Have More Fun In Cancun
So many ways to play in Cancun!
“The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings eternal joy to the soul.“ – Robert Wyland
So many ways to play in Cancun!
Have More Fun In Cancun
Cancun is known for being the gateway to the Yucatan, the party mecca of Mexico.
*Hint: The best way to make sure you have the best Mexico Vacation is to utilize a Travel Agent.
So many ways to play in Cancun!
Have More Fun In Cancun
Why Cancun?
Why Not Cancun?
Think back to spring breaks as a college student. Cancun still has its night life but it has become so much more than that.
The majority of family friendly all-inclusive resorts are located in the hotel zone of Cancun’s crystal coast. I like the all-inclusive resorts, especially when you are traveling with kiddies. They can eat all they want and there are a ton off free activities inside the resort they can utilize. Many of them have baby sitting or nanny services so you and your loved one can steal a few moments on your during your stay.
For those of you who prefer a kid free resort, Cancun boast adult only, all-inclusive resorts with stunning white sand beaches for lounging during the day and romantic dinners once the sun goes down as well as spas to pamper and swim up pool bars to keep you hydrated (wink, wink)
If you’re not a beach person, if you don’t like getting sandy and playing in the surf but you still like losing yourself in its beauty, you can always camp out at Cancun’s fantastic resort pools. Roam around on a pool float or laze under a palapa.
Be careful staying on that pool float all day though. I got sea sick for the first time doing that. No, joke.
So many ways to play in Cancun!
Have More Fun In Cancun
Things to Do in Cancun
If you want to venture out of your resort, you can explore some of what the Mexican Caribbean has to offer. Below are a few things I put together for you but by no means is this list come close to all that there is to do while visiting Cancun.
Dive or Snorkel M.U.S.A.
M.U.S.A or Under Water Museum of Art or ‘Museo Subacuático de Arte’ is a collection of 500 some odd statues depicting different people, some even famous, and different themes.
Years ago, Jamie Gonzalez Canto, the director of the Cancun National Marine Park, noticed that scuba divers were causing harm to the coral reef and marine life off the coast of the Mexican Riviera and wanted to provide an alternative to preserving the damaged coral reef.
With a team of talented Mexican Artists and British Sculptor, Jason Taylor, the underwater Museum of Art was born, promoting new coral growth and a medley of marine life.
You can dive or snorkel here. Either way, it’s entertaining and quite simply, awesome.
Explore The Mayan Ruins
Take a step back in time while learning the ways of the ancient Mayans. The majority of Mayan ruins are on Mexico’s Caribbean side as opposed to the Pacific. Chichen Itza, being one of the most famous for its El Castillo pyramid and extremely large complex as well as once being the capital of the Mayan people.
Chichen Itza can be a full day event depending on where your resort is located and what packages are paired with it.
I have written an article on the Top 3 Mayan Ruins to give you more information because leaving exploring the ruins off your bucket list would be a mistake, in my opinion.
So many ways to play in Cancun!
Have More Fun In Cancun
Take a Day Trip to Isla Mujeres
Taking a half day or even a full day trip to Isla Mujeres is a great way to witness a little more of the Mexican Caribbean while not straying far from your home base in Cancun.
Isla Mujeres has risen in popularity in recent years and is only a 25 minute ferry ride away from Cancun. Snorkel the pristine waters, check out the Garrafon Natural Reef Park for ziplining and a Dolphin Swim, hike the scenic route of Punta Sur or just pick a spot on the sandy shore to soak up the rays while being enticed by the soft waves lapping up on the beach.
There are many excursions that include Isla Mujeres or you can also charter a boat to live a day in luxury and style.
For more water fun, check out the Top 15 Things to Do in the Mexican Caribbean.
Parasailing
Witness the gorgeous blue waters of the Caribbean from the air while Parasailing also known as parascending or parakiting.
What is Parasailing?
Parasailing is an exhilarating experience where you soar through the air with up to three people, you are towed behind a boat while being safely strapped into a specialized harness with an attached open parachute. Every operator has different rules and may only allow 2 people to fly at a time.
This is a popular activity in many beach vacation hot spots, especially the Caribbean. Parasailing gives you the opportunity to fly high over the clear, hypnotic waters, which the Mexican Riviera delivers.
It may sounds scary at first but it’s really not. You’ll be glad you did it.
Swim With the Turtles
Head to Puerto Morales, located about 20 minutes from the hotel zone of Cancun, to swim with the turtles.
You will be able to see much more than turtles though. When we went snorkeling in Puerto Morales, we also met sting rays, were serenated by brightly colored fish and swam out to explore the reef.
For this adventure, you can either rent a taxi or book the excursion through your travel agent or resort. This may include transportation and sometimes a Mayan lunch, depending on how long the tour is.
For more fun and exciting things to do, check out the Top 15 Things to Do in the Mexican Caribbean.
So many ways to play in Cancun!
Have More Fun In Cancun
Cancun After Dark
If you are looking to get your groove on and show off your fresh tan, Cancun still has the party in it.
What is there to do in Cancun after the sun goes down?
There are a multitude of night clubs in Cancun’s hotel zone where something new is happening on from one minute to the next. Even club hopping tours are available to introduce you to the Cancun club scene.
For those of you who prefer to keep it low key with some shopping and dinner outside your resort or hotel, I have some suggestions for you as well.
Shopping at Plaza La Isla Shopping Village
After the sun goes down, this is a good time to get some shopping in. Not only is it cooler but you’ll also get to check out the night life atmosphere without having to actually participate in the club scene.
Plaza La Isla also referred to as “La Isla” is, in my opinion, the best shopping experience in Cancun’s hotel zone. This is an outdoor shopping mall located on the lagoon.
La Isla has numerous shops and multiple restaurant options with fabulous views. The most recent add on to this mall includes many high-end, luxury shops such as Gucci and Louis Viton.
My recommendation is going before sunset and witness mother nature paint the sky. It’s simply stunning.
Grand Mambo Café
Salsa up your evening at Grand Mambo Café. This little gem plays live music Wednesday through Saturday and is a great little spot to check out. After about 12:00am a Cuban band may take center stage so grab a drink and enjoy.
Hours of Operation: Wednesday-Saturday: 10:30pm-3:00am
Coco Bongo
I’m sure you’ve heard about the infamous Coco Bongo night club.
Coco Bongo made its debut on the party strip of Cancun. Fittingly, Coco Bongo is located in the heart of Cancun’s party zone.
Watching their live shows will delight your senses with Curque De Soleil twirling from the rafters, Beetle Juice and The Mask flying over the audience while bubbles and balloons sporadically cascade down from the ceiling.
The shows usually start around 11:00pm and tend to finish up around 1:30 or 2:00am while the music usually continues to play until 3:00am. I have received feedback that show times have been changing a lot so make sure this is something you verify before you buy a ticket.
*If you don’t like crowds, this is definitely not the club for you.
Tickets can be purchased with your travel consultant, your Hotel or by one of the many tour vendors in Cancun.
So many ways to play in Cancun!
Have More Fun In Cancun
4. Dance at Mandala Cancun
Mandala Cancun Night Club, has themed parties with names like Carnival, Latin Fire, Red Feeling, Mandala Moments and Mandala Lovers.
You are sure to have an electrifying night. Mandala in Cancun also have a wet t-shirt contest night. Ah, I got the guy’s attention with that one, didn’t I?
Springing for the VIP upgrade will help you bypass the long lines and have a private waiter serve you free drinks (from 10:30pm-3am).
5. Mandala Beach Club
Mandala Cancun also has a Beach Club which puts it on the map for day fun but on Tuesday nights it transforms into a party on the beach.
Dress to the nines or just casual comfortable to spend the evening dancing to the DJ music or swaying to the sound of the ocean waves.
Make sure to wear your swim suit under your clothes so you can lounge by the pool or relax in the jacuzzi all while enjoying your favorite beverage from the bar.
Upgrade to VIP which will allow you to bypass the long lines and enjoy an open bar.
So many ways to play in Cancun!
Have More Fun In Cancun
Where to Eat in Cancun
While visiting Cancun take some time away from the resort food and indulge in some fine dining or even the classics. Cancun has a plethora of great restaurants just waiting to be discovered, by you.
Taco y Tequila Cancun
Taco y Tequila is known for…. You guessed it, Tacos and Tequila.
Don’t let the name fool you because this place has an extensive menu. My mouth is watering just remembering our Taco y Tequila experience.
Since tequila is one of their specialties, make sure to order a margarita. They are incredible and really complete the meal.
Puerto Madero
Puerto Madero is a fine dining experience located on the water front in Cancun’s hotel zone. It’s a romantic experience with a utopian and calming atmosphere.
Their menu consists of steaks and an abundance of seafood options. The lobster is actually imported from Maine, which my husband swears to, compared to warm water lobster.
You can either walk up or make a reservation on Open Table.
My recommendation is to make your reservation 30 minutes or so before the sun sets. It’s the perfect ending to a perfect day.
La Troje
If you are out doing some Cancun shopping and find yourself at Plaza Las Americas wondering where to eat, La Troje is one of the best local restaurants.
Located just a short walk away, you can get anything from pizzas and pasta to salads, crepes, baguettes and fondues .
This cute little spot is quiet and offers good service, which is just what you need for a quick meal during the day.
The best part is that you won’t be constantly bumping into tourists here.
La Fonda Del Zancudo
La Fonda Del Zancudo is located just outside the bustle of the hotel zone. This restaurant has created a charming atmosphere of warmth and the illusion of being in Italy.
Known for its delicious Italian cuisine, tantalizing deserts and unbelievable presentation La Fonda Del Zancudo is an experience for all of your senses. It also has vegan friendly options.
I recommend taking a seat in the garden at dusk and dine surrounded by romantic candle light. Can’t you already feel yourself here?
Navios
Pull up a chair at this exquisite and perfectly located Mexican Caribbean restaurant.
Navios Mexican Fusion Seafood Cuisine occupies its own little piece of heaven right on the water in Cancun’s hotel zone. Surf and Turf, Marlin Toast, Pear, Spinach and Goat Cheese Salad and even Shrimp Quesadillas will delight your palate.
If you are a seafood lover, don’t miss this gem. Simply extortionary.
So many ways to play in Cancun!
Have More Fun In Cancun
DCT's Cancun Resort Picks
With so many resorts and hotels to choose from in Cancun, I wanted to give you my Top 3 picks. The 1st being Adults Only All-Inclusive, the 2nd and 3rd being All-Inclusive and Kid Friendly.
This way you get a little taste of what to expect of places to rest your head on your Cancun, Mexican Riviera vacation.
*Your travel professional will be able to give even more resort options specifically designed to match your criteria. I broke the resorts down below for all of my readers and is not designed to take the place of your agent.
Hyatt Zilara Cancun
Stunning, simply stunning! This is an adult’s only all-inclusive resort in Cancun’s hotel zone. It’s on the pricier side but so worth it. It’s all about the view.
If you want romance with a view, this is the resort for you. Anywhere you go in this resort your eyes will have an unobstructed view of the crystal turquoise waters of the Caribbean. This is what you come to the Mexican Caribbean for.
All suites have a huge double jetted hot tub, slipper and robes, mini fridge and top shelf liquor. Order room service or enjoy the 6 restaurants on site. There 5 bars and lounges for you to enjoy throughout the day or while waiting for your transportation to an excursion.
The infinity pools are enormous with floats and cabanas to relax the day away and of course, all with a view.
Panama Jack Resorts Cancun
This is a family friendly all-inclusive resort in Cancun’s hotel zone. This resort is fantastic if you’re traveling with the young ones. Panama Jack Resorts Cancun is one of the best kid friendly resorts I ever toured. I say toured because I didn’t actually stay here.
I didn’t have my kids with me, but I wanted to check this resort out for my readers. Panama Jack Resorts Cancun boasts 7 restaurants, 5 bars and lounges, a kid’s park and multiple activities for you to enjoy during your stay.
Royal Solaris Cancun
An all-inclusive family friendly resort, Royal Solaris Cancun has 6 restaurants and 2 bars. I liked the 3 pools that are interconnected so you’re able to float around all day long.
They work hard to keep you stimulated with all day entertainment and daily themed parties.
Note that all suites don’t have a balcony so make sure you book a room with a balcony if this is something you want.
So many ways to play in Cancun!
Have More Fun In Cancun
Your adventure starts here!
Book your complimentary Tropical Getaway Planning Session today.
Get Started Now- Individual shops and eateries have their own set hours of operation.
- Some visitors do caution that street vendors can be aggressive trying to sell their goods along the avenue as in vying very hard for your attention. I have found that if you just ignore them and keep your eyes straight ahead, they will leave you alone. Problem solved.
- Is Mexico Safe? Check out Health & Safety While in Mexico.
- Many people have questions regarding currency. Most all restaurants, clubs and shops accept USD (United States Dollars). For more information in respect to currency questions while in Mexico; I have covered this in The Mexican Caribbean or Mexico’s Pacific Coast.
Alerts:
For Covid-19 restrictions and updates, check out the link below.
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/covid-4/coronavirus-mexico