12 Unforgettable Sights In Cancún: From Underwater Museums To Ancient Ruins

Cancun popularly referred to as ‘the place where tourism is a year-round industry’ is famous for its sandy beaches and modern hotels and clubs. However, this is not where the enjoyment of this spectacular Mexican location is limited as there is much more to this place than beach and clubbing. Among others, one can visit ancient ruins, reserves and natural parks, laser shows, and unprecedentedly interesting, interactive museums in Cancún.

1. Chichén Itzá

Undoubtedly, the monumental Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is a must if you are visiting Cancún. Founded in 600 AD, this immense site preserves some of the best-preserved archeological features in the form of temples, pyramids, and ball courts that were constructed by several Mesoamerican peoples including the Mayans and the Toltes. To ascend the exterior stairway of the El Castillo pyramid and enjoy spectacular views or watch the serpent phenomenon on the side of the pyramid during the Equinox, either in March or September.

2. Isla Contoy

The Island of Contoy is a great option for eco-tourism since it is still a virgin island that has facilities of a protected national park, mangrove forests, beautiful white sand beaches, and rich sea and shore wildlife and is still uninhabited while in Cancun. Swim and dive to see more than 150 types of sea creatures and birds at this tropical’s favorite island’s clear waters and sand bar. Sunbathe on the beach, follow the marked trails, and get to know more about some endangered species and plants.

3. El Rey Ruins

Ranked among one of the most important archeological sites dating back to the Late Classic Mayan Period between the 5th and 8th centuries, El Rey is thus comprised of 47 structures in terms of pyramid-shaped temples and residence buildings that offer basic insights into the everyday life of Mayans. Take the main temple to the top for a vantage view of the green cover of tropical forest around the archaeological zone and swimming and meditation in the freshwater cenotes nearby.

4. Museo Subacuático de Arte (MUSA).

Created to blend the arts and environmental preservation, this is unlike any other museum in the world that is submerged in water seven kilometers off the Cancún coastline in the National Marine Park and is home to over 500 life-sized sculptures. If you want to swim through this artificial reef gallery, you can do it using snorkel gear or scuba gear amidst the colorful coral and marine life of the Caribbean Sea. Some share messages on the need to protect the world’s oceans Many do this to create awareness of the degradation of the natural environment.

5. Mercado 28

Filled with shops and stalls selling handmade Mexican items ranging from jewelry to pottery, embroidered clothing to wooden decoration, Mercado 28 is a very popular place in Oaxaca. Stroll through over 200 lively vendor booths inside a tropical-style outdoor market that also presents Mexican barbecue and other genuine street foods such as al pastor tacos and cheesy quesadillas. Rub your bartering art to perfection as you immerse yourself in the feel, sound, and aroma of this Cancun shopping landmark.

6. Isla Mujeres

Located just fifteen minutes by ferry off the Mexican mainland, Isla Mujeres, or the ‘Women’s Island’, has the look and feel of a stereotypical Caribbean island. Take a golf cart or scoot around the island and take pictures of the beautiful island beaches or even stop by family-owned restaurants and the architecture temple on the cliff for the Mayan fertility goddess- Ixchel. It looks like time is wiser here on this slice of paradise.

7. Coco Bongo

The most famous and special dinner and nightclub showplace in Cancún is called Coco Bongo. Watch flying trapeze artists, movie clips, conga lines, snow blasters, and multi-terraced dance floors vibrating with ethereal lighting effects. An open bar package goes a long way in boosting the revelry because people are happy.

8. Environmental Education and Research Center for the Sierra de Huatulco (CEAISH)

Interactive CEAISH is dedicated to environmental education and is protected from vandalism through the adoption of creative games for children together with significant revolutionary eco-projects. Join turtle release activities, go to the botanical garden, watch bee farming, and tour the minor water life in fish tanks. Develop recycled paper or study water filter mechanisms that can make people aware of their responsibilities to the environment.

9. Garrafón Natural Reef Park

This exotic eco-adventure playground, which has been gazetted as a national park, extends along a natural limestone formation that accommodates a calm lagoon, quiet beaches, and an enormous reef perfect for snorkeling. Swim through an underwater museum, ride on zip lines right over the blue water, or hike through a jungle. The savings you can get if you avail the Cancún resort packages.

10. Playa Delfines

El Mirador beach tower, actual postcard views of brilliant blue seas reaching the golden sand of the beach, backdropped by swaying palm trees and the shimmering waters of Nichupté Lagoon, all these are best captured by Playa Delfines. Sunbathe, people watch, or paddleboard while engaging in stand-up paddleboarding without the throngs of visitors found near hotels lining the Hotel Zone.

11. Cenote Dos Ojos

The so-called cenotes – natural wells, or sinkholes as they are also called – in the Yucatan allow the unusual experience of swimming amidst the cave system. Sunk deep in the jungles of Mexico, Cenote Dos Ojos provides an underwater snorkeling trail through a brilliantly lit cavern filled with stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years. Local guides are available to take groups through this natural spectacle situated outside the central Cancun area.

12. Tortugranja

This is Tortugranja locally known as Sea Turtle Conservancy Center, an organization whose main objective is to preserve endangered marine turtles residing in the Cancun beaches and coral seas. Turtles can be observed when they are recovering before releasing hatchlings in a controlled manner, ideally during the peak nesting months of May to October. It is a wondrous opportunity to explore nature firsthand for people of all ages.

From the marvelous archeological sites, a museum that is submerged with sculptural reefs, vibrant nightlife, and kilometers of beautiful beaches, Cancun has all the makings of a dream Caribbean vacation destination. 

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