cancun day tours

Your Friend the Nomad

Mexico , Cancun · April 23, 2024

My Favorite Cancun Day Trips: Cenotes, Ruins + More

Trying to figure out the best day trips from Cancun? You’ve come to the right place!

I’ve spent over 2.5 months exploring Cancun, Tulum, and the rest of the Yucatan peninsula and I’m sharing my favorite Cancun day trips in this article.

Note : This article may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases through these links, at no cost to you. But don’t worry, I only share products I’d truly recommend to a friend.

🌴 My Cancun Favorites 👙

🥾 Day Trip to Chichen Itza & Valladolid : Don’t miss Mexico’s most iconic ruins at Chichen Itza and my favorite Yucatan town, Valladolid! For the best experience, book this VIP private tour from Cancun , or check out this budget-friendly option .

👙 Swim in Cenotes : The Yucatan is home to thousands of gorgeous cenotes (natural sink holes) that make the perfect swimming holes! Rent a car and go explore them!

🏺 Mayan Museum : Learn about Quintana Roo’s Mayan history at this museum, located in Cancun’s hotel zone, then explore the San Miguelito ruins onsite!

🌊 Beach Hop : What makes Cancun so popular? Its beaches! There are many to choose from and each are different—check out a few on your Cancun vacation!

⛵️ Boat Adventures : Kayak through the mangroves in Cancun, experience a sunset cruise to Isla Mujeres , or rent your own luxury yacht for the day!

🌺 Where to Stay : Oceanview penthouse with private pool at Nizuc Resort & Spa , swim out suite at beachfront luxury Atelier Playa Mujeres (all-inclusive, adults only), lagoon view suite at Casa Tortugas , or budget-friendly quirky La Villa du Golf à Cancun .

Find more of my Cancun favorites and Mexico travel tips at the bottom of this article!

Best Cancun Day Trips

1. chichen itza.

Chichén Itzá is the most popular day trip from Cancun, and for good reason! This Mayan archeological site is a  UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and it is only 2.5 hours from Cancun.

You can either visit Chichen Itza on your own if via a rental car, or go on day tours ( browse Chichen Itza tours from Cancun here ). Since visiting Chichen Itza is such a popular thing to do, it can get really crowded. I recommend booking an early-morning tour , or visiting by yourself at opening or closing time.

Is Chichen Itza really worth visiting?  Yes! Although I’ve visited dozens of archaeological sites across Mexico and Belize, the unique architecture at Chichen Itza really took my breath away. El Castillo, the main temple you see in all the photos, is truly striking, but its just the beginning. Chichen Itza also features hundreds of mysterious stone pillars, an astronomical observatory, and two cenotes where human sacrifices were made. Of course, visiting Chichen Itza might be less enjoyable if you’re there with all the crowds, but you can avoid that by  taking this early morning tour , or showing up close to closing time.

2. Valladolid

Valladolid happens to be a popular stop along the way for Chichen Itza day trips from Cancun, but this magical colonial city is worth an entire day by itself!

Officially designated as a  pueblo magico (magical town) by the Mexican government, Valladolid is teeming with color and vibrancy, and feels like a completely different country compared to Cancun.

And Valladolid is home to the most beautiful cenotes I’ve ever seen (yep, more beautiful than Tulum’s cenotes!) I mention some other Cancun cenote day trips later in this article, but if you’re looking for a diversity of gorgeous cenotes, head straight to Valldolid!

There is so much to do in Valladolid that I cover in my  Valladolid travel guides , but if you only have a day, here are some of my recommendations:

👟 Wander along Calz. de Los Frailes : Valladolid’s most picturequse street, lined with colorful buildings housing vintage shops, cafes, bars, and plenty of hidden gems.

👙 Cenote hopping :  Cenote Xcanahaltun  and  Cenote Secreto Maya  are my favorites, but they’re also a little bit out of town.  Cenote Saamal  and  Xkeken  are some other great options closer to town, and Cenote Zaci is located right in town if you’re pressed on time and want to enjoy a refreshing swim!

🙏🏼 Convento de San Bernardino de Siena : Interesting historical convent painted pink and white on the inside.

💒 Uayma church : This gorgeous church’s facade is like nothing else I’ve seen in this part of Mexico! It is 15 minutes outside of Valladolid and definitely worth the drive just for a look!

3. Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve & Tulum

It is no secret that Tulum is one of the most popular day trips from Cancun! But my recommended Tulum day trip includes a place you may have never heard of—Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve.

Just a few minutes south of Tulum, Sian Kaan is a massive protected area with neon blue lagoons, jungle trails, ancient ruins, and an abundance of wildlife.

My favorite thing to do at Sian Kaan is the  Muyil River Float , where you gently float down a natural lazy river that was carved out by the Mayans who used to call this lagoon home!

It is such a unique experience and truly one of the most fun things I’ve done in Mexico after exploring the country for over 8 months.

I have a  full article on the Muyil River Float  if you’re interested in learning more as there are several things you’ll want to know before you go. For instance, go with a guided tour with roundtrip transportation from Cancun or Tulum, or you can drive to the lagoon, but you’ll still need to hire a tour guide onsite to do the river float!

The Muyil River Float itself only takes a few hours, so you’ll still have plenty of time to explore other parts of Tulum. After living in Tulum, here are some of my favorite things to do in the area:

☕️ Brunch at a garden cafe : Tulum does brunch well (and much better than Cancun!) I have a full article on my favorite cafes and coffeeshops in Tulum if you want a tasty bite in a picturequse setting!

👙 Cenotes : There are dozens of cenotes surrounding Tulum, and one free cenote hidden within the Aldea Zama neighborhood, aptly named Cenote Aldea Zama .

🍹 Rooftop pool bars : There are handful of rooftop pool bars throughout downtown Tulum if you’re looking to relax poolside with a fruity drink! I liked Casa Vegana for their delicious vegan food and tasty drinks!

🏖 Beach clubs and public beaches : Be aware that getting to (and parking at) the beach can be difficult. My favorite public beach is Playa Paraiso .

🥾 Tulum ruins and Coba ruins : Tulum’s ancient Mayan ruins are some of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen as they overlook the Caribbean ocean. The nearby Coba ruins are also a popular spot to learn about Mayan history.

4. Chemuyil & Xcacel Beach

Go off the beaten track and explore two of my favorite lesser known spots on the Riveria Maya, the small town of Chemuyil and Xcacel Beach.

Chemuyil is a small local community that is home to some of the most beautiful, and least touristy cenotes in Quintana Roo. It is located between Tulum and Akumal.

Just across the highway from Chemuyil you’ll find Xcacel Beach (also referred to as the Xcacel Beach Turtle Sanctuary), one of the best beaches along Mexico’s Caribbean coast. This uncrowded white sandy beach is tranquil and undeveloped, making it the perfect place to escape the noise and busyness of Cancun and Tulum’s beaches. Plus, it is a protected area for sea turtles to safety lay eggs and hatch babies.

While you can visit some of Chemuyil’s cenotes by yourself, some of them are not on Google Maps and difficult to find. Instead, I recommend driving down to Chemuyil (1.5 hours from Cancun) and then joining this local cenote bike tour .

I went on this exact cenote bike adventure in Chemuyil and can’t recommend it enough. You get the chance to visit a diversity of local cenotes that few tourists ever see, led by local tour guides who grew up swimming in these spots.

After joining this local cenote experience , grab some local food in Chemuyil before heading over to Xcacel Beach . Keep in mind that you can’t bring any food into Xcacel Beach as it is a protected area, so be sure to eat beforehand. Also make sure you have some pesos to pay the entry fee to Xcacel, it costs $97 pesos per person and parking is free.

If you have extra time on your way back to Cancun, you can stop in Playa del Carmen or Puerto Morelos for dinner!

5. Isla Mujeres

Teeming with white sand beaches, palm trees, and colorful streets, the small island of Isla Mujeres is an easy day trip from Cancun.

This 7-kilometer long island is only a 40-minute ferry away from Cancun. It is quite touristy and busy, but still more lowkey and relaxed than Cancun. Most folks get around the island via golf cart, scooter, or on foot, and it is small enough to explore in one day!

Even if you don’t have a whole day to visit Isla Mujeres, I highly recommend this sunset cruise to Isla Mujeres from Cancun (with a live saxophonist!), which is one of my favorite Cancun hidden gems !

If you do have time for a whole day trip to Isla Mujeres form Cancun, some of best things to do on the island include:

⛱ Sunbathe and snorkel at Playa Norte : Ranked as the 9th most beautiful beach in the world in 2019 , Playa Norte is an easy beach to visit as it is walking distance from the ferry terminal! The water here is crystal clear and there is decent snorkeling around Mia Reef Isla Mujeres .

🛵 Explore the island via golf cart (or scooter) : Scooter and golf cart rentals are abundant on Isla Mujeres. Rent your own wheels and see all that the island has to offer on a fun little road trip!

🌅 Watch the sunset at Playa Centro : Just steps from the ferry terminal, Playa Centro is one of the island’s best beaches and a wonderful spot to watch the sunset, with a view of Cancun in the distance!

🤿 Go coral reef snorkeling : Although you can do a little snorkeling from the shore, the best snorkeling required a boat ride to the barrier reef. This local tour company offers snorkeling tours daily at 12pm, giving you ample time to get to the island before it starts!

Whatever you do, make sure to check the most up-to-date ferry timetables on Ultramar’s website and don’t miss the last ferry back (usually 7pm).

6. Puerto Morelos

Puerto Morelos is a darling fishing village that is one of the best hidden gems along the Riviera Maya. It is only 40 minutes south of Cancun, so you can easily take your rental car, or a shuttle.

Some of the best things to do in Puerto Morelos include:

🌊 Spend a day at Unico Beach : The best beach club in Puerto Morelos, with a waterfront seating, a highly-rated restaurant, a pool, a spa, live music, and a boutique store. If you want to spend a day by the beach but are hoping to escape the busyness of Cancun,  Unico Beach  might the the perfect spot!

🤿 Go snorkeling with tropical fish, sea turtles, and more : Being so close to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, Puerto Morelos is a wonderful place to go snorkeling! Choose from  this budget-friendly snorkeling tour  or  this catamaran sail and snorkel experience .

⛱ Relax at Puerto Moreleos beach : The city’s public beach is a lot more chill than the beaches in Cancun. If you want, you can rent a beach chair from My Paradise Beach Club.

🛥 Catamaran sailing to a secret sandbar : If sailing on a luxury catamaran is on your bucketlist,  this is the sailing tour for you ! It leaves from marina between Cancun and Puerto Morelos, and includes lunch and unlimited drinks!

🌮  Puerto Morelos food tour : Foodies,  join this food tour  to experience local cuisine off the beaten path! Led by an English-speaking local guide, you’ll explore lesser known parts of Puerto Morelos and taste the very best local food!

Bacalar—a pueblo magico (magical town) beside the picturesque lagoon of seven colors—is one of my favorite places in the state of Quintana Roo.

If it was closer to Cancun, I’m sure it would be one of the most popular Cancun day trips, but Bacalar is nearly 5 hours away, closeby the Belize border. If you’re intrigued by the gorgeous lagoon, I definitely recommend planning a full vacation in Bacalar ( check out my Bacalar travel guides ).

But if you don’t mind a VERY long day, you can still take a day trip to Bacalar from Cancun! Surprisingly, you can see a lot of the best of Bacalar on this guided day trip with roundtrip transportation from Cancun . It includes a boat tour through the lagoon with stops along the way at the lagoon’s most beautiful cenotes and plenty of time to swim in the gorgeous blue water, plus a visit to Fort San Felipe and the pirate museum, and lunch!

You can also visit Bacalar with your own rental car (more on that below), but however you get to Bacalar, be sure to not visit on a Wednesday as the lagoon is closed to boat traffic, including boat tours, kayaking, and stand up paddle boarding. Also beware that many of Bacalar’s restaurants close once or twice a week, so be sure to plan your Bacalar day trip based on which days the most places are open.

Having visited Bacalar twice myself, I honestly think this Bacalar tour from Cancun seems like the best option. The one thing that is missing from the tour is a visit to Los Rapidos , one of the most beautiful parts of the lagoon. That being said, if you are up for driving 10+ hours roundtrip yourself, you can rent a car in Cancun and use it to take a day trip to Bacalar. My favorite things to do in Bacalar include:

🌊 Los Rápidos : Float down a natural lazy river beside breathtaking stromatolites (believed to be the oldest living organisms on earth!!) Read my guide to ethically visiting Los Rapdios .

🏴‍☠️ Fort San Felipe + Pirate Museum : Bacalar’s main historical site, located in the main square overlooking the turquoise lagoon. This colonial fort was built to protect the town of Bacalar from pirates and you can learn all about the area’s pirates and general history in the small pirate museum inside the fort.  Read my full guide to visiting Fort San Felipe .

⛵️ Bacalar Boat Tour (NOT POSSIBLE ON WEDNESDAYS) : If you have time, be sure to join a boat tour in Bacalar as it is the best way to experience the magic of the lagoon of seven colors. Browse Bacalar boat tours here .

🌿 Swim and Sunbathe at Ecoparque Bacalar : This ecological park with a large boardwalk over the lagoon and through the mangroves. For only $20 pesos, this is a lovely place to spot wildlife, swim in the turquoise waters, or relax on the dock. Keep in mind that it can get very busy here but it is still worth visiting!

🌮 Indulge in good food : In my experience, the food in Baclaar is far better than the food in Cancun (or even Tulum). Read my guide to my favorite restaurants in Bacalar .

Before visiting Cozumel, I thought it would be exactly like Isla Mujeres but these two islands could not be more different!

Overall, Cozumel feels less developed, but with the best roads I’ve seen anywhere in Mexico and a long history of tourism. What this means it that Cozumel is tourism-friendly, but with many uncrowded beaches and undeveloped jungle. It also feels incredibly safe and many locals speak perfect English.

Cozumel is easy to get to, with regular ferries from Playa del Carmen, but it is further from Cancun than Isla Mujeres.

Some of my favorite things to do on Cozumel include:

🛵 Ride around the island on a scooter, buggy, or ATV : This is one of the most fun things my husband and I have ever done! There are so many fun little spots and hidden beaches around the island and even though the total drive only takes about 2 hours, you can easily spend a whole day doing this. My favorite spots to stop are listed in my guide to renting a scooter on Cozumel .

🐠 Snorkeling El Cielo : Cozumel has some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world! The best spot is El Cielo, which can only be reached by boat tour .

🏺 Visit the Cozumel museum : Curious about the history of the island? The Cozumel museum in downtown San Miguel is close to the ferry dock and a great place to learn about the island.

👙 ATV tour to a hidden cenote : When I visited Cozumel, I was curious if there were any cenotes but couldn’t find any information but now this ATV cenote tour is available! If you take it, let me know how it is because I’d love to visit this hidden cenote on my next trip to Cozumel!

🥾 Visit the Mayan ruins : See Cozumel’s Mayan ruins at Zona Arqueológica San Gervasio . Explore the ruins on your own time with a scooter or car, or join this guided tour .

More Cancun Day Trip Ideas

🏝 Isla Contoy : This secluded island north of Cancun is one of the best places to visit on a day trip from Cancun. The island can only be reached by private boat and most Isla Contoy boat tours also include a stop at Isla Mujeres. Look into this Isla Contoy boat tour , and read more about the island in my guide to Cancun’s hidden gems .

🌊 Isla Blanca : Home to some of the best beaches in the Cancun area, Isla Blanca is less than an hour north of Cancun. Although it is an island, you can drive to it from Cancun, and if you do, you’ll be in for such a treat with white sandy beaches and gorgeous turquoise waters.

🥾 Ek Balam : Ek Balam is another ancient Mayan city that is often overshadowed by nearby Chichen Itza, but with less crowds and the ability to climb 100+ steps to the top of a temple make Ek Balam an interesting Cancun day trip option!

⚓️ Isla Holbox : This tiny island north of Cancun attracts backpackers and other travelers looking to get off the beaten path.

🌺 Las Coloradas : I’ve heard mixed reviews about this Pinterest-famous pink lagoon. But if you’re interested, there are Las Coloradas tours from Cancun !

🐋 Whale Shark Tours : If you visit during whale shark season you can journey far off the coast of Cancun to encounter these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. Check out this whale shark tour from Cancun .

🦜 Bird Watching Tour : Spot Mexico’s abundance of exotic birds on this highly-rated bird watching day trip from Cancun .

Where to Stay in Cancun

👙 Atelier Playa Mujeres : Escape to the secluded beaches north of Cancun and stay at this luxury resort in a room with your own swim-out pool! This is an all-inclusive, adult-only resort.

🌺 Nizuc Resort & Spa : Stay at Punta Nizuc, which is known to have the best snorkeling in Cancun! This resort has a beautiful property and many rooms have private pools!

☀️ Casa Tortugas : Stay in a lagoon view room at one of Cancun’s best boutique hotels, located conveniently in the hotel zone.

🌿 La Villa du Golf à Cancun : This quirky budget-friendly boutique hotel is situated in a quiet neighborhood with a beautiful pool and garden.

Getting Around Cancun

🚕 Taxi : I’ve taken a lot of local taxis in Cancun and usually have a positive experience, but every so often a taxi driver tries to rip me off. Be sure to ask for the price before you get in the car so they can’t overcharge you!

🚘 Private shuttle : Many tourists choose to book a private shuttle from the airport to their hotel. Ask your hotel about this option.

🚌 Public bus : Cancun has a surprisingly good bus system with busses running between the hotel zone and downtown every few minutes. The busses are cheap ($12 pesos), safe, and efficient. I also highly recommend ADO buses for regional travel between Cancun and other parts of Mexico!

👟 Walking : Some parts of Cancun are walkable, but it is very spread out. If you only need to travel short distances between your hotel and the beach, walking is always a great option!

🚙 Renting a car : Renting your own car is the best option if you want to explore more of Mexico outside of Cancun. Compare local rental companies here .

🚌 Guided tours : If you don’t rent a car, you can still visit other parts of Mexico on day trips with a local guides. I usually book tours through Viator and have always had a great experience—I always read reviews before booking to make sure I’ve chosen the best possible tour.

My Favorite Things to do in Cancun

⛵️ Boat adventures : Kayak through the mangroves in Cancun, experience a sunset cruise to Isla Mujeres , or rent your own luxury yacht for the day!

👙 Swim in cenotes : The Yucatan is home to thousands of gorgeous cenotes (natural sink holes) that make the perfect swimming holes! Rent a car and go explore them!

🌊 Beach hop : What makes Cancun so popular? Its beaches! There are many to choose from and each are different—check out a few on your Cancun vacation!

More Yucatan & Quintana Roo Travel Guides

✨ The Ultimate Bacalar Itinerary: 1-7 Days in the Lagoon of Seven Colors

☀️ The Perfect Valladolid, Mexico Itinerary: 1-7 Days

🚤 Ultimate Guide: Muyil River Float and Mayan Ruins

🛵 The Ultimate Guide to Renting a Scooter in Cozumel

🐢 How to Visit Xcacel Beach Turtle Sanctuary Near Tulum

Final Thoughts: Best Day Trips from Cancun

Whether you’re looking to relax on white-sand beaches outside of the busyness of Cancun, explore a smaller city, or go on one-of-a-kind adventure on the Yucatán Peninsula, I hope this Cancun day trips guide helped you plan your trip!

Do you have any other suggestions for fun day trips from Cancun? Be sure to let me know if the comments!

About Annie

Annie is the founder of Your Friend the Nomad and an expert in the digital nomad lifestyle and vegan travel. She's lived abroad in Mexico, Italy, and Palestine, and traveled extensively in Latin America, Europe, and Asia.

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1. Chichen Itza, Cenote and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour

2. Cancun ATV Jungle Adventure, Ziplines, Cenote and Tequila Tasting

3. Isla Mujeres Luxury Catamaran Sailing plus Lunch and Open Bar

4. Viator Exclusive: Tulum Ruins, Reef Snorkeling, Cenote and Caves

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6. 5-in-1 Cancun Snorkeling Tour:Swim with turtles, reef, Musa,shipwreck and cenote

7. Luxury SUV transfers from Cancun Airport

8. Full Day Bacalar Adventure Tour in a Magical Town

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10. Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour with Snorkel, Open bar and Transport

11. Adults only Hip Hop Sessions Boat Party Cancun

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13. Tulum Day Trip Mayan Ruins With Cenote Swim

14. Horseback Riding Tour with ATV, Ziplines Cenote and Lunch

15. Xcaret Park Day Trip with Priority Access and Cultural Night Show

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17. Isla Mujeres Cruise with Beach Club, Snorkel, Lunch and Open Bar

18. Catamaran Tour to Isla Mujeres from Cancún with Bar and Lunch

19. Rio Secreto Underground River Tour with Crystal Caves

20. Jungle Tour Cancun Speedboat and Snorkel Adventure

21. Reef Snorkeling in National Park from Cancun with Beachside Lunch

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• Wai Ming H 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles A tour definitely you must join when you are in Cancun, Mexico Tour guide Manuel is excellent. Good knowledge and good experience. He managered the entire trip smoothly and without wasting lots of our time in touring. Well done and we are glad to have this type of experienced tour guild. Read more Review of: Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid Tour with Tequila and Lunch Written May 8, 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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14 Amazing Cancun Day Trips (2023)

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Within easy reach of idyllic islands, beautiful cenotes and ancient Mayan ruins, there are some incredible Cancun day trip options. Cancun is the arrival point for the majority of visitors to the Yucatan Peninsula and its sprawling resorts are a great base from which to explore the sights of the Yucatan.  Having used Cancun as a base during our many Mexico adventures, we’ve put together this list of the best 14 day trips from Cancun.

Cancun Day Trips: How to get around

It is relatively easy to plan a day trip from Cancun and transport options include renting a car, using the ADO bus system, riding one of the small local buses known as Colectivo that run across the Yucatan or by joining a tour.

We rented a car when we arrived in Cancun airport and used our rental to travel around the Yucatan. A rental car allows easy access to the sights, allows us to follow our own schedule and often works out less expensive than organised tours

Cancun Day Trip tip: Renting a car is the easiest and one of the cheapest ways to travel around and we highly recommend a rental car for day trips. There is one small thing to be aware of with Mexican rentals – TPL/PLI is a mandatory insurance required by all drivers in Mexico. You can either rent the car with TPI/PLI included in the quote or or budget in around US $20 a day to allow for it. It is not typically covered in the rental insurance included with some credit cards.

We book our rentals with  RentalCars.com , as they usually have the best rental car price.

Check prices now on RentalCars.com

 14 Best Cancun Day Trips

From the iconic Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá to the sparkling blue waters of a cenote and the island vibes of Isla Mujeres, there are some amazing sights within easy reach by day trips from Cancun. Here are our 14 favorite Cancun Day trips:

1 | Chichén Itzá

The most famous sight in the Yucatan, Chichén Itzá is a 2.5 hour drive from Cancun and is absolutely worth a day trip from the city.

The instantly recognizable Mayan ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. A city which was home to 35,000 at its peak, the magnificent El Castillo Pyramid and the imposing Temple of Warriors. Another highlight is the Great Ballcourt, where a basketball-style Mayan ball game reportedly led to the beheading of the winning captain, adorned with carvings illustrating a beheading along with the rules of the game.

Cenote Ik Kil and the Balankanché Caves, a gateway to the Mayan underworld, are both popular stops when visiting Chichen Itza from Cancun.

Cancun day trips tip: One of our all time Yucatan highlights is visiting Chichén Itzá at sunrise. We stayed at the Mayaland Hotel within the Chichén Itzá complex ( check it out here!). It’s also possible to make sunrise with a super early (around 2am) start from Cancun and there are a small number of tours which depart from Cancun for sunrise at Chichen Itza – check Chichen Itza sunrise tours here!

Getting to Chichén Itzá from Cancun: We travel led to Chichén Itzá by rental car: it’s also possible to get there via the ADO bus from Cancun or by joining a tour: the most popular option combines Chichén Itzá, Valladolid and the incredible Cenote Ik Kil and is certain to be one of the most awesome days you have in Cancun –   check Chicen Itza tour prices here!

2 | Isla Mujeres

The tiny Caribbean Island then Isla Mujeres is just a 20 minute ferry ride from Cancun and is one of the most popular day trips from Cancun.

Start the day at Playa Norte, a beautiful beach on the north of the island and our favorite spot on Isla Mujeres. Afterwards, check out Punta Sur with its small Mayan ruins, quirky art sculptures and rugged coastline. The island is also home to a turtle sanctuary and, for fans of snorkeling and shallow diving, the life sized underwater world at the MUSA Underwater Museum is a must visit.

Check out our full guide on things to do in Isla Mujeres for more inspiration and read how to get to Isla Mujeres for details on how to get there.

Cancun day trips tip:  we rented golf carts to get around the island. Scooter and taxi are other easy ways to get around. If you want to spend the night on Isla Mujeres there are lots of accommodation options: Hotel Secreto is amazing and just a short stroll to Playa Norte –   check prices now!

Getting to Chichén Itzá from Cancun: Isla Mujeres is easily reached by passenger ferry from Cancun. The main operator is Ultramar and runs ferry services daily from the Puerto Juarez district, a short drive from downtown Cancun and the hotel zone. We drove our rental car to the ferry terminal and parked in the multi story car park. All inclusive catamaran trips are another popular way to get there and include drinks, dancing, snorkeling and time on Isla Mujeres – check tour prices here!

The laid back beach town of Tulum is just 1 hour 45 minutes south of Cancun but its vibe is worlds away. Tulum is a magnetic mix of ancient Mayan ruins, sparkling cenotes, white sand beaches and amazing restaurants and beach clubs.

The highlights include its unique 13th Century ruins perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the sparkling waters of the Caribbean, the beachfront resorts and clubs of the Beach Road which also boasts some of the best Instagram spots in Tulum . A swim in a cenote is another Tulum essential. Cenote Dos Ojos , Cenote Carwash and Gran Cenote are our favorites cenotes near Tulum .

Tulum is an easy day trip from Cancun and, if you’re booking a tour, you can combine it with a visit to another Riviera Maya sight – this Tulum tour includes a stop at Cenote Dos Ojos, one of the most popular cenotes in Tulum –   check Tulum tours here! 

Check out our full guide on things to do in Tulum  for more inspiration.

4 | Swim in a Cenote

Swimming in the crystal clear waters of a natural cenote is an unmissable experience and there are some great Cenotes near Cancun . In fact, with thousands of cenotes dotted across the Yucatan the choices are endless!

The 20km cenote road known as Ruta de Los Cenotes is the closest option to Cancun. Cenote Azul is one of the best  Playa Del Carmen Cenotes while Zacil-Ha and Gran Cenote  are among the best open air cenotes near Tulum .

Cenote Ik Kil is one of our favorite cenotes which is accessible in a day trip from Cancun. It is located a few minutes drive from Chichén Itzá and is one of the most stunning cenotes we visited. A visit to Cenote Ik Kil can be combined with a trip to the New Wonder of the World – check Chichen Itza, Vallodolid and Cenote Ik Kil tour price here!

5 | Cozumel

The Caribbean island of Cozumel, renowned for its amazing beaches, snorkeling and scuba diving, is within easy reach of Cancun. The Cozumel ferry departs from Playa Del Carmen and it takes less than two hours to travel there from Cancun, including the ferry crossing, making it great for a day trip or an overnight stay.

Cozumel is best explored in the open top Jeep Wranglers which are available to rent on the island.

6 | Sian Ka’an

The Sian Kh’an Biosphere is one of the most unique sights within easy reach of Cancun. The biosphere is a mix of tropical jungle, hidden beaches, lush mangroves, secluded Mayan ruins and a beautiful coral reef. Sian Kh’an is on of Mexico’s 35 UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Cancun day trips tip: if you love nature and UNESCO’s the Sian Kh’an Biosphere is a fantastic excursion from Cancun and it is possible to join a tour – check Sian Ka’an tour prices here!

Akumal, or ‘the place of the turtles’ is a quiet beach town located between Tulum and Playa Del Carmen. It is 90 minutes south of Cancun. Akumal is home to white sand beaches, a coral reef with resident turtles and the turquoise waters of Yal Ku Lagoon which lead straight to the ocean.

8 | Ek Balam

The ancient Mayan city of Ek Balam is located 2 hours west of Cancun. At it’s peak Ek Balam is thought to have had 20,000 residents and was operational for almost 1,000 years. Climbing El Torre Pyramid, a 6 level acropolis is the highlight and the views of the surrounding ruins and jungle are magnificent.

A swim in the Ek Balam Cenote , Cenote Xcanche, is a fantastic way to cool down after exploring the ruins. The open air cenote has zip lines, swing jumps and a waterfall. It is located in the Ek Balam Archaeological Zone but requires a separate ticket.

9 | Isla Contoy

The tiny Caribbean Island of Isla Contoy is a 40 minute speed boat ride from Cancun. Isla Contoy is a snorkeling paradise and most trips to the island include a snorkeling session at the tip one of the largest coral reefs in the world, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef which stretches all the way to Honduras – it is an incredible experience. It’s possible to combine a trip to Isla Contoy with Isla Mujeres – check Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres tour prices here!

10 | Valladolid

The charming and vibrant city of Valladolid is often included in day trips from Cancun to Chichen Itza.

The colorful cobbled streets, Cenote Zaci Plaza e Parque Francisco Canton, Valladolid’s main square and the 16 th Century Convent of San Bernardino de Siena are among the best stops in Valladolid.

The nearby Cenote Suytun is a huge hit with Instagram fans and many make the short journey from Valladolid to check out this unique cenote.

11 | Rio Secreto and   Playa Del Carmen

With its idyllic white sand beaches, sprawling resorts and easy access to the incredible Mayan ruins and crystal clear cenotes of the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen is the most popular town on the Riviera Maya. It renowned for its nightlife, all inclusive resorts and beautiful beaches.

Rio Secreto, or the ‘Secret River’ is one of highlights of a day trip to Playa Del Carmen. The semi flooded limestone cave system is home to stalactites and stalagmites and there are tours from Cancun which include the rental of wet suits and gear needed to explore the caves – check tour prices here (you can add optional transport from Cancun)

12 | Xcaret Eco Park

Just a few miles south of Playa Del Carmen, spending a day at the Xcaret Eco Park is on the best  things to do in the Riviera Maya . Xcaret is an incredible mix of a water park, cultural attractions, thrill seeking adventures and amazing nature. Surrounded by lush jungle, there are lots of fun activities and places to explore: there are three underground rivers, an aquarium, a butterfly garden and boat trips along a paradise river. The cultural attractions include a spectacular evening show, a traditional Mexican cemetery, reenactments of the traditional Mayan ballgame and Mayan ruins –  check out Xcaret tickets and transport prices here!

Cancun day trips tip: Xplor, a jungle activity park with ziplining, ATVs and rafting, is another great option – you can purchase tickets or transportation from Cancun

Coba, one of the most important Mayan ruins on the Yucatan Peninsula, is a 2 hour drive from Cancun. The site is believed to hold over 5,000 structures but only 3 settlements are open to explore. One of the most magical experiences in Coba is climbing the 120 steps to the top of the 137 foot tall Nochoch Mul pyramid. The views over the surrounding jungle and lagoon are magnificent.

There are 3 great cenotes located close to the Coba ruins entrance:  Cenote Choo-Ha , Tamcach-Ha and Multum-Ha are a series of small underground cenotes which are perfect for a refreshing swim after exploring the incredible jungle ruins.

14 | Puerto Morelos

Puerto Morelos is a quaint fishing village located just south of Cancun. The world’s second largest barrier reef, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, is visible just a few hundred metres of its coast and can be explored on a snorkeling excursrion.

There are some incredible cenotes in Puero Morelos. Ruta de Los Cenotes boasts more than 10 cenotes dotted along the 20km road close to Puerto Morales. Our favorite is Cenote Las Mojarras, an open air cenote with ziplines and a diving platform.

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Local experts and “real” Cancunenses help you find the most awesome things to do in Cancun and the Riviera Maya. As a family business, we started Happy Shuttle Cancun years ago and have served over 100 000 guests with the best Cancun airport transportation. Our customer service and professionalism with a smile brings people back year after year and we always enjoy sharing our tips for things to do in Cancun and the Riviera Maya.

We launched Happy Tours Cancun to bring you our favourite adventures in history, culture and nature. We’ve done the tours. We have felt the rush of adrenaline on the Riviera Maya zipline tours and curated the best for you. We have walked in the footsteps of the ancient Maya on all the Mayan ruins tours , from our day trips to Chichen Itza to the hidden wonders of an Ek Balam tour . We’ve visited all the Riviera Maya theme parks , snorkeled at Xelha and felt the emotions of the night show spectacular at Xcaret. Cancun Food Tours are “work” for us, join us for the tough job of tasting great Mexican food in Cancun and sampling margaritas.

When you book with Happy Tours Cancun you know that you are dealing with real people, who really understand the region and all the incredible adventures it has to offer. Our selection of the best Cancun tours and Riviera Maya day trips is sure to inspire your dreams of excitement in our tropical Mexican Caribbean paradise.

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19 Best Cancun Day Trips: The Ultimate Guide

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When you plan how you will spend your vacation, do not forget about the amazing Cancun day trips you can take! Cancun is home to great hotels and resorts, and after pouring reviews to find the perfect accommodation, it can be hard to think about planning a day trip.

But, there are so many interesting places to visit on day trips from Cancun. From Cancun, you have easy access to different islands, Mayan ruins , and towns along the Riviera Maya.

Living in Cancun allowed me to explore a lot and in this guide I will tell you all the options you have to learn about Cancun surroundings.

You will find the top places to visit as a day trip from Cancun either by tour or on your own, so that you can choose the most convenient way for exploring.

The best Cancun day trips

There are lots of great things to do in Cancun . But that should not stop you from checking out day trips.

When you travel a short distance out of Cancun you can find a huge variety of things to do. You can see ruins, swim in a cenote, visit islands, and so much more.

Plus, when you book a tour, you do not have to worry about logistics. The tour operator will take care of all that for you, so you can relax and enjoy.

Here are the best day trips to take from Cancun:

1. Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is one of the most visited and famous archeological sites in Mexico. There you can walk around Mayan ruins that date back to around 800 AD.

You will get a chance to admire the famous Kulkulkan Temple and learn about this ancient civilization.

Whether you are a history buff or not, you will be amazed by this site. Chichen Itza is located in the eastern part of the state of Yucatan, a few hours’ drive from Cancun . 

Cancun to Chichen Itza Tours

👉 chichen itza with cenote and valladolid .

5⭐ 11,592 Reviews

Explore the Yucatan Peninsula with this tour. You will be picked up at your hotel and driven to the archeological site.

There you will have the chance to explore the ruins, including the famous Kulkulkan Temple. From there you will go cool off in refreshing cenote water at Saamal.

Your last stop on the tour is in the colonial town of Valladolid where you will eat a buffet lunch and have the chance to stroll around the main plaza.

This tour lasts 12 hours. 

Great experience! Highlight of my trip to Cancun! Chichen Itza was even more incredible in person than I expected, and we got to learn so much and see so many things on this tour. Cesar (guide) and Juan (driver) were excellent, the entire experience felt very safe, convenient, and fun. Highly recommend! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Jordan_W, Mar 2023

👉 Chichen Itza sunrise & Cenote Ik Kil

5⭐ 161 Reviews

Beat the heat and the crowds with this early morning private tour to Chichen Itza. You will spend around two hours touring the site, and your guide will teach you about the Maya civilization.

Getting there early lets you get amazing pictures before crowds arrive. After leaving Chichen Itza you will visit cenote Ik Kil.

Again, you will arrive before the crowds and can go for a swim and get amazing pictures. This is a private tour so you have the option of adding on a visit to Ek Balam, Coba, or Tulum ruins.

Breakfast is included and this tour lasts 6 to 8 hours. 

Bucket List ✅ Finally, I visited one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in comfort and style. The tour was fantastic! Gabriel was an excellent tour guide and captivated my interest throughout to excursion and peaked our earning about the important legacy of the Mayan people. I appreciate his flexibility and making our tour experience the highlight of our trip to Mexico. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ LaVonna_F, Jul 2022

👉 VIP Chichen Itza Private Tour

5⭐ 841 Reviews

This private tour gets you to Chichen Itza early, so you can enjoy the site before the crowds arrive.

You will spend a few hours touring around with your guide as they teach you about ancient civilization.

From there you will head to the San Lorenzo Oxman cenote. You can jump into the water to cool off before heading to the colonial town of Valladolid.

You will eat lunch at an authentic restaurant on the main plaza and have the chance to stroll around before heading back to your hotel.

This tour lasts 10 hours. 

Excellent day out Jony was great, took loads of expert pictures for us, tailored the tour to what we wanted to do and gave us loads of tips of where to go in the local area we were staying in. He was polite, knowledgeable and friendly and would recommend a private tour. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Jemma_T, Mar 2023

DIY Chichen Itza day trip from Cancun

You can plan a do-it-yourself day trip to Chichen Itza if you do not want to go with a tour company.

You can use the ADO public bus system to go from the downtown Cancun bus terminal to Chichen Itza.

The bus ride will last around 3 hours. This is an affordable way to get to the archeological site, but make sure to book your tickets in advance.

This is a popular route and the buses fill up fast! 

If you want complete freedom in planning your day trip to Chichen Itza, you can rent a car and drive yourself.

The roads from Cancun to Chichen Itza are in great shape and it is an easy route to travel. The drive will take around 2 and a half hours.

There is a parking lot at the entrance to the ruins that will cost you a few dollars to park in. 

Tulum is 80 miles south of Cancun on the Riviera Maya . It used to be a lesser-known backpacker destination but has crazily overgrown in recent years.

It is now popular for its luxurious boutique hotels and food and healthy-living scene (If you exclude the party-like atmosphere) . Tulum has great white sandy beaches, nearby cenotes, and Mayan ruins. 

Cancun to Tulum tours

Tours to Tulum will take you to visit the ruins. Located on a cliff overlooking the ocean, these ruins are unlike other Maya ruins in the area.

Many tours combine the ruins with a visit to a nearby cenote . 

👉 Tulum, reef snorkeling, cenote, and caves

5⭐ 2,712 Reviews

Your guide will pick you up at your hotel and take the first stop of the day: the Tulum ruins. Here you will learn about the Maya civilization and have free time to get pictures of the dramatic ruins.

From here you will head to the beach where you will take a short boat ride to the coral reef. Your guide will hop into the water with you to show you a variety of marine animals .

Your last stop of the day will be deep in the jungle where you will have the chance to swim in a refreshing cenote.

Your tour includes all transportation and a buffet lunch. It lasts 8 hours. 

Highlight of our trip The excursion was definitely the highlights of our trip to Mexico. Aaron was an awesome guide! Not only was he patient, but very knowledgeable. I highly recommend. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Yasmin_L, Mar 2023

👉 Tulum and Cenotes tour

4.5⭐ 2,143 Reviews

Visit the Tulum ruins and a cenote on this hassle-free tour. You will start your day at the ruins learning about this important site to the ancient Maya.

Tulum was a fortress that protected the ancient Maya and served as an important hub for trading.

After leaving the ruins you will head to the cenotes Chen-Ha and Mariposa where you will have the chance to go for a refreshing swim.

This tour lasts 9 to 10 hours. 

Worth the cost! The Cenotes was very refreshing on what was a hot and humid day! The bus was very comfortable and clean! The tour guide was very knowledgeable! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Lawrence_R, Mar 2023

👉 Day Trip to Tulum and Coba Ruins including Cenote Swim and Lunch from Cancun

4⭐ 503 Reviews

Learn about the Maya civilization with this tour that takes you to the Tulum and Coba ruins. You will start your day with a tour of the Tulum ruins with an expert guide.

From there you will head into the jungle to visit a cenote. You can go for a swim and cool off before eating a buffet lunch.

The next stop is the Coba ruins , where you will get to visit the famous Nohoch Mull pyramid. On your way back to Cancun you will make a stop in Playa del Carmen where you will have time to stroll on 5th avenue.

This tour lasts 11 hours. 

Fun time in Tulum, Coba, plus Cenote This was a fantastic tour. Our guides, Seferino and Gustavo, took very good care of our group. We learned about Maya culture, the region, and other tidbits of information. We had ample time at all the sights to explore and take photos. The stop at the cenote included a delicious buffet lunch, a bar, and swimming in the cenote. One word of caution… do bring snacks to eat throughout the day since lunch takes place much later in the day. Also, plenty of sunscreen. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Jorge_D, Jan 2023

DIY Day trip to Tulum from Cancun  

You do not need to take a tour to visit Tulum. You can use public transportation to get from Cancun to Tulum.

From downtown Cancun, there are frequent buses that will take you to downtown Tulum. From there you can take a colectivo, which is a shared taxi, or a taxi to the ruins.

If you rent a car you can easily drive yourself from Cancun to the Tulum ruins and downtown Tulum.

Renting a car will give you the freedom to stop at a cenote, visit Tulum beach, and enjoy some of the great restaurants there. 

Underneath the Yucatan Peninsula are miles and miles of underground rivers. These underground water systems connect to the surface and create freshwater pools – called cenotes.

Cenotes come in all different shapes and sizes, have crystal clear water, and often have stalagmites and stalactites.

These amazing pools are unique to the Yucatan Peninsula and something you do not want to miss seeing on your visit. 

Cenote tours from Cancun

Tours to visit cenotes take the stress out of planning your day. Many cenotes are located deep in the jungle, and tours provide roundtrip transportation.

Many tours to visit cenotes include other adventure activities , such as ziplining. 

👉 Chichen Itza, Tequila Cenote & Valladolid

4.5⭐ 6,860 Reviews

Spend a day exploring the Yucatan Peninsula. The first stop on your tour is Chichen Itza where your guide will teach you all about the site.

Next, you will visit cenote Chichikan where you can jump into the water and enjoy a swim. You will have a buffet lunch and tequila tasting before heading to Valladolid.

Valladolid is a colonial town where you will have time to stroll around the plaza. This tour lasts 12 hours. 

Fun tour Daniel the tour guide and Manuel the driver were excellent with providing great facts and history about the culture. Daniel was especially funny during the tour. My family had a good time. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Samm_B, Mar 2023

👉 Tour Cenotes Oasis Maya

5⭐ 629 Reviews

Go to the Xenotes Oasis Maya adventure park to visit four different types of cenotes. The first cenote is an open pool surrounded by a jungle where you can swim or float on an inner tube.

The second cenote is an ancient cenote that you use a zipline to splash into. The third cenote has a closed, overhead environment.

You will rappel down into the cenote from a hole in its roof! The last cenote you will visit is semi-open.

You can swim and kayak to admire the rock formations in it. Your tour will finish with a jungle picnic that includes beer and wine.

Throughout the tour, your guide will teach you about how cenotes were formed and tell you ancient stories and the importance of the cenotes to the ancient Maya.

This tour lasts 9 hours. 

5 star excursion! Our guide Cerva was the best. He even participated in activities with us. The cenotes were beautiful. Snacks and lunch were amazing. Wonderful experience all Around. Would definitely book again! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Monica_H, Feb 2023

 👉 Cancun Cenotes Tour

4.5⭐ 49 Reviews

Have a day of adventure on this tour to visit cenotes Nohoch Nah Chich and Sac Atun. Your day will start with a guided snorkel through a partially enclosed cenote.

You will then ride through the jungle on an all-terrain Unimog. There you will have the chance to go on ziplines and rappel into the cenote.

You will learn all about the cenotes and have the chance to participate in a traditional Maya ceremony led by the community of Rancho San Felipe.

Your tour includes transportation and lunch. It lasts 4 hours. 

Amazing experience We had a wonderful experience from Mario in Tulum on our tour of the Mayan Ruins , wonderful food, and our energetic, fun, exciting trip by Jorge/Eduardo with Atv riding and swimming in a cenote ! It was a blast ! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Richelle_M, Aug 2021

DIY cenote tour from Cancun 

There are cenotes all over the Yucatan Peninsula. Some have great facilities and everything you need to snorkel, float on an inner tube, or zipline into the water.

Others are more rustic, with bathrooms and not much else. Most cenotes are on private land, and the owners charge you a fee for accessing the cenote and using their facilities.

The easiest way to get to “off the beaten path” cenotes is to rent a car for the day and drive yourself.

Some of the best cenotes are in remote areas, so you should not rely on public transportation or taxis. 

4. Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a small island about 8 miles off the coast of Cancun. It is known for having amazing beaches, coral reefs, and relaxed, island vibes. 

Isla Mujeres tours from Cancun

Tours to Isla Mujeres make the crossing to the island fun. They often include a stop to go snorkeling, snacks, and free time once you arrive on the island. 

👉 Private Isla Mujeres Tour from Cancun

5⭐ 311 Reviews

Enjoy a day on a 32-foot catamaran with a group of your favorite people. You can bring up to 9 people on this private tour- and you decide what you want to do!

Your captain will take you snorkeling, to visit Isla Mujeres, and to find secluded beaches- you get to decide.

You can customize the itinerary to your preference, and the tour includes snorkel equipment and unlimited drinks. The tour lasts 4 to 7 hours. 

Just book it, you won’t regret it! Simply WOW! This was an amazing experience, it felt like a dream. Everything about it was perfect. It was just me, my boyfriend, our amazing guides Fernando and his boat partner (I believe his name was Mikey). They made this a very, very enjoyable catamarán ride to Isla Mujeres for me and my boyfriend. Book it, you won’t regret it, just don’t forget to wear sunblock! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Brissa_O, Mar 2023

👉 Beach Escape: Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres

5⭐ 392 Reviews

See two beautiful islands on this tour. You will meet at the marina where you will have a light breakfast and then head out.

Your first stop will be at a shallow reef to snorkel. Your guide will be in the water with you to help you have a good time and see marine life.

Next, you will go to Isla Contoy, a protected nature reserve. Here you can enjoy pristine beaches, go for a nature hike, and try to spot the different birds that make the island home.

You will then go to Isla Mujeres, where you will have one hour to stroll around or visit the famous Isla Blanca beach before returning to Cancun.

This tour lasts about 8 hours. 

Great experience Totally recommend this trip. Isla Mujeres with Playa Norte is gorgeous; Isla Contoy is a paradise, just as our guide said. Xenia was great and made sure everyone is happy and cared for. She was of great help with showing me how to snorkel 🙂 it was my first time and even if the ocean was wavy, I made it and it was awesome! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ank_A, Feb 2023

👉 Half-Day Sailing Trip to Isla Mujeres

4.5⭐ 321 Reviews

Visit Isla Mujeres on a comfortable catamaran. On the way to Isla Mujeres, you will stop at a coral reef where you can get into the clear water and snorkel.

All snorkeling equipment is provided. Back onboard you can relax and enjoy the open bar and snacks as you head to Isla Mujeres.

There you will have free time to explore the island before heading back to Cancun. This tour lasts 5 hours.

Fantastic sailing adventure We really enjoyed the sailing trip! Saw lots of cool fish while snorkeling. The crew was friendly and fun, and the drinks were awesome. The visit on the island was great for shopping and relaxing on the beach. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ron_R, Feb 2023

DIY Isla Mujeres day trip from Cancun

It is easy to take a ferry to Isla Mujeres and explore on your own. You can catch the ferry from Puerto Juarez, which is a few minutes from downtown Cancun.

There are ferry crossings all day, starting early in the morning. The crossing takes around 20 minutes.

There are also two spots in the Cancun Hotel Zone where you can catch the ferry to Isla Mujeres- Playa Caracol and Playa Tortugas.

Once you get to Isla Mujeres you can rent a golf cart to cruise around the island and explore, visit the amazing beaches, and stroll around downtown. 

5. Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a town on the Riviera Maya located about 40 miles south of Cancun . It is known for great shopping, food, and people-watching along 5th avenue. 

Playa del Carmen tours from Cancun

👉 playa del carmen walking food tour.

5⭐ 530 Reviews

Eat like a local on this tour of Playa del Carmen’s best food spots! Try Mexican specialties you may have never heard of before with this tour that will take you through a local market, to a fruit stand and a local favorite taqueria.

The tour will finish with a stop at a local ice cream shop where you can try locally made popsicles. 

Excellent Tour Excellent Food Henry was amazing and the tour, well it was worth every penny! You eat quite a bit so be prepared! History given through the walk too, which helps understand A few things we wondered. I would suggest doing this on the first few days as may really open your options! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stuart_L, Mar 2023

DIY Playa del Carmen day trip from Cancun

It is easy to get to Playa del Carmen from Cancun , and you do not need a tour to explore the town. From Cancun, you can take a colectivo, ADO bus , or a taxi to get to Playa del Carmen.

Once there you can take a stroll on 5th avenue, have a delicious meal, do some shopping, and check out the beach. 

6. Isla Holbox

Isla Holbox is located just off the northern shore of the Yucatan Peninsula. Isla Holbox is known for having sand streets, amazing beaches, and a relaxed, island atmosphere.

Isla Holbox is a fishing village that has become popular with tourists. 

Isla Holbox tours from Cancun

No bridge connects Isla Holbox to the mainland. You must take a ferry across. Tours to Isla Holbox take care of planning the transportation logistics for you – so you can relax and enjoy. 

👉 Holbox Island Tour in Mexico with Lunch

4.5⭐ 7 Reviews

See the natural beauty of Isla Holbox with this tour. Your guide will pick you up and take you to the port where you will cross on a boat to Isla Holbox.

Along the way, your guide will teach you about the area and animals you may encounter on Isla Holbox and neighboring Passion Island.

In addition to amazing beaches, you will visit protected land and marine areas and have the chance to see migratory birds.

You will be served lunch and have free time to explore Isla Holbox before returning to Cancun. This tour lasts about 12 hours. 

Must visit this paradise! Amazing experience What an unforgettable experience! I was so lucky to have Angel as a tour guide and the best group of people with me. Holbox Island’s turquoise waters are stunning. You must check out the Alma Bar! The boat ride can be choppy, but it’s part of the experience that made it thrilling (and wet)! Loved this, highly recommend!!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rachel_M, Mar 2023

👉 Holbox Tour

4⭐ 17 Reviews

Enjoy this tour to Yalahua Cenote, Isla Holbox, and Passion Island without having to worry about any logistics.

You will start your day with a visit to this beautiful cenote before crossing on a boat to Punta Mosquito.

There you will get a chance to see why so many people want to visit Isla Holbox- the amazing beaches!

Next, you will visit Passion Island, where your guide will help you spot migratory birds. Your tour includes lunch and free time to enjoy the relaxing island atmosphere.

The tour lasts 12 hours. 

Great tour with Zayuri!! I had the best time on this tour! Holbox was definitely the highlight. I really enjoyed my tour with Zayuri Zuniga, she was so so sweet and kind and fun. I travel solo and I’m always concerned I won’t get photos to remember the fun but she was always offering to take photos for me. I am so thankful and was delighted she translated everything to English for me. My whole tour was Spanish speaking but I didn’t feel left out because she did such a great job making sure I knew what was being talked about. We were provided with a bag of snacks and also a meal on the island. It was a long tour and I felt I got a lot out of it. I’d definitely recommend a tour with her! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Jamie_B, Mar 2023

👉 Isla Holbox All Inclusive

4⭐ 21 Reviews

Experience a piece of paradise with this tour of Isla Holbox. Isla Holbox is located in the Yum Balam Nature Reserve and this tour will take you by boat through the mangroves and Yalahua Lagoon that separates Isla Holbox from the mainland.

You will visit Isla Pajaros and Isla Pasion where your guide will help you spot some of the 140 different species of birds that can be found in this area.

On Isla Holbox, you will eat lunch and have time to tour the island of golf carts. You will have free time on the island to enjoy the beautiful beaches before heading back to Cancun.

Wonderful trip enjoyed every moment The points of interest were fantastic the stops where clean an organized . Fulfilled day. Was very good trip ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Terry_T, Apr 2022

DIY Isla Holbox day trip from Cancun

You can plan your day trip to visit Isla Holbox from Cancun . The ferry to Isla Holbox leaves from Chiquila, which is around 2 hours from Cancun.

You can book a private shuttle, use the ADO public buses, or rent a car and drive to Chiquila (you will leave the car parked there and take the passenger ferry).

The ferry to Isla Holbox leaves every half hour from 6:30 am to 9:30 pm. Once on Isla Holbox you can walk, or rent a golf cart, to explore the restaurants and beaches. 

7. Isla Cozumel

Located off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, directly across from Playa del Carmen, Cozumel is Mexico’s largest Caribbean Island.

The downtown area is filled with shops and restaurants, and the island is famous for its clear blue waters and coral reef.

Cozumel has long been a favorite destination for scuba divers and is a popular spot to go diving and snorkeling. 

Isla Cozumel tours from Cancun

Tours from Cancun to Cozumel will arrange all the transportation you need, and your island activities, so you can make the most of your day in Cozumel. 

👉 Cozumel El Cielo All Inclusive Tour from Cancun

5⭐ 2 Reviews

Experience the best part of Cozumel – the coral reefs, with this tour. You will be picked up at your hotel and taken to the ferry to cross to Cozumel.

From there you will get onto a snorkel boat that will take you on a tour of the best reefs in the area. You will visit Palancar reef, Colombia reef, and El Cielo.

You will have the chance to see colorful fish and reefs and have plenty of time in the water. Your tour includes lunch and free time to stroll around downtown Cozumel before getting on the ferry for your return trip.

This tour lasts 14 hours. 

👉 Snorkel Adventure at Cozumel

5⭐ 1 Review

See Cozumel’s famous coral reefs with this all-day tour. Your tour includes all transportation, and once you arrive in Cozumel you will get on a snorkel boat and head into the National Marine Park.

Here you will visit the famous Palancar and Colombia reefs where you will have the opportunity to see turtles, rays, and lots of colorful fish and coral reefs.

You will stop at El Cielo, a shallow sandbar off the coast that is famous for stingrays, starfish, and water that is an amazing blue color.

After getting off the boat you will enjoy lunch at a beachfront restaurant where you can relax. You will finish the day with free time in downtown Cozumel to shop, stroll in the Plaza, or have a snack.

The tour lasts approximately 11 hours. 

All Around Great Day! This was a great trip. Seniors who wanted to snorkel Cozumel but didn’t want to hassle getting there on own from Cancun. This tour so well organized and great value for all that was included. Small van pickup in Cancun and our van of 10 met up with another van load in Playa del Carmen for remainder of day’s activities, then returned Cancun with original group. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ P_C, May 2021

👉 Cozumel Snorkeling Adventure full day Tour

4.5⭐ 3 Reviews

Experience the beauty of Cozumel on this tour. You will be picked up at your hotel and taken to the ferry terminal to cross to Cozumel.

Once you arrive in Cozumel, you will get on a snorkel boat to head out to the reef. Enjoy the beautiful scenery as you go to the snorkel spots.

Once in the water look for fish, rays, and turtles as well as colorful corals and sponges. After snorkeling, you will go enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

DIY Isla Cozumel day trip from Cancun

You do not need a tour to go spend a day on Cozumel . From Cancun, you can take a colectivo, the ADO public bus, or book a private shuttle to take you to the ferry terminal in Playa del Carmen.

There you can buy your ferry tickets and take the 45-minute crossing to Cozumel. The most popular activities to do in Cozumel for a day are to go on a snorkeling tour, or rent a car and drive around the island.

You can also spend time strolling around downtown Cozumel where there are lots of shops and restaurants. 

8. Valladolid

Valladolid is a colonial town located in the state of Yucatan about 90 miles west of Cancun. It is known for its cobbled streets and quaint plaza.

There are lots of great restaurants and coffee shops around the plaza to explore. Valladolid is located near Chichen Itza and has countless cenotes around it to visit.

Valladolid tours from Cancun

The best day trips from Cancun to Valladolid will not only give you time to explore Valladolid but also take you to visit nearby ruins and cenotes.

These tours take care of all the transportation and logistics, so you can see several of major sites in one day. 

👉 Chichen Itza with Cenote and Valladolid

4.5⭐ 542 Reviews

Learn about the rich history of the Yucatan Peninsula with this all-day tour. The first stop of the day is at Chichen Itza.

You will learn all about the importance of this site to the ancient Maya civilization and get to admire the famous Kulkulkan Pyramid.

From there you will visit the Saamal cenote. You will have many amazing vantage points to take pictures of and can climb down the stone stairs for a refreshing swim.

Your last stop of the day will be in the colonial town of Valladolid. You will eat a buffet lunch here and have time to explore the main plaza and admire the architecture before returning to Cancun.

Your tour includes all transportation and lasts 12 hours. 

Recommended Good experience, our tour guide Mike was knowledgeable and friendly. Could be improved by arranging pick up from all hotels, because it was a bit awkward to make our own way to a pick up point. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Marina_M, Mar 2023

👉 Chichen Itza, Cenote and Valladolid All-Inclusive

See Valladolid as well as the famous sites around it on the all-day tour. You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to Chichen Itza.

Your bilingual guide will teach you about the ancient Maya civilization and guide you through the archeological site.

The highlight of the visit to Chichen Itza is seeing the impressive Kulkulkan pyramid. From there you will go to the Saamal cenote where you will have the chance to refresh yourself in the water that connects to an underwater river system.

The last stop on your tour will be in Valladolid where you will eat lunch and have time to stroll around the town center.

This tour lasts 12 hours.

Comfortable & Educational I went alone and my guide was super considerate and consistently check in on me! Didn’t feel left out or uncomfortable once, super peaceful time! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Olivia_P, Mar 2023

4⭐ 210 Reviews

Travel around the Yucatan in comfort with this tour. Your bus ride will include a waiter who will keep you comfortable and bring you drinks as you move between sites.

Your first stop of the day will be Chichen Itza where you will get to learn about this ancient site that was abandoned in the 15th century and see the famous Kulkulkan pyramid.

Next, you will get to visit the colonial town of Valladolid where you will walk the cobbled streets, visit the main plaza, and see the San Servacio church.

Your tour also includes a visit to the Xcajum cenote where you can go for a refreshing swim. This tour lasts 11 hours. 

DIY Valladolid day trip from Cancun

You do not need to take a day tour to visit Valladolid. The ADO public buses leave from the downtown Cancun bus station to go to Valladolid all day long.

The ride takes a little over 2 hours. You can also rent a car and drive yourself to Valladolid. The highway between Cancun and Valladolid is safe and well-maintained, although it is always a good idea to plan your driving during the day while in Mexico.

Once in Valladolid you can explore the plazas, check out restaurants and coffee shops, visit Cenote Zaci, and see the San Bernado Convent.

If you rent a car, you will have the freedom to check out surrounding cenotes and ruins. 

9. Rio Secreto

Rio Secreto is an underground, partially flooded cave system located near Playa del Carmen. The caves are made of limestone that has been hollowed out from water erosion for centuries.

Rio Secreto was discovered by a farmer in 2004 and since then the caves have been studied and mapped.

The caves are filled with amazing rock formations- you can find stalagmites and stalactites. About 10% of the caves in Rio Secreto are open for ecotourism, where visitors can hike and swim through the caves. 

Rio Secreto tours from Cancun

Space is limited at Rio Secreto, so booking a tour will guarantee your space and include your transportation. 

👉 Admission Rio Secreto Wild Tour Wild Lunch

4.5⭐ 277 Reviews

Explore a natural wonder on this guided tour. You will be picked up from your hotel, given a complimentary breakfast, and receive a safety briefing and all the gear you will need for the day.

You will then head into the jungle. You will go on a bike ride, then hike through the dry part of the cave.

You will then suit up in your wetsuit and go for a swim in the semi-submerged section of the cave.

Your passionate guide will teach you all about the cave systems and local flora and fauna. Your tour includes lunch.

This tour is best for people who have a moderate physical fitness level because you will be moving around a lot.

The tour lasts 8 hours. 

Excellent adventure Amazing adventure tour involves biking in cave and jungle followed by cave exploration, swimming. Well organized. Our tour guide Imelda was amazing and so was our photographer Perseo. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Prasanna_E, Mar 2023

👉 Rio Secreto Underground River Tour

4.5⭐ 506 Reviews

Experience the beauty of Rio Secreto on this customizable tour. You have the option to meet your guide at Rio Secreto, or add-on transportation.

Once at Rio Secreto you will have the opportunity to swim in underground caves. You will see amazing rock formations that have formed over millions of years in crystal-clear water.

Your tour includes a buffet lunch at the Rio Secreto restaurant. You have the option to add a visit to the Tulum ruins to your tour.

If you choose to include this, your guide will teach you about how the site was used as a trading post for the ancient Maya.

This tour lasts from 3-8 hours. 

Best time ever It was an awesome time. We did stuff we never knew we could do. Everyone was so nice and friendly, our guide “Miguel” was so funny and knowledgeable of the place and history. Loved it 👍 100% recommended ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ silvana_G, Mar 2023

👉 Rio Secreto Plus Cancun

4.5⭐ 21 Reviews

Travel into the jungle and see the amazing caves of Rio Secreto. This tour includes transportation from your hotel to Rio Secreto, where you will enjoy the Rio Secreto Plus package.

In addition to the traditional Rio Secreto route of hiking and swimming in the underground caves, you will have the chance to bike through natural paths into the jungle.

You will arrive at a spot for rappelling, where you will descend 18 meters. You will also get to watch a light and sound show inside the cave in an area called the room of peace.

Your tour includes a buffet lunch and non-alcoholic drinks. The tour lasts about 7 hours. 

DIY Rio Secreto day trip from Cancun

Rio Secreto is a nature reserve, and you can only go there on an organized tour with a guide. Rio Secreto keeps the number of guests per tour small, so it is a good idea to book your tour in advance.

All tours include a hike and swim in the caves, and you can pick packages that include additional activities such as biking and rappelling.

You can book your tour with or without transportation. If you do not book transportation you can drive yourself, or take a taxi or colectivo there. 

The Coba ruins are located about 45 minutes to the west of Tulum. Archeologists believe Coba was a series of small settlements that were connected with roads that lead to the Nohoch Mul – the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan Peninsula!

Only a tiny section of Coba has been excavated and the ruins are surrounded by thick jungle. You can walk the site or rent a bicycle to move between the different sections faster. 

Coba tours from Cancun

There are many different tours to Coba to choose from. Most tours combine the visit to the Coba ruins with a visit to another archeological site and a cenote – where you can cool off in the water after exploring in the sun!

Tours help you see the most in one day and take care of all the transportation logistics. 

👉 Tulum, Coba & Cenote – full day tour

4.5⭐ 445 Reviews

Spend the day learning about the ancient Maya. Your first stop will be at the Coba ruins to explore these ruins in the jungle.

Next, you will head to Tulum to check out the ruins on the coastline. You will finish your tour with a visit to a cenote where you can go for a refreshing swim.

A buffet lunch and all transportation are included in this 12-hour tour. 

A must see tour! Highlights of the trip were the vista of Tulum and bicycling through the jungle and coming upon the great pyramid of Coba as well as the great experience of swimming in a cenote. Ruth and Ramon were fabulous and we highly recommend this tour. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Benjamin_L, Feb 2023

👉 Tour to Chichen Itza and Coba with cenote

4.5⭐ 111 Reviews

Visit the area’s most famous archeological sites. You will be picked up and served a light breakfast on your way to Chichen Itza.

There your guide takes you through the site showing the famous Kulkulkan Pyramid, the observatory, and the ancient sports arena.

From there you stop at the Saamal cenote where you can go for a swim. You will finish your tour at the Coba ruins where you can visit the tallest pyramid in the region and stroll on ancient paths surrounded by stone ruins.

This tour lasts about 12 hours. 

Amazing! This tour was great! The guide was amazing, knowledgeable, and super friendly! I would definitely recommend this tour! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Diego_A, Jan 2020

👉 Tulum and Coba all-day experience

4.5⭐ 10 Reviews

Explore two archeological sites and a cenote on this all-day tour. You will start with a guided tour of the Tulum ruins – an important trading site for the ancient Maya.

From there you will go to the Coba ruins where you can explore on a rented bike or be chauffeured on a tricycle.

Next, you will stop at the Maltum Ha cenote where you can go get into the water to cool off. The last stop of the day is Playa del Carmen’s 5th avenue where you will have some free time to explore.

This tour lasts 12-14 hours. 

DIY Coba day trip from Cancun

You can plan your day trip to Coba, which will give you the freedom to spend as much time as you would like at the site.

You can use public transportation to get there. First, you will take an ADO bus from Cancun to Tulum, then buy a bus ticket to go to Coba.

The buses leave all day long, but it’s a good idea to go early in the morning to beat the crowds. You can also take a taxi from Tulum to Coba, just make sure to set the price with the driver before getting in.

If you rent a car, it is easy to drive to Coba. As you approach Tulum you will look for the signs of Coba. It is about 45 minute’s drive from Tulum to Coba.

Driving yourself will give you the freedom to stop at small towns near the ruins and try some delicious regional food! 

11. Adventure parks

Cancun is home to many great adventure parks . If you want a thrilling day, check them out. You can choose between water parks , parks that focus on nature, and parks that will get your adrenaline pumping.

Several of the adventure parks in the Cancun area have swim-with-dolphin experiences. This activity is never included in the park entrance price, and we do not recommend supporting it.

New research is constantly coming out to show that dolphins suffer while living in captivity . As long as people pay to do this, companies will continue their unethical practices. 

Adventure park tours from Cancun

There are adventure parks all around the Cancun area. Booking your tour which includes your entrance fee and transportation means you can sit back, relax, and focus on having a great time! 

👉 Selvatica adventure park: Ziplines & cenote tour

5⭐ 263 Reviews

Get your thrills on Selvatica park’s zipline circuit. You will fly through the jungle on 10 different ziplines of varying heights and lengths.

Your tour includes the superman zipline, where you will fly face down, and the tanzania zipline coaster.

After the zip lines, you will take a safari truck ride deep into the jungle to a cenote. You can swim in this amazing freshwater sinkhole.

Your tour includes lunch and lasts 3 and a half hours. 

Great day with teenagers! Great family outing! Incredibly safe and well-organized facilities. The staff is excelente!! Lockers for storage of your personal items and clean bathrooms with places to change wet clothing. And the lunch at the end included a delicious burrito and full bar for a perfect ending to a excellent adventure! Also, we drove ourselves and it was easy to find with smooth roads all the way to the entrance! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Josh_N, Aug 2022

👉 Xplor Adventure park

4.5⭐ 383 Reviews

Get your adrenaline pumping at Xplor park. This package includes round-trip transportation and entrance to the park.

There you will have a great time on the ziplines, driving an amphibious vehicle through the jungle, rafting, and swimming through underground rivers.

Your tour includes access to the buffet. This tour lasts around 6 hours. 

Fun Our family enjoyed Xplor! lots of fun had by all ! Food selection was good and we enjoyed all the different activities ! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Tracy_F, Mar 2023

👉 Combo tour: Xcaret, Xel-ha, Xplor, and Chichen Itza

4.5⭐ 221 Reviews

This package gives you two days of fun and saves you money on park entrances. You can choose two parks, and the entrances must be used within 15 days.

Your park choices are Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Xplor, and a visit to Chichen Itza. Xcaret is known for its natural attractions and cultural shows.

Xel-Ha is a water park that is home to a huge natural museum. Xplor is full of thrilling attractions such as ziplining and visiting underwater rivers.

Chichen Itza is a famous site of Maya ruins. Your package includes roundtrip transportation, so all you have to worry about is having fun. 

Great family fun My wife and I went to XCARET and XPLOR, we had a great time zip lining, riding vehicles, Exploring the underground case walking and swimming in the water very refreshing ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Edward_H, Aug 2022

DIY adventure park day trip from Cancun

You do not need to book a tour to visit an adventure park. You can buy your entrance and figure out your transportation to get to the parks.

You can use public transportation, a taxi, or your rental car to get to the parks. Some of the smaller adventure parks have limited daily capacity, so it is a good idea to book your tickets in advance. 

Akumal is a small beach town located 100 kilometers south of Cancun between Playa del Carmen and Tulum.

Akumal is famous for its white sandy beaches, and calm waters that are home to sea turtles. One of the highlights of a visit to Akumal is getting in the water and getting to snorkel with the sea turtles. 

Akumal tours from Cancun

👉 hidden cenote swim, snorkeling with sea turtles, and lunch.

5⭐ 165 Reviews

Visit some of the best swimming and snorkeling spots in the area on this tour. You will start with a visit to a cenote where you can swim in the refreshing water and admire the rock formations.

Next, you will head to Akumal where your snorkel guide will show you tropical fish and Akumal’s resident sea turtles.

You will finish your day with a relaxing lunch at a beach club. This tour lasts 4-5 hours. 

Plenty of turtles Many turtles, stingrays and other species to watch. Cenotes swim awesome. Finished with a nice lunch and relaxing time. I bit pricy but worth it. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Jacques_B, Mar 2023

👉 Tulum ruins, cenote, and swimming with turtles

4.5⭐ 177 Reviews

Visit Tulum and Akumal on this all-day tour. You will start your day learning about the ancient Maya with a visit to the Tulum ruins.

You will then head down the coast to Akumal where you will go for a guided snorkel to spot turtles in the seagrass.

Your last stop will take you into the jungle to cenote Zemway where you can go jump into the fresh water and swim.

Your tour includes a box lunch and lasts between 11 and 12 hours. 

Perfecto! We had an amazing experience seeing the Tulum ruins, snorkeling and swimming in the cenote (even built up the courage to jump in from the high deck-totally worth it). Michael and Francisco were wonderful guides – provided great information along with humor. The glass blowing was very interesting as well. My tip to others is to make sure you bring sunblock (even a hat), good walking shoes and towels. Overall I would highly recommend! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rachel_F, Feb 2023

👉 Full-day guided snorkeling tour to Akumal

Get ready to explore what is under the water with this half-day nature tour. You will start your day with a guided snorkel from Akumal beach.

There you will look for sea turtles, coral reefs, and tropical fish. Next, you will head to a cenote in the jungle.

You will swim and snorkel in the freshwater and check out the rock formations. Your tour includes snacks and drinks, and transportation, and lasts 6 hours. 

Great service Long car ride, amazing guide. You get to see the turtles and they are adorable and the Cenote is beautiful! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Marcela, Sep 2020

DIY Akumal day trip from Cancun

You can use public transportation or a rental car to visit Akumal without a tour. The small downtown has delicious food and small shops to check out.

Once on the beach, you will find that there are lots of vendors trying to sell you snorkel tours. There are buoys in the water, and the locals will tell you certain areas are restricted to swimming in if you are not part of a tour.

You can easily book a tour on the spot, which will include snorkel gear. Or, if you have your own snorkel gear, you can enter the water and stay out of the buoyed areas. 

13. Puerto Morelos

Puerto Morelos is about 40 kilometers south of Cancun. This laid-back fishing village is known for having cenotes, great beaches and coral reefs, and a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

If you want a change of pace without having to go too far, this is a great spot to check out. 

Puerto Morelos tours from Cancun

👉 puerto morelos city and taco tour.

5⭐ 43 Reviews

Check out the best local cuisine in Puerto Morelos on this taco tour. You will try three different tacos that are popular with locals and have a professional tequila tasting.

You will also have free time to stroll around Puerto Morelos and check out shops, the beach, and a flea market.

This tour lasts 4 and a half hours. 

Amazing Time Had an amazing time, Alberto our guide was great! We really enjoyed all the information scenery and everything that came with the booking. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Laura_F, Feb 2023

👉 Puerto Morelos Catamaran reef sail and snorkel

5⭐ 74 Reviews

Visit the Puerto Morelos National Marine Park on a catamaran. You will board the catamaran and set sail for the coral reefs off the coast of Puerto Morelos.

Once there your guide will take you snorkeling where you can see a variety of colorful marine life. On board, you will have a light brunch with alcoholic beverages before sailing back to Cancun. 

Take the plunge Excellent experience, with a wonderful, experienced crew. We had a small group and lucked out with perfect conditions for snorkeling and sailing. Highly recommended. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Julie_M, Mar 2023

👉 Half-day Puerto Morelos snorkeling experience

4.5⭐ 17 Reviews

Go snorkeling away from the crowds in Puerto Morelos . You will go snorkeling in the protected marine park to look at the colorful coral reefs.

There you can find turtles, rays, and countless colorful fish. After snorkeling you will go eat lunch and relax on the beach. You will also have free time to check out downtown.

This tour lasts 4 hours. 

Great reef! Awesome guides! Fun times Wonderful experience with my family of five! Freida is a great ambassador of the beautiful reef. Freida is very knowledgeable of the type of fish and coral. The tacos were delicious. Book this affordable trip and do not hesitate. This was a highlight of our vacation in Cancun ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Paul_S, Jul 2022

DIY Puerto Morelos day trip from Cancun

You can take the ADO bus from Cancun to Puerto Morelos , a taxi, or drive yourself in a rental car. Once in Puerto Morelos, you can stroll around the downtown, check out restaurants, stroll on the beach, or set up a snorkel tour. 

14. Las Coloradas

Las Coloradas are the pink lakes you may have seen pictures of. These lakes were man-made to mine sea salt.

The bright pink color comes from a microorganism that lives in the lakes to help keep the water clean.

You will be happy to know that the company that owns these lakes works hard to incorporate environmentally friendly practices, and the lakes are home to many different bird species which are monitored carefully! 

Las Coloradas tours from Cancun

👉 Excursion Las Coloradas & Rio Lagartos only from Cancun

4.5⭐ 87 Reviews

See the famous pink lakes of Las Coloradas. You will enjoy the different shades of pink on the water depending on the sun, and learn about how salt is made.

You will also visit the nearby Ria Largatos reserve where you will go on a boat ride through the mangroves to look for flamingos, pelicans, eagles, and crocodiles.

Your tour includes transportation and lunch and will last 12 hours. 

Amazing I really enjoyed everything Im during this trip. I loved that we got to interact with different animals. The tour guide Arturo and the other guide were fun, charismatic and really informative about the various sites. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ jeongyoon_c, Mar 2023

DIY Las Coloradas day trip from Cancun

The easiest way to visit Las Coloradas on your own is to rent a car. This gives you the freedom to visit the salt lakes at the time of the day you want to get the best light for pictures.

If you use public buses your time will be limited based on the bus schedule. Plus, if you have a car you can visit nearby beaches and the Ria Largatos reserve. 

15. Isla Blanca

Isla Blanca is a long, thin peninsula just to the north of Cancun. Isla Blanca is largely undeveloped, and there is a lagoon to one side of the peninsula and the ocean to the other.

There is a handful of parking lots and restaurants where you can pay a small fee and leave your car and go explore untouched beaches.

Isla Blanca is popular with kite surfers and from the beach restaurants, you can watch them gliding across the water. 

Isla Blanca tours from Cancun

There are no organized tours to take you from Cancun to Isla Blanca. This shows you how little development there is there. You will not find any hotels or big beach clubs.

If you want to explore Isla Blanca you must do it on your own. 

DIY Isla Blanca day trip from Cancun

The best way to explore Isla Blanca is to rent a car and drive yourself. You can take a taxi there, but make sure to arrange a pickup time with the taxi driver to get you back to Cancun.

Cell phone service is not reliable in Isla Blanca, and you will need to take cash to pay for parking and any food or drinks you want at a restaurant.

Driving yourself to Isla Blanca gives you the freedom to find a secluded spot on the beach and enjoy a relaxing day. 

16. Lake Bacalar

Lake Bacalar is also known as the lagoon of 7 colores for the different blue and turquoise colors you see with depth changes in the water.

This long, thin lake has clear water and the town of Bacalar sits on its western shore. It is about 450 kilometers from Cancun.

There you can enjoy great food, kayaking in the lake, and a relaxed atmosphere. 

Lake Bacalar tours from Cancun

It takes around 4 hours to drive from Cancun to Bacalar. Booking a tour saves you the stress of driving and lets you kick back and relax on the ride.

Tours also include stops at nearby cenotes and will include a boat tour of the lagoon.

👉 Bacalar tour from Cancun

4.5⭐ 2 Reviews

Learn the interesting, pirate-filled history of Bacalar. You will visit the San Felipe Fort, where you will have panoramic views of the lagoon.

You will also go on a boat tour of the lagoon, where you can enjoy the different colors and clear water.

You will also have free time to walk around the town and do some shopping. This tour lasts 12 hours and includes lunch.

Breath taking!! What an amazing expierence it was going on this tour!! The tour guides were phenomenal and truly world Class. It was tons more than I expected and tons of fun!! Highly recommend it and we would do it again!! You wont be disappointed with Bacalar!! OMG!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

👉 Magical Bacalar tour with a pontoon boat ride

4.5⭐ 8 Reviews

Let your tour operator do the planning and driving when you book this tour. You will travel down the coast of the Riviera Maya to Bacalar.

You will visit cenote Azul, which is located in the jungle just outside of Bacalar. Here you can go for a refreshing swim and eat breakfast.

Next, you will visit cenote Cocalitos before boarding a boat to tour the Bacalar lagoon. Finally, you will spend time in the town, visiting the San Felipe Fort, eating lunch, and checking out the main plaza.

This tour lasts 13 to 15 hours. 

Bacalar Adventure This tour was a great experience. We got from and to Bacalar safely from Cancun. We enjoyed swimming in the Cenotes, the lagoon has beautiful clear colors. The views are amazing. They have great options for breakfast and lunch. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Erica_G, Sep 2022

👉 1-day tour to Bacalar with cenotes and 7 color lagoon

4⭐ 6 Reviews

Enjoy this in-depth tour of the natural beauty of Bacalar. You will visit cenote Azul for a refreshing swim and breakfast surrounded by jungle.

Next, you will visit cenote Cocalitos. From there you will get to explore the lagoon on a pontoon boat, including the Pirates Canal.

From the water, you will have great views of the San Felipe Fort. Your last stop will be in the town of Bacalar to eat lunch before heading back to Cancun.

This tour lasts 13-16 hours.

Amazing tour! Hassle free day tour to Bacalar. It was a long day, but worth it for the beautiful sights, delicious food and great hosts and coach driver. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Guy_W, Feb 2023

DIY Lake Bacalar day trip from Cancun

There are public buses that can take you from Cancun to Bacalar, but if you are trying to make it a day trip, the best option is to rent a car and drive yourself .

This will be faster than taking the bus, leaving you more time to explore. Once in Bacalar it is easy to book a boat tour of the lagoon, rent kayaks, and enjoy the town. 

17. Isla Contoy

Isla Contoy is a small island a few miles off the coast of Cancun. It is a protected area and home to sea turtles and over 150 species of birds.

There is no development there and the government strictly controls how many visitors can go each day.

This is where you should go if you want to find pristine beaches and connect with nature.

Isla Contoy tours from Cancun

The only way to visit Isla Contoy is on a tour. Many tours include a stop at Isla Mujeres. 

👉 Beach escape: Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres

5⭐ 329 Reviews

Meet at the marina where you will enjoy a light lunch before heading out on the boat. On the way to Isla Contoy, you will stop at a coral reef to go snorkeling.

There you will enjoy the colorful reef and fish. You will then arrive at Isla Contoy where you can enjoy a nature hike , look for different bird species, swim in the water, and enjoy the pristine beaches.

On your way back to Cancun you will stop at Isla Mujeres and have free time to enjoy downtown or check out the famous beaches.

This tour lasts 8 hours.

DO THIS EXCURSION- you won’t regret it! This excursion was the highlight of our trip! Our guides made the adventure amazing- we learned so much and Isla Contoy was so stunningly beautiful, we couldn’t believe it’s real! The included catered lunch was incredible, honestly the best food we had during our stay in Mexico. The food was authentic and similar to the food we got in town. The crew was knowledgeable and really accommodating. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Risa_D, Mar 2023

👉 Isla Contoy Day Trip: Snorkeling at Ixlache Reef and Eco Paradise Tour

4⭐ 76 Reviews

You will start your day with a continental breakfast at the marina. You will then hop on a boat and go to Isla Mujeres.

There you will have free time to walk around downtown or go to the beach. On your way to Isla Contoy, you will stop and snorkel at Ixlache Reef.

On Isla Contoy you will go for a guided nature hike with a certified guide and have a buffet lunch. You will have time to relax on the amazing beach before heading back to Cancun.

Memorable experience The Isla Contoy is amazing and the crew made the whole ship a party, impressive atmosphere and truly memorable experience ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Haoyi_S, Oct 2021

👉 Private beach escape: Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres

5⭐ 17 Reviews

Discover Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres on a private tour. On your way to Isla Contoy, you will stop to snorkel at a coral reef.

Once you arrive at Isla Contoy you will be able to snorkel, go bird watching, and enjoy lunch on the beach.

On your way back to Cancun you will stop at Isla Mujeres and have an hour of free time to visit the beach, get a snack, or do some shopping.

The best excursion ever!! The tour was so much fun. Our guides Luisa and Ekaterina were amazing and helpful. Loved them so much!! They gave us so much information. They pointed out the animals and were very protective of the land and animals. They played music on the way back and it was the best way for my friends to end out trip. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Tripadvisor Reviewer, May 2022

DIY Isla Contoy day trip from Cancun

You cannot visit Isla Contoy on your own. To protect the delicate ecosystem on Isla Contoy, the government requires boats to have special permission to take visitors there, and they limit the number of visitors allowed each day.

All visitors must go on approved tours, do not trust anyone who tries to sell you a tour on a private, not approved, boat.

If you want a small group experience, consider booking a private tour of Isla Contoy. 

18. Ek’ Balam

If you want to check out a less visited Mayan Ruin, Ek’ Balam is the place for you. This impressive archeological site is located to the north of Valladolid, about two hours from Cancun.

Ek’ Balam was an important political and spiritual site for the ancient Maya. When you visit you will find well-preserved archeological features, including the acropolis that is home to the tomb of the first Mayan king.

Ek’ Balam is different from other popular Mayan ruins in the Yucatan because it has decorative facades made from stucco and limestone mortar. 

Ek’ Balam tours from Cancun

Do not worry about navigating roads or public transportation to get to Ek’ Balam when you book a tour.

Tours will take you to the archeological site and give you great information on the Mayan civilization. 

👉 Ek Balam, Mayan Cenote From Cancun

4.5⭐ 6 Reviews

Enjoy Ek’ Balam on this small group tour. You will be picked up from your hotel and head to the archeological site.

There you can climb one of the main structures that is home to the tomb of one of the rulers of Ek’ Balam.

There you will see the stunning decorations on the tomb, and have views over the jungle of nearby Chichen Itza and Coba!

After the ruins, you will go to a beautiful cenote where you can admire the rock formations and go for a swim.

This tour lasts 8-12 hours.

Don’t miss this Fantastic guide!! Beautiful cenote and delicious food after. The ride is long, but nodding off or headphones and a good playlist or book makes the time pass. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Brian_G, Jun 2021

DIY Ek’ Balam day trip from Cancun

You can visit Ek’ Balam on your own. To get there you can either take a bus to Valladolid and then a taxi or collectivo to the site or drive a rental car.

Driving a rental car will give you the freedom to explore nearby cenotes, and stop for authentic Yucatecan food.

The highway from Cancun to Valladolid is in good shape and easy to navigate. 

19. Sian Ka’an

Sian Ka’an is located about two hours south of Cancun and is the largest biosphere reserve in the Mexican Caribbean.

This enormous reserve includes marine, coastal, and terrestrial areas and is home to an amazing variety of different plant and animal species. 

Sian Ka’an tours from Cancun

Sian Ka’an is a special place. The ancient Mayan people recognized its amazing biodiversity and developed water canals that they used to move around.

Tours will take you on boat rides through these canals. One of the best parts of going on a guided tour through Sian Ka’an is the knowledge your local guide will share with you about the history and biodiversity of the area. 

👉 Sian Ka-an daily adventure tour

Take a trip into one of Mexico’s best-preserved nature areas. Sian Ka’an is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best day trips from Cancun for nature lovers.

Your tour includes transportation and a local guide who will teach you about the species that live in Sian Ka’an including deer, jaguars, sea turtles, and countless species of fish and birds.

After leaving the nature reserve you will make a quick stop at the Tulum ruins and have lunch before returning to Cancun.

The tour lasts 7 hours.

Amazing Tour- The highlight of our Vacation! I’ve been wanting to visit the Sian Ka’an for a long time and Contoy Excursions (and our guide Carlos) went above and beyond my long-held expectations of a trip like this. If you are a nature-lover, a visit to the Biosphere is a must! Boat and float down ancient canals through mangroves and see an abundance of birds, fish and wildlife. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Tripadvisor Reviewer, Nov 2021

DIY Sian Ka’an day trip from Cancun

Sian Ka’an is a huge site, and there are different entry points. If you want to visit on your own, the easiest way to get there is at the access point in the Muyil ruins.

You can either drive a rental car to Muyil or take a bus from Tulum. The site is about 20 minutes south of Tulum.

Once in the ruins, you will follow the trail to access Sian Ka’an. You can hike a nature trail and walk to the lagoon where you will find boats that will take you on a tour of the lagoon.

You will be able to get into the water and snorkel. 

What should I pack for a day trip from Cancun?

You will want to pack a small backpack of a few essentials on your Cancun day excursion. Even if you will be in the jungle and do not expect to spend much time in direct sunlight, packing eco-friendly sunscreen is always a good idea.

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The sun is strong and you do not want to get burned. Eco-friendly mosquito spray is also a good idea for trips into the jungle and visits to ruins.

If your tour will stop at a cenote, it is a good idea to bring a swimsuit and dry clothes to change into- you do not want to be stuck on a bus with wet clothes!

No matter what tour you choose, you will want comfortable walking shoes, a fully charged phone or camera to take pictures with, a water bottle, and some cash for small purchases and to tip your guide . 

When is the best time to visit Cancun?

There is no bad time to visit Cancun ! The months from November to May are the dry season. These winter months have comfortable temperatures, sunny days, and less rain.

Cancun is a tropical destination, so a passing rainshower can happen at any time, but these usually pass quickly.

The great weather in the winter attracts crowds to Cancun , and it is the high season for tourists. The months of June to October are hotter, more humid, and have a higher chance of rain.

Despite that, it is possible to have great weather during these months. If you do not mind the heat, the summer is a great time to visit Cancun because the crowds are smaller.

Is it worth visiting Cancun?

Yes! Cancun is famous for its amazing beaches, turquoise waters, great restaurants, and nightlife. Plus, as you can see, there is no shortage of great places to visit on day trips from Cancun.

Whatever you are interested in, you will find activities you will love in the Cancun area.

How do you spend a day in Cancun?

There are almost too many options for how to spend a day in Cancun. The best option will depend on what interests you.

Cancun has amazing hotels and beaches to relax on. If you want to get out of your hotel and explore, you can check out cenotes, Mayan ruins, and towns on the Riviera Maya, or head to an adventure park. 

How many days do you need in Cancun?

Cancun airport has many nonstop flights from cities all over the world- making it an easy destination to visit for a long weekend, week, or extended stay.

With so many activities to do, the longer you have to visit the area the better. If you only have a long weekend or week’s stay, you can make the most of your time in Cancun.

Cancun day excursions let you see many different attractions in one day, without worrying about logistics. 

Cancun Day Trips: Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are tons of great places you can visit on a day trip from Cancun. The Yucatan Peninsula is filled with history, culture, and natural beauty that is unique to this area of the world.

Make the most of your time in Cancun, well planned day trips help you see several sites in one day.

Now, the hardest part will be deciding what day trip to take! 

Hey there! This is Isabella, the founder and author of this site. I have been living in Cancun for the past 13 years and although I have been roaming around Mexico, Cancun's spectacular turquoise waters and pristine beach draw me back to this popular Mexican beach destination. That is why I decided to start this blog, to show you all the beauty you can find in Cancun and share helpful travel tips to help you plan a fabulous vacation in Cancun!

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Discover the most thrilling things to do in Cancun with our unmatched, one-of-a-kind excursions! Cancun, Mexico is one of the most popular Caribbean destinations for tourists. Known for its powdered sand beaches, vibrant nightlife, and centuries of rich culture, we offer unforgettable Cancun tour experiences for people who want to have fun exploring and enjoying all that the Yucatan has to offer.

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Our tours are staffed by free-spirited, bilingual guides who are dedicated to creating safe and fun experiences that make lifelong memories. However you want to spend your vacation, Cancun Adventures has a tour for you; relax on a catamaran tour of Isla Mujeres, snorkel the Caribbean reefs, swim with whale sharks, or explore the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and Tulum. Discover the most exciting things to do in Cancun and book your next excursion with Cancun Adventures!

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Sail over the clear, turquoise waters, snorkel amidst vibrant coral reefs, and wander through the charming streets of Isla Mujeres. This tour offers one of the most enchanting ways to spend a day in the Caribbean.

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For over a decade we have made it our mission to make your vacations in Cancun an incredible, unsurpassable experience; this is why we work hard to bring the best selection of activities at the best prices. This is why we have been Cancun’s main site for excursions bookings for over 14 years. Find the best prices and the greatest variety of tours and excursions like visiting the Mayan ruins of the Yucatan Peninsula, the wonderful cenotes unique to this region, world-class theme parks and an endless list of other activities for your vacations. Also take advantage of our tool to design you own tour package and save booking some of the best attractions of the area like Chichen Itza, Tulum and Coba or the stunning and fun parks of Xcaret, Xplor and Xel-Ha. Go on and book online now or contact one of our staff members who will gladly assist you.

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Client Testimonials

We did a private tour for seven of us with Alberto as our guide. The day was perfect! Alberto was pleasant and very knowledgeable. He made sure we were all happy and comfortable. Ek Balam was impressive and the cenote we swam in was delightful with a very good lunch....

Karen Mccoy - Houston, Texas

This was a fun activity. I especially like swimming in the Cenote's. Koba and Tulum were so very interesting with time to walk around and just enjoy. Mexico is becoming my new Hawaii!...

Joey Caldwell - Springville, UT

Everything was great! I would especially like to highlight the excellent skills of our driver Alfredo and the professionalism of our guide Miguel, who was an interesting storyteller and gave a lot of valuable advice that allowed us to improve the original excursion plan!...

Andrei Medvedev - Chelyabinsk, Russia

Would have liked some additional time at Chichen Itza but the day was warm and the crowds were getting big. Loved the air conditioned private vehicle and incredible lunch and adventure at the cenote...

Oliver Jeromin - Detroit, MI

6 of the best day trips from Cancún

Feb 6, 2024 • 6 min read

Explore beyond Cancún with these top day trips to Chichén Itzá, cenotes and more © Bucha Natallia / Shutterstock

Cancún is one of Mexico’s crown jewels – a spectacular destination with stunning white-sand beaches and a nightlife that doesn’t stop. 

But just beyond this bustling beach city, there’s a world of excursions and adventures that offer everything from a pleasant change of pace to a deeper understanding of the region’s richness, with ancient pyramids, otherworldly cenotes and colonial towns to explore. 

Here are a few day trip options from Cancún  and all the info you need to make them happen.

1. Relax in Isla Mujeres

Travel time: 20 to 30 minutes

A quick ferry ride from Cancún transports you to  Isla Mujeres , a laid-back island with backpacker roots. The main town is draped in murals and known for its superstar  Playa Norte – a white-sand beauty with swaying palm trees and tranquil turquoise waters, perfect for a relaxed beach day.

Take a stroll along Calle Hidalgo, a pleasant pedestrian street lined with artsy boutiques and eateries; in the evening, enjoy live music at a handful of open-air bars.

Alternatively, explore the island by golf cart, stopping at  Playa Garrafón for snorkeling and at  Punta Sur , with its crashing waves and Maya temple to Ixchel, the goddess of fertility. All are easily done in a day, especially with ferries running from 5:30am to midnight.

How to get to Isla Mujeres from Cancún:  Ultramar operates two ferries from the Zona Hotelera at  Playa Tortugas and  Playa Caracol , and one just north of downtown Cancún at Puerto Juárez. Tickets are M$270 each way.

2. Cenote hop along the Riviera Maya

Travel time: 1 hour

The coastal road (Hwy 307) from Cancún to Tulum is dotted with spectacular cenotes, crystal-clear pools of water found in deep underground caves or in open-air jungle settings.

Spend a day hopping between them, snorkeling and swimming ‘til dark. Most are located just south of Playa del Carmen , though new ones open yearly. 

Favorites include  Cenote Azul , a luminous set of open-air cenotes with teal waters, stone walkways and overhangs for jumping into the water; Cenote Manatí, a rare oceanside cenote winding through a lush mangrove forest; and Dos Ojos, twin caverns decked out in stalagmites and connected by a chilly underground river. Snorkel gear rentals are available at each.

How to get to cenotes along the Riviera Maya from Cancún:  Colectivos (shared minivans) are an inexpensive way to travel along Hwy 307; they leave every few minutes from outside Cancún’s bus station and stop at passengers' request. 

If they’re full, however, they won’t pick up passengers, so you may have to wait for an open seat between cenotes. Alternatively, rent a car for the day or hire a taxi to take you from spot to spot.

3. Swim with sea turtles in Akumal

Travel time: 1 hour 20 minutes

The calm, clear waters directly in front of the beachfront hamlet of Akumal are designated as a marine conservation area. And with good reason: endangered loggerhead, hawksbill and green sea turtles feed, rest and nest here, and can be spotted in and around Akumal Bay year-round. 

Come here for a snorkeling tour of the turtle feeding grounds, where they’re most frequently seen (guides are required to enter the water and are easily hired on the beach); or join staff members of  Centro Ecológico Akumal for an evening walk to see nesting turtles and check on nests. Remember to give turtles plenty of space and do not attempt to touch them.

Before you leave, spend some quality time on the gorgeous palm-laden beach, then head north to Half Moon Bay for an oceanfront meal at  La Buena Vida .

How to get to Akumal from Cancún:  Colectivos from Cancún drop passengers off at the turn-off to Akumal, a dusty 1km (0.6-mile) walk to the beach. For more comfort, rent a car or hire a cab. There’s a parking lot and a taxi stand just outside the town arch.

4. Experience the Yucatan at Xcaret eco-park

Of all the region’s theme parks,  Xcaret is the most ambitious, a sprawling, tropical park on a beautiful oceanfront property and a great place to get a taste of the Yucatan’s offerings. Spend your day floating in underground rivers, walking through butterfly gardens, snorkeling along reefs, and visiting folk art museums and Maya ruins.

There are live performances too, including a spectacular nightly showstopper integrating Mexican folk dances, regional music and even a Maya ball game. For sure, it’s a packaged experience – there are even all-inclusive meal plans – but it makes for a stellar day trip, especially if you’re short on time.

How to get to Xcaret from Cancún:  Xcaret offers round-trip transportation from any Cancún hotel; it’s convenient, but you’re at the mercy of the shuttle schedule. There’s also  ADO bus service several times daily from downtown Cancún. If you have a car rental, there’s free parking. Alternatively, taxi stands make cabbing it easy in either direction.

5. Take in the colonial vibe of Valladolid

Travel time: 2 hours

Valladolid is a charming town just inland from Cancún. The central plaza is the heart of the action, a leafy affair surrounded by historic buildings and buzzing with locals. Late afternoons bring regional dance performances plus cart vendors selling elote (corn on the cob) and paletas (popsicles). 

Consider visiting one of the town’s museums, including  MUREM or  Casa de los Venados with their respective (and impressive) collections of traditional dress and Mexican folk art. Or stroll down Calzada de los Frailes, a cobblestone street lined with artisanal boutiques and cozy cafes. 

End with a tour of  Templo de San Bernardino , an imposing Franciscan church and convent that doubled as a fortress during the Caste War. If you have flexibility, stay overnight to soak in the town’s atmosphere, making time for a dip in one of the local cenotes.

How to get to Valladolid from Cancún:  ADO provides bus services from downtown Cancún to Valladolid several times per day. If you have a car, it’s a straight shot on Hwy 180 (libre) or Hwy 180D, the toll road (cuota) .

6. Wander through the Maya world of Chichén Itzá

Travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes

West of Cancún sits one of the world’s most celebrated archaeological zones –  Chichén Itzá , an iconic Maya ruin with magnificent palaces, pyramids and ball courts. The most recognizable is  El Castillo , a towering 25m-high (82ft) structure positioned to create the shadow of a serpent moving down its staircase at the  spring and fall equinoxes . 

The ruins, however, are a must-see year-round – the sprawling site revealing the complexities of ancient Maya life. Arrive early to avoid the midday heat and crush of tourists; consider hiring an onsite guide to gain a deeper understanding of the place and the people who built it. Afterward, cool off at the nearby Cenote Ik Kil or grab a bite in the tiny town of Pisté at  Restaurante Las Mestizas , with a tasty Yucatecan menu.

How to get to Chichén Itzá from Cancún:  First-class buses travel from downtown Cancún to the ruins. If you rent a car, take the well-maintained toll road (Hwy 180D) for the fastest trip; or to see villages along the way, take the libre (Hwy 180). A rail service on the Maya Train is in the works too.

This article was first published Jun 23, 2021 and updated Feb 6, 2024.

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THE 10 BEST Cancun Multi-Day Tours

Multi-day tours in cancun.

• Archaeology Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Walking Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. 5 Days Mayan Heritage History Tour

2. Deluxe combo: Chichén Itzá VIP & Tulum VIP, 2 tours, 2 days for the Best Price!!

3. Experience an amazing ecological park tour & explore Isla Mujeres by catamaran.

4. 5 Days in the Mexican Caribbean (Cancun)

5. 2 days Mayan world Ruins: Chichen Itza, Tulum, Coba, Cenotes

6. Cancun & Southern Mexico: See & Experience ALL in 6 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours

7. Chichen Itza Early Access & Catamaran to Isla Mujeres

8. ATV, Ziplines & Chichen Itza Early Access Combo

9. Combo Tulum- Coba & Cenotes + Isla Mujeres Catamaran

10. Special offer COMBO 2x1 (Tour to Isla Mujeres and Chichén Itzá ) for 1 price!

11. 7 Day- Whale Shark Ecofriendly Tour in Cancun

12. Combo Saver: Chichen Itza & Cenote + Isla Mujeres Catamaran

13. Yucatan Belize and Guatemala Private Tour

14. DARE TO LIVE 2 DAYS of Adrenaline and Fun in the Jungle and the Caribbean

15. Combo Jungle Tour + Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour

16. Combo Capitan Hook chicken dinner + Isla Mujeres Catamaran

17. Birdwatching Yucatan 3 days trip focus on endemic birds

18. Combo 2 Caribbean Islands: Isla Mujeres, Cozumel with snorkel

19. 2-Day Combo: Isla Mujeres Sailing And Tulum Mayan Ruins

20. Extreme, cultural & nature adventure, 2 amazing parks in the Riviera Maya.

21. Enjoy 3 Differents parks in 2 Days! Adventure, Fun and Mayan Culture

22. Combo 7X1 (ATVs, Ziplines, 2 Cenotes, Tulum, Coba, Horseback Riding) w/transfer

23. 5 Day Exploration of Chichen Itza and Riviera Maya from Cancun

24. Xelha-Isla Mujeres Promo

25. 6-Day All-Inclusive Tour of Cancun and Chichen Itza

26. 8 Days Wonders of the Maya from Cancun

27. ENJOY 2 DAYS at the Caribbean Sea & Amusement Park

28. Combo 2X1 Eco Park adventure & tour to Chichen Itza and a Cenote

29. Wonderful Gimme All experience in the jungle with lunch

30. 2 DAYS of ADRENALINE and FUN in the Mayan Jungle and the Amusement Park

What travelers are saying.

• 5 Days Mayan Heritage History Tour
• Combo 2 Caribbean Islands: Isla Mujeres, Cozumel with snorkel
• Deluxe combo: Chichén Itzá VIP & Tulum VIP, 2 tours, 2 days for the Best Price!!
• Combo Saver: Chichen Itza & Cenote + Isla Mujeres Catamaran
• Amazing tour to 3 eco-parks with extreme and incredible adventures.
• Brasil em Cancun Turismo
• Brasileiros em Cancún
• Viajes Caribe Maya
• Alleiva Travel
• Viajei Do Brasil ao México
• CID Private Transfers
• Chichen Itza with Jerry
• Jaguar Journey
• Caribbean Sailing Cancun
• AQUAERIUS Freediving

THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Cancun

Day trips from cancun.

• Cancun to Isla Mujeres
• Cancun to Tulum
• Cancun to Chichen Itza
• Cancun to Coba
• Private Day Trips
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Chichen Itza, Cenote and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour

2. Viator Exclusive: Tulum Ruins, Reef Snorkeling, Cenote and Caves

3. Chichen Itza, Cenote & Valladolid Tour with Tequila and Lunch

4. Early morning Chichen Itza Tour, Cenote and Tequila Tasting

5. Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour with Snorkel, Open bar and Transport

6. All Inclusive Isla Mujeres Catamaran

7. Tulum Day Trip Mayan Ruins With Cenote Swim

8. Horseback Riding Tour with ATV, Ziplines Cenote and Lunch

9. Xcaret Park Day Trip with Priority Access and Cultural Night Show

10. Explore Tulum, Coba, Cenote, Playa del Carmen full day 4x1 tour

11. Isla Mujeres Cruise with Beach Club, Snorkel, Lunch and Open Bar

12. 4x1: Coba, Cenote, Tulum and Playa del Carmen Tour from Cancun

13. Chichen Itza Early Access Tour, Cenote Swim, Tequila and Lunch

14. Xplor Fuego Priority Acces Night Tour with Buffet Style Dinner

15. Tulum, Coba, Cenote, and Mayan Ceremony Full-Day Tour plus Lunch

16. Chichén Itzá Tour with Hubiku Cenote, Valladolid & Lunch

17. Xplor Park Priority Access Day Trip with Lunch and Transportation

18. Full Day Excursion to the Best of Holbox From Cancun

19. Catamaran to Isla Mujeres Snorkeling Tour with Open Bar and Lunch

20. Tulum & Cenote Day Trip

21. Discover the FABULOUS PINK WATERS in the Caribean (Las Coloradas+Río Lagartos)

22. 5x1 Tour: Tulum Coba Cenote Mayan Village and Playa del Carmen

23. Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour with Open Bar, and Spinnaker Sailing

24. ATV Adventure and Snorkeling plus Cenote in Tulum with Lunch

25. Chichen Itza and Cenote Xcajum All-Inclusive Tour, No Hidden Fees

26. Half Day “LITE TOUR” to Isla Mujeres

27. Tulum Ruins, ATV Extreme and Cenotes Combo Tour from Cancun

28. Tulum Private Tour from Cancun

29. Xel-Ha Priority Access Tickets with Dinner and Transportation

30. Reef Snorkel In National Park In Puerto Morelos With Lunch And Transportation

What travellers are saying.

• Wai Ming H 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles A tour definitely you must join when you are in Cancun, Mexico Tour guide Manuel is excellent. Good knowledge and good experience. He managered the entire trip smoothly and without wasting lots of our time in touring. Well done and we are glad to have this type of experienced tour guild. Read more Review of: Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid Tour with Tequila and Lunch Written 8 May 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Chichen Itza, Cenote and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour
• Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid Tour with Tequila and Lunch
• Early morning Chichen Itza Tour, Cenote and Tequila Tasting
• Viator Exclusive: Tulum Ruins, Reef Snorkeling, Cenote and Caves
• Tulum Day Trip Mayan Ruins With Cenote Swim
• Unique Private Transportation
• Brasil em Cancun Turismo
• Brasileiros em Cancún
• Sin Postal Tours
• Gypso Travel by Jade Tours
• Alleiva Travel
• Gray Line Cancun
• Magic-Sea Cancun Boats rentals
• Jaguar Journey
• Cancun Boats
• Atrévete DMC & Travel Services
• A' HA' Scuba Diving
• Flights Cancun
• Tio Nene Tours
• AQUAERIUS Freediving

Visit Cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula

M exico’s Yucatan Peninsula is a land steeped in ancient history and full of beauty, mystery and wonder. With its centuries-old Maya civilization, the tropical jungles, and grand temples, it’s a place that offers a unique glimpse into the past. But the real magic of this area lies in its natural phenomenon – the cenotes. Visit cenotes in the Yucatan for an experience like no other.

Honestly, this is one of our family’s favorite things to do in all of Mexico. We love to visit cenotes and have probably done this more than five times over the last several years.

What is a Cenote?

First things first. Cenotes are like natural swimming holes that have been formed over time from pockets of limestone, fed by fresh rainwater and filtration from above. They are interconnected by a network of tunnels that flow the clean water through the rivers and out to sea. These cenotes are like deep water wells, with refreshing, clear water.

Since they are millions of years old, their origins are uncertain. However, many scientists conclude that cenotes were formed as part of the Big Bang. A meteor hit the Earth nearby, forming the Gulf of Mexico and spraying rock and debris for hundreds of miles. Looking at a map, the cenotes encircle the meteor’s impact point like an arc.

Regardless of origin, cenotes today beckon visitors to take a dip in their calm, clear waters. Visit cenotes for recreation, a bit of lore and perhaps a glimpse into our ancient history.

Types of Cenotes

There are different kinds of cenotes, each with its unique features. The Maya believed these cenotes were sacred gateways to the underworld, where their gods and ancestors resided.

Open Cenotes – Where sunlight dapples the water, fern grottos form along the walls, and vines dangle down the sides.

Semi-Open – Where natural light still filters through, but mostly under a rocky overhang.

Cave Cenotes – Where visitors climb down man-made staircases into darkened caverns, many with stalactites, stalagmites, and other interesting rock formations.

Ancient Cenotes – Where they have been designated as special to the local Mayan and Aztec people, who used them for religious rituals and spiritual honors.

Day Trips to Visit Cenotes

The Yucatan Peninsula is famous for having thousands of cenotes that dot the thick, tropical jungles. Many of them have been discovered and prepared for visitors to enjoy. Some are trek-worthy from most major resort destinations around the area, while others are even located in city centers, within restaurants, and on hotel grounds. Most are privately owned.

There are plenty of cenotes located very close to the major destinations in this area, including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, and Merida.

Visit Cenotes Near Cancun

Nearest to Cancun is the Ruta De Los Cenotes (Route of the Cenotes) with more than ten options within a 30-minute drive of the Cancun resorts. Some of the best include Kin Ha, a cave cenote that has deep blue waters you can step into or jump from a platform, and La Mojarras, one of the more active cenotes equipped with ziplines where you can drop directly into the water below.

Another exciting option is Siete Bocas (Seven Mouths), which has seven entrances (or mouths) to the underground network of rivers that flow into a beautiful turquoise pool. And for those who like a little adventure, La Noire is a darker cave cenote with zipline and jumping platform, as well as bats lurking in the hollows.

Tour companies near Cancun: Maritur DMC is a destination management company that is great for larger groups and organized tours from a number of destinations including Cancun.

Visit Cenotes Near Playa Del Carmen

If you’re staying in Playa Del Carmen, you must check out the Cenote Azul, one of the most beautiful cenotes in the area and popular because it is open to the sky and great for visitors of all ages.

You can also book a special Xenotes Tour with Xcaret that visits several special cenotes. The tour includes Ha Cenote, a semi-open cenote with vines and tree roots hanging down from the rocky cliffsides. Snorkeling and kayaking are available here. At nearby Iik Cenote, you can enjoy ziplines over the water, along with a cliff jump more than 20 feet high. Another exciting option is the Lu’um Cenote, where you can rappel into a cavern cenote with ancient rock formations and an underground pool for swimming. There’s also K’aak’ Cenote, which is like a waterpark with natural water slides, ziplines, and cliff jumps into the blue waters.

Tour company near Playa Del Carmen: The Xcaret Tour called Xenote is great for guests staying at any of the three Xcaret resort properties. Tours are available daily from Cancun and Playa Del Carmen areas. Even if you are not a resort guest, it’s possible to book their tours.

Visit Cenotes Near Tulum

If you’re staying in Tulum, there are several great cenotes nearby. One popular option is the Cenote Dos Ojos Park, which is an all-purpose cenote. It offers ample sunlight, beautiful cave formations with stalactites and stalagmites, and even hammocks for relaxing.

There are also several underground cenotes located near the Mayan ruins at Coba, including Cenote Choo-Ha, Tamcach-Ha, and Multum-Ha, all with interesting rock formations. For an Instagram-worthy experience, check out the Suytan cenote, famous for its stone path and circular platform that juts out into the deep blue pool.

Tour company near Tulum: AllTournative Adventures is a private tour company with many options for authentic adventures and excursions that include cenotes in a respectful and educational approach. We had a blast spending the day with them and touring the ruins at Coba along with some fantastic cenotes nearby.

Visit Cenotes Near Merida

If you’re staying in Merida, there are several great cenotes nearby, including the Ik Kil Cenote, located in the city of Valladolid near Chichen Itza. This enormous cenote is popular as a refreshing and beautiful reward after visiting the Mayan ruins. Another popular option is the Santa Barbara Cenotes, the most visited in the Merida area. This location offers three gorgeous cenotes, each offering a different experience, one blue, one green, and one turquoise. For a more gentrified experience, check out the Cenote Hacienda Mucuyche. It’s located on the property of a private 18th-century plantation, complete with a restaurant, shop, and other amenities.

Tour company near Merida: Merida Gay Tours , owned by Ricardo Godoy, is an excellent guide for cenotes, ruins, and other excursions in Merida and throughout the Yucatan. (Even if you are not a member of the LGBTQ+ community – allies welcome!) His tours include cenotes near Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum in addition to Merida. He also has other tours of interest if you want to visit the ruins, etc.

Grab Your Swimsuit. Or Don’t!

Visiting cenotes is an absolute must-do activity when visiting the Yucatan Peninsula. With thousands of cenotes to choose from, you’ll have no trouble finding one that suits your interests. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, a place to relax and cool off, or a bit of both, cenotes are the perfect destination for adventuresome travelers. Some locations are private and you could even do a little skinny dipping.

So grab your swimsuit, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure, and take a dive into these cool cenotes.

Other Stories About Cenotes

Hotel Xcaret Mexico is Best All-Inclusive Resort for Families

Mayan Experiences at the Ruins of Coba