1. Playa Delfines
The Hotel Zone's biggest public beach. It is open to the sea, so there are real waves, and it has the large CANCÚN sign and a viewpoint for photos.
- Area
- Hotel Zone (Km 17.5–18)
- Price
- Free (all beaches in Mexico are public)
- Getting there
- R-1 or R-2 bus along Boulevard Kukulcán, about MX$12–15 paid in cash to the driver; there is also a free public car park
- Tip
- Arrive early on weekends because the car park fills up. There is very little shade, so bring an umbrella. Check the flag colour before swimming (green is safe, yellow is caution, red is dangerous).
2. Cenote on the Ruta de los Cenotes
Cenotes are freshwater sinkholes you can swim or snorkel in. The Ruta de los Cenotes, a road inland from Puerto Morelos, has many of them, from simple swimming holes to ones with zip lines.
- Area
- Puerto Morelos (about 40 km from Cancún)
- Hours
- Most open about 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Price
- About MX$100–650 per person depending on the cenote and activities
- Getting there
- The route starts about 5 km from Puerto Morelos town and roughly 40 km from Cancún. A rental car or an organized tour makes it much easier than public transport.
- Tip
- Pick a cenote at the lower end of the price range (around MX$100–150) for a simple family swim. Wear only biodegradable sunscreen, and bring a towel, dry clothes and water shoes.
3. Chichén Itzá (day trip)
The great Maya city with the stepped pyramid of Kukulcán (El Castillo). Many visitors treat it as the main day trip from Cancún.
- Area
- Yucatán state, about 2.5 hours from Cancún
- Hours
- 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. daily (per the INAH page)
- Price
- MX$697 for foreign adults (MX$105 federal INAH fee plus MX$592 Yucatán state fee)
- Getting there
- About 2.5 hours by road. ADO buses and day tours leave from Cancún; one ADO departure is listed at 8:30 a.m.
- Tip
- Since 27 March 2026 the two fees are paid at one window (the Boleto Único), so you no longer queue twice. Go early to beat the tour buses, bring a hat and water, and expect to walk for a few hours with little shade.
4. Isla Mujeres (Ultramar ferry)
A small island with a calm, shallow beach at Playa Norte, an easy walk from the ferry dock. It works well as a family day trip.
- Area
- Isla Mujeres, 20-minute ferry from Cancún
- Hours
- Ferries run daily, roughly every 30 minutes from about 5–6 a.m. until late evening (last boats vary by season)
- Price
- Ultramar's fare page lists adults at MX$290 one way (MX$580 return) and children at MX$220 one way. Children over 1.20 m pay the adult fare.
- Getting there
- Ultramar ferries leave from Puerto Juárez, Playa Tortugas and Playa Caracol. The crossing takes about 20 minutes.
- Tip
- Fares and extra dock fees differ by pier and operator, so confirm the price when you buy. Playa Norte is quietest before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. A golf cart (about MX$500–800 a day) lets you tour the 7.7 km island in about two hours.
5. Xcaret Park
A large eco-archaeological park with underground river swims, a beach, a coral reef aquarium, wildlife exhibits and an evening show with Maya and Mexican performances.
- Area
- Near Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya
- Hours
- 8:30 a.m.–10:00 p.m. daily
- Getting there
- About 6 miles south of Playa del Carmen along Highway 307. Parking is free, and some tickets include round-trip hotel transport.
- Tip
- Buy online and pick a date. Children 5–11 get 25% off the adult price and ages 0–4 are free. Only sunscreen with titanium oxide and zinc oxide is allowed, and outside food is not allowed. Xel-Há, a sister park, is similar if you prefer snorkelling.
- Muslim-friendly
- The park has many restaurants but we could not confirm any as halal. Check with guest services about dietary needs before you go.
6. Tulum Archaeological Zone
A small Maya walled city on a cliff above the Caribbean. The setting is the draw, with the sea behind the ruins.
- Area
- Tulum, about 130 km south of Cancún
- Hours
- 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; last entry 3:30 p.m.
- Price
- MX$265 for foreign visitors
- Getting there
- Main entrance at km 230 on Federal Highway 307. Allow about 2 to 2.5 hours from Cancún by bus or car.
- Tip
- Arrive at 8 a.m. for cooler weather and smaller crowds. Fees go to both INAH and CONANP. Sargassum seaweed is most likely June to October, so the beach below may be affected in those months.
7. Museo Maya de Cancún
The INAH museum for the Yucatán Peninsula's Maya culture, with a ramped, elevated gallery and a small archaeological site on the same grounds.
- Area
- Hotel Zone (Km 16, Boulevard Kukulcán)
- Hours
- Tuesday–Sunday, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (last entry to the galleries 5:00 p.m.); closed Mondays
- Price
- MX$210 for foreign visitors (free for ages 60+ and under 13)
- Getting there
- R-1 or R-2 bus along Boulevard Kukulcán to Km 16
- Tip
- A good air-conditioned break from the midday heat. Two ramps and two panoramic elevators make the galleries wheelchair accessible.
8. El Rey Archaeological Zone
A late Maya trading and fishing settlement with about 47 structures, a pyramid base and many iguanas living among the ruins. Easy to see in 45 to 60 minutes.
- Area
- Hotel Zone (Km 18, opposite Playa Delfines)
- Hours
- 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. daily
- Price
- MX$145 for foreign visitors
- Getting there
- Same R-1 or R-2 bus line as Playa Delfines, which is right across the road
- Tip
- Combine it with Playa Delfines in one outing. The site is open and sunny, so bring sun protection, insect repellent and water.
Hours and prices were checked October 1, 2026 on the sources below and can change. Tour links search Klook and KKday; some earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.
