Whether it’s soaring above the lush jungle canopy, swimming in underground caves, or exploring reefs teeming with marine life, Mexico’s Cancun is an outdoor wonderland for fans of sand, sea, and surf. Read on for the area’s best outdoor adventures.
Swimming and Snorkeling
Just because many beachgoers stick to tropical drinks doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of other things to do in and around Cancun’s oceans, rivers, and cenotes. Relax in the turquoise waters of a hidden cenote after ziplining, kayaking, or rappelling. Alternatively, don snorkel gear and explore the nearby islands and coral reefs, identifying various tropical fish and plants.
Dune Buggy and ATV Rides
Navigate the winding roads thick with ancient tree roots and forest foliage aboard an all-terrain vehicle if you really want to get off the beaten path. Drive a dune buggy or an ATV over the sandy hills, through grassland, jungle, and mangrove forests—then cool off at the beach or at cenote after the ride.
Ziplining
One of the best ways to explore the Yucatan is by zipping from treetop to treetop, seeing the peninsula from a bird’s-eye perspective. Whiz over the jungle while passing through ruins of civilizations past before plunging into a cenote after flying through a cavern. Ziplining brings exploring Cancun to new heights—quite literally—and does so on some of North America’s largest courses.
Boating and Fishing
With hundreds of miles of lakes, rivers, and oceans, the Yucatan Peninsula is best seen by boat. Hop on a motorboat and cruise the Caribbean Sea in search of the region’s copious, lush coral reefs and catch a few fish to grill up for dinner. Or glide in a kayak through the jungle’s river networks, uncovering hidden cenotes, crystal caves, and underwater creeks along the way.
Visiting Ancient Ruins
The Yucatan Peninsula is home to a rich network of Maya ruins. Once commanding an empire that spanned Mexico and Central America, the Maya have left behind a stunning array of pyramids, temples, and other structures that offer a glimpse into one of history’s most vibrant civilizations.
