The list of things to do in Cancun’s hotel zone revolve around the resorts. After all, this part of Cancun, also referred to as Zona Hoteliera, is the most famous and most popular resort destination in the world.
Just outside Cancun city, the hotel zone is a 25 km sliver of land. On one side there is Nichupté, an enormous lagoon and on the other side is one of the most stunning beaches with powdery white sand and turquoise clear waters.
This long and narrow stretch of land is lined with mid-range to luxury resorts all with direct access to the beach and spectacular views of the Caribbean sea.
But planning a trip to Cancun and booking an oceanfront accommodation doesn’t necessarily mean just staying all day in a Cancun all inclusive resort while drinking margaritas by the pool and indulging in really great food (all for one price).
In the hotel zone of Cancun, there’s a perfect balance of activities for a laid-back vacation. You can indulge in luxury spas, relax on the beach, savor delicious food, yet enough things to do to keep you entertained.
In this article we’ll cover things you should add to your Cancun travel plan if you’re staying in the hotel zone and want a list of things to do without leaving the popular resort area.
Things To Do in Cancun Hotel Zone
Staying in an oceanfront all-inclusive lavish resort in Cancun means enjoying simple pleasures: lounge by the pool, enjoy a cocktail, eat a fancy meal, walk to the beach, take a dip if you like in the turquoise sea.
But there’s so much entertainment waiting for you outside the resort. Both on land and in the ocean. There are so many thing to do in Cancun’s Hotel Zone, that unless you’re coming here only for a couple of days to take a break from everyday life and just be pampered, then it would be a shame to fly to Cancun and miss all the fun things to do around you.
Getting Around
Getting around the Hotel area in Cancun couldn’t be easier. This popular tourist area is basically just a straight road by the ocean. It would almost be impossible to get lost.
But it’s a pretty long road. So if you’re at Playa Delfines in the southern part of the Hotel Zone peninsula and want to go to Caracol beach on the Northern tip, it’s about 10km.
There’s 2 options to get around here. Either get into a taxi. There’s taxis everywhere here and you’ll probably have a few out side the resort you’re staying in.
Another option is to use the public bus. The buses aren’t in the best shape, but it’s more fun than a taxi and buses are also a lot cheaper.
There are buses going up and down this street 24 hours days. All you need to do is know in which direction you want to go, and wait on a bus stop. Usually drivers will stop if you just flag them down and you’re not on a bus stop. Then when you’re almost at your destination, just pull on the cord to ring the bell and the driver will drop you at the nearest bus stop.
The bus schedule is every 5 minutes and operate 24 hours a day. each trip costs 12 pesos ($0.70) regardless of where you stop.
10 Activities in Cancun Hotel Zone
This detailed list of things to do in the Hotel Zone can easily be combined with a 7 day Cancun itinerary. It’s a balanced mix of activities that will definitely entertained during your Cancun holiday.
1. Captain Hook Cancun
While this list is in no particular order, the very top activity to do in Cancun Hotel Zone is to book a dinner cruise with Captain Hook.
Every evening 3 18th Century Spanish Galleon replicas set sail into the Mexican Caribbean waters. On board you’ll get to witness an entertaining and unforgettable show of pirate fights while enjoying a meal as the sun sets into the Caribbean sea.
This is one of the most famous tours in Cancun because everything is included in the price: Food, entertainment (show) and an open bar. There is a small gratuity fee not included and booking in advance to reserve a spot is highly suggested.
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Tourists also love these tours outside the Hotel Zone.
2. Torre Escénica del Embarcadero de Cancún (Scenic Tower)
Just before sunset, take some to enjoy one of the most spectacular views in Cancun.
Torre Escénica del Embarcadero de Cancún commonly referred to as scenic Tower in Cancun is the tallest structure in the Mexican Caribbean. This observation tower in Cancun takes you up in the air to over 260 feet and it has just the right spot near Playa Langosta to offer direct views of the Hotel zone and the long beach lined with resorts.
The views from up here are spectacular and offer a panoramic view of this part of Cancun and beyond.
3. Punta Cancun Lighthouse
On the Northern tip of the hotel zone there’s Punta Cancun Lighthouse. An old red and white structure that feels like it has been forgotten here. Contrasting with the nice luxury resorts and pretty sandy beaches with lots of tourists, this place is rocky and rugged and the lighthouse is in a pretty bad shape.
Coming here means you’ll get the chance to enjoy some peace and quiet while enjoy the waves crash against the rocks. And the location also offers a complete 360 view meaning this is one of the best spots in the Cancun hotel zone to enjoy the sunset.
But a word of caution: there’s no need to say that many visitors will be enticed to take the steel stairs up the lights. It isn’t recommended. The structure isn’t really well maintained and you can never tell what is about to fall apart.
4. Cancun Sign
While taking a photo with the Caribbean sea behind you or posing by the pool with cocktail in hand is a must, probably one of the most recognizable spots in Cancun is the Cancun sign.
Taking a photos with this colorful sign and having it come up in your news feed a few years down will be a nostalgic memory of how amazing this Cancun vacation was.
There’s 2 signs. One is in the Northern part of the Zona Hoteliera near Playa Forum. And one in the South near Playa Delfines, so you’ll definitely pass by one of them at some point during your vacation.
5. Ferris Wheel Cancun
Experience the ultimate holiday thrill by riding the Ferris Wheel in Cancun. As your cabin gently goes up, you’ll be treated to stunning views of pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.
At the top, the Ferris Wheel presents a magnificent sight of Cancun’s skyline. It’s more than just a ride; it’s a magical journey that captures the beauty of Cancun.
This 177-foot-tall observation wheel takes you on a relaxing 20-minute ride, providing fantastic views day or night. Each cabin can comfortably accommodate six to eight people. With its enclosed design, 360-degree crystal windows, and air conditioning, you can enjoy the ride in comfort.
On one side, you’ll see the lagoon, and on the other, the seemingly endless and perfectly blue ocean. Riding the Sky Wheel is a great opportunity to relax and enjoy a peaceful loop with your friends or family. You’ll go around the wheel four or five times, giving you plenty of chances to capture the perfect picture.
6. Interactive Aquarium Cancun
Imagine taking a peak into the marine world and swimming and interacting with dolphins. Or experiencing a once in a life time opportunity of walking beneath the surface on an aquarium trek. All your family can join, adults and kids over 8, and you’ll get to feel like you’re actually walking on the moon.
Some of the activities here feel like everyone’s childhood dream. This truly is one of the best activities to consider especially if you’re coming to Cancun as a family. But, you don’t necessarily need to have kids with you. It’s an activity in Cancun enjoyed by all ages.
7. Museo Maya de Cancún
Hidden away in a patch of tropical forest in the South part of the Hotel Zone there’s the Museo Maya de Cancun. If you want to know more about Mayan history while taking a welcoming break from the beach and buffets, this modern museum is a great place.
In the museum you’ll find exhibits depicting Mayan history and art, as well as one of the Yucatán’s most important collections of Mayan artifacts. The end of the museum leads through the back where you can atke a winding trek through the little tropical forest that leads to temple ruins.
8. Luxury Catamaran to Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is a small island just off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Taking a half day boat trip is an adventure where you’ll get to sail along the coast of the Mexican Caribbean.
Set sail on the catamaran while enjoying the beautiful scenery and ocean breeze through your hair. Your captain will drop the anchor and you’ll enjoy some snorkeling which is likely to result in spotting colorful fish and sometimes even turtles.
The trip will continue along the coast of Mexico as you make your way towards Isla Mujeres. A gourmet lunch is served on board Catamaran. The final destination Isla Mujeres where you’ll get to spend some time. While you get to enjoy the beach, explore the area or a guide can take you around.
This tour is inclusive of everything including lunch and drinks and pick-up/drop-off at your hotel in Cancun.
Coco Bongo
The hotel zone in Cancun is home to a lively nightlife scene that can easily keep you entertained until the sun comes up.
Located in the heart of the main tourist area in the Hotel Zone, Coco Bongo is among many other bars and clubs in this lively part of town. But among all the bars and clubs it stands out for its over the top entertainment.
With spectacular light shows and projections on massive screens complete with confetti and balloons falling from the ceiling. Coco Bongo is a cross between Las Vegas shows, the carnival in Brazil and a Circus.
It’s best to pre-book tickets well in advance because they often sell out. And although tickets aren’t cheap, you get drink and food included which tends to make up for the cost.
10. Shopping
Relaxation is a form of therapy. And what better way to enhance that relaxing therapy with shopping! A little splurge is sort of a must when on a fancy trip in Cancun’s famous resort district.
Well, the hotel zone isn’t just famous for its all-inclusive resorts but also for shopping. And there’s some serious shopping here.
If you’re after a place to go shopping with a hip vibe, make a stop at La Isla Paradise Experience. Here you’ll find a variety of shops in a open air complex giving it a nice beachy atmosphere.
But if you’re looking to splurge on something luxurious make sure to make stop at Luxury Avenue Shopping Mall. Here you’ll find a range of international but the main focus is luxury high-end designer brands.