Cancun Holidays

The city’s Hotel Zone boasts 22 kilometres of white sands, so you’ll never be short of sunbathing spots on your Cancun holiday. The northern coast has calm waters ideal for swimming, while the beaches along the eastern stretch are lapped by the balmy Caribbean Sea. The water here is also slightly choppier than the north, making it a great place for surfing.

Playa Delfines is one of Cancun’s best beaches. Just the right amount of busy, this chalk-white public beach has plenty of space and several food vendors, while the rolling waves are ideal for watersports. The sea here can be a little rough for swimming, though, so if you’d prefer to go for a relaxing dip, head along the coast to Playa Chac Mool, where you’ll find still waters and great snorkelling.

Alternatively, if you want to spend your time in the heart of the action, head to Playa Forum. Lined with a range of bars and restaurants, this popular beach is always bustling, while offering all the scenic views you’d expect from a beach in Cancun.

Thanks to the city’s beautiful coastline, water babies will find plenty of things to do in Cancun. You can go paddle-boarding or kayaking across the Caribbean Sea, or hop on a jet-ski if you fancy something faster. But, of all the attractions in Cancun, the Great Mayan Reef is the best for nature-lovers. Stretching for more than 1,000 kilometres, it’s the second largest reef in the world, filled with corals and tropical fish. And make sure you visit Cancun’s underwater museum, MUSA, where you’ll see dozens of statues. You can go on a snorkelling or diving tour or, if you’d prefer to stay dry, admire the sculptures from a glass-bottomed boat.

There are lots of day trips available further afield, too. You can venture into the nearby jungle for an afternoon of hiking and zip-lining. And no Cancun holiday would be complete without a visit to one of Mexico’s ancient Mayan cities. Travel south to the fascinating ruins of Tulum, or head west to see world-famous Chichen Itza. One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this staggering city is estimated to be 1,500 years old. You can marvel at the iconic Pyramid of Kukulcan, before going to the nearby cenote for a cooling swim in the turquoise waters.

Cancun and nightlife go together like gin and tonic. Hugely popular with American students and European revellers, this Mexican resort has certainly earned its reputation as the place to party. But there’s also a scattering of chilled-out bars, if you simply fancy a cocktail or two.

You’ll find all the big-name clubs in the Hotel Zone. You can dance until the early hours at places like Dady ’O but, for a one-of-a-kind night out, make tracks for Cancun’s iconic superclub, Coco Bongo. Ridiculously lavish and eccentric, this place throws a party like nowhere else. Alongside world-famous DJs, you can expect flying acrobats, dazzling shows and conga lines. Just make sure you book your tickets early – especially if you want a VIP table – as these fun-filled nights often sell out weeks in advance.

If that’s not quite your scene, though, don’t worry. Head to Grand Mambo Café for salsa dancing and live music, or visit Carlos’ & Charlie’s for great cocktails and Mexican bites. La Casa del Habano is another cosy spot, serving up cigars and fantastic mojitos.

If you’re planning to spend your entire Cancun holiday on the beach, it’s best to visit between November and May. At this time of year, temperatures average 28^oC and often climb higher. Rainfall is minimal, too, with April and May being the driest months. But, before you book, it’s worth checking when Spring Break falls. This non-stop party – usually in March or April – sees thousands of American university students flock to Cancun’s shores. So, if you’re seeking a quiet holiday, it’s best to avoid going to Cancun at this time of year.

Mexico’s hurricane season officially runs from June until November, but September and October are the wettest months. Between June and August, you can expect temperatures to be around 33^oC, while the rain showers tend to be short, heavy downpours. Cancun holidays are much cheaper in the summer months so, if you don’t mind a bit of rain, you could land a bargain.