Although Cancun is the Riviera Maya‘s destination par excellence in the Americas, there are other nearby options that you can visit in a day. In addition to having different transportation options, getting to them from Cancun Airport is very cheap. Get to know the best options and start planning your itinerary to visit each of them.
READ MORE: We share our list of the best places to visit in April
Look at Mayan ruins at Tulum
Tulum is a small town located south of Cancun, a little more than two hours away, with a unique bohemian style and a relaxed atmosphere, besides having one of the most beautiful beaches of the Riviera and breathtaking landscapes worth admiring. Although it is recommended to dedicate more than one day to this small town, it is ideal for a day trip, whether you decide to go by bus, rent a car or book a private shuttle service from Cancun to Tulum to avoid the crowds.
Not being a big city, you can easily reach most of the attractions by walking or renting a bicycle in any of the attractions on foot or by renting a bike at any of the many stands. Like most Caribbean beaches, Tulum’s beaches are perfect for snorkelling or scuba diving due to their crystal clear waters and different marine species. If you prefer, you can also go to the nearby cenotes for swimming.
On the other hand, don’t forget to visit the archaeological site of Tulum which is definitely a must to learn more about the Mayan culture and explore all the architectural details. The ruins are quite close to town so you can go by bike or book one of the tours offered by the locals.
Explore the reef at Puerto Morelos
Puerto Morelos is a small town located just 37 minutes from Cancun, famous for having a unique and laid-back personality that has enchanted many tourists over the years. In addition to its beauty as a fishing village, Puerto Morelos is popular for its colourful reef, which is perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving, as it is part of the second-largest reef in the world. You can easily reach it by swimming or booking a boat, as it is only 500 meters from the beach.
Puerto Morelos is perfect to spend a quiet day and simply enjoy the view and the sunset. To end the day in Puerto Morelos, visit the local handicraft stores or try the typical food at the street stalls located in the main square.
See sea turtles at Akumal
Akumal is located approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Cancun and is one of the most famous destinations in the Riviera Maya due to its beautiful beaches with white sand and crystal clear waters with a wide variety of animals. It is also one of the favourite destinations for diving or snorkelling, but also for other activities such as windsurfing, kayaking or fishing.
As a curious fact, Akumal means “Place of turtles” and receives its name precisely because it is the perfect place to dive in the company of these marine animals, which since 2016 has been declared a turtle protection refuge.
Akumal is perfect for day visits where you simply want to enjoy the sea breeze without worries and admire the sunsets of the Caribbean Sea. Although it may seem a bit far from Cancun, there are different transportation options from Cancun to Akumal that you can take, from buses to private transportation.
Explore Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is a beautiful island perfect for escaping the crowds of the big cities and having a relaxing day. It is located about 13 km off the coast of Cancun and despite what you may think it is the closest destination to Cancun. Unlike the previous options to get there, you must take a ferry from the terminal located in Puerto Juarez and the trip takes about 1 hour.
During your visit to Isla Mujeres enjoy the tours along the east coast, either on foot, renting a bicycle or in a golf cart, which is the vehicle par excellence on the island. Enjoy the beautiful beaches all along the island or if you prefer, visit El Garrafon, one of the most famous water parks.
