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Day Trips and Tours from Cancún

Day Trips and Tours from Cancún

With its vibrant nightlife and breathtaking beaches, Cancun is a magical city that has something for everyone. But when you're ready to explore beyond the buzz, take a chance with these incredible Cancun day trips and excursions.

The region's rich history and natural wonders await. Immerse yourself in the mysteries of Mayan civilization at Chichen Itza and Coba, or swim in the crystal-clear cenotes.

Take in the natural beauty of Tulum's beaches, and sample regional cuisine in Valladolid. Discover the pink flamingos at Las Coloradas or snorkel the vibrant reefs of Cozumel - the adventure never ends in Cancun.

Cenote

The Yucatan Peninsula has several cenotes to visit as part of a day tour from Cancun.

These geological anomalies were seen as portals to the underworld by ancient Mayans but today they are enjoyed for their profound beauty and tranquil auras.

You can swim and snorkel in the crystal clear water, draped in sunlight from the mouth of the sinkhole and take spectacular photos of these natural wonders.

Chichen Itza

The Chichen Itza is the most prolific Mayan ruins of all and no trip to the Yucatan Peninsula would be complete without a visit to this archeological treasure.

It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and this magnificent complex spans more than 5 square kilometers. Bask in the magnitude of the Warrior Temple and explore the extensive structures that have stood the test of time.

Isla Mujeres

The Caribbean waters around Cancun are teeming with life, big and small. Isla Mujeres is one of the islands just off the coast of Cancun where you can explore the magnificent underwater world of the Caribbean.

Swim among sunken sculptures and colorful reefs, visit the Dolphin Discover center or simply laze on a catamaran with a cocktail in hand, the ultimate way to spend a day in the Caribbean.

Tulum

Just an hour south of Cancun you will find another of the most popular gems on the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Tulum offers a perfect balance of history, culture and natural beauty.

Here you can visit Mayan ruins, stroll around the vibrant town, eat delicious food on the beachfront or wade in the shallows of the idyllic beaches. Everything you need for a smashing day trip from Cancun.

Valladolid

In the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula is the stunning colonial town of Valladolid. It is a popular stop on day trips to Chichen Itza or Ik-Kil cenote and adds a dash of culture to your day.

Taste spectacular regional dishes like cochinita pibil (a slow-roasted pork dish) and Xtabentún (a local honey-based liqueur).

You can also stroll through the quiet town and admire the architecture or visit the museums and galleries for a dose of culture.

Coba

Coba is one of the marvelous and wildly underrated Mayan cities in the Yucatan Peninsula. Its impressive Nohoch Mul Pyramid stands over 138 feet tall and affords you unbelievable views of the surrounding jungle.

Rent a bike and pedal around the complex network of pathways to admire the impressive ruins of the city. Azul Cenote is also a popular attraction nearby, making this a cultural, historical and natural trifecta.

Holbox Island

Escape Cancun for the day and head north to the heavenly island of Holbox. The island is only a 2-hour drive and a short ferry ride from Cancun, and it is one of the best places to see bioluminescent plankton.

This is also a prime spot for whale shark swimming during from May to September, but the vibrant reefs are a treat year-round.

Contoy Island

For an unspoiled island experience, take a day trip to Contoy island from Cancun. Contoy National Park has done a tremendous job in protecting the vulnerable fauna and flora found on the island and you can see their efforts first-hand.

Walk across dunes or through the mangrove forest to see the abundance of bird and animal life the island has to offer. You can also snorkel at the reefs off the island or relax on one of several pristine beaches.

Las Coloradas

The iconic pink flamingos and expansive salt flats are a major attraction in the sleepy town of Las Coloradas. It is also a popular destination in combination with day trips to Ek Balam.

Eat fresh seafood on the beach or take a boat ride in the wetlands to see more stunning birdlife. This northern attraction is a peaceful day trip from Cancun that brings you close to the unspoiled nature of Mexico’s Yucatan state.

Ek Balam

This is one of the most underrated tourist attractions on the Yucatan Peninsula.

The Mayan ruins at Ek Balam are well over 1,000 years old but what sets them apart from other archeological complexes is that visitors are allowed to explore inside the temples.

Climb the steps to the top of the Acropolis to have 360-degree views of the site and get up close to the intricately carved and sculpted facades.

Ik-Kil Cenote

The magnificent cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula are some of the greatest natural marvels on earth. Ik-Kil cenote is right next to Chichen Itza and the combination of the two makes for a fabulous day tour from Cancun.

It is the perfect place to unwind on a busy day of sightseeing and you can swim and dive into the crystal-clear water or soak in amazing angles of the sinkhole from multiple viewpoints.

Cozumel

Cozumel is the picture of perfection and sums up everything you would want in an island paradise. Crystal blue water, white sandy beaches, reefs bursting with life and a vibrant town.

Not to mention the lush tropical forest that runs through the center of the island. It is one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean and an accessible location for a day trip from Cancun.

Rio Secreto

Rio Secreto, or Secret River, is a fainting underground geological formation. It is a semi-flooded limestone cave system on the way to playa Del Carmen and offers a fabulous day trip for adventurous travelers.

Don a wetsuit and headlamp and explore the crystal-clear water in search of cave-dwelling creatures. This is one of the most marvelous natural wonders of Mexico and gives you a chance to learn about the geology and ecology of the region.

Muyil Archeological site

The precious Muyil archeological site is conveniently located in the heart of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. Take a tour through the Mayan ruins to admire the intricate carvings of the ruins that have stood the test of time.

You will also be spoiled by beautiful mangrove forests where you can spot exotic wildlife like howler monkeys and crocodiles.

Nichupte Lagoon

The spectacular Nichupte lagoon is right next to Cancun and is the easiest place to escape the buzz of the city.

Take a boat tour of the lagoon to see the many birds and animals that call it home or take to the water on a stand-up paddleboard. There is a lush mangrove forest where you can go croc-spotting or kayaking.

Hubiku Cenote

This is one of the largest cenotes in the region and a popular stopping point on day trips to Ek Balam or Valladolid. The sinkhole of Habiku Cenote is 27 meters deep and sunlight flooding from the sunken cave roof colors the clear water a bright blue color.

Relax in the mild 20-degree water and learn about the significance of these grand natural formations in the Mayan culture.

Akumal

Akumal is a tranquil beach town just over an hour south of Cancun. Here you can unwind on the pristine beaches or explore the lagoon teeming with life.

Several water-based activities like kayaking, snorkeling and paddle boarding will keep you occupied or you can spend your day savoring local cuisine at the charming beach-side restaurants.

Sian Ka'an

Sian Ka’an is Mexico’s largest protected area and this emerald gem is a fascinating day trip destination from Cancun.

You can explore the treasures of nature by snorkeling in the crystal-clear water in the mangrove biosphere and explore Mayan ruins to get your history fix all in one day.

Isla Blanca

Isla Blanca is a rugged outcrop just north of Cancun. It is worlds apart from the bustle of the city and introduces you to a unique ecosystem tethered between the Caribbean and a lagoon.

It is one of the top spots to go kite surfing in Mexico but you can also enjoy leisurely bike rides on the beach or an exploratory boat ride in the delicate wetlands.