5 Cool Things to Do in Cancun Summer 2024

Post by Kelly McLaughlin May 05, 2024.

Is it good to go to Cancun in summer? Yes.

Is Cancun hot in summer? Yes.And?

Unique things to do in Cancun Summer 2024

As the sun climbs higher and the days grow longer, Cancun gears up to offer its hot summer vibe to all its visitors. Our home in the Mexican Caribbean is famous not just for its turquoise waters and vibrant nightlife but also for a whole world of exhilarating activities that can satisfy the adventure junkie, the culture enthusiast, and the nature lover alike.

Here are five awesome things to do in Cancun this summer that I promise will rock your world.

1. Dive into the Mystical World of Cenotes and Rio Secreto

This is number one on my list of things to do in Cancun in the summer. Going underground you enter a world where the temperature drops and magic begins. The Yucatan Peninsula is renowned for its cenotes—natural swimming holes formed by the collapse of porous limestone, revealing a secret subterranean world of groundwater pools. The fresh water is always a bit chilly compared to the outside air, 75 to 77oF (23 to 25oC) and in the summer it just feels OH SO GOOD. Cenotes are considered sacred to the ancient Maya and relics are hidden throughout the cave system.

I have a special place in my heart for Rio Secreto Riviera Maya or the "Secret River." I first visited when my son was but a tiny tot many years ago. He is an adult now and we have shared many cenote experiences but our first time at Rio Secreto was epic. This is a surreal experience where you can swim and walk through a series of underground caves filled with stunning geological formations. Crystal-clear waters, stunning stalactites, and stalagmites that have formed over centuries. It’s a refreshing and enlightening escape from the summer heat.

2. Sail Away on a Catamaran to Isla Mujeres

Just off the coast of Cancun, Isla Mujeres is a charming little island known for its gorge beaches, out of this world turquoise waters and a laid-back atmosphere that contrasts with Cancun’s high-energy vibe. Hopping on a catamaran and setting sail across the crystal-clear Bay of Mujeres you’ll feel the ocean breeze in your hair and the sun on your back, with a cold drink in hand it really is a great way to refresh.

I love a Cancun catamaran tour in summer, it is a “no brainer” kind of day where I can just let myself go with the flow, hang out at a private Isla Mujeres beach club and just chillax. I can simply float in the sea for hours.

You can also book a longer stay on the island, getting to Isla Mujeres is absolutely high on my list of “must visit” vacation destinations.

3. Explore the Riches of the Maya Museum Cancun

If you are feeling the heat but want to visit the Mayan world in Cancun, head to the Maya Museum. Air conditioning, art, culture and history! This modern museum houses one of the most significant collections of Maya artifacts in the Mexican Caribbean, including ancient relics and even an original 14,000-year-old intact skeletal remains found in nearby underwater caves.

The museum lets you in on the secrets of the ancient Maya and their astounding achievements in mathematics, astronomy, and architecture.There is a small ruins site to explore, yes, there are Mayan ruins in the hotel zone of Cancun! San Miguelito at the Maya Museum gives you a taste of archaeology without a full day of walking in the heat of the summer sun at one of the larger sites like Chichen Itza.

Staying in the hotel zone of Cancun? You’ll need a ride from the Cancun Airport to your resort, check out our private transportation with Happy Shuttle Cancun. We can’t wait to show you around our Happy place!

4. Swim with the Gentle Giants - Whale Sharks

By far one of the most meaningful encounters I have ever had with nature. Swimming with whale sharks near Cancun is an activity you can only do in the summer and it is spectacular. From June to September large groups of whale fish, the biggest fish in the sea, congregate in the waters near Cancun and Isla Mujeres. Swimming with whale sharks absolutely blows my mind every single time, a major reason why you should visit Cancun in summer.

These gentle giants can grow up to 40 feet long and are harmless to humans, swimming along as filter feeders eating only microscopic meals. Swimming alongside these magnificent creatures is an exhilarating and humbling experience that offers a unique perspective on the marvels of marine life. Tours are conducted with respect to the natural environment of the whale sharks, ensuring a responsible and awe-inspiring encounter.

5. Discover the Lagoon of Seven Colors of Bacalar

The “Magic Town” of Bacalar is a bit of a journey from Cancun but absolutely worth the trip for a dip in the refreshing tropical lagoon. Bacalar is known as the "Lagoon of Seven Colors" because of its mesmerizing shades of blue and turquoise. The history of Bacalar includes the ancient Maya, pirates of the Caribbean and it is a fantastic place to discover stromatolites, the oldest living lifeforms on the planet!

The Bacalar Lagoon in summer is a tranquil alternative to the bustling beaches of Cancun and a perfect spot for those looking to unwind amidst stunning natural beauty. As locals, we love a long weekend in Bacalar but I think a day trip is a great way to get a little taste of this laid-back destination south of Cancun.

Cancun in summer 2024 promises more than just sunbathing and swim-up bars (though honestly, that doesn’t sound so bad to me!). Explore the underworld of the region's cool cenotes and underground rivers, swim with fish bigger than a car, or sail away to a tropical island paradise, Cancun is the hottest place to stay cool this summer.

Peace, love and summer fun in the sun, Cancun Local Extraordinaire

Let us get you to your Happy place with our safe transfers from the Cancun Airport. Our amily business Happy Shuttle Cancun brings you reliable service every single time, can’t wait to meet you and show you around!