20 Things to Do in Cancun for Adults

Updated: 02/13/22 •  8 min read
cancun sign

Cancun has it all – beautiful beaches, delicious food, and plenty of activities to keep you busy.

Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or explore the city, Cancun is the perfect destination.

With its vibrant culture and endless activities, you’ll never run out of ways to have fun.

So grab your things and get ready for a day you’ll never forget – here are the top things to do in Cancun for adults.

1. Swim with Whale Sharks

If snorkeling with Whale Sharks is on your bucket list, consider your dreams fulfilled.

These gentle giants can be found near the coast of Cancun and they’re an amazing sight to see.

Enjoy a delicious lunch on the boat while taking in the stunning views of Isla Mujeres.

You’re sure to have an experience you’ll never forget!

Coco Bongo night time Cancun
Photo By Adrià Fontcuberta

2. Party at Coco Bongo or Mandala

Coco Bongo is, without a doubt, the place to be when the sun goes down. From the minute you walk in, you’ll feel the party atmosphere.

With their unlimited drinks, you’ll be able to keep the party going all night long.

And with their large dance floor, you’ll have plenty of room to move around and mingle with other party-goers.

If you’ve already been Coco Bongo, Mandala Night Club is a fantastic alternative to check out.

3. Go Shopping at La Isla

La Isla is a great place to get all of your shopping done in one go. The variety of stores is amazing, and it’s definitely the place to go if you want to shop till you drop.

You can find virtually everything you need here, from great buys on authentic Mexican crafts and apparel to upscale designer names like Louis Vuitton.

La Isla is wall-to-wall with merchants and with over 150 shops and boutiques, you’re sure to find something that catches your eye.

If you feel like taking a break, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes where you can fill your belly and quench your thirst.

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4. Visit the Cancun Underwater Museum

The Underwater Museum of Art is a unique underwater sculpture garden located off the coast between Isla Mujeres and Cancun.

This museum was created in 2004 by artist Jason deCaires Taylor and is visited by 200,000 tourists every year.

The museum’s sculptures are made from a special marine-friendly concrete that allows them to be underwater without deteriorating.

Home to 500 beautiful sculptures, it’s one of the most unusual and fascinating places to visit in Cancun!

Playa Delfines Cancun
Photo By Tristan Higbee

5. Relax at Playa Delfines

Playa Delfines is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and it’s known for its sugar-white beaches and turquoise waters.

It’s an ideal place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life; the tranquility of the ocean and the sound of the waves is sure to relax you.

Make sure you take the time to experience everything this beach has to offer.

6. Hang Out at a Beach Club

Ready to party? Mandala Beach Club has everything you need for a great day in the sun.

With its sparkling pools and bubbly hot tub, you’ll love spending your day here.

And if you need a break from the sweltering heat, there are plenty of shaded cabanas to chill in.

The tropical atmosphere is sure to get you in the vacation spirit so drop by and soak up some sunny Mexican vibes!

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7. Visit Isla Contoy

Isla Contoy is a small island off the coast of Mexico, just north of Isla Mujeres.

With this island, the richness of nature is never-ending and the best way to explore this paradise is by boat tour.

Isla Contoy is known for its pristine waters, secluded beaches, and for being a wildlife refuge.

It has been described as one of the Caribbean’s most idyllic island destinations and designated as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

marina puerto cancun
Photo By Marina Puerto Cancun

8. Marina Puerto Cancun

If you’re looking for a place to shop and eat in Cancun, Marina Puerto Cancun is definitely worth checking out.

There’s a great variety of restaurants, shops and cafes to choose from, and the location is perfect – right on the waterfront.

9. Fill Your Day With Water Sports

Catch some waves and enjoy a full day out in the water.

Parasailing and jet skiing are both a lot of fun, and there’s no better place to do them than in this tropical paradise.

Make sure to bring your sunscreen though because the Mexican sun is strong!

10. Explore Isla Mujeres on a Golf Cart

For a vacation that’s as soothing as a daydream, head to Isla Mujeres. It’s only a 20-minute ferry ride from Cancun and well worth the trip.

Join this 18+ bar-hopping tour and discover places that are off-the-beaten-path. Soak up the sun and the views of this beautiful island as you ride in style on a golf cart.

It’ll be one of your best trips yet!

Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza

11. Immerse Yourself in History at Chichen Itza

There are few places on Earth with a more fascinating history than Chichen Itza.

This ancient Mayan site has been the center of various civilizations throughout its existence, and it is still an awe-inspiring sight to this day.

Essential to your trip is visiting the many temples and pyramids here – they’re some of the best-preserved temples in all of Mexico, which makes them a true gem for any history buff.

12. Go on a Catamaran Cruise

Skip the ordinary and hop aboard a catamaran cruise.

Not only will you get to see the beautiful coastline as you sail through the sparkling waters of the Caribbean Sea, but you’ll also get to stop at El Meco Reef and snorkel in the warm waters.

This tour comes with breakfast and lunch, as well as an open bar stocked with all your favorite beer, spirits, and soft drinks.

After disembarking the catamaran, you’ll have free time to explore Isla Mujeres.

The vibrant streets are perfect for an afternoon stroll and there are plenty of shops and cafes to check out.

Be sure to bring your walking shoes – there’s a lot to see on this beautiful island!

13. Take a Speedboat Tour

Get ready for an action-packed aquatic adventure as you take a wild ride through Nichupté Lagoon on a speedboat tour.

Feel the wind in your hair as you zip through the water. Make sure to hold on tight – it’s going to be a bumpy ride!

A snorkeling adventure awaits next – strap on some fins and explore the amazing reef at Nizuc.

This spot is part of the 2nd largest coral system in the world, so don’t miss out!

snorkeling in puerto morelos
Photo by Viator

14. Go Snorkeling at Puerto Morelos

Located between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos is a beautiful beach with some of the most impressive snorkeling spots in Mexico.

With crystal-clear water and stunning coral reefs, it’s the perfect place for a day of fun in the sun.

So grab your snorkel and fins, and get ready to explore this beautiful paradise.

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15. Rent a Luxury Yacht

Skip town for a fun-filled vacation on a luxurious yacht and set sail for an amazing time with your friends.

With enough room for 15 people and plenty of space to relax, sunbathe, and enjoy the stunning views, this is sure to be a trip you won’t forget.

So pack your sunscreen and flip-flops – your ultimate vacation awaits!

16. Go to an Adventure Park

From zip lines, underground river caves and trails through jungle-covered terrain with an ATV, Xplor Adventure Park is one of Mexico’s most exciting destinations.

It’s the perfect place for adventure seekers to get their adrenaline fix.

The Cancun area is home to many different adventure parks, but this one definitely tops the list.

Tulum Ruins
Tulum Ruins

17. Take a Day Trip to Tulum

Cancun is well-known for its white-sand beaches, but that’s not all it has to offer!

There are also some great places to visit outside of the main city center, like a day trip to a neighboring city.

Tulum is a laid-back coastal town about 20-minutes south from Cancun, famous for its beautiful beaches and also home to one of the most impressive Mayan ruins in all of Mexico.

18. Dinner Cruise Aboard the Jolly Roger

Step aboard the Jolly Roger Pirate Ship for an evening of fun. Enjoy a delicious meal, unlimited premium drinks, and dance the night away under the moonlight.

The experience is complete with exciting live performances that will leave you feeling like you’ve truly sailed the seven seas.

Shiver me timbers; it’ll be a night to remember!

19. Go Shopping at Playa Del Carmen

There are so many great shopping opportunities in Cancun, but the best place to get your souvenir fix is Playa Del Carmen, a neighboring city just an hour south of Cancun.

Take a stroll along 5th Avenue and check out the local artisans selling their handmade goods, jewelry and more.

You can score some pretty good deals if you’re willing to haggle a bit!

20. Go Nightclub Hopping

Cancun is a popular tourist destination, and this means that you will find an abundance of clubs and bars to dance the night away.

If you’re looking to party like a rockstar, there are plenty of options from the chic and exclusive clubs on the island to the infamous foam parties.

But if you’re someone that likes to just go with the flow, have all the planning taken care of and go club hopping with a tour!