8 Things to Do in Cancún Beyond Nightlife
MUSA, Underwater Art Museum
Written by Alex Ruelas
Cancún is world-famous for, mainly, two things: gorgeous beaches and epic nightlife. Just step into the hotel zone, and you will have no problem noticing why people come here to tan and party. However, there is more to Cancún than clubs and white-sands. Once you look under the surface, the biggest town in the Riviera Maya is a diverse city full of possibilities.
To help you find them, we have put together this list of activities that not every tourist gets to experience. They will give you a better taste of what Cancún is about, while they show you a more local side of the city and give you and your group a memorable holiday.
Yachting to Isla Mujeres
Local’s tip: you have never seen turquoise water more electric than that between Cancún and Isla Mujeres. About halfway to the island, there is an area where the ocean just... glows. It is a crazy sight, and the only way to get there is, well, on a boat. So why not hire a yacht for the day and take the opportunity to visit the most emblematic spots in Isla, too.
Yacht Vibes can help you with that. The company specializes in luxury yacht experiences and has a fleet that includes 25 to 64-footers. You will hop on board at their private pier in Puerto Cancún and then set off to extraordinary places, including seldom visited coral reefs, sandbanks ideal for underwater pictures, and Isla Mujeres' iconic Playa Norte.
Their itineraries are highly customizable. You can choose where you want to stop, what you want to see, and even have a ride on one of their jet skis. And in case you were wondering, food and beer are also included.
MUSA, Underwater Art Museum
Art can help wildlife thrive. Not only figuratively. Artworks can become a literal habitat for many species. That is what MUSA, Underwater Art Museum, is about. “The sculptures are actually designed to become artificial reef units,” says sculptor Jason Decaires Taylor in an interview for National Geographic. His and other artists’ work is now part of a permanent exhibition that is, at the same time, a form of creative expression and an ecological restoration endeavor.
The museum has two subaquatic galleries and many tour options to visit, whether you want to scuba dive, snorkel, or get a nice view from a glass-bottom boat. The museum currently comprises sculptures by six Mexican and international artists and is open to all who wish to see some beautiful art and get close to the marine fauna.
Fly over Chichen Itza or see the Riviera Maya from above
Chichen Itza is part of most travelers' bucket lists. It is also one of the most visited spots in the Yucatán Peninsula, usually buzzing with tourists. So, to turn this semi-mandatory stop into a unique experience, why not fly over it?
If you're up for some airborne adrenaline, Starlit, a Riviera Maya-based aviation company, can show you this Wonder of the World from above. Get on board an autogiro, an ultralight two-person aircraft that will give you the most breathtaking views of the ruins and the surrounding jungle.
Additionally, if you do not want to go all the way to Chichen Itza but still want to fly and see a stunning panorama, you can take the Riviera Maya by Air tour. This unique expedition can last between 15 minutes and 3 hours, depending on your preference, and will put you 500 feet above the majestic Caribbean coastline.
Speedboat jungle tour and reef snorkeling
Get behind the wheel of a two-person speedboat, navigate through lush mangrove canals, and snorkel in the world’s second-largest barrier reef. If you want to immerse yourself in Cancun’s natural surroundings, this is the way to do it.
Operated by Jungle Tour Adventures, this trip takes you away from busy roads and puts you right in the heart of the tropical setting. No previous boating experience is needed, as you will be guided by your group leader at all times. Further, anyone above age 3 is welcome to join. The boats are safe, stable, and fantastic vehicles to see a much less visited side of this popular destination. You can also stop and snorkel at MUSA to round up a memorable day out in the wilderness.
Kitesurfing in Isla Blanca
North of Cancún, there is a final hideout that locals keep for themselves. Known as Isla Blanca, this beautiful sandbank divides the vibrant Caribbean and the Chacmuchuc lagoon. Its long beaches and the shallow waters of the lagoon make it a paradise for spending careless days under the sun – and for kitesurfing.
Kitesurfing is the activity par excellence in Isla Blanca. Several water sports schools –Ikarus and Kitesurf Mexico are two of the most popular– have made this their playground and offer lessons for both locals and visitors. And it doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or a seasoned kitesurfer, everyone can take part and have a smashing time in the water.
Bounce around at the trampoline park
Jumping on trampolines never gets old, and you are never too old for trampolines. Cancún’s trampoline park is called Flex Zone, and everyone is welcome to bounce around, train, or even play dodgeball.
The park is located in Malecón Américas, a popular shopping mall very close to the hotel zone but frequented mainly by locals. For very reasonable prices, people of all ages can either enjoy a session of free jumping, battle it out with dart guns or try to beat the daunting Ninja Zone. It is also possible to have children’s birthday parties and other events. So, no excuse to be bored. If your family needs a bit of active fun, this is the place to find it.
Family fun at La Isla Shopping Mall
Venture to Plaza La Isla for some family-friendly fun. This open-air mall, the largest and most popular in the hotel zone, has a few features that guarantee a good time for all ages.
Children will enjoy getting lost in Ripley’s Mirror Maze, a labyrinth with corners, dead ends, and overall great fun. The maze is located in the mall’s Entertainment Village. Here you will also find the Kids’ Paradise, a mini amusement park with games and rides that, despite the name, are also suitable for adults.
Next, you can head to the Ferris wheel. El Sol de Cancún is 70 meters high and offers fabulous views of the hotel zone, the lagoon, and the ocean beyond during a three-lap ride that takes about 12 minutes. And if you are still looking for something more to do, you can always visit the Interactive Aquarium, where you can get acquainted with over 1,000 marine species and even do an underwater trek to feed some of them.
Spend an afternoon at the arcade
Become a formula one driver, blast off alien invaders or show your air-hockey skills at Circus Park, Cancún’s largest arcade. This colorful venue located in Puerto Cancún shopping center boasts a large selection of games, including video games, arcade basketball, mini-bowling, and everything you need for an excellent family afternoon.
Once you have swapped all your hard-earned credits for stuffed animals and other prizes, you can explore the rest of Puerto Cancún’s entertainment options. The mall sits next to a private marina, which makes for a pleasant evening walk. There is also a wide variety of restaurants, from fast food venues to fine dining by the water.
From $800 USD / night