for sure — you won’t be bored. By learning about the must-see areas of Cancun, knowing how to stay safe, trying something new, and living in the present, you’ll be sure to have a fun and exciting vacation that produces happy memories for many years to come.