If you’ve read my blog at all you know that aside from Paris, Cancun is my favorite place on earth. We love going there and it is usually our anniversary destination every year. It is a beautiful country with amazing friendly people. The beaches are stunning. The water is crystal clear. We love learning the history of the Mayan culture and exploring the ruins. Above all, I really like to sit on the beach and listen to the waves, with a mango tango in hand, of course. Nevertheless, after a while I get antsy and I am ready to explore. These are some of my favorite excursions from our visits to Mexico.

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Sunset Sail

I have to take a sunset sail no matter where I am. If there is an ocean I want to be on it. Cancun and Riviera Maya have some of the most breathtaking sunsets. These pictures are from our most recent trip to Puerto Morelos, taken along the Riviera Maya.

Explore the Mayan Ruins

This is by far our favorite thing to do. We love exploring the ruins and learning about the history of the Mayan civilization. There are many to choose from. El Ray may be within walking distance from your resort if you are staying in the hotel zone.

Chichén Itzá is probably the most famous as it is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. I recommend the night visit if you can. Read Chichén Itzá and Kukulkán Nights to learn more about the amazing nighttime light show. Coba and Ek Balam are amazing. Tulum is breathtaking, sitting cliffside overlooking the ocean. Check out Mexico’s Mayan Ruins to learn more. Most all of the excursions to Mayan ruins include a swim in a nearby cenote.

Snorkeling

The second largest reef in the world, the Mesoamerican Reef, is over 600 miles long. It runs all along the coast of Mexico, Belize, Honduras and Guatemala. It is home to hundreds of fish species, turtles, and stingrays. This was one of my favorite excursions on our last trip. I definitely recommend taking a snorkeling tour. You can go as close as 400 yards from shore in Exploring Puerto Morelos or take the ferry to Cozumel.

Isla Mujeres

One of our favorite places is Isla Mujeres. There is something so tranquil about exploring the island by golf cart. You can take a tour that will let you snorkel the underwater museum (MUSA), have all you can drink rum punch and still have time to explore the island. Or you can simply take the ferry yourself. We have done both. Make sure to spend some time on beautiful Playa Norte Beach. Read my post Isla Mujeres, Mexico to learn more details on tours and taking the ferry.

Jungle Adventure Tour

We did the jungle boat adventure on our first trip to Cancun many, many years ago. I still remember driving the speedboat. You zip through the lagoon area in your own speedboat ending up at a reef where you have time to snorkel. This is nice because it is just a half day excursion so you still have plenty of time to relax at the beach or pool back at your resort.

Xel-Ha

This water adventure park is just south of Playa del Carmen. It has an underground lazy river, mangroves, snorkeling, caves, cliff jumping, ziplines, jungle trails, cenotes, and bike riding. Anything you can think of is included in your ticket. Restaurants on site. It really is a great way to spend the day.

I always love spending an evening in downtown Cancun. Catching up on some shopping, having a cocktail, or catching the sunset by the pier. On my bucket list are swimming with the whale sharks and visiting the pink lakes, Las Coloradas. Maybe next year?

If you are looking for a five star, adults only, luxury resort, might I suggest Excellence Riviera Cancun – A Celiac’s Review. This was by far our favorite resort we have stayed at. It was a little farther from downtown Cancun, about 15 minutes, but the service was spectacular. As a celiac I ate safely all week.

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