Cancun Outdoor Activities

Cancun, famous for its white sand and clear ocean water, also boasts a wide array of other outdoor activities, including hiking, snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming with dolphins, eco-tours, golf, horseback riding, kayaking, botanical gardens, and many, many other things. Ask your hotel or travel agent about outdoor day trips and tours You may want to book these in advance, because of the popularity of these activities.

Most resort hotels offer snorkeling and scuba diving from the beach. Check with your hotel about these activities. If you are not a certified diver, you may be able to get certified while in Cancun.

Isla Mujeres, a small island off the Mexican coast, offers a nice alternative to the beaches in Cancun. The island is easily accessible from Cancun and offers snorkeling and diving in the relaxing environment of a small fishing village.

For eco-tourists, Xcaret, a nature park about 45 miles outside of Cancun, has an underground river with unusual coral formations, Mayan temples and snorkeling. The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is home to various species of wildlife and is located south of Cancun. All revenue generated at the reserve is dedicated to the reserve’s conservation and education programs.

Swimming with the dolphins is an experience that you won’t want to miss. Xcaret, Xel Ha and Isla Mujeres all offer tourists a chance to swim with dolphins. These programs can be quite popular, so you should make reservations before you arrive in Cancun.

Most of the outdoor activities in Cancun are family-friendly. One in particular offers an alternative from the ocean. Parque Nizuc, in the Hotel Zone, is a water park for the whole family that offers waterslides and wave pools.

For the golfer in the family, there are many golf courses in the area that boast wonderful views and world class courses. The mild climate in Cancun makes golfing an enjoyable experience year round.

The Yucatan Peninsula has miles of underground rivers that can be traversed swimming or snorkeling. It is not recommended to do this without a guide. Most of these rivers, called cenotes, are located outside of Cancun, but Casa Cenote is 15 minutes outside of Cancun and is easy enough for children and beginners.