Cancun is, without a doubt, Mexico’s top tourist destination, especially during Spring Break. Located on the Yucatan Peninsula, this beach town is best known for its rows of stunning resorts and equally vibrant nightlife. In fact, this is the perfect spot to start your excursions to cenotes, ancient ruins, underground rivers, and more. 

Most tourists book a stay at one of the exclusive hotels at the town’s Hotel Zone. After all, you will be in the heart of all the action! Although these resorts will have all the amenities that you will need for a comfortable stay. For things like an open bar and restaurants, you will feel the need to explore. The good news is that there are plenty of tours to choose from in Cancun! These tours will take you to various places that will take your breath away. 

So, if you are planning a trip to Cancun anytime soon, you might want to include a tour in your itinerary. In fact, you can pre-book a Cancun excursion before you even arrive! You can even have them pick you up at the hotel you are staying. This way you will have a comfortable trip while exploring the rest of Mexico. Want to know more about the best excursions in Cancun? Read on!

Note:

There are links on this post that will earn me a small commission when you book a tour using them. 

What are the Best Cancun Tours to Try?

Whether you are looking for a tour that will take you on a fantastic day trip or one that will go on for several days, you will find one that will suit your needs. Not sure what tour to book? Take a look below and see which ones will go well with your free time. 

1. Chichen Itza, Valladolid, and Cenote 

This is one of the best Cancun tours that you should book while in Mexico. For starters, Chichén Itzá is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Not only that, but it is one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Visiting the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza is one of the best ways to learn more about the ancient Mayan civilization.

Once you are done exploring this famous archaeological site, you can take a dip at Samael. This is a cenote filled with fresh water. You can swim here and grab a meal after. Aside from that, you will also be taken to Valladolid. What’s special about this town is that it is full of historical structures. Not only that but there are beautiful pastel-colored buildings here as well.

Of course, you will get the chance to swim here as well. You will come across plenty of tropical fish and other denizens of the sea. Depending on the tour that you booked, you can also get to see El Castillo. This Chichen Itza tour will include an English-speaking guide, lockers, as well as life jackets. 

2. Snorkeling with Whale Sharks

Meanwhile, animal lovers will be pleased to find that there is an eco-tour that will take you up close to the wildlife in Mexico. On this tour, not only will you see whale sharks, but you will get to swim with them too! Whale sharks are the largest fish in the waters and seeing them up close is going to be an amazing experience. 

Of course, there is more to see in the waters of Mexico. There are manta rays, turtles, dolphins, you name it! Unlike other Cancun tours where you will be with bigger groups, this tour is for small groups. You will be accompanied by a certified biologist. This is to ensure that you will know what to do in the company of these gentle giants. 

3. Private Isla Mujeres Excursion

For couples who want to go on a special treat, this private tour is for you. Unlike other catamaran tours that travel with a large group, this one is for just the two of you. You can also book luxury yachts for your small group if you like. In fact, you can share the cost with your friends to save on budget. This luxury tour is the perfect option if you are looking for a unique experience in Mexico. 

On this tour, you will be brought to Isla Mujeres or to different spots around the bay that you prefer. While on this tour, you can go snorkeling to see the coral reef here. Afterward, you can also stretch out on the beach for a spell. If you want, you can also have fun on the catamaran with your group. The best part? You will enjoy the tour at your own pace! Nothing is cooler than that, right? 

4. Las Coloradas and Rio Lagartos

Want to go off the beaten path in Mexico? Then this is one of the best tours to book ahead of time. Las Coloradas is famous for its pink lakes but getting here is not going to be easy on your own. It’s because it lies on the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula. You will need a rental car just to reach it. If you want to avoid the hassle of driving here, a great way to see this sight is through a tour. 

Aside from saving you from driving for six hours, there is another reason why going on a tour is better. You will also get to visit Rio Lagartos! This is a nature reserve that is home to various species of birds. Among these are flamingos, eagles, and pelicans. You can even spot some crocodiles too. Your tour guide will teach you how they make salt from here. In addition, you can enjoy a mud bath here too! This is definitely one of the most popular Cancun tours that you can book. 

5. Halfday Cenote and Turtle Tour

Meanwhile, if you are short on time, this guided tour to Tulum is a good option to consider. Tulum is one of the best places to go snorkeling. However, some of the best spots here are tough to navigate. Not only that but some of them are hidden away. Fortunately, this half-day guided cenote tour will take you to the best spots in Tulum. 

Local guides will take you floating inside limestone caves and under impressive rock formations along the cenotes. Afterward, your next stop will be at Akumal. This is a great place to go snorkeling because of the sea turtles. Take note that you should keep your distance from them. Since the number of tourists visiting Akumal has risen these past few years. The turtles have been driven away. 

6. Tulum Cenotes

One of the best cenote tours that you can take from Cancun or Puerto Morelos is the one in Tulum. In fact, this is a great place to get a glimpse of some of the best cenotes in Cancun! Among these are Cenote Mariposa, Gran Cenote, and Chen Ha. Tulum is a Pueblo Magico or Magical Town with good reason. It boasts white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and plenty of cenotes. These cenotes were once the water source of the Mayans. 

Aside from the cenotes, this tour will also take you to the famous Tulum ruins. These ancient ruins sit above the Caribbean Sea. You can even swim on the beach below the ruins. Of course, this will be an extra cost to you but I think it is worth it. I would recommend this if you are traveling to Cancun for the first time. After all, this is a great way to experience Tulum without having to drive on your own. 

7. Rio Secreto Underground River with Crystal Caves

Rio Secreto is one of the most beautiful natural sites in the Riviera Maya. In fact, it is home to some of the most spectacular underground caves in Mexico. You will find an impressive display of stalactites hovering above crystal-clear waters. What you’ll love about this tour is that you get to swim as well as walk around the cave. In addition, you will learn a thing or two about the underground river. 

Guests can opt to be picked up from their Cancun hotels. You can also make your own way here to meet up with your guide. If you want to include the Tulum ruins here, you just need to pay extra. 

8. Cancun Diving Tour

Aside from exploring the beautiful beaches of Cancun, you might want to dive into the blue waters. In fact, I recommend that you go on a scuba diving tour while you are here. After all, diving in the Caribbean is an experience you don’t want to miss. This tour is suitable for beginners where you will use 2 diving tanks and will be diving twice. This is the best way to get a hang of your tanks and equipment. Also, it’s a crash course into diving. Basically, you will not be spending hundreds of dollars for a long diving course. 

In this tour, your instructor will be covering the basics with a theory class. After that, you will have a pool diving session before you head out to the open ocean. Among the dive spots are the Cancun Underwater Museum Art and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. This is the second-largest reef that you will find in the world. You don’t have to worry about your equipment because it is included in the package. 

9. Private Tour to Chichen Itza 

Taking private excursions to Chichen Itza is the best way to immerse yourself in Mayan culture minus large groups of people. After all, the ruins here are one of the most visited attractions in Mexico. The best time to travel here is before sunrise which is exactly what you’ll get when you book this tour. I highly recommend that you get this because you get to see the sun rising over the ruins. It is truly a magnificent sight! 

Aside from that, you will leave the ruins even before the influx of tourists arrive. You will be taken to the cenote Ik Kil where you can cool off. The good news is that since this is a private tour, you will be able to add more attractions to it.

For example, you can also include Coba Ruins, Tulum, or Ek Balam. Think of this as building your own tour package which is what I love most of all. Included in this package are round-trip transportation, breakfast, water, and a licensed guide. 

10. Playa del Carmen Tour

Meanwhile, Playa del Carmen is a beach town located on the Riviera Maya. It is best known for its white sands, coral reefs, and all-inclusive hotels. A good reason to book this tour is that you will get to explore the nearby cenotes such as Chaak Tun. This cenote boasts impressive stalactites and stunning sulfur colors. 

If you are looking for something more adventurous, you are in luck! Playa del Carmen also has adventure parks to enjoy. In fact, you can start at Native Park. Cultural attractions are part of this tour as well as going on a short drive with guided buggy tours. Aside from that, this tour is only for a small group. This makes it more personal and enjoyable. 

11. Cancun Street Food and Market Day Tour

One of the best things about Cancun is actually the food. What better way to appreciate this beach town than sampling local cuisine? If you want to make the most out of your trip here is to book this tour. Here your guide will take you to where the best local street foods and markets are found. Along the way, you will find plenty of artwork on walls that add to the overall beauty of the town. 

If you are a foodie then you don’t want to pass up this chance of immersing yourself in Mexican culture. In fact, you should skip having breakfast so you can appreciate eating tacos and other food. Most of them use fresh ingredients which is part of the magic of Mexican food. This is definitely one of the most popular tours to book in Cancun.

12. Xcaret Park Tour

If you want to experience Cancun in a different way, then book the Xcaret Park tour. This is an eco-archaeological type of park where adventure meets history. In fact, there are more than 50 natural and cultural main attractions here. They include the Mexican Folk Art Museum and the Bridge to Paradise which is a Mexican cemetery. 

Aside from that, Xcaret is the only adventure park that offers an unlimited nighttime adventure tour. This is the Xplor Fuego and worth every peso that you pay. If you plan on visiting Cancun, then book a pass so you can go cenote swimming and exploring ancient ruins too. 

13. Cancun Ziplines and Cenote Tours

Book a tour of Selvatica if you want a chance to go on a zip line ride over tropical trees. The ziplines here are of different heights which add more to the excitement. In fact, you can choose from the Superman zipline, Tanzania, or the Aquazip. The latter is where you will get soaked in water. 

Once you have shaken off the adrenaline from the zip ride, you can cool off in a cenote. Cenotes are natural sinkholes that were used by the Mayans as places to worship their gods. Today, it is possible to go swimming in these cenotes as long as you are with a guide. 

14. Explore Isla Contoy 

Cancun may be a popular destination, but sometimes exploring off-the-beaten paths is a must. In fact, I would suggest that you add a trip to Isla Contoy. This small island is officially a national park and is under the protection of the Mexican government. 

It is home to several species of wildlife. Not only that but only 200 people are allowed to enter here per day. If I were you, I would go on a full-day tour here to fully appreciate its beauty. This tour comes with private transportation. 

15. Speed Boat Tours 

When it comes to Riviera Maya excursions, I suggest that you consider going on a speedboat tour. This tour will take you to the Nichupte Lagoon on the opposite side of Cancun. The lagoon has several lakes and a channel heading towards the turquoise Caribbean Sea. This spot is famous for snorkeling, swimming, and other water activities. In fact, one of them is going on an adrenaline-pumping speed boat ride! 

You will explore the coastline to see wildlife and the landscape from a different perspective. At the end of the two-hour tour, you get to dip into the cool waters of the lake. 

The Coast of Cancun

The coast of Cancun has much to offer its guests. Aside from its stunning beaches where you can take up any water sports, it’s the tours that make me want to explore some more. For example, if you go on a Cancun tour, you can get the chance to visit Playa Delfines and the rest of the town. Meanwhile, those who want to go fishing will enjoy the deep sea fishing excursion out on the high seas. Go horseback riding along the coast if you the Mexican Caribbean for a different perspective. 

 

The best time to plan your trip to Cancun is after Spring Break. This is when you will find the best prices for travel tickets and tours. Of course, you need to time your trip depending on what tour package you are after. For example, if you want to see whale sharks, then you need to consider when they will appear around Cancun. 

One of the top things to do when you land in Mexico City is to book a trip to Cancun. It is a great spot for those who want to be in the heart of the action. From here, you can set out exploring the rest of the beach town and its surroundings with the different tours mentioned above.