When you book a vacation in a tropical paradise like Cancun, you likely envision lazy days enjoying the surf and sand with a few tourist activities sprinkled here and there. Most of the year, that plan would go off without a hitch. Even Cancun isn’t immune to occasional rainy days, especially in the “hurricane season” that lasts from June to November. Don’t let a few raindrops spoil your fun, however; Cancun has plenty to keep you entertained until you can feel the sun’s rays across your face again. Here are some great ideas of things to do in Cancun on a rainy day:
Museo de Antropologia e Historia (Museum of Archeology and History):
While visiting a museum on vacation may not sound like the most exciting thing to do, the Museo de Antropologia y Historia is worth a trip rain or shine. Located south of the Convention Center in the Hotel Zone of the city, the museum houses over 800 historically significant items, chiefly from Mayan ruins in the Yucatan Peninsula. When the sun begins to shine again, you could then armed with the background and knowledge you gained at the museum to enhance the overall experience.
Try Your Luck at the Casino:
There are several casinos in Cancun where you can place a few wagers in the hopes of winning big. Within the Hotel Zone, the Playboy Club is a popular choice. If you’re closer to downtown, however, the Dubai or Play City may be better bets. Play the slots or try a hand or two at the tables, and you stand a chance of winning enough to buy a cocktail, dinner or even more with higher stakes. If you happen to have a little too much fun, you can always call a taxi to take you safely back to your hotel.
“Sightsee” by Submarine:
You don’t have to avoid the water entirely when rain begins to fall. You can still see ocean wonders while staying dry when you take a submarine tour. The SubSee submarine in Cancun provides daily two-hour tours of the Punta Nizuc reef, where you can gain a rare glimpse of the ocean floor and get up-close-and-personal (from behind the safety of glass) with a variety of sea creatures. If you’re traveling with children, this is an especially good choice because the submarine permits all ages to board.
Hands-On Learning About Mexican Cuisine:
One of the best things about vacationing is sampling the local fare, but it gets even better when you learn how to duplicate your favorite dishes once the trip ends and you’re back at home. The Ritz-Carlton Cancun Culinary Center regularly offers classes with accomplished chefs, teaching a wide range of skills from how to craft the perfect margarita to the preparation of a four-course Mexican meal. It’s an unforgettable activity that’s ideal for couples, small groups, or even solo travelers.
Shop Till You Drop:
Let’s face it. The family and friends you left behind at home expect souvenirs so they can live vicariously through your adventures, so use the rain as an excuse to stock up on trinkets to show you care. Cancun is full of unique shopping experiences from specialty shops full of handcrafted items to upscale boutiques, so you’re sure to find just the right items for everyone on your list – including you. While the open air markets like Coral Negro Flea Market may be off limits, Kukulcan Plaza can keep you dry as you explore the myriad of shops inside.
As you can see, a little rain on your Cancun vacation isn’t the end of the world. Chances are, the showers will blow off in a matter of hours or in a day or two at most, so you can work on your tan or feel the waves gently lap at your ankles on a leisurely walk. Use the weather as an excuse to see a different side of the city, and you can play the proper seaside tourist when the sun returns, perhaps even booking a tour of Chichen Itza or Tulum.
Andres Lee
