Spring Break In Cancun: The Best All Inclusive Hotels and Things To Do

Spring breakers like to party hard with their friends, and Cancun is the perfect destination for a spring break adventure! In fact, Cancun, Mexico is a mecca for college students and young people looking to party and let loose during the months of March and April for Spring Break.

With so many hotels, nightclubs, beach-front bars, and activities to participate in, deciding how to do Spring Break in Cancun can quickly become overwhelming.

Rest assured that we’ve done all the heavy lifting for you!

In this post, we’ve put together a list below of the best Cancun Spring Break all-inclusive resorts, activities, nightclubs, and beach-front bars in Cancun, as well as the best parties, tourist attractions and more.

Continue reading to learn more about Spring Break in Cancun, including what activities to do, the best all-inclusive resorts, nightclubs, and beach-front bars!

This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot!



When Is Spring Break in Cancun?

There aren’t many Spring Break places that are considered better than Cancun, Mexico.

Spring Break in Cancun is typically held in March or April, with the peak occurring during the last two weeks of March.

Spring Break is the time of year in Cancun when the celebration never ends. Cancun has the finest events and parties in the world from mid-February to April, with thousands of college students and tourists from all over the world traveling to the beautiful Yucatan Peninsula.


What To Expect During Spring Break in Cancun

March and April are really popular times to visit Cancun. The city is bustling with visitors and the weather is perfect.

Cancun comes alive during Spring Break, with bright lights, loud music, red solo cups, and open bars. From the beaches of the Caribbean Sea to the late-night parties in the mega-clubs across town, you can look forward to nonstop celebrations day and night.

In fact, just about every single day of the month, you’ll be able to find some sort of party event!

Case in point–the Spring Sounds Festival. This multi-week musical experience starts at the beginning of March and lasts for weeks. No matter the time of day, you will find dance parties at one club/beach or another.

For as long as anybody can remember, this tropical paradise has been rated the best Spring Break vacation destination. Every night, you’ll be spoiled for choice with over 200 pubs and nightclubs offering a whole variety of exciting events!

Cancun offers lots of fun and entertainment just waiting for you, from the notorious Dady’O Nightclub’s wet t-shirt and bikini contests to The City Nightclub hosting the greatest worldwide names in music.

Cancun’s pristine white sands will be covered with flocks of tourists ranging from kids on their break, party-goers flocking in for Cancun’s infamous Spring Break events, and more.

Because of the increase in tourism during the high season, you can expect a similar spike in airfares, hotel rates, and all-inclusive resort costs as well.

👉 TRAVEL SMART: Before leaving for your trip, check for the latest travel advisories for Cancun/Mexico. The site provides the latest things to be vigilant about. Cancun is in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo.


Top 5 All-Inclusive Resorts in Cancun For Spring Break

Hard Rock Hotel Cancun

Hard Rock Resort Cancun
Courtesy of Booking.com

Hard Rock Hotel Cancun is a springbreaker’s dream. This 4.5-star resort is known to be very lively and busy during the months of March and April, with music bumping from morning til’ night, unlimited drinks served 24 hours a day, pool parties featuring major headliners, and even foam parties!

Hard Rock Hotel is located in the center of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, which makes getting to and from nightclubs and bars a breeze.

The 600-room resort offers unrivaled all-inclusive accommodations that include an in-room hydro spa tub, excellent cuisine, top-shelf cocktails, 24-hour room service, live entertainment, and more.

Hotel guests may also take a tour of the world’s cuisine at the Hard Rock Hotel Cancun’s internationally styled restaurants, rock out on the beach, relax in the pool area by the lively swim-up bars, or indulge in a relaxing spa day.

Worried about finding peace and quiet? No need! The property is massive, so quiet areas are easy to come by.

If you don’t mind the overall “rock and roll” theme of Hard Rock Hotels, this is a great option that’s just the right balance between party and all-inclusive luxury!

Altitude By Krystal Grand Cancun

Altitude by Krystal Grand Cancun
Courtesy of Booking.com

The Krystal Altitude Cancun is a 4-star, 100-room all-inclusive resort that combines the best of both worlds: luxury and proximity to all the Spring Break festivities!

Since Krystal Cancun is located in the heart of Cancun’s nightlife district, guests are steps away from the most famous bars and nightclubs in the Hotel Zone. In fact, Altitude By Krystal Grand Cancun is only about a 7-10 minute walk to Coco Bongo!

The property is located close to the Delphinus Dreams Aquarium, and within walking distance from the Forum Beach Club.

Guests can, however, leave the stress and hectic bustle of Cancun’s party atmosphere behind as they enter the hotel and unwind on Krystal’s stretch of white sand beach.

Visitors can also relax in the hotel’s panoramic pool (they’ve got 4 pools in total), get a massage at the spa, or simply lie on the beach in one of Krystal’s Bali beds.

Guests at the Krystal Grand Cancun can also fill their appetites and quench their thirst whenever they want! The resort offers 7 restaurants in total, including a beach bar grill, a terrace lounge, and several bars on Boulevard Kukulcan.

In-room facilities include a flat-screen TV with satellite channels as well as a mini fridge bar. You’ll get marble flooring, private bathrooms fitted with a spa bathtub, and even direct views of the sea!

Beach Palace

Beach Palace - Best All Inclusive Resorts In Cancun Spring Break
Courtesy of Expedia

Beach Palace Cancun offers ultimate relaxation as well as unlimited entertainment. This 4-star all-inclusive luxury resort is located in the heart of the Hotel Zone’s party strip, meaning all the best bars and nightclubs are just outside your doorstep!

The Beach Palace is home to 285 rooms, a gorgeous white-sand beach, serene sunrises, and a big crescent pool with its own stage for entertainment and movie nights. During Cancun’s rowdy spring break season, guests can expect events like foam parties and other lively activities around the pool.

The ambiance and design of the hotel are on the more upscale side, as accommodations have marble bathrooms, twin whirlpool tubs, and balconies with views of the sea.

Four restaurants, five bars, a fitness facility, and a spa are among the other amenities visitors have all-inclusive access to at the Beach Palace Cancun.

Grand Oasis Cancun

Grand Oasis Cancun - Best All Inclusive Resorts For Spring Break Cancun
Courtesy of Booking.com

Ask anyone what the most well-known spring break resort is in Cancun–chances are, the Grand Oasis Cancun will be their answer!

Famous for its MTV-style Spring Break beach parties, you can expect nothing less than musical performances, surprise celebrity guests, and thousands of young and energized people ready to party!

At this 3.5-star megaresort that houses no less than 1,300 guestrooms, there are 14 bars in total (because that’s what’s most important during spring break, duh), an outdoor pool that’s always bustling, as well a generous all-inclusive drinks package.

You’ll also have no shortage of entertainment throughout your stay! This resort hosts a ton of concerts, music festivals, and themed parties, especially during March and April.

The Grand Oasis Cancun is also located near the most happening activities and entertainment in the Cancun Hotel Zone, so if you want to venture out during your stay at the resort, you can very easily do so.

Having said that, being SO infamous in the Spring Break world does come with its drawbacks. I wouldn’t expect top-notch service or impeccably clean facilities. As a central party hub, you’re here to party… not enjoy the peace, quiet, or luxury!

Ultimately, if you’re in Cancun to be in the middle of the action, there is no better hotel for you! But, if you’re someone who values good service, attention to detail, and the typical things all-inclusive resorts are loved for, I’d go with another resort on this list.

Hotel Riu Cancun

The Riu Cancun All-Inclusive Hotel is an affordable resort option located directly on Cancun’s stunning beach. Springbreakers who choose to stay here can expect plenty of activity around the pools all day long.

The 3.5-star resort hotel features 569 luxurious rooms with a variety of services. Hotel Riu is an experience you won’t want to miss, with four outdoor pools, day and nighttime entertainment, live cooking stations, multiple restaurants, and five bars.

Hotel Riu provides comfortable accommodations and is a good option for those who want to be ever-so-slightly removed from the nonstop partying. It’s a healthy mix of recreation and relaxation.

On-site activities include nightly live shows, a spa, tennis, windsurfing, and a nightclub. Offsite, located just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel, is the party epicenter of Cancun. That means you won’t need to call taxis while drunk, simply stumble your way back to the hotel to call it a night!

Need a break from all the spring-breaking? At Hotel Riu, you can enjoy a relaxing vacation on some days, and party it up on others!


The Best Cancun Nightclubs for Spring Break

Coco Bongo

Coco Bongo is one of the top nightclubs in Cancun, which means it is quite touristy and quite over the top!

You’ll find a unique show production (think aerial ribbon dancers), high-energy music, and the very latest in audio and video entertainment, including a huge video screen, soap bubbles, balloons, confetti, streamers, and so much more.

Every attendee can enjoy the performances from any location thanks to Coco Bongo’s multi-level seating. As the night unfolds, expect flying acrobats, impersonators (like The Beatles, The Mask, etc.), bar top conga lines, live bands, and live DJs!

Without a doubt, Coco Bongo throws parties that are hard to forget. People who love Coco Bongo’s energy come back year after year to have one of the most memorable evenings of their lives.

You can usually find discounted Coco Bongo tickets on Viator.

The City

With a capacity of 6,000 people and 1,000,000 watts of live performance sound, The City is Cancun’s largest club.  This is where the majority of celebrity appearances, special events, and musical dates take place in Cancun.

Make the most of your Cancun nightlife by purchasing VIP tickets to The City in advance. You can avoid the huge lines at the club and get right to the open bar or the dance floor with these tickets.

In addition, if you book with a party of four or more individuals, you can secure a high-top table so you can regroup and avoid being lost in the bustle.

You can find their latest events here.

Mandala

Mandala is the ideal location for partygoers to sample the finest of Cancun’s nightlife.

Mandala stands out among Cancun’s nightclubs because of its unique atmosphere, open facade, and lively environment that you can enjoy night after night.

Mandala Nightclub features loud music (I’ve been to the Playa Del Carmen location, it’s loud!), LED screens all over the place, a colorful stage, and a dance floor that’s always packed with partygoers.

The night flies by quickly in this nightclub as you listen, dance, and sing along to your favorite music while sharing shots with friends (and other friendly spring breakers!).

This nightclub is open every day, so be on the lookout for bold and incredibly entertaining themed parties during the month of March and April.

You can find their latest events here.

D’Cave

Every Saturday, D’Cave opens its doors for nighttime partying, unveiling a fusion of EDM, pop, top 40, and the latest chart-toppers. This is where you and your squad can go immerse yourselves in music, dance, and good vibes, surrounded by the city’s elite!

You can find their latest events here.


The Best Beach Clubs in Cancun for Spring Break

Mandala Beach Club

Mandala Beach Club is the spot to go to listen to amazing music while sipping delightful drinks created by skilled mixologists on the Caribbean Sea’s coastlines. This outdoor dance club features amazing modern house music and weekly pool parties to amp up the fun and excitement.

Some of Mandala’s events may require advance tickets, so check their website to see what’s happening during the dates you plan to be in town. Nevertheless, regardless of whether there are any events, this is a popular and energetic club that attracts both residents and tourists.

Kanna Beach Club

Kanna Beach Club offers wonderful food, superb beverages, and really fun music–all while you’re relaxing on Cancun’s white-sand Caribbean beach!

The beach club has seats both inside and out, with gourmet dining inside and lushly pillowed loungers outside. The club is also housed within the all-inclusive resort Paradisus by Melia, which is located only 33 minutes from Cancun’s city center.

Kanna take pride in delivering exceptional service. At this beach club, you can not only party late into the night, but also feel pampered the whole time you’re enjoying the finer things in life!

Coco Bongo Beach Club

Coco Bongo Beach Club is the ultimate destination for spring breakers looking to party it up. If you’ve experience Coco Bongo, at night, you already know what type of energy to expect during their daytime club experience.

Expect a high-energy atmosphere, pulsating music, and non-stop entertainment.

Coco’s Beach Club Cancún

Coco’s Beach Club Cancún is a beach club in the Hotel Zone featuring an unending expanse of white sand along the turquoise coastlines, as well as a plethora of activities to busy yourself with.

Activities range from beach sports to yoga, courses, exercises, and even children’s activities. This is the beach club to go to if you want a genuinely full-featured beach club.


The Best Things to Do In Cancun During Spring Break

Party All Night

Pool Party Spring Break - Cancun In March - TravelsWithElle

If you’ve decided to spend your Spring Break in Cancun, you’re probably hoping to party like there’s no tomorrow.

Fortunately for you, Spring Break is the one time of year in Cancun when the party scene is at its peak, with world-famous DJs hosting big music festivals, all-night dance parties, and limitless shots of tequila.

Don’t miss the hottest party locations, such as a dancing catamaran cruise, which offers a full day of excursions and parties on a boat, Coco Bongo, Cancun’s most renowned nightclub, or Dady’O, an exciting venue with beach bod contests, themed parties, and even celebrity guest hosts.

Go on an Underwater Adventure

Cancún-Underwater-Museum-Cancún-Mexico-

Divers and snorkelers can enjoy the brilliant blue waters of the Caribbean Sea off Cancun, which are home to hundreds of fish and other aquatic life. For example, take a dive and visit Cancun’s Underwater Museum of Art, which houses 500 sculptures meant to foster coral reef development.

Snorkeling day trips, such as this one that we personally did and loved, will take you to lesser-known snorkeling stops and also include a stop at a shipwreck.

There are also hundreds of cenotes to explore, or natural swimming holes, strewn across the region, if you want to go swimming but still keep your head above the water! The best part is that a lot of these cenote tours are combo tours, meaning you’ll be able to partake in multiple activities in one day.

Steep yourself in local culture at Xcaret

Animal Exhibits at Xcaret - Xcaret Park Review - TravelsWithElle

For those of you who haven’t heard yet, Xcaret Eco Park (and its many sister parks) is a big deal in these parts. Xcaret (pronounced eesh-car-et) is a must-see destination while visiting Cancun.

Xcaret can easily be summed up as a massive, unforgettable eco-park located in the jungle of the popular Riviera Maya. It’s all of the following: a water park, theme park, amusement park, cultural museum, and archaeological site–all in one place.

This eco-theme park features more than 50 natural and cultural attractions that will surely wow you from the minute you start exploring. Among the highlights are the underground river swim, the Aviary, the Coral Reef Aquarium, and the Butterfly Pavilion.

Aside from the natural attractions, you’ll also get to learn so much about Mexican culture through the Mayan ruins, Mayan Village, various art exhibits, as well as the epic Xcaret México Espectacular show!

Discover Ancient Ruins

Chichen Itza - Things To Do In Cancun

Spring breakers should consider taking a break from partying and visit ancient ruins going back to the Mayan civilization. Visiting these ancient ruins is a great opportunity to learn more about the region’s history and culture.

After all, two of the world’s most famous ruins are located just outside of Cancun! Tourists can visit either Chichen Itza, which is home to the famous Mayan pyramids, or Tulum, which was once a bustling trade center along the coast.

Go On A Ziplining Adventure

Ziplining is a very popular activity for travelers who are looking for a bit of adventure during their time in Cancun.

Xplor, an Xcaret Xperiencias park, focuses on providing action and adventure to its visitors and features 13 thrilling ziplines. Another popular place to zipline is Selvatica, home to a 10 zipline course.

Looking for even more of an adrenaline rush in addition to zip lining? Check out these options, jam-packed with adventure:

  • Extreme Adventure Eco Park: combines off-road ATVing, jungle ziplining, and cenote swimming all in one day.
  • Xplor: adventure park featuring zip lines, amphibious vehicles, rafts, and natural underground rivers for you to explore. Includes a buffet meal. Get your 15% discount by booking online directly with them.

Go Shopping

Cancun has evolved over the years from just being a Spring Break hotspot to a world-class destination that caters to a wide range of travelers.

Cancun now has a plethora of upscale malls and designer boutiques as a result of this transformation.

The best malls in the Hotel Zone to explore include Kukulcan Plaza, Marina Town Center, Luxury Avenue, and La Isla Shopping Village.

Spend A Day On Isla Mujeres

13 Best Things To Do On Isla Mujeres - Travels With Elle

Isla Mujeres is a small, yet lively island located only 20-30 minutes from Cancun by ferry. In my opinion, Isla Mujeres is a must-do when considering things to do in Cancun!

The island offers stunning views thanks to its rocky coastline, as well as pristine beaches and colorful architecture that makes you forget how long you’ve been strolling for.

Not to mention, there are a plethora of things you can do once you’re on the island (including driving golf carts, going to water park resorts, and visiting a sea turtle sanctuary).

We loved Isla Mujeres so much that we dedicated an entire post to outline all the fun you could have on the island!


The Four Most Popular Cancun Tours


Cancun Weather In March

Temperature: Highs of 86°F (30°C), lows of 72°F (22°C). Skies are most of the time clear and sunny. It’ll be sunny and hot (but not too hot) during the days, and cooler in the evenings. Very rarely will you need a long sleeve at night.

Humidity: While it’s slightly more humid in March compared to January and February, you won’t feel it most of the time. Humidity is way lower than what you’d face in June through November, so you really shouldn’t let it stop you from visiting.

Rain: March has 4 rainy days on average. Since the hurricane season and wet season are long gone, the chances of you running into a hurricane on your travels are virtually nonexistent! While there could always be rain due to Cancun’s semi-tropical setting, rain showers are unlikely in March.

Hours of Sunshine: 10 hours

Sea Temperatures: 79°F (26°C)


Cancun Weather In April

Temperature: Highs of 90°F (32°C), lows of 73°F (23°C). Skies are most of the time clear and sunny. It’ll be sunny and hot as the temperatures rise from March to April, but not enough to make you uncomfortably hot.

Humidity: While it’s slightly more humid in April compared to March, it still isn’t too bad. Humidity is way lower than what you’d face in June through November, so you really shouldn’t let it stop you from visiting.

Rain: April has 3 rainy days on average. Since the hurricane season and wet season have not yet started, the chances of you running into a hurricane on your travels are virtually nonexistent! While there could always be rain due to Cancun’s semi-tropical setting, rain showers are very unlikely in April.

Hours of Sunshine: 10 hours

Sea Temperatures: 81°F (26°C)


Mexico Travel Insurance

This is a no-brainer. When traveling internationally, be sure to get yourself some travel insurance.

I’ve heard of too many unfortunate experiences where friends and family have had baggage lost/stolen, hotels canceled, or have had unexpected medical emergencies while traveling where they’ve had to cut their trips short.

True story alert — in 2022, my partner even had his shoulder completely dislocated while surfing in Mexico, resulting in a $950 USD emergency room bill that we had to pay out of pocket for! Not fun… and most definitely not cheap.

Without travel insurance, you would have to pay out of pocket for these mishaps. This is why I get travel insurance for all my international trips now!

One of the best budget-friendly travel insurances for those traveling outside their home country is SafetyWing.

SafetyWing Insurance provides coverage for unexpected illness or injury, including eligible expenses for hospital, doctor or prescription drugs. This means that if you get ill or injured, THEY will cover the medical expenses.

In addition, it provides emergency travel-related benefits such as:

  • emergency medical evacuationvery much needed if you like to go hiking or backpacking in the wild.
  • travel delay
  • lost checked luggage
  • adventure sports coverage (add-on)so you can rappel down waterfalls, cave dive, mountain bike, scuba dive, etc. with peace of mind.
  • electronics theft (add-on)get reimbursed if your laptop, phone, camera or other electronics get stolen.

Click here to price out how much travel insurance would be for your trip.


And that about wraps up our Cancun Spring Break guide–we hope you’re now more prepared and pumped up for your Spring Break adventure!

Looking for more Cancun travel tips? Read More:

Cancun In March: Everything You Need To Know

What To Pack For Cancun: 62 Essential Things To Bring With You

Go City Cancun Explorer Pass Review: Is It Worth The Money?

25+ Exciting Things To Do In Cancun To Make Your Trip Unforgettable

Essential Cancun Travel Tips: ALL The Things I Wish I’d Known Before My Mexico Trip

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AUTHOR

Elle Leung

My name is Elle and I'm a travel blogger and adventurer based in California. I love helping people plan trips and create unique itineraries based on their interests and their budgets. I'm a huge fan of outdoor adventures and doing off-the-beaten-path things in my state (and all around the world too)!

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