It's difficult to think of Cancun and not imagine a long expanse of beach laid out at the base of towering resorts. Whether a visitor ever gets their toes wet, it's a cinch that the No. 1 vacation activity will be claiming a spot on Cancun's glittering strand. From that position, a world of leisure pursuits waits to be discovered.
All of Cancun's beaches are public, although getting onto the sand is often through the lobby of a resort. Playa Delfines is one of Cancun's easily-accessed public beach and one of Cancun's best. The surf can be rough there, so if you're traveling with small children, head to one of the beaches on the north side where the surf is gentler. When it comes to water sports, all of the usual suspects are available, including kayaking, parasailing, windsurfing, sailing and snorkeling. Cancun has 24 dive sites and plenty of dive shops; certified instructors can get a novice up to speed in no time. For more experienced divers, cave diving into cenotes, or freshwater sinkholes that lead into underground rivers, is a tough adventure to beat.
One of the region's newest dive attractions is the Cancun Underwater Museum, which showcases a selection of underwater sculptural installations sited within Cancun's National Marine Park. The more than 400 mysterious-looking life-sized figures were created by British artist Jason de Caires Taylor. Named The Silent Evolution, the installation depicts Taylor's interpretation of Maya culture and history. Over time, the environmentally-friendly sculptures will become artificial reefs providing protective spaces for sea creatures to breed. You don't have to be a diver to experience the Cancun Underwater Museum — snorkelers can also view the sculptures from the surface.
Those interested in Maya culture will probably want to plan a daylong excursion out of Cancun, either west to Chichén-Itzá, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, or south to the ancient sites of Tulum and Cobá. Before setting out, take the time to visit Cancun's newest museum, the Maya Museum, located in Cancun's Hotel Zone. The museum's three exhibition halls showcase 350 archeological artifacts that shed light on how the Mayas lived.
GUIDE: What you need to know about Mexico's Riviera Maya
Nightlife in Cancun is legendary, with top nightclubs within easy reach of resorts in the Hotel Zone. If a visitor is more comfortable in the audience instead of on the dance floor, a host of top entertainers have been making their way through town; Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort has been leading the pack in this regard, with artists such as Shakira, Enrique Iglesias and Usher strutting their stuff.
If you have the need for speed, head over to Exotic Rides, where you can get behind the wheel of a Ferrari, Lamborghini or Audi R8. You won't be alone: an experienced driver keeps you from hitting the wall in a blaze of glory.
All of Cancun's golf courses are open for play to the public. The 27-hole Moon Spa & Golf Club, designed by Jack Nicklaus, is located south of Cancun's Hotel Zone. The all-inclusive Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort extends its inclusive policy to visiting golfers and all snacks and beverages are free when they are on the links. The Cancun Golf Club at Pok-ta-Pok in the Hotel Zone was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. This oldie but goodie (built in 1976) has ocean views from some holes and a view from the third hole of Maya ruins. The Hilton Cancun course is also located in the Hotel Zone. Isao Aoki and Pedro Güereca teamed up to design it; be prepared for some challenging sand traps.
MORE: Best places to golf in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula
There are two islands directly off Cancun that have become closely associated with a Cancun vacation.
Isla Holbox is 25 miles long and a little over a mile wide. The ferry from the mainland takes about 2.5 hours. Isla Holbox is an ecological paradise, especially in the waters surrounding the island. The island is where the Caribbean Sea mixes with the Gulf of Mexico, making the conditions nutrient rich. Sea turtles, manta rays, dolphins and whale sharks flourish. In the summer months it's possible to swim with whale sharks — huge creatures weighing 15 tons and reaching lengths of 50 feet. There's nothing to fear since whales sharks are docile and feed on plankton. Isla Holbox is also a refuge for migrating birds, such as scarlet ibis, flamingos, boat-billed herons and white and brown pelicans. The island is an especially good choice for those looking to disappear for a while into a tranquil, natural setting. There are several boutique hotels on the island, such as CasaSandra and Villa Flamingos, both members of Mexico Boutique Hotels. The two properties are a perfect complement to a getaway to Isla Holbox.
Isla Mujeres, or the Island of Women, received its colorful name from its pirate past, when rowdy swashbucklers parked their women on the island as they sailed the sea in search of plunder. Today the five-mile long island is a respite from Cancun's nonstop pace. Isla Mujeres is reached from the mainland via a 35-minute ferry ride. The island's main town has a laid-back hippie vibe, with lots of cafes and boutiques. The customary way of getting around is to rent a bicycle and take off exploring. The hub of water sports activity is Parque Marino El Garrafon, where visitors can swim and snorkel, swim with dolphins, kayak and try their hand at ziplining.
There are a number of hotels on the island; some are full-fledged resorts while others are more modest boutique properties.