11 Things To Do in Cancun Without Breaking the Bank

Are you dreaming of a tropical getaway but worried about your budget? Look no further than Cancun, Mexico! This paradise offers a wealth of affordable adventures and experiences that won't empty your wallet. Whether you're a beach lover, an adventure seeker, or a culture enthusiast, Cancun has something for everyone. In this guide, we've rounded up 11 budget-friendly things to do in Cancun that will make your trip unforgettable without breaking the bank.

I’ve put together a guide of 11 things to do in Cancun without breaking the bank!

P.S. If you want to explore a lesser known Mexican city, check out my post on Mazatlan Mexico.

1. Book a Catamaran Tour

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This was by far one of the best activities I’ve done in Cancun! Catamaran tours offer the perfect blend of relaxation, excitement, and natural beauty, making them the ultimate way to experience Cancun's breathtaking coastline. Along the Cancun docks, there are many options to choose from but I suggest booking with GetYourGuide’s Catamaran tour in advance to save you all the hassle. Most businesses have add-ons that include alcohol, food, and extra time. You’ll sail throughout Isla Mujeres and the views are breathtaking! On average, look to spend about $50usd to $70usd.

Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or simply a day of fun in the sun, our Cancun catamaran tours promise an experience like no other.

2. Stroll Through Cancun’s Hotel Zone

Cancun’s hotel zone has some of the best hotels in Mexico. You can create your self-guided walking tour and discover amazing sights. From luxury boutiques to local markets, you'll find everything from designer brands to unique souvenirs to take home. Take stops along the way to try out different drinks and shops. You can also treat yourself to a day of pampering at one of the Hotel Zone's luxurious spas. Indulge in rejuvenating massages, facials, and wellness treatments, and emerge feeling refreshed and revitalized.

When the sun sets, the Hotel Zone comes alive with pulsating nightlife. Dance the night away at trendy clubs, sip cocktails at rooftop bars, or enjoy live music at beachfront venues.

3. Go Swimming at Verde Lucero

Enjoying the beauty of nature should not break the bank! For just a small admission fee, you can gain access to Verde Lucero’s crystal-clear swimming pools, surrounded by lush greenery and tropical landscapes. Whether you're seeking a relaxing dip to beat the heat or a fun-filled day of aquatic adventures, Verde Lucero has something for everyone. Cancun’s Verde Lucero is a gorgeous cenote with access to zip lining, cliff diving, and swimming. It’s priced at $15usd for tourist and they are open from 10am to 5pm.

Have a little extra to spend? Book a Riviera Maya tour to explore the beautiful Chichén Itzá remains, and learn about a ceremonial center of the Maya civilization, followed by a fun cenote tour, then finish with a buffet dinner at a local restaurant.

4. Buy A Day Pass At a Hotel

Do want to just enjoy a day resting and relaxing? I suggest buying. day pass a t a Cancun hotel. This is perfect if you’re staying at an affordable hotel but want to change things up without committing to the full price of a luxury hotel. Day passes can range from $15-$40usd, on average it’s fair to pay about $25 for one day.

5. Snorkel Through the Underwater Museum

Snorkeling in Cancun isn't just an activity – it's an exhilarating journey into a vibrant underwater world teeming with life and color. Dive into the mesmerizing underwater sculptures at The Cancun Underwater Museum aims to protect and conserve Mexican art.

One of the highlights of snorkeling in Cancun is the opportunity to explore the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest reef system in the world. Home to an incredible diversity of marine life, including colorful fish, graceful sea turtles, and even playful dolphins, this underwater paradise never fails to amaze.

You’ll be able to snorkel while seeing the wonderful and historic art in the Caribbean Sea.

6. Get the Best Views at the Cancun Scenic Tower 

Standing at 370 feet tall, the Scenic Tower rotates slowly allowing you to enjoy a bird’s eye view of Cancun Mexico! You’ll only pay $20usd and have access to the certified best views of the Mexican Caribbean.

7. Take a Day Trip to Tulum

Only 81 miles away from Cancun, Tulum has been a vacation staple this past month! To get to Tulum from Cancun, the ADO Bus company is a favorite. You’ll save so much money going the bus route however it will take you longer. It’s best to visit ado.com.mx to get the best idea of bus departure and arrival times to plan out your Tulum day trip. Once in Tulum, check out the wonderful beaches, instagrammable spots, and amazing pools!

There are also inexpensive guided tours that will pick you and your family up from Cancun taking you on one amazing Riviera Maya experience including a stop in Tulum, Mexico!

8. Support Local Art by Shopping at the Mercado 28

For budget-friendly shopping, visit Mercado 28. You'll find a variety of souvenirs, jewelry, and local crafts at reasonable prices.Whenever I’m traveling, I love to stop by the locally owned shops wherever I may be. This is my way of getting true and authentic clothing , jewelry, or anything in between. Often times these huge companies buy out these locally owned shops and it’s so important to continue to do what we can to make sure the smaller shops remain in business. Cancun’s Mercado 28 has some of the best local goods and foods. It’s a very long flea market with a huge strip of stores. Remember that if you speak some Spanish, you can give a counter offer to what the vendor’s give you and I suggest never buying the very first thing you see.

9. Visit Downtown Cancun

Downtown Cancun is where I would visit often when I didn’t have a lot of time to spare. It gives you a very realistic glimpse into everyday life in Cancun. Here you’ll find Mercado 28, local restaurants, and other shopping places worth visiting. If you’re down for a party, Downtown Cancun will have some amazing bars that play great live music!

10. Watch a Lucha Libre Show

Also known as freestyle wrestling, Lucha Libre is a Mexican cultural staple! Arena Cancun hosts events every weekend and I can bet many tourists will not even think to catch a show. For most gyms, a front-row seat will cost you only $ 12 USD! You cannot beat that. There are also Cancun Food Tours that offer Lucha Libre Shows at certain stops throughout the tour.

11. Visit the Zona Arqueologica El Rey

Containing ancient ruins, Zona Arqueologica El Rey is located right in the middle of Cancun’s Hotel Zone. With the site being very convenient in location, you’ll be able to see everything you need to and more. It won’t be the largest of the Mexican Mayan ruins but It's one of the few still standing trading post along the coastline of Yucatan which is definitely something to see!

Cancun is not just for the luxury traveler; it welcomes budget-conscious explorers with open arms. With these 11 affordable activities, you can experience the best of Cancun without worrying about your wallet. Plan your budget-friendly adventure today and enjoy everything this tropical paradise has to offer.

For more travel tips and inspiration, stay tuned to globetrottercurls.com for all things travel-related. Happy travels!

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