Cancun is many travelers’ first stop in Mexico for a bunch of reasons. Firstly, it is within reach of several of Mexico’s must-see destinations and sights, and many of these are available as day trips from Cancun. Places such as Tulum, Chichen Itza and Isla Mujeres are only a few of the day tours and excursions you can embark on from Cancun, and in this post I cover some of the best Cancun day trips.
Don’t miss these on your next visit!
Additionally, Cancun offers convenient flights to most destinations in the US (and many in Europe), as well as warm weather, amazing beaches and great hotels. What’s not to love?
Table of Contents
Quick Cancun Travel Guide
Where to stay: The Cancun Hotel Zone is where you will find most all-inclusive (and well-known) hotels in the city. My favourite resort is the Grand Fiesta Coral Beach, and you can check out my full review here. Other recommended hotels in the Hotel Zone are Secrets The Vine (adult-exclusive) and the Riu Palace.
Where to eat: There are several restaurants along the Hotel Zone, and most resorts have several restaurants. Don’t miss La fonda del Zancudo or La Habichuela.
Top activities and tours in Cancun:
- Day trip to Chichen Itza ($69)
- Day trip to Tulum and two cenotes ($39)
- Catamaran sailing trip and visit to Isla Mujeres ($139) – read my review of this here!
- ATV and Zipline adventure ($75)
- Pirate show and dinner ($120)
Read more: The Best Cancun Day Trips & Tours
Packing for Cancun: Cancun is hot-hot-hot, so you obviously want to pack your swimwear, flip flops and light summer dresses year-round. Most resorts have a casual dress code, but require closed shoes and somewhat nicer outfits for dinner. So pack a few nice dinner dresses as well. Don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen and sunglasses, and have a look at my all-inclusive packing list before you go!
Airport transfers: When you arrive at Cancun international airport it can be a little overwhelming, as there are countless transportation companies and taxies trying to get your attention (by literally shouting). I always save myself the trouble by booking a transfer in advance. This is the highest-rated transfer service on Viator.
14 Day Trips from Cancun not to miss
Below I have outlined the best Cancun day trips, in my opinion. Most people won’t have the time to do them all, so I recommend reading through the list and deciding which is more important for you.
On my first visit to Cancun, for example, I prioritised Chichen Itza, Akumal (to swim with turtles!) and Tulum. On later visits I was able to add Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen and even Bacalar to the list!
Note that Bacalar isn’t on the list, as it is a 6-hour bus ride from Cancun. However, if you have a night to spend (or two), I highly recommend visiting Bacalar and its stunning lagoon!
Below you will find a map of each of the spots outlined below, to give you an impression of where they are located compared to Cancun.
Tip: you can also save the map through this link – I’ve made it public!
Some of the recommendations below are day tours you can do on your own, either by renting a car or traveling by bus (the Riviera Maya has an extensive bus system with comfortable, air-conditioned buses).
Other destinations (most of them, actually) have tours you can join, if you want a hassle-free day trip. These usually pick up right outside your hotel in the Cancun Hotel Zone, and are very convenient if you don’t want to worry about bus schedules or timings yourself.
Read more: what is the Cancun Hotel Zone?
For each listing below I have indicated how to get there, whether it’s by tour or on your own (or both).
#1 Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is probably the most famous excursion you can do from Cancun, and with good reason.
When I first visited Chichen Itza, it was on an excursion from Cancun and the Riviera Maya, and we ended up joining a tour that also stopped at several cenotes along the way.
It was a long day, but worth it to see one of the seven wonders of the world!
The Chichen Itza is an ancient Mayan city, dating back to the year 525. It is said to be one of the most important city of the Mayan civilization, along with the Palenque ruins (that I also recommend).
The video below dives into a little more detail, and shows some up close footage of the Temple of Kukulcan – perhaps the most famous building in Chichen Itza.
Day Trips from Cancun to Chichen Itza (plus a few tips!)
There are many day trips from Cancun to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chichen Itza, and you’ll find that even if you don’t book it in advance, there are plenty to choose from.
The drive itself is only 2,5-3 hours, so getting from Cancun to Chichen Itza won’t take up your entire day. However, it you join a tour that also stops at cenotes and local villages can easily make this a full day trip.
Tours start at around $39 per person, and vary a little from company to company. Of course, it also depends on the length and how extensive the tour is.
Another option is to opt for a private tour, which might be most convenient if you are visiting Cancun and Mexico as a family.
These day trips are intense, and will take up your entire day – so make sure to bring water, sunscreen, a hat or a portable fan (like this one) to protect you from the heat.
Tip: on the way back from Chichen Itza on our tour, I ended up getting so cold due to the A/C in the bus. So I highly recommend you also bring a cardigan or sweater to avoid shivering like I did.
Below is a selection of day trips from Cancun to Chichen Itza:
- Full Day Trip to Chichen Itza, including stop at Valladolid and Cenote Saamal – $59
- Full Day Trip to chichen Itza, including stop at Valladolid, Cenote Chichikan, and a tequila tasting – $39
- Full Day Trip to Chichen Itza, with early access to the site, and stopping at the Yaxuna Ruins and the Cenote Saamal on the way back – $53
- Private Day Trip to Chichen Itza, with stops at a cenote of your choice (Il Kil, Selva Maya or Xcajum) – $360
Note that the Chichen Itza entrance fee of around $35 (613 Mexican Pesos at the time of writing) is not included in these tours.
So, make sure to read the fine print so you are aware of this before you go (when booking through Viator or GetYourGuide, this will be clearly stated on the tour information).
#2 Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is an island located just off of the Cancun Hotel Zone (we could actually see it from our hotel in Cancun!).
The name Isla Mujeres actually means “the island of women”, something I thought was really cool.
The island is the perfect day trip for those who want a little more laid-back and chill experience. The colorful buildings in the town center will make you want to stroll around all day, and the beautiful beaches and clear waters will make you want to stay forever.
How to get there
You can get to Isla Mujeres on an excursion or by ferry from Cancun. The ferry departs every half hour, and the crossing only takes 15-20 minutes.
The Ultramar ferry dock can be found in Puerto Juarez, right by the Cancun city center. They also have ferries departing from Playa Tortugas in the hotel zone – this ferry leaves once an hour.
If you are leaving from the Hotel Zone, note that the ferry stops running a little earlier than the downtown Cancun ferry. So make sure to check the schedule before you go, so you don’t miss the last ferry returning from the island.
#3 Catamaran Boat Cruise / Day Cruise
Now, I mentioned above that there are tours and excursions that will take you to Isla Mujeres to spend the day.
However, there are also plenty of day cruises you can take if you just want to spend the day on a boat!
Personally, I love being on a boat (and in the ocean), and I usually jump at the chance to relax on a catamaran or a sail boat for a day.
Luckily, there are plenty of tours from Cancun that take you out on a boat to go snorkelling, enjoy lunch, and relax in the sun all day.
I’ve listed a few of them below, so you can get a chance to jump in the crystal clear waters outside Cancun as well!
I have gone out on a boat tour from Cancun (and Playa del Carmen, which I’ve covered below) several times – and it is always a great time.
Usually, you are picked up in the morning from your hotel, and taken straight out to sea. Then, there is snorkeling and swimming, and of course lunch and (usually) an open bar involved.
The perfect recipe for a great day, in other words!
You can head this way to read my most recent review of one of these Cancun day trips, or browse below to see if you find any that catch your eye.
Luxury side note: one option is to rent a private yacht for the day, for you and your friends and family. Prices start at $580 per group (you can be up to 15 people, so it works out to a lot less if you split it). You can book it for 2, 4 or 6 hours here!
#4 Akumal
Akumal was one of my favourite experiences on my first visit to Cancun.
This small town (and popular beach) is located along the coast south of Cancun, and is just a 1 hour and 20 minute drive.
The reason you might want to visit Akumal is because of its unique beach in Akumal Bay. This is one of few places I know of where you can swim with wild sea turtles!
Of course, there are several things you need to be aware of before embarking on a trip to swim in Akumal, so please read my full guide to Akumal before you go.
Read my extensive guide to swimming with the turtles in Akumal here!
How to get there
There are several ways to get to Akumal from Cancun.
The easiest is to join a tour that includes swimming on the beach (and with the turtles). This tour is $99 and includes getting picked up in Cancun and swimming with the turtles.
Alternatively, you can travel using the local buses (called a Colectivo). These are small, white vans that are very affordable, leaving regularly from Cancun and taking you down the coast.
Next on the list is to use one of the several shuttle companies to travel to Akumal. These can be booked in advance, and will often pick you up at your hotel, such as this one.
Finally, you can jump in a taxi (which can work out quite cheap if there are several of you) or rent a car to make the drive yourself.
#5 Tulum
Tulum is located a little further south along the coast, past Akumal.
The total drive time from Cancun to Tulum is 1,5-2 hours, and this charming, laidback town can easily be visited on a day trip.
In addition to being a very walkable, chill place, with lots of cute cafes and restaurants, Tulum also has some cultural and historical significance making it worth visiting for a day.
The ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum are mostly known for their location, right on the cliffside overlooking the ocean. From its location, we have learned that the city of Tulum would have been an important sea port for the Mayans.
It is believed that the site, estimated to have up to 1600 inhabitants at one point, was inhabited as early as the 6th century.
So, a day trip from Cancun to Tulum should definitely be on your list, especially if you are a history buff!
Tip: if you want to be extra efficient, there are plenty of tours that allow you to visit both the Tulum ruins and Akumal (to swim with the turtles) in the same day – such as this one!
#6 Cozumel
Cozumel is a paradise island off the coast of the Riviera Maya, and a popular day trip from Cancun.
The ferry company Ultramar (the same one that takes you to Isla Mujeres) will take you from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel in just a 45-minute ferry ride.
With their island hopper package you can book a ground transfer from Cancun to Playa del Carmen and back – leaving right from the Playa Tortugas in the Hotel Zone.
Cozumel is the largest island in the Mexican Caribbean, so there are plenty of things to do there. If you go there for a day, here are a few things to consider:
- Snorkel in the waters surrounding the island
- Scuba diving (I was dying to go diving in the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef during my visit)
- Rent a bike and cycle around the island
- Go explore the Jade Cavern Cenote – a crystal clear cenote on the island
- Visit the Punta Sur Eco Park
- Get a day pass to chill at a beach club
#7 Isla Holbox
I have heard such great things about Isla Holbox from my friend Emily, who is obsessed with the island (and has written a complete guide to it here).
This island paradise has plenty to offer, and if you have the time, I definitely recommend spending more than just a day here. However, if that is all you have, it is still possible to visit Isla Holbox on a day trip (or tour) from Cancun.
Some of the best things to do in Isla Holbox include the Yum Balam Nature Reserve, swimming with whale sharks (from June to September) and going kayaking in the mangroves.
In addition to swimming on the beaches, snorkeling, eating amazing Mexican tacos and relaxing in the sun, of course.
Those wanting to explore Isla Holbox should plan for a very early start, and consider a private transfer to the ferry dock. To reach the island, you get a ferry from the Chiquila ferry dock on the north-side of the coast.
Cuiquila is a 2,5-3,5 hour bus ride from Cancun, and can be booked in advance on the ADO website (ADO is one of the main bus companies in Mexico).
You can also consider a full-day tour from Cancun to Isla Holbox such as this one. It includes all transfers, a packed lunch, a guide and visits to some of the most popular spots on the island.
#8 Cenote Il Kil
Il Kil is a beautiful Cenote, and one you have probably seen pictures of in the past (perhaps without quite knowing the name).
Cenote Il Kil is located on the way to Chichen Itza from Cancun, and is often included as a stop on the way there. It is recognisable by the hanging vines reaching down to this almost-underground Cenote.
It is actually located just 10 minutes from Chichen Itza, so I highly recommend including a stop here on your day trip.
As you can see below, most Cancun day tours that include Cenote Il Kil will take you to Chichen Itza, so these two are perfectly paired together.
#9 Xel-Ha Park
Let me say two things to get you pumped for Xel-Ha: unlimited margaritas and snorkelling.
What more can you ask for?
Xel-ha (which I have covered more extensively here) is a natural water park, where you can play around in the beautiful waters along the coast of Mexico.
Similar to Xcaret and Xplor (I believe they may be run by the same company, but don’t quote me on that), this is a place where you can run around, jump in the water, snorkel and relax on the beaches all day once you’ve paid your admission fee.
Included in the entry ticket is unlimited snorkelling gear, buffet lunch throughout the day, and unlimited drinks. So it is basically an all-inclusive water park, and I am here for it!
Xel-Ha can be reached from Cancun in just a 1,5-hour drive, either by Colectivo or ADO (smaller, local buses or big, long-distance buses).
However, your best option from Cancun is to book an official tour like this one, that will take you from your hotel to Xel-Ha, including entrance.
#10 Coba
Coba is an ancient Mayan site that you may not have heard of. It is less famous than the likes of Chichen Itza, Tulum and Palenque, but is still worth a visit if you are looking for a great Cancun day trip!
This means the site is less crowded, so this is the ideal excursion for those who want a little more space to explore.
Coba is still not fully excavated, and is located in the jungle with four natural lakes surrounding it. You’ll feel like you’re in Indiana Jones due to the vines and growth that still cover many of the ruins, and it makes the visit feel very wild.
If you want to join a tour from Cancun, there are several full-day trips to Coba, that also include a visit to the Tulum ruins.
Alternatively, if you want to drive yourself, you can make the 2,5-hour drive to the Coba ruins, and then download this self-guided walking tour of the ruins (it is much cheaper than a day trip – so this is the best option for those on a budget).
#11 Isla Contoy
If you would like a truly exclusive excursion from Cancun, consider visiting the beautiful Isla Contoy.
It is a tiny island, just a little over 5 miles long. The trip to Isla Contoy from Cancun takes around 1-2 hours by boat.
Isla Contoy actually has a limit of 200 visitors allowed per day, so there are few tour spaces available, and only a few tour companies are allowed to take tourists to the island.
The island is protected, and can only be reached by boat – there are no ferries or scheduled boats, so joining a tour is the only way to visit this paradise.
The island is completely uninhabited, and has been a Marine National Park since 1998.
Day trips usually include snorkelling in the beautiful waters around the island, and getting a tour of the island – seeing some of the wildlife that inhabit Isla Contoy.
It is actually one of the most important bird sanctuaries on the coast, so bird watchers will love this small island.
Below you will see a selection of tours from companies that are allowed to bring people to the island. Please make sure to book this well in advance – because of the 200 visitor limit.
#12 Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is a charming coastal city, just a 45-minute to an hour’s drive south of Cancun.
Many people opt to stay here for a few nights, as it is less crowded and busy compared to Cancun. The vibe is more relaxed, and there is less of a “party factor”.
Yet you still get sandy white beaches, luxurious resorts and are within easy reach of many of the day tour destinations mentioned on this list.
If you want to visit Playa del Carmen on a day trip from Cancun, whether you want to spend the day on the beach there, explore some of the shops in the city, or dine in one of the many restaurants on their main street 5th Avenue, there are several ways to get there:
- Take a local Colectivo. They stop in front of the ADO station in Cancun.
- Speaking of ADO, these large, air-conditioned coaches are another way to get to Playa del Carmen. Tickets can be booked in advance here.
- If you have a rental car, you can drive yourself. As mentioned, it is a 45-60-minute drive along the coast.
- Take a taxi. A taxi from Cancun to Playa del Carmen will cost around $70.
- And last, but not least: book a private transfer.
#13 Ek’ Balam Archeological Site
Just 32 miles northeast of Chichen Itza you will find the Ek Balam Acheological Site, another set of Mayan ruins worth visiting.
Ek’ Balam is believed to have had its golden age from 770 to 840 AD, and is a very well-preserved ancient city from the Mayan era.
In fact, it is most famous for how the plaster on a tomb is preserved – specifically the tomb of Ukit Kan Lek Tok’, who was a king buried in the largest pyramid.
Another thing I found incredibly fascinating about Ek’ Balam was the theories on why it was seemingly abandoned in a haste.
The reason for this theory is that one (and seemingly the final) of the defensive walls around the city was very poorly constructed, and not very wide – and has been described as a “last ditch effort at protection“. Perhaps from an invading army or enemy of some sorts.
Due to its proximity, some tours (such as this one) include a visit to Ek Balam on the way to or from Cancun. Others will take you straight to Ek’ Balam, and include a refreshing swim in a cenote on the way back (such as this tour).
#14 Valladolid
Another destination that is often included on a tour to the archeological sites of Chichen Itza and Ek Balam is Valladolid.
This Pueblo Magico is a charming city, founded during colonial times (and considered one of the best Pueblo Magicos in Mexico). Today, it is the second largest city in the state of Yucatan.
The city is vibrant and authentic, and whilst you might visit it on the way to (or from) Chichen Itza, you should consider a day trip here just to take in some of the untouched, non-touristy magic this town has to offer.
Making a day trip to Valladolid from Cancun is a must for those that want to travel a little off the beaten path, experience a different side of Mexico, and eat some authentic local food.
Cancun Day Trips FAQ
Yes, Tulum can be a day trip from Cancun! The total drive time is 1,5-2 hours.
Yes. You can easily visit Isla Mujeres from Cancun by ferry, leaving from both the Hotel Zone and downtown Cancun. Isla Mujeres is a charming, small island with beautiful waters, shopping and restaurants.
The most popular day trips from Cancun are Chichen Itza, Isla Mujeres and Cozumel. But there are so many great ones!
The best day trip to avoid crowds is to Isla Contoy, because the island has a 200 visitor per day limit.
Isla Mujeres, Cozumel and Isla Contoy.
Technically, yes, as there are daily flights and the flight time is only 1 hour and 10 minutes. However, with the time it takes to get to the airport and through customs, it wouldn’t give you many hours in Cuba.
More Day Trips, Tours and Excursions from Cancun
Below you will find a selection of other trips you can take from Cancun during your trip to Mexico. There are so many different tours to choose from, whether you want to spend your day on a boat, explore Mayan history, or dive into local culture and cuisine.
