Cancun is the tourism capital of Mexico thanks to its beautiful beaches, all-inclusive resorts, global culinary fare, outstanding shopping, and various water activities. Winter escapees, spring-breakers, and families all come to Cancun to enjoy its delights. Cancun has something for everyone to keep you occupied.
Where to stay in Cancun?
But, there lie a handful of other astounding attractions around Cancun that can be easily visited on a day trip. Timeless Mayan ruins, swimming with sharks and turtles, and mysterious underground sinkholes are just a few of the lifetime experiences you can indulge in.
Here are the 6 best day trips from Cancun:
Mayan Ruins – Tulum, Muyil, and Coba Pyramid
Cancun to most is all about resorts, beaches, clubs, and shopping. Often overshadowed by the glitz and glamour of Cancun, are the centuries old Mayan ruins that can be easily visited on a day trip from Cancun. The Mayan Empire was one of largest empires in North America and they built many masterpieces throughout Mexico. Fortunately, some of them are hours away from Cancun and can be visited on a day trip. The following three ruins can be visited together on an organized day trip.
Tulum Mayan Ruins
Tulum Ruins
The remnants of a 700-year old port city sit atop cliffs surrounded by white sands and green-and-turquoise waters. It is a unique site because of its beach location and the fact that it is one of the few Mayan walled city. The site itself is an architectural gem and the sea facing vista just takes your breath away. Tulum Ruins are 128 km (80 miles) south of Cancun.
Coba Pyramid
Coba Archeological Zone was the nexus of the largest network of stone causeways of the ancient Mayan world. Over 50 stone causeways have been discovered at this site of which 16 are open to the public. The highlight of Coba is definitely the 42 meters (138 feet) tall pyramid Ixmoja at the heart of the site. And unlike other Mayan ruins, you can actually climb this pyramid. There are also two very well-preserved ball courts that were used to play the traditional Mayan ball game called Ullamaliztli. At its zenith, Coba housed 50,000 people. Coba Ruins lie 132 km (82 miles) south-west of Cancun and 44 km (27 miles) northwest of Tulum.
Muyil Ruins
Little-known and little visited, Muyil archaeological site is one of the oldest Mayan sites. It was inhabited from 250 B.C. to 1550 A.D. The highlight of the site is the 17 meters tall El Castillo (The Castle). Historians relate the architectural style of Muyil to the famous ruins of Tikal in Guatemala. A path behind the Castillo will lead you to a boardwalk where you can observe water boiling up from the cenotes. Muyil Ruins are 153 km (95 miles) south of Cancun and 27 km (17 miles) south of Tulum.
You can take an ADO bus from Cancun to Tulum and then explore the above-mentioned ruins from Tulum. How to reserve an ADO bus. Or, you can arrange day tours from your hotel in Cancun, online, or through a travel agency in Cancun. They can also be visited by a rented car from Cancun.
TIP: If you are driving a rental car, then it is best to visit the Coba Pyramid followed by Tulum and Muyil ruins.
Snorkeling with turtles at Akumal
Snorkeling with Turtles in Akumal, Mexico
Akumal, 60 km (37 miles) south of Cancun, means “Land of Turtles” in the Mayan language. Staying true to its name, Akumal is one of the best places to swim with the sea turtles. You can go on an organized ‘sea turtle’ snorkeling tour or you can swim off the beach and search for the cute creatures. Snorkeling equipment including life jackets is available for rent in Akumal. Besides the turtles, a wide variety of colorful tropical fishes and vibrant corals can be seen in the waters around Akumal.
Each year from May to September, sea turtles nest on the white sand beaches around Akumal. Between those months you can walk on the beaches in search of these magnificent creatures. Do tread carefully though to avoid any harm to the sea turtle nests.
How to get here
Akumal is an hour south of Cancun and can be easily visited on a day trip. You can book private or shared transportation to Akumal from your hotel in Cancun, online, or with a travel agency in Cancun. You can also book a direct airport transport from Cancun Airport to Akumal online with Cancun Airport Transportation.
Snorkeling with Whale Sharks at Isla Holbox
Snorkeling or scuba diving with Whale Sharks is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whale Sharks are the largest fish species on this planet. They can grow up to 45 feet long (15m) and weigh up to 15 tons. Every year they can be seen near the waters of Cancun from mid-May to mid-September as they migrate in large numbers. A lot can be said and written about these magnificent beasts of the ocean. They are harmless to humans and swimming with them will leave you wondering about the beauties of our planet.
Isla Holbox, north of Cancun, sees the largest aggregation of whale sharks in the world numbering around 800. Numerous travel agencies in Cancun can arrange a whale shark snorkeling day trip to Isla Holbox. The price of snorkeling tours range from US$ 85-125 and include snorkeling with whale sharks, snorkeling at another reef, light breakfast, and lunch.
Xel-Ha Park
Xel-Ha Park, an eco-tourism wonder where you can enjoy water activities, ecological attractions, restaurants, and the best scenery. It is an all-inclusive park with a wide variety of attractions and activities for everyone. You can Swim and snorkel among tropical fish in the natural aquarium, Discover the jungle trails by foot, bicycle or mini train, admire different species of flora and fauna in their natural habitat or simply relax in the hammocks. There are of course traditional Mexican dishes and local seafood to indulge in at the restaurants within the park. For the more adventurous, there are cenotes, underwater caves, cliff jumping, and aquatic zip-lines among other adventurous activities.
Xel-Ha Eco Park
How to get here?
Xel-Ha Park is open 365 days from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It is 114 km (71 miles) south of Cancun. You can take a taxi or book private or shared transportation from your hotel in Cancun, online, or through a travel agency in Cancun. There is free parking if you are driving a rented car. ADO buses are the cheapest option (~ US$ 6 pp.) to get here from Cancun. The buses drop you in the parking lot of the park. For ADO bus schedules check ADO Bus Website. Tickets can be bought on the bus. But, it is advisable to book online in advance just in case the bus gets full.
How to book an ADO bus online
Escape the grips of time at Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is the relaxed sibling of Cancun who decided to leave the rat race long ago. The best part of spending a day in Isla Mujeres is to experience the peaceful slow and tranquil pace of life, a stark contrast to Cancun. But, the island is home to many places worth visiting. Head to Playa Norte (North Beach) to feel the soft white sand, palm trees, and Azul water of one of the best beaches in all of Mexico. Visit the 19th-Century stomping grounds of the famous pirate Fermin Mundaca at Hacienda Mundaca. Government sponsored Turtle Farm is a good place to see endangered sea turtles and learn about the rehabilitation efforts taking place. And, before you head back to Cancun, catch a stunning sunset at Playa Sol (Sun Beach).
Isla Mujeres Island near Cancun
How to get here
Ferries leave from the following locations in Cancun – Puerto Juarez, Playa Tortugas, Playa Caracol, and El Embarcadero. The travel time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes each way. The shortest ferry ride is 20 minutes from Puerto Juarez to Isla Mujeres. Ferry prices vary at each location but they are nominal.
Taxis can take you to different points of the island. Renting a scooter or golf cart is a fun way to explore the island.
Visit the Avian Paradise of Isla Pajaros
What do you expect from an island called ‘Bird Island’? 155 bird species can be observed at Isla Pajaros (Bird Island) at different times of the year. The most famous birds to call Isla Pajaros home are frigate birds, white ibis, snowy egrets, double-crested cormorants, reddish egrets, roseate spoonbills, white pelicans, gray pelicans, boat-billed herons, and wood storks. Around 40,000 flamingos can be seen from April to October.
Isla Pajaros is only accessible by boat and a day trip from Cancun can easily be arranged from your hotel, online, or a travel agency in Cancun. There are viewing terraces on the island to give you a birds-eye view of the winged beauties. The best time to visit Isla Pajaros is around sunrise or sunset when there are maximum bird activities. Some travel agencies offer a combined day tour where you can swim with the Whale Sharks near Isla Holbox and witness the birds of Isla Pajaros.