Cancun tours

Things to do in Cancun

Cancun is a haven where turquoise waves caress white sandy shores, with each day feeling like a festivity. This vivacious city thrums with energy, offering both solace and exhilaration. Your local guide elevates Cancun tours beyond the superficial, revealing the cultural and historical layers that make this destination distinctive. Visualize bypassing the lines to explore ancient Mayan ruins or immersing yourself in the vibrant underwater realm of the Great Mesoamerican Reef. Your guide steers you through bustling marketplaces infused with the scents of street food or takes you on a culinary tour showcasing the finest Yucatecan cuisine. Whether strolling through the lively hotel zone or uncovering secluded beaches, you'll discover Cancun's heart in a uniquely personal and unforgettable manner. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Cancun. Explore Cancun your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Cancun tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Cancun for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Snorkel the reefs at Punta Nizuc and glide over the MUSA underwater art installations with a private guide. For a quiet morning, birdwatch by boat in the Nichupté mangroves and look for egrets, herons, and ospreys. History tours: Take a private tour to Chichén Itzá with an early start to beat the crowds, then stop in Valladolid for a short walk on Calle de los Frailes and a cenote swim. Closer to town, explore the El Rey or El Meco ruins to see coastal Maya temples without a long drive. Adventure tours: Spend a day at a jungle park near Puerto Morelos for ziplines, ATVs, and a cenote rappel, all with your guide handling timing and photos. You can also pilot a two-seat speedboat through mangrove channels before snorkelling a shallow reef. Buses run frequently along Boulevard Kukulcán, but distances are long in the Hotel Zone and many nature and history sites sit outside the city. Book tours with private transportation or a chauffeured driver-guide for cenotes, ruins, and jungle activities. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Cancun inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Take a private walking tour of Cancun and explore its diverse neighborhoods with a local guide. This journey will introduce you to the vibrant culture and hidden treasures that define this famous destination. - Hotel Zone: Known for its stunning beaches and lively nightlife, the Hotel Zone is perfect for those looking to enjoy Cancun's vibrant party scene and luxury resorts. Families can also enjoy the numerous beach activities available. - Downtown Cancun (El Centro): Discover the local side of Cancun in Downtown, where you can explore authentic markets and savor traditional Mexican cuisine. Ideal for cultural tourists and those seeking a genuine connection with the city's residents. - Isla Mujeres: A short ferry ride away, Isla Mujeres offers a quaint escape with beautiful beaches and a charming town center. Great for families and those looking to unwind in a more relaxed setting. Day trip ideas from Cancun It’s easy to trade Cancun’s resort zone for nearby ruins, islands, and small towns, with day trips and tours that keep the pace relaxed while still giving you a full day out. - Tulum: Stand where the Maya watched the sea from clifftop temples, then wander the beachside town for tacos and a swim; if you like history with ocean views and simple beach time, this spot fits both. - Chichén Itzá and Valladolid: See the Pyramid of Kukulcán, the ball court, and observatory, then roll into Valladolid for a colourful plaza, a cool cenote, and easy Yucatán eats; if you want big archaeology and local culture in the same day, this pairing covers it. - Isla Mujeres: Hop the ferry for calm water at Playa Norte, light snorkelling at El Farito reef, and slow streets you can explore by cart or on foot; if you prefer an island vibe and clear water without a long drive, this is simple and stress free. - Cobá and nearby cenotes: Walk or bike shaded jungle paths to broad pyramids and quiet plazas, then cool off in a limestone sinkhole with clear blue water; if you like light activity, older ruins, and a refreshing swim, this loop suits your day. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Cancun most travellers miss.