Things to do in Cancun: Maya sites, underwater art and Xcaret

Museo Maya and San Miguelito for a shorter outing

At km 16.5 of Boulevard Kukulcán, the museum and adjoining archaeological site make a practical combination. Visit the galleries, then walk through San Miguelito. You stay within the Hotel Zone instead of spending much of the day on the road. Both open Tuesday through Sunday. INAH visitor information.

MUSA for snorkeling, diving or a glass-bottom boat

The Museo Subacuático de Arte has underwater sculpture galleries at Manchones and Punta Nizuc. Its trips include different ways to see the works: snorkeling, diving and glass-bottom boat visits. Choose the gallery and activity together; a boat visit is a different experience from swimming above the sculptures.

If you want to dive, check the experience and certification required for that particular trip. For someone who wants to stay dry, the glass-bottom boat is the option to investigate. Sea conditions can affect departures, so avoid scheduling this outing just before your flight home.

Xcaret for a full day with an evening show

The underground rivers, Artisan Village and México Espectacular give you enough to stay through the evening. Xcaret is south of Playa del Carmen, so allow for the journey from Cancun. Our first-visit Xcaret guide explains admission and how to arrange the return after the show.

Playa del Carmen for an afternoon on foot

Quinta Avenida runs parallel to the beach and has shops and restaurants along the walk. Once you are there, keep nearby stops in the same outing. You can read more in our Playa del Carmen guide.

Arrange transport for the outing you choose

For a hotel pickup and return, tell us your destination and dates. Include the place where a boat tour actually starts if you are booking a marine activity; the underwater gallery itself is not a road drop-off.

Your airport transfer is booked separately. Use our private airport transportation for the arrival at your hotel and the journey back to Cancun Airport.