The List - Cancun

1 AQUAWORLD CENOTE DIVE

Divers are drawn to Cancun’s cenotes, deep water-filled sinkholes that are gateways to one of the world’s largest underground cavern systems. Experts will guide visitors past stalagmites, stalactites and haloclines, where salt water combines with fresh water and creates a hazy, twirling effect.

Blvd Kukulcán KM 15.2; +52 998-848-8327; www.aquaworld.com

2 Elefanta

Authentic Indian cuisine in Mexico? You got it. This lagoon-front eatery serves fiery curry dishes and is the only restaurant in Cancun with Tandoor ovens. Blvd. Kukulcán KM 12.5; +52 998-176-8070

3 Coco Bongo Show & Disco

This Las Vegas-like nightclub features acrobats, pop-star impersonators and bar-top conga lines. The party doesn’t stop until the sun comes up. Blvd. Kukulcán KM 9.5, No. 30; +52 998-883-5061; www.cocobongo.com.mx

4 Isla Mujeres

Take a ferry to this island, just 8 miles from Cancun. Admire the colorful underwater life while you snorkel at Garrafón Natural Reef Park, and then check out the island’s sea turtle farm and breeding facility.

5 Xcaret

A former Mayan port city, this 250-acre ecological theme park offers swimming with dolphins, raft rides through the jungle and other unique activities, plus a manatee lagoon, coral reef aquarium, bat cave and jaguar island. Blvd. Kukulcán KM 9.5; +52 998-883-0470; www.xcaret.com

6 Aké

While visits to the famed Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, Tulum and Coba are likely on your itinerary, set aside another day to check out these lesser-known vestiges of vintage Yucatan. You will need to rent a car for the 2.5-hour drive from Cancun International Airport, but the reward is a striking ancient site sans tour buses and souvenir peddlers.

7 Market 23

For a taste of the local life, leave the Hotel Zone behind and wander around this bustling Centro market, where residents buy everything from fresh flowers to piquant spices and succulent chorizo. Tourists love the pottery and piñata shops. SM23

8 La Parilla

Highlights at this downtown eatery include the live mariachi bands and zesty tacos al pastor (meaning “shepherd style”) made with pork cooked in adobo sauce. Av Yaxchilán No. 51; +52 998-287-8119; www.laparrilla.com.mx

9 Moon Spa & Golf Club

Book a tee time to play Cancun’s only Jack Nicklaus Signature course, which winds through native vegetation and wetlands.

Fees include transportation from anywhere in Cancun and nearby Riviera Maya. Carretera Cancún-Chetumal KM 340; +52 998-881-6000; www.palaceresorts.com

10 Quinta Avenida

Fifth Avenue is a vibrant pedestrian thoroughfare in Playa del Carmen (about 45 miles from Cancun International Airport) lined with trendy boutiques, dive shops, casual cafés and high-end restaurants. Keep an eye out for fire breathers, mimes, clowns and other characters parading down the street.