Many families, including our’s, love heading to Cancun and the Riviera Maya for an easy, family vacation. A quick three-hour flight and you can be sitting poolside, and drinking a margarita while your kids explore pools and visit kids clubs. Many families go there to just relax and do NOTHING. (That’s definitely been our family a few times!).

However, many families like the idea of planning a day or half-day to explore this culture-rich and gorgeous destination. I don’t know of a single other destination that offers as many diverse activities and excursions. There is so much to do! So, I wanted to give you a list of some of my favorite excursions for families in Cancun and the Riviera Maya.

First, though, I often get asked what the difference is between Cancun and the Riviera Maya. Cancun is located on the northeastern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula and the Riviera Maya is a stretch of Caribbean coastline in the eastern part of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. It stretches from just south of Cancun to the ancient Mayan city of Tulum. The entire region is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich culture and history.

6 Family-Favorite Excursions in Cancun and the Riviera Maya

Swim in a Cenote

Cenotes are natural swimming holes formed by collapsed limestone. They are popular with visitors looking to cool off and take a dip in the refreshing waters. Many cenotes also offer snorkeling and diving opportunities, allowing visitors to explore the unique underwater ecosystems.

You can visit individual cenotes like Cenote Cristalino or Cenote Azul and enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear water with a variety of fish and other aquatic life.

In addition, there are several cenotes parks that not only give you access to multiple cenotes and often other other adventure activities. Rio Secreto, for example, is located near Playa del Carmen and features a series of underground caves and cenotes. Visitors can explore the caves by swimming and snorkeling and also offers a unique lighting system to better appreciate the natural beauty of the caves. Xplor Cenote Park, also near Playa Del Carmen, offers visitors the opportunity to swim, snorkel and dive in the cenotes, as well as explore the underground rivers. It also features zip-lines, amphibious vehicles and rafts.

Day Trip to Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a small island located off the coast of Cancun, Mexico. It is a popular day trip destination for visitors to the Riviera Maya and Cancun area. If you like to explore on your own, you can get ferry tickets and shop, eat, and lounge at the beach on your own schedule. Once you arrive at the island, you’re in town where you’ll find hundreds of shops and vendors. A 10-minute walk will take you to several options for beach clubs.

The beaches of Isla Mujeres are perhaps the most beautiful in the region so pay for a chair, order food and drinks, and even grab a paddleboard. When were there recently, we rented a golf cart and drove the entire perimeter of the island and ended up at a beach club.

There are also several catamaran excursions to Isla Mujeres from Cancun and Playa Mujeres. You can take the family on one of these excursions, snorkel for a bit, and then end up docked along a beautiful Isla Mujeres beach.

Snorkel and Dive

You’ll find a variety of coral reefs off the coast, where visitors can snorkel and view a diverse array of marine life. Some tour operators can take you to snorkel in areas known for sea turtles, dolphins and even sharks. Also, Cozumel, an island off the coast of Playa Del Carmen, is known to be one of the best diving spots in the region due to its location along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second largest coral reef system in the world.

Tulum

Tulum formerly was known for its well-preserved ancient Mayan ruins, which offer visitors the opportunity to explore the history and culture of the Mayan civilization. However, over the past decade its popularity has grown due to an explosion in yoga and wellness retreats.

You might want to head to the area to visit the ruins, walking through the cute town of Tulum, visiting the Tulum Monkey Sanctuary, or even stopping by the Tulum Adventure Park.

Xcaret Park

Xcaret Park is an eco-archaeological park that offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages. Some of the most popular activities include snorkeling and swimming with dolphins, exploring underground rivers, and visiting the park’s many animal exhibits. Xcaret Park is owned by “Experiences Xcaret,” which also owns several other parks and attractions in the region. For example, Xavage is an adventure park with white water rafting, zip lining, ropes course, off-road driving, snorkeling and more. Also, Xenses offers a unique experience, with activities such as underground rivers, pools, and more designed to play with the senses. You can buy tickets to any of their parks.

Sunset Cruise

A perfect way to experience the beauty of the Caribbean Sea at sunset is by taking a sunset cruise. Families enjoy sunset sailings as a way to get their young children on the water without worrying about being on the water for several hours. There are a multitude of options available to you, ranging from private sailings, large catamaran sailings, and even romantic dinner sailings. Most sailings will include an open bar and small snacks and appetizers. Year-round, visitors can enjoy the sights of Cancun’s coastline, such as the famous hotel zone, and the natural beauty of the Caribbean Sea.

Specifically, the Captain Hook Dinner Cruise is a much-loved evening on the water for families. Cheesy, good fun on the water. Kids will love it!

Before You Book

Before you book your next excursion in the Riviera Maya, I have a few words of caution.

Remember, the Riviera Maya is huge! If you are staying in the Playa Mujeres resort area, you could easily be in traffic for 1.5 to 2 hours heading south to Tulum or even Xcaret. Pay attention to the travel time required for your excursions – you likely don’t want to spend a full day in a shuttle on vacation.

Also, make sure you book through a reputable tour operator. Look online for reviews or ask your travel advisor for their recommendations. We can often find excursions that group together several activities, such as a cenote visit and a trip to the Monkey Sanctuary.