Ultimate Cancun Travel Guide: Tips for an Epic Trip

Cancun, the famed destination on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula has long been a popular tourists destination. Unsurprisingly. With its sandy beaches spilling into the clear Caribbean water, beautiful waters-edge resorts, entertainment that seemingly never stops and its rich Mayan history.

While planning a vacation to Cancun is by no means complicated, and I will explain why later on, there are a few things to know. In this Cancun travel guide I will fill you in on safety, when is the best time to visit Cancun, activities and things to do including restaurants and bar suggestions and a list of hand picked resorts for any budget.

Is Cancun Safe?

Anyone visiting Mexico or Cancun for the first time has a skewed perspective regarding safety. The media portrays Mexico as this big bad country overrun by cartels. While this is sort of true, in certain parts of the country, Cancun is as safe as any average destination. And much safer than many US cities.

The biggest safety concerns in Cancun have nothing to do with cartels and shootings. The beach can be dangerous with big waves and strong currents. Always read the warning flags and avoid swimming in bad conditions. Another concern is getting intoxicated. Most resorts and even clubs in Cancun offer all-inclusive booze packages which usually results in a lot of tourist getting completely hammered and sometimes getting into fights.

A final note, don’t swim in the lagoon next to the hotel zone. There’s crocodiles.

What is the best time to go to Cancun?

With its tropical climate, the best time to visit Cancun is from December to April when the weather is warm and dry with plenty of sunshine. This is the peak season with ideal beach conditions and outdoor activities.

May to November experiences higher temperatures and increased humidity levels along with wetter days. If you’re looking for some good hotels deals, these months offer many opportunities.

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Do I need a visa to visit Cancun?

Wether or not you need a visa to visit Cancun or Mexico in general will depend on your passport. As of 2024 65 countries including the United States, Canada, UK, Australia and the majority of European and South American countries do not require a visa. So long the trip does not exceed 180 days. A requirement is that passports must have at least 6 months validity from the moment entering Mexico.

Cancun Summary

Things to do in Cancun

There are countless things to do in Cancun and even more activities close by. With over 14 km of beach spilling into the Caribbean waters in Cancun’s hotel zone, there is plenty of opportunities for fun in the sun. And outside Cancun’s confines are historical Mayan sites and the famous cenotes. Here is a sneak peak of what you could be up to on your next Cancun vacation.

Cancun Beaches

Despite the impression that resorts own the beaches, all beaches in Mexico are public. While resort facilities like chairs and pools are reserved for guests, anyone can enjoy the sand and sea. Public access is available beside or between resorts, so you can find a way in.

Tip: If you’re not staying at a resort, bring your own beach gear, as facilities are off-limits unless you pay for access.

Here are the best beaches in Cancun and nearby.

Playa Delfines (Dolphin Beach): Perhaps this is the most iconic beach with its colorful Cancun sign. There are no resorts nearby so its generally quite. Get there early to grab one of the free palapas for shade.

Playa Norte (Isla Mujeres): Although not technically in Cancun, this beautiful beach is easily accessible by ferry. Expect powdery white sand spilling into clear calm water. Perfect for a relaxing day.

Playa Tortugas: This lively beach has loads of restaurants, bars and water sports. It is one of the popular beaches and is often busy. From here you can take the ferry to Isla Mujeres.

Playa Marlin: This beach is known for its wide sandy shore and big waves. While not good for swimming its a nice place to watch the surfers and take a relaxing walk.

Go Snorkeling or Scuba Diving

Just outside of Cancun is the Great Mesoamerican Reef. It’s the second largest barrier reef teaming with marine life and colorful corals. Wether you’re an experienced diver or just want to go snorkeling, this activity in Cancun should definitely be on your list. →this activity requires a guide

Visit the Cenotes

Cenotes need no introduction, are probably the most famous tourist attractions in Mexico. Visiting these massive sinkholes filled with fresh water is truly magical and something you shouldn’t miss. →reserve in advance

Better yet. Consider this comprehensive full day tour.

Take the ferry to Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is an island just a few kilometers off the main land. It’s home to some of the most beautiful beaches with clear waters and fine sand. Getting there is relatively easy with frequent ferries departing from the main hotel zone. →view schedules

Go on a fun jungle tour

Cancun is a city tucked away on the edge of lush tropical landscape. Some of the most fun and adventurous activities are up there in the jungle. Preferably these activities should be done with a tour and include exciting ATV tours and zip-lining. But you can also go on treks and simply enjoy the nature. →view this fun ATV tour

Explore the Mayan Ruins

Visiting the Mayan ruins is an interesting activity that offers a glimpse into Mexico’s ancient civilization. I just want to warn you that these historic sites are around 2 hours drive outside of Cancun. It’s an interesting and scenic ride nonetheless. Chichen Itza is a UNESCO world heritage site and the most famous in Mexico. But there are other ruins also in Tulum which would make for a nice day trip. →reserve in advance

Enjoy the Nightlife in Cancun

Oh, the nightlife in Cancun! It can be wild, noisy and crazy. But also fancy and romantic. Or possibly even both. Cancun is known for its lively nightlife scene with clubs and bars dominating the scene mostly in the northern part of the hotel zone. If that isn’t your style, there are loads of other options. Most resorts have some form of evening entertainment and there are lots of nice restaurants if your prefer something more romantic.

Restaurants and Bars in Cancun

While there is a decent amount of restaurants and bars in the Zona Hoteliera of Cancun, a number of really good places are found within Cancun city proper. These include local restaurants also known as fondas or fonditas and pretty much where you need to go if you want to try authentic Mexican cuisine like tacos and enchiladas and everything in between.

Restaurants in Cancun

Pizzeria Frontoni Cancun: If you want a good authentic pizza in Cancun, then this is the place. Picture that thick puffed up crust, perfect.

La Berrinchuda: Far from a fancy, but probably one of the best places in Cancun for REAL Mexican food at a reasonable price.

Harry’s Steakhouse & Raw Bar: For the best steaks in Cancun, perfectly cooked, nice and juicy. And the atmosphere is very romantic right next to the lagoon.

La Buena Barra: This place takes Mexican cuisine to the next level. Try the local flavors and dishes at one of Cancun’s top restaurants.

Fred’s | The best seafood in Cancun: Personally I find these type of restaurant names really off putting, but I’ll make an exception as Fred’s might very well be the best in Cancun.

Note: I always recommend reserving a table in advance, especially for popular restaurants in Cancun.

Bars in Cancun

Coco Bongo: Coco Bongo is not just a club, it’s an immersive show with acrobats, live performances, and non-stop entertainment. If you’re looking for a wild night out in Cancun, this iconic spot is a must. Reservations are recommended

Mandala Beach Club: It’s the perfect mix of relaxation and energy, ideal for daytime fun that stretches into the night.

Cotorritos: Cotorritos is a laid-back beach bar where you can sip cheap cocktails while soaking in the ocean breeze. It’s a fun, no-frills spot perfect for kicking back with friends.

Berezzito Puerto Cancun: For stunning views and a lively atmosphere, Berezzito in Puerto Cancun is the place to be. Expect a mix of great music, refreshing drinks, and a trendy crowd, all with the marina as your backdrop.

The Best Hotels and Resorts in Cancun

Cancun is home to some truly amazing hotels that will cater to all your needs thanks to all-inclusive packages. It’s worth considering these types of packages if you just want to spend your days relaxing and have all the possible amenities onsite. While these resort are typically on the higher end, there are still a handful of affordable options especially outside the popular tourist zone. Below is a short of the best options to suite any budget.