Explore Reefs and Ruins in Cancún

Cancún is known for its incredible beaches and proximity to Mayan ruins, but there’s more to the destination. You can snorkel among the coral reefs, view underwater sculptures, catch the sunrise on a sleepy island, or swim in limestone caves.

Ready for adventure? Here’s what to experience while in Cancún:

See Beneath the Surface

Cancún is home to tropical coral reefs and underwater wildlife that’s best explored via a snorkeling excursion. Head to Punta Nizuc, home to starfish, lobsters and turtles. Or dive into the turquoise blue sea at the Cancún Underwater Museum (MUSA), composed of 500 sculptures created to provide relief to the natural reef. At MUSA, you can experience either an underwater snorkel or a dive.

Swim in Cenotes

The nearby Yucatán Peninsula is known for its incredible cenotes — natural pools that form in limestone caves. You can swim, snorkel or scuba dive in the area’s best cenotes near Puerto Morelos, where you’ll find Cenote Verde Lucero, Cenote Selvatica and Cenote La Noria.

Experience Mayan Temazcal

The Temazcal ritual is a traditional Mayan purification ceremony, whereby participants enter a hut for a sauna-like sweat to wash away toxins and emotional residue. The ceremony has been performed since ancient times, and is seen as purification of the body, mind and soul.

Spend a Day on Local Beaches

Enjoy an afternoon walking along the beach near the Hotel Zone. Playa Delfines, one of the largest beaches in Cancún, is known for its iconic Cancún sign — a perfect opportunity for a family photo. If you prefer to engage in water spots, venture to Chac Mool Beach, where you can rent equipment to explore the Caribbean waters. For a quiet beach experience, head to Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve for a breathtaking pairing of the jungle and shoreline.

Explore the Mayan Ruins

The area’s Mayan ruins warrant a day trip from Cancún. To see the most famous Mayan ruins in Mexico, you’ll need to head about three hours away to Chichén Itzá, famous for its El Castillo pyramid and the Temple of the Warriors.

If you still want to experience cultures of the past, but prefer a shorter trip, consider Tulum, set on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, or Ek’ Balam, which hosts climbable ruins nestled in the jungle of the Yucatán state — both about two hours away.

Staying in town? Visit the Templo del Alacrán, the Temple of the Scorpion, a structure designed to whistle, warning the Mayans of impending hurricanes and other intense weather.

Catch the Sunrise at Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres — “Island of Women” — is the first place you can see the sunrise in Mexico. Plan a day trip to visit this sleepy fishing village, which offers a break from the excitement of Cancún. The island is accessible by a 20-minute ferry ride from Cancún’s Hotel Zone. Here, you can watch sea turtles hatch at the local conservation center, visit the Ruins of Ixchel Temple or visit the ruins of Hacienda Mundaca.

Start Planning Your Cancún Vacation

Whether you want to explore the ruins or spend the day snorkeling with sea life, make The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort your home base from which to see it all. You can prepare your own meals in the fully equipped kitchen, if you choose. Or grab take-out and eat outside on your private balcony. And after a day of outdoor exploration, you can unwind in spacious living areas.

Vistana™ Signature Experiences Owners with StarOptions^® can book any length of stay at The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort.

If you are a Vistana Signature Experiences Owner with Week(s), you can place an exchange request with Interval International^®.

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