Many people vacation in Cancun because of the stunning white sand beaches, warm tropical temperatures, and luxury all-inclusive resorts, but there is also a large number of tourists that visit the city seeking adventure. Both in and around Cancun, there are plenty of options, and even more for those willing to go a couple of hours away. There are six adventure activities in particular, though, that Cancun tourists can’t seem to get enough of.
Swimming In Cenotes
Cenotes are naturally formed swimming holes that develop in limestone and fill with groundwater and water from underground rivers. Some of these sinkholes are open to the sky, while others are completely underground, and getting to them and swimming in them is an adventure all its own. Although there are no Cenotes in Cancun, the city is only about 20 miles from where la Ruta de Los Cenotes begins, a roughly 20-mile route of different cenotes that begins in Puerto Morelos.
Snorkeling In Coral Reefs
There are many amazing places near Cancun to snorkel and see coral reefs, the closest being Punta Nizuc and Isla Mujeres. Only 20 minutes from Cancun, though, in Puerto Morelos is a reef that is part of one of the largest systems in the world. Puerto Morelos Reef National Park is part of the Mesoamerican Reef System, and because it is so important, there are plenty of tours that will give you a chance to explore it.
Ziplining Through The Jungle
Cancun is surrounded by the Mayan Jungle, and the state of Quintana Roo itself is actually made up of about 90 percent jungle vegetation. While the jungle can be a scary place on your own, there are multiple tours that will take you exploring places where you can zipline through the jungle. There are also a number of adventure parks with jungle ziplining, including Selvatica, Extreme Adventure Eco Park, and Xplor, which range in price from about $75 – $200.
Touring An Underground River
In addition to Cenotes, there are also underground rivers in Cancun, and taking a tour of one is definitely an unforgettable experience. One such underground river is at the Rio Secreto Nature Reserve, about an hour and a half from Cancun, but well worth making a day trip out of visiting there. It has more than seven miles of underground rivers to explore and is open every day from 8 am – 3 pm. The cost for entry starts at around $70, but you also have the option of booking a tour that includes transportation for $119.
Taking A Nighttime Jungle Tour
The Xplor adventure park offers a truly unique way to experience the jungle, with an exciting nighttime jungle tour. For $140 per person, you can do everything that you can do in the park during a daytime tour but at night, and the tour includes transportation and a buffet dinner. Explore underground caves, go rafting, swim, zipline, and more after dark to see the jungle from a unique perspective.
Jet Skiing Around Nichupte Lagoon
Jet skiing is an adventure all on its own but add to it the adventure of exploring the 7,000 acres of the Nichupte Lagoon, and you’ll have a truly memorable experience. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the mangroves and potentially see all kinds of marine life. Tours range from about $50 and up, depending on what is included in the tour, and times vary, but typically tours are offered between the hours of 8 am and 4 pm.
There is no doubt that you will want to spend some time relaxing on Cancun’s beaches and enjoying your all-inclusive amenities, but including a little adventure will add to your total experience. Any one of these Cancun adventure activities can help you make memories that will last a lifetime.