3 Days of Safe Solo Travels Through Cancun Mexico

I went to Mexico twice in 2015 solo and again in 2016 with my son. The people, food, and beaches are a great get-a-way from the States! On both solo trips I had zero issues as a female traveler. The people are great to talk with and very friendly. I even tried out my very little broken Spanglish with them and got a few laughs. The second trip I took my son and he loved it! (he was 24 years old).  Here are a few of the things I did, an itinerary, and some great places to check out!

Cancun Day 1: Hotel Zone, Museum, and Nightlife

Playa Delfines- Close to the end of the Hotel Zone- take the bus for a few Pesos. It’s also the beach next to the famous Cancun sign. You might have to stand in the line to get your picture taken, but the most I have waited was 30 min. Bring food and drinks (especially water), there are no shops close.

Museo Maya De Cancun– Cancun’s museum in the hotel zone, has about 1.5 or 2 hours worth of history and artifacts. They have a replica of Chitzen Itza, other artifacts, and an outdoor trail to some original settlements in Cancun. Make sure you don’t pass the lines on the floor when you are taking pictures- the museum security are not happy. (Woops!)

Plaza De Fiesta- Nice mall in the hotel zone, with typical mall shops, high end brands, and some local Mexican favorites. There is a huge store for souvenirs that are decent prices and you can also stock up on your favorite tequila here! Too many brands and cool bottles to list! Look for the 3 colorful skeleton ladies out front. If you are looking at the entrance the shop is at the end, to your right.

Night time: Jolly Roger cruise– from the dock in the hotel zone- a fun dinner cruise or Take a sunset chopper ride. 

Of course you can hit up the night clubs in the hotel zone: Coco Bongo is one of the more popular places. You can get a party pass cheaper than walking in if you purchase it ahead of time online. Other spots on the strip include Azur, MB, or Egos, The Plaza, Palazzo, and The City. Senior Frogs is also an option for a bar and food. My favorite food and fun spot was Carlos and Charlie’s. It’s right on the strip and a great spot to start your night! 

Day 2: Isla Mujeras and the Party Cruise

Isla Mujeras is about a 45 minute boat ride from Cancun hotel zone- great island fun, rent a golf cart, explore the island, go to the Southern-most tip for a fabulous view and some interesting sculptures and lots of iguanas. You will see vendors along the way selling lots of Mexico’s finest trinkets and souvenirs. There are very few ATM’s on the island, bring cash to make it easier.

Make sure and visit the center of the island in the market square area for some great traditional Mexican items.  Lots of local drinks and coconut mixes to keep you cool. Stay for the day or grab a hotel on the island. I really like this island to get away from the crowds and huge tourists of the hotel strip in Cancun. 

Or take the Ferry Boat to Isla Mujeras (I think I got in the middle of a pregnancy  photo shoot). You can grab a drink while yo wait at the bar/restaurant on the dock and watch the people enjoying life in the water. 

Or ,… you can book a ride with The Dancer– it’s a great cruise with music, dancing, excellent lunch, fun games, snorkeling, and the most energetic staff I have ever seen. This was my top favorite thing to do while in Cancun. It will take you to the lsla Mujeras and there is an option for the golf cart tour which I recommend to do.

Bring cash to pay for it, and some extra cash for the island (you can get a better price if you pay in pesos).  If you don’t want to go on the golf cart, spend your day at the beautiful beach of walk around. They will have a “Special Sale” just for you at every vendor stall you walk past.  Bargain to get the best prices. 

At the dock area to board the Dancer, there is a small a shop that has liquor, coffee, sandwiches, sun lotion, hats, chips, etc. in case you forget something. They are open early for the tourists.

Day 3- Cancun Beaches,  and Fishing Tour

Fishing Tour- My son wanted to go fishing for our 2016 trip, so I saw a tour shack on the beach when I was walking one morning. We decided to try out the Wave Runner company and left around 9AM. The local fishing guides were fabulous and knew English to keep us laughing at his jokes. It was about a 5 hours tour and cost $125 US for 2 of us on a private boat. All fishing supplies, bait, and cold drinks were included. It was a great boat ride, with a fabulous view of Cancun beaches and an exciting tour. We focused on Baracuda fishing areas since neither of us have caught one before. We ended up catching 6 very large Baracudas. When we docked, the guide took us to a restaurant on the beach that cooked our catch in 3 different ways. We gave the rest of the fish to the locals at the dock. Hint: They do like tips, and they worked very hard for our trip.

After fishing we hit the beach to relax.

Another great beach area is just behind CoCo Bongo- There is an alley just left of the Coco Bongo that leads out into the area called Mandal Beach. The cabanas on your left are for a fee, but you can use the fee towards your drinks or food. (So -free) There is also some great pools in the shade, a water swing, stage for a live band, and adult entertainment at night. 

I stayed at a great AIRBNB where her back apartment lead right to the beach in the hotel zone. Some of the beaches in the hotel zone are private for the hotel guests, but there are also some that are not private, you just need to walk down the beach farther. This was a quiet beach area that is nice with a roped off swimming area (it’s about 3 Feet deep and good for children to explore). 

What are some of your favorite highlights of Cancun?

Where did you stay? 

Enjoy Cancun! GoGo Everywhere!