15 (Better) Things To Do In Cancun Other Than Go To The Beach

Cancun, Mexico is known for its beautiful beaches, fun nightlife, and numerous resorts. Because this vacation destination borders the Caribbean Sea, travelers will find most tourists on the beach, soaking up the sun.

But why make a vacation to Cancun only about the beach? While they are some of the most stunning beaches in the Caribbean, Cancun has a lot more to offer than its turquoise waters and white-sand beaches. Instead of spending multiple days on Playa Delfines or Playa Maroma, why not spend a day on a catamaran or go snorkeling in one of the largest reefs in the world? If travelers want to do something more than lay on a beach all day, they'll find a number of exciting things that Cancun offers.

Spend a day checking out other cities like Valladolid or take a ferry to Isla Mujeres to see what else Mexico has to offer or make your way to the ancient Mayan site of Chichen Itza and learn some of Mexico's rich history.

Here are 15 (better) things to do in Cancun other than go to the beach.

15 Take A Catamaran Cruise

If visitors to Cancun have had enough of the sand sticking to them everywhere, they should check out a catamaran cruise. These cruises allow you to relax in the sun or party with friends without the sand, enjoy beautiful sights of Mexico, and participate in fun water activities like snorkeling.

14 Go Snorkeling

Snorkeling is one of the best things you can do in Cancun since it is the home to one of the largest reefs in the world called the Great Mayan Reef. The best area to snorkel is Punta Nizuc, a tranquil area away from the many resorts and crowds, that has stunning reefs, colorful fish and visitors can even see amazing underwater sculptures.

13 Try Ziplining

To get your adrenaline going, go ziplining at the Selvatica adventure park where visitors will soar over lush greenery and take in amazing views of the tropical jungle surrounding them. If you are looking to do something more thrilling than lay on a beach all day, than ziplining is a terrific experience.

12 Visit An Ancient Mayan Site

When most people think of Cancun, they think of Spring Breakers partying all day long. However, there is so much history here that visitors should spend some time visiting an ancient Mayan site like the Chichen Itza. This ancient site was one of the largest Mayan cities and is home to incredible buildings, including the Temple of Kukulkan, which is pictured above.

11 Take A Trip To Tulum

Make a trip out to Tulum if you are looking for more jaw-dropping beaches and well-preserved ancient Mayan ruins. Tulum was once a Mayan walled port city that managed to survive 70 years after the Spanish conquest, making it also one of the last cities inhabited by the Maya.

10 Go Paddleboarding

Paddleboarding is a great water activity and good exercise if you feel like you need to get up from your beach chair and move. It may seem scary at first, but it is actually an easy activity that anyone can do. However, visitors can get lessons if they want to fully master stand-up paddleboarding.

9 Head Downtown For A More Authentic Feel

Downtown Cancun is a great day trip for anyone looking to get away from the beach, do a little shopping and get a more authentic feel for Mexico. Visitors can find cute vendor carts selling unique items, food carts with delicious Mexican food and a large market with souvenir stands and small restaurants.

8 Swim In The Cenotes

A cenote is a natural sinkhole that results in the collapse of limestone bedrocks where locals and tourists can swim, snorkel and scuba dive. The most popular cenotes close to Cancun is Ik Kil, near the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, and is open to the public all year long.

7 Experience A Mexican Party

One of the most fun attractions visitors to Cancun can look forward to is booking a floating party at Xoximilco. Visitors will hop aboard a decorative and very colorful Mexican gondola that will take you through amazing canals where you'll be dancing to live music, singing and eating delicious Mexican cuisine.

6 Visit Valladolid

A perfect day trip for visitors wanting to see more of Mexico should take the less than two hour trip to the city of Valladolid. This city is quite historic with a 16th-century convent, the beautiful Iglesia de San Servicio on the main square and numerous cenotes to discover. Tourists will also find quaint coffee shops and pretty courtyards to have lunch.

5 Shop At Mercado 28

If tourists are in the mood for shopping, the best place is Mercado 28. Visitors who take a quick bus ride here will find an insane number of stores inside, selling just about anything, from souvenirs, clothing and unique crafts. If you want a great deal, you might want to think about doing a little bargaining with shop owners.

4 Dance The Night Away At A Nightclub

If travelers are looking to spend a night out after a fun beach day, they should check out Coco Bongo, Cancun's most popular nightclub. Coco Bongo is the place to be for a night of dancing, where you'll see amazing flying acrobats, soap bubbles, projected videos and tons of confetti.

3 Take A Sunset Sailing Trip

If travelers are visiting Cancun for their honeymoon, taking a sunset sailing trip will be the ultimate romantic experience. There are private sailing cruises on the beautiful Caribbean for you and your loved one while you both sip champagne and watch the Cancun sunset.

2 A Day Trip To Isla Mujeres

A short ferry ride will take travelers to a small island known as Isla Mujeres that is popular for its exquisite beaches, snorkeling and sea turtle population. Check out the turtle sanctuary, Tortugranja and if snorkeling isn't your thing, take a glass-bottomed boat on the waters to see the fascinating underwater life.

1 Visit Las Coloradas

Las Coloradas is a set of pink lagoons that is definitely Instagram-worthy. Visitors can take a boat ride through the mangrove area and see the popular pink flamingos. The lakes are pink due to the high concentration of salt, microorganisms and the sun.

Next: 10 Traveler Do's (And 10 Absolute Don'ts) When Visiting Cancun