5 Wonderfully Fun Things to Do in El Cuyo, Yucatan, Mexico

(Last Updated On: July 9, 2022)

Anyone who follows my blog will notice that I write a lot about El Cuyo. And there is a reason for that. El Cuyo is my “Happy Place.” Although, I have visited many places in Mexico and around the world for that matter I always find myself back at this picturesque, seaside, fishing town on the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula. It helps that it is only a short 2 hr. 20-minute drive from Cancun but it is so much more than that. Gorgeous beaches and very few tourists in sight are just two reasons why I keep going back several times a year. Equally important are the varied activities available. Below are 5 wonderfully fun things to do in El Cuyo.

Beachcombing

I just love walking along the beach when I am in El Cuyo. Every morning, before the sun gets too high in the sky, we set out with our cellphones to see what has washed up onto the shoreline overnight. In the past, we have found a pelican’s skull, small jellyfish, crabs, assorted shells, and unusual pieces of coral. On our most recent trip we came across a beautiful hollowed out sea urchin test or shell as most of us would call it. Regardless of the time of year that you visit every day you are guaranteed to find something interesting on your morning walk.

Get out on the Water

If you have ever wanted to learn kite-surfing El Cuyo is the place to do it! The windy season is from November to June, but the wind is most consistent throughout February until June. Book your lessons here . During the summer months kayaking and paddleboarding (SUP) are a wonderful way to burn some calories and enjoy being out on the water. In addition, the rental fees are incredibly reasonable for these popular aquatic sports versus other beach destinations. For example, for a two-person kayak for two hours you’ll pay the low price of $9.50 CDN ($7.50 USD) and the same goes for the SUPs. Be sure to get an early start as the wind often picks up after midday.

Don’t Forget to Look Up at Night

For many of us living in cities stargazing is not feasible. Light pollution makes it almost impossible to explore the night sky with the naked eye. Therefore, whenever I am in El Cuyo I always take a blanket down to the beach to admire the stars. On many occasions I have been left awestruck by the sheer brightness of the Milky Way, the Big Dipper, Orion’s Belt as well as other well-known constellations. And on one occasion in 2020 the planet Mars shone so bright and red that it was truly a remarkable sight. I recommend installing the SkyView app onto your phone so that you can get the most out of your skygazing experience.

Are You Team Sunrise or Sunset?

Some people swear that sunsets are far more spectacular than sunrises. And in some ways, they are correct. When the combination of clouds coupled with low humidity is exactly right sunsets can be truly magnificent. But there is something to be said about rolling out of bed while it is still dark, throwing on some clothes and rushing outdoors to catch the dawn of a new day. While sunsets attract the masses, sunrises are for those who enjoy that quiet moment just before the world awakens.

Whether you are team sunset or team sunrise make sure you have your cellphone ready while staying in El Cuyo. Both events are truly epic and form an important part of your vacation stay there. As the sun dips behind the horizon people flock to the beach. Some are there to play volleyball, soccer or get the last swim of the day in while others enjoy a refreshing cocktail. But mostly they are there to witness the ever-changing beauty of an El Cuyo sunset…no filter needed! When the sun begins to poke its head out the following morning, you’ll see a few people scattered here and there either practicing yoga, meditating, or simply taking in the loveliness of the beginning of another day.

Feeling Adventurous?

I don’t know about you but as Maverick once said in Top Gun ” I feel the need, the need for speed!” Ever since I can remember I have been drawn to anything that gets my heart pumping. At sixteen I forged my mother’s name on a school permission slip so that I could jump solo out of a plane. WOW! What an experience! Then, years later I did a tandem free-fall jump in Playa del Carmen. Double WOW! And in between I have rock climbed, gone zip lining, dove off cliffs, gone jet skiing, snowmobiling and as a cocky teenager performed more than my share of daffies while skiing.

Therefore, when we were in El Cuyo last March and came across a new business that was renting ATVs I jumped at the chance. It was my first time on an ATV and after hurtling along sandy back roads surrounded by the jungle, I was well and truly hooked! So much so that on our most recent visit in June, we took them out twice. On our last day we went full throttle which enabled us to explore even more terrain than we had on our previous 2-hour adventures. We stopped at an untouched beach, zoomed alongside the long narrow, river inlet called ria in Spanish, where we saw flamingoes and other bird species. Both outings were simply amazing.

PRO TIP:

Make sure you set aside enough days for your stay at El Cuyo. I always book 7 nights.

To Sum Things Up

If you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination in Mexico El Cuyo is it! You will find pristine beaches, economical accommodations right on the beach, inexpensive food and very few tourists, for now. Plus, aside from plenty of free time to relax and enjoy the scenery there are many fun things to do in El Cuyo as well. The 5 activities that I have listed are just a starting off point. I am sure that you will find lots of interesting ways to fill your time there just like I do every time I am fortunate enough to visit my “Happy Place.”

Subscribe to my blog to learn more about Mexico. And, if you are planning to visit El Cuyo be sure to check out Where To Eat In El Cuyo, Yucatan, Mexico. The Best Spots!, Your Complete Guide for El Cuyo, and Where To Stay In El Cuyo, Mexico. Three Affordable Beachfront Airbnbs