7 Ways to Experience What Lies Beyond the Beach in Cancun
Discover What’s Beyond Cancun’s Ritzy Resorts
Many people visit Cancun every year, but rarely leave the comfort of their ritzy resort. While there’s nothing wrong with soaking up the sun and enjoying an exotic drink or two, be sure to get out and discover what lies beyond.
Whether you enjoy experiencing authentic cuisine or want to experience the local wildlife, these are the best things to do in Cancun.
Take a Dip Into an Underground Cavern
Swimming in a cenote is a must underwater experience while you’re in Cancun. The Yucatan Peninsula is home to countless sinkholes that are part of its miles and miles of underground caverns. They’re filled with vibrant turquoise waters that are ideal for swimming, snorkeling and diving.
Some of the most popular in the area to visit are Cenote Verde Lucero, Cenote Las Mojarras and Cenote Siete Bocas.
See the Wildlife Without Going into the Jungle
There is a wide range of wildlife in Mexico, but without venturing far away from the chaos of the city, you probably won’t see much, other than an iguana or two. By visiting the Crocoun Zoo, a zoo that protects local endangered species, you can enjoy closer encounters with some of the region’s animals, like brightly colored parrots, playful spider monkeys and crocodiles.
In fact, if you’re brave enough you can even hold a crocodile for what’s likely to be a once in a lifetime experience.
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Visit a Fascinating Underwater Museum
Have you ever wandered through an underwater museum? Now is your chance, as one of the world’s most fascinating museums lies off the coast, between Cancun and Isla Mujeres. Snorkeling or diving here offers the opportunity to see ghostly figures at the bottom of the Caribbean Sea.
Sitting at a depth between 13 and 30 feet, some sculptures depict a human experience while others are artistic pieces. Each of the 470 sculptures convey a message and also contribute to the ecological sustainability of the stunning natural coral reefs in the area that had previously been damaged due to underwater tourism.
The museum was created as part of an effort to protect the coral reefs and the impressive sea life, while allowing tourists to experience it as well. It’s considered to be the largest underwater art attraction on the planet, and includes two galleries that are suitable for snorkelers.
Get a Glimpse of Authentic Cancun at Parque Las Palapas
There’s lot to do in downtown Cancun, and this is where you can get a glimpse at the more authentic side of the city, going beyond the tourist attractions. Parque Las Palapas is its main plaza, a park that hosts a stage, outdoor food court and food carts, a playground, and a variety of vendors featuring local handcrafted items and souvenirs.
Las Quesadillas is an especially favorite lunch stop. Weekend nights are popular times for music and dance performances, exhibitions and the like, making it a great spot for local families to gather.
Check out the Tequila Museum
Tequila is to Mexico like lobster is to Maine. It’s something you really need to sample while you’re in Cancun if you imbibe in the drink at all. One of the best places to learn about it is in Cancun’s Tequila Herradura Sensory Museum.
Not only will you get an interesting lesson in the art of tequila-making, you’ll learn about the beverage’s history, how it’s distilled, drinking etiquette, and, most importantly, you’ll indulge in a round of “sniff and slurp.”
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Join an Excursion to Visit Isla Contoy
Day trips are available from Cancun to visit the beautiful, secluded Isla Contoy. Renowned for its birds, the island has more than 150 species, including the Caribbean’s largest population of pelicans. It’s also the most important nesting site for sea birds in the Mexican Caribbean, which means only 200 visitors can be on the island at any one time to protect its pristine ecosystem.
A handful of outfitters can take you here, most of which include stops to snorkel among the sea turtles and colorful fish at Ixlache Reef.
Swim with the Gentle Giants of the Sea
If you’re wondering what to do in Cancun in May through September, you’re in luck. You’ll have the opportunity to swim with friendly whale sharks, often called gentle giants. Despite their huge mouths and thousands of teeth, they pose no risk to humans, eating only tiny micro-organisms, and they’re incredibly docile creatures.
Even fairly young children can enjoy this experience, accompanied by expert guides. You’ll get within just a few yards of these animals that can grow up to 65 feet in length and weigh over 12 tons. Many whale shark tours also include the opportunity for snorkeling the coral reefs and viewing marine life like sea turtles, manta rays, dolphins and all sorts of tropical fish.
