Cancún: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Submarine Trip

Explore Cancún’s Downtown and Hotel Zone with Flexibility

The Cancún Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Submarine Trip offers an easy way to see the city’s highlights at your own pace. For $68 per person, this 1-day experience combines a convenient city circuit with an underwater adventure at Nizuc Reef. The tour departs from several official stops, allowing you to hop on and off at locations that catch your interest.

This tour is especially suitable for those who want a flexible way to discover both downtown Cancún and the Hotel Zone. It caters to visitors eager to explore various attractions, from beaches and shopping centers to cultural sites. However, some reviews point out that the route may be short and timing can be unpredictable, so managing expectations is wise.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Price: $68 per person for a full day of sightseeing and underwater exploration
• Duration: 1 day, including bus tour and submarine ride
• Stops: Multiple official stops, including Playa Delfines, Mercado 28, and Puerto Cancún
• Highlights: Visit beaches, museums, shopping centers, and more, plus an underwater submarine tour at Nizuc Reef
• Additional fee: $20 USD for the Reef Conservation Fee, payable at Aquaworld on the day of the submarine experience

Starting Points and Meeting Locations in Cancún

The tour begins at Bus Terminal ADO Cancún Centro at 10:00 am, located in the ADO Aeropuerto passenger waiting room. From here, the bus makes stops across the city, giving you the chance to board at several key locations.

Other popular meeting points include Playa Tortugas, Plaza la Fiesta, Plaza la Isla, and Aquaworld, where the Subsee Explorer awaits. The buses run approximately every 2 hours, depending on traffic, so planning your day around these times helps ensure you don’t miss your preferred stops.

The City Circuit: Downtown and Hotel Zone Highlights

The Centro Circuit covers several must-see locations. You’ll pass the KaYok Planetarium and Cancún’s Soccer and Baseball stadiums, perfect for sports fans. The Parque Kabah offers a green space with walking paths and native vegetation, ideal for nature lovers.

On the route, you find the Santuario de María, a rustic Catholic church built with native materials, surrounded by jungle—a peaceful spot that showcases local architecture. For shopping enthusiasts, Plaza Las Américas provides a wide selection of stores, while the Malecón Tajamar offers scenic views of the Nichupté Lagoon, suitable for strolling or cycling.

The Plaza de Toros, used for concerts and events like boxing matches, features Mexican eateries, bars, and lively atmosphere. Each stop provides a snapshot of Cancún’s diverse urban life, though some reviews note that the route is somewhat short, limiting the time to explore each location thoroughly.

Discovering the Hotel Zone with the Bus Circuit

Travelers interested in the famous Cancún Hotel Zone can enjoy a dedicated circuit. This route highlights beaches, resorts, and popular attractions, giving a broader view of the coast. You can hop off at places like Playa Delfines, renowned for its viewpoint over Cancún, or visit Puerto Cancún Marina Town Center for shopping and dining.

This flexible circuit lets you explore at your own speed, whether you want to relax on the beach or browse shops. Since buses run every couple of hours, it’s easy to customize your day without rushing.

More Great Tours Nearby

Marine Life and Underwater Art: The Nizuc Reef Excursion

A standout feature of this tour is the ride to Nizuc Reef on the Subsee Explorer, an air-conditioned submarine that takes you beneath the waves. The bilingual guide provides explanations about the marine life you see, including colorful fish and coral formations.

The submarine offers a unique view of the underwater environment without getting wet, making it accessible to most. You’ll also get a glimpse of the Cancun Underwater Museum, an eco-project by artist Jason DeCaires Taylor. The museum features life-sized statues designed to promote coral growth and serve as habitats for marine creatures.

Please note, there’s an additional surcharge of $20 USD for the Reef Conservation Fee, payable at Aquaworld on the day of the submarine ride.

The Submarine Experience at Aquaworld

The submarine departs from Aquaworld, where the air-conditioned sub awaits with a bilingual guide. The ride offers an exciting view of the reef and underwater sculptures, blending art and marine ecology.

The guide explains the marine environment, making the experience informative and engaging. Despite some reviews mentioning rough sea conditions, the overall impression is that this underwater journey is a highlight, especially for those interested in marine life or underwater art.

Stops and Schedule: How the Tour Unfolds

The tour’s schedule includes multiple stops, starting at 10:00 am and running approximately every two hours. Notable stops include Playa Tortugas, Plaza la Fiesta, and Mercado 28.

Since buses may not stop at all stops if no passengers are waiting, it’s helpful to be attentive to the schedule and arrive early. Some reviews have pointed out issues with bus punctuality and missed stops, so flexibility is advisable.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Experience

Travelers should bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, and a camera to capture scenic views. Cash is necessary for the Reef Conservation Fee and any immediate purchases.

The tour does not include hotel transfers, meals, or drinks, so plan accordingly. It’s also important to note that smoking, alcohol, and drugs are not permitted on the buses or submarine.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Others

This experience offers a combination of city sightseeing and underwater exploration in a single package, which is rare among Cancún tours. The hop-on-hop-off format allows for customized itineraries, while the underwater submarine provides a memorable marine encounter.

However, the route length and timing reliability are points to consider. Some reviews mention short routes and late pickups, so managing expectations and planning extra time for each activity is wise.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This tour is ideal for families, couples, and groups seeking a flexible way to explore Cancún’s attractions and marine environment. It’s particularly suitable for those who enjoy both urban sights and underwater adventures, especially if they’re interested in art installations like the Cancun Underwater Museum.

Travelers looking for a comprehensive day that combines city exploration with marine discovery will find this tour offers good value, despite some logistical hiccups.

Cancún: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Submarine Trip – Final Thoughts

This tour offers an affordable way to see Cancún’s diverse sights and experience marine life at Nizuc Reef. The flexible hop-on-hop-off format makes it accessible for different interests, and the submarine ride adds a distinctive touch to the day.

While some aspects like route length and punctuality could be improved, the underwater experience and city highlights make it worth considering for those who want a mix of urban and marine adventures. This activity suits adventurous visitors eager to explore at their own pace and interested in marine art and ecology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
No, the tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You need to meet at one of the designated locations.

What is the additional fee for the submarine experience?
There is a $20 USD Reef Conservation Fee payable directly at Aquaworld on the day of the submarine ride.

How often do the buses run?
Buses depart approximately every 2 hours, but schedules may vary depending on traffic and demand.

Can I customize my stops during the day?
Yes, since it is a hop-on-hop-off service, you can choose which stops to visit and how long to stay at each location.

Is the submarine ride suitable for everyone?
The submarine experience is accessible to most, but those with respiratory issues, epilepsy, recent surgeries, or pregnant women should consult with the provider beforehand. The maximum weight limit is 115 kg (254 lbs).

What should I bring for the tour?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, a camera, and cash for the Reef Conservation Fee are recommended. No smoking or alcohol is allowed on the bus or submarine.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour is designed as a 1-day activity, with the schedule including multiple stops and the submarine ride.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included. You should plan to bring your own or purchase them at stops along the way.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the submarine ride is generally accessible, but children should be supervised, and those with certain health conditions should check beforehand.

Where does the tour start?
The main starting point is Bus Terminal ADO Cancún Centro at 10:00 am. Additional meeting points are available across Cancún, such as Playa Tortugas and Puerto Cancún.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby