25 Species of Animals in Cancun: Discover Mexico Wildlife

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2. Iguana

I mentioned Cancun lizards sunning on rocks earlier, but I didn’t say that you get to see one of North America’s largest lizard species in Cancun — iguanas! They’re a genus of herbivorous lizards native to tropical areas of Mexico and Central America. Iguanas are a common animal in Mexico.

These distinctive lizards, reaching up to 5 feet long, have a row of spines running from head to tail. These fascinating creatures can be seen basking on rocks, scampering across roads, or weaving through tree branches. 

The black iguana is one of the most common types of iguanas in Cancun, especially the El Rey Ruins, but basically in almost all the archeological sites.

Although iguanas may seem intimidating due to their size, they are quite harmless and tame.

Don’t touch them; they can bite and hurt you if you bother them.

3. Flamingos

An iconic sight in Mexico is the pink flamingo. These exotic creatures are a beloved part of Mexican culture, and spotting them makes for an unforgettable experience. Fortunately, there are plenty of places where you can catch a glimpse of these magnificent birds while visiting Cancun. 

Where to see flamingos in Mexico 

One of the most popular places to spot flamingos is at Rio Lagartos on the Yucatan Coast.

Here visitors can find large flocks of pink flamingos wading in shallow waters and feasting on crustaceans and small fish with their long curved beaks, especially during their nesting season between March and June.

Many boat tours are offered in Rio Lagartos that take you from the feeding spots of these flamingos to their breeding and nesting locations. And the place is also the habitat of many other incredible animals like jaguars, crocodiles, ocelots, and deer.

Rio Lagartos

Suppose you plan to include a Rio Lagartos tour in your itinerary. In that case, I recommend contacting William Canto, who is a local guide, biologist, and an excellent self-thought photographer, very passionate about its own backyard, which is Rio Lagartos.

He will organize the best tour for you and your party. And if you are traveling alone, do not worry, as his rates are not outrageously expensive.

Celestun

Celestun is another excellent place to visit if you want to spot flamingos. It’s a fishing village located just northwest of Merida and features the Celestun Biosphere Reserve where thousands of flamingos show up during the winter and spring months to make it their breeding ground.

Yucatan North Coast

Only a few people know that you can easily see flamingos while driving along the north coast of Yucatan North of Merida, from Progreso to Telchac Puerto. I suggest you rent a car and drive all the way along the coast.

It’s a beautiful drive flanked by a protected area of mangroves and wetlands on one side and the beach on the other. In the wetland, you will likely find lots and lots of flamingoes in small and large groups; sometimes, they are very close to the road.

ANIMALS IN CANCUN

4. Butterflies

While visiting Cancun, you will have the opportunity to observe a variety of colorful insects, including beautiful butterflies! Their vibrant colors, delicate wings, and graceful flight make them an incredible sight to behold.

If you’re in Cancun during spring, you may spot these colorful creatures along the local streets, gardens, and nature reserves throughout the region, so don’t pass up this unique opportunity to admire these magical creatures while on vacation in Cancun.

Sometimes they become a big distraction while you are driving in the countryside and find yourself in a yellow cloud of butterflies smashing against your windshield. Just make sure you slow down if that happens.

5. Tarantulas

Tarantulas are a type of spider that may be seen while vacationing in Cancun. These arachnids are some of the oldest animals on the planet, existing for about 300 million years. Usually harmless to humans, tarantulas can be found in many ecological niches throughout Mexico and Central America.

While these large spiders may seem intimidating to some tourists, they provide an important service to their environment by helping maintain a balance between insect populations and vegetation growth. You can spot these exotic animals in Cancun’s jungle areas, particularly near the cenotes along Ruta de Los Cenotes near Puerto Morelos.

6. Snakes

While the name Cancun means “nest of snakes”, worry not! They aren’t a common sight in the city.

There are definitely a lot of snakes in the jungle area surrounding the cenotes, but to be honest, I have never seen one. Just one time, while visiting the archeological site of Calakmul in Campeche, I saw one sneaking away as soon as he felt human steps and another one in the middle of the highway crossing. The poor guy didn’t have a long life, I am afraid.

One of the most unique places that you can visit to spot some snakes is the Cave of the Hanging Snakes near the small village of Kantemo.

This cave is where you will see the unique site of snakes hanging from cracks and crevices in the cave’s ceiling, waiting for the swarm of bats that inhabit this cave to fly in or out so that they can catch some of them.

The cave has become a popular tourist spot now, so a visit there is pretty safe despite the large number of bats, snakes, and other animals living inside it. The snakes are used to people visiting the cave and go about their business as usual.

The Cave of the Hanging Snake in Kantemo – On a side note, I am not very fond of snakes. I am actually terrified, and I am not sure where I found the courage to take this tour, but I did. It’s completely safe, and two guides came with me and helped me move around. If you are claustrophobic, it’s not ideal because the cave is not large, and you have to crawl most of the time. The snakes are not big, and you will see them peek out from the limestone rock holes to snatch one of the flying bats as their dinner.

Note: While not all snakes in Cancun are venomous, some species, like the Cantil and Neotropical Rattlesnake, can deliver a deadly bite if provoked or threatened. That is why it’s important to be aware of your surroundings while exploring and be cautious when encountering one of these fascinating but potentially dangerous animals.

However, it’s also worth mentioning that snakes of the Yucatan don’t generally bother you and are an important part of the ecosystem, so you won’t have to worry about a bite from these creatures unless you’re trekking deep in the jungle where they have their nesting locations and might feel threatened by you.

7. Whale sharks

Whale sharks are one of the most popular Cancun animals to see, but it is only possible in the summer. In fact, they’re one of the most impressive marine species that can be seen while vacationing here.

These gentle giants inhabit the waters off the coast in Cancun from June through August, so if you’re visiting this time of year, don’t miss the chance to see them up close.

Swimming with whale sharks is a truly once-in-a-lifetime activity when visiting Cancun. Not only is it an incredible experience due to their sheer size and grace, but it’s also educational as you get to learn more about these incredible creatures from knowledgeable guides.

8. Moths

Moths are an often overlooked but fascinating insect found in every corner of the world, including Cancun and other parts of the Yucatan.

Though these animals may not be the first that comes to mind when vacationing in Mexico, their presence can enhance any wildlife experience.

Nicknamed “Mariposa de la Muerte” or Butterfly of Death, these insects are a curious part of the local culture.

Many believe their appearance is a bad omen, and some also think it foreshadows death.

Nevertheless, spotting them is a pleasant experience, as moths can range in size from a few millimeters to almost 12 inches and come in various colors and patterns.

9. Pelicans and seagulls

Pelicans and seagulls are prolific across Cancun’s stunning landscapes and can be seen along the coastlines as well as inland.

The American white pelican is a large seabird with an unmistakable long bill and a pouched lower mandible.

Seagulls are smaller than pelicans but just as easy to recognize, thanks to their white bodies and gray wings. They often congregate in flocks beyond the shoreline or nest on rooftops or cliffs close to the beach.

10. Many bird species

The Yucatan Peninsula is a paradise for bird lovers, and many bird species can be seen in Cancun. Visitors have a fantastic opportunity to witness some of nature’s most beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.

From colorful parrots to majestic stork herons, there are over 700 species of birds living in the region, so all you bird-watching enthusiasts out there will be delighted at all the different birds you can spot while vacationing here.

Some bird species you can spot here are keel-billed toucans, cormorants, frigates, and a wide variety of parrots. The bright plumage on these creatures makes them stand out from other birds and bring an extra sparkle to Cancun’s vibrant atmosphere.

You will spot many birds in Cancun itself, and the nearby jungle area, as well as other parts of the Yucatan, is great for spotting lesser-seen species of birds.

Also, Isla Contoy National Park is known for having one of the best bird sanctuaries in the region, making it another great place to see exotic birds.

If you’re interested in some folklore, look for the region’s rare motmot bird. The bird has multicolored feathers and a tail resembling a pendulum, which the Mayans considered sacred.

These sublime birds nest in caves, so they’re harder to spot, but you should be able to find them in Chichen Itza, around the sacred Grand Cenote, and by the cenotes around the Yucatan Peninsula.

11. Marine life

From majestic whale sharks to playful dolphins, you can see plenty of marine life when vacationing in Cancun.

The city is located on the Caribbean Sea. It is home to numerous species of animals that live in the water, so you can enjoy a variety of activities, including snorkeling, diving, and swimming with exotic creatures like manta rays, nurse sharks, and an array of brightly-colored fish that inhabit these waters.

These colorful creatures can be observed from glass-bottom boats or up close while snorkeling or scuba diving.

For those interested in even more underwater adventure, Cancun offers guided trips for whale sharks—the largest fish in our oceans today!

12. Crocodiles

Crocodiles have made a name for themselves in the beautiful destination of Cancun. While vacationing in this popular resort city, visitors can expect to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures.

Located on the east coast of Cancun city, Nichupte Lagoon is where you will find a large population of Morelet’s crocodiles.

The lagoon is a natural habitat for these crocodiles, so you will spot many inside or outside the water. They’re mostly harmless to humans, but it’s still recommended to keep your distance.

Then there is the Cenote Manatí (also called Casa Cenote), just an hour and a half away from Cancun, where you can meet the resident crocodile Pancho (also called Panchito sometimes).

He’s a friendly crocodile used to divers exploring the cenotes, so you can even swim with him in these cenotes! I wouldn’t go much closer, though.

13. Spider Monkeys

Spider monkeys are among the most interesting and unique animals found in the Yucatan. They are native to Mexico, Central and South America, and are one of the New World monkeys, but they look quite different from the other four species.

With long, thin limbs and prehensile tails that they use as an extra hand while swinging through trees, this active creature is a joy to observe in its natural environment.

These social creatures usually live in groups of 20-30 monkeys and travel together, looking for food such as fruits, nuts, flowers, and insects.

They never tire of exploring, so it’s no surprise that tourists visiting Cancun often spot them in the lush jungles of the southern part of Yucatan.

The Punta Laguna Monkey Reserve is one of the most popular places to spot spider and howler monkeys. This huge reserve is in the middle of a jungle with a thriving population of monkeys.

When here, you can take hikes throughout the jungle to spot spider monkeys in their natural habitat.

Additionally, there is the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary, where you can see rescued spider monkeys and many other species.

Although I don’t usually support places that keep animals in captivity, the Monkey Sanctuary is a rescue center that rehabilitates hurt monkeys and other species that cannot survive in the wild.

They also have a souvenir shop featuring handmade local crafts and offer sanctuary tours, including a trip to the nearby cenote Ma’ax — named after the Mayan name for spider monkeys — and an ATV tour through the surrounding jungle.

14. Dolphins

Dolphins are one of the most popular and beloved animals in the world, and when vacationing in Cancun, you will have an opportunity to see them up close.

Whether you’re on a whale-watching tour or on a sailing cruise, there are plenty of opportunities to observe dolphins in their natural habitat.

Special tours to Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve allow visitors to see the dolphins up close to a boat.

They can be seen swimming alongside boats, surfing waves near shorelines, and playing with other marine life.

I haven’t mentioned places like Dolphin Discovery here due to ethical reasons.

Despite being inside Cancun and convenient to reach, I don’t recommend these places. I suggest the above-mentioned ways to see dolphins because, in addition to being able to watch them from a closer distance, they are a great way for animal lovers to interact with dolphins without disturbing their environment.

WE DO NOT support companies that keep wild animals away from their natural environment!

15. Sea turtles

Sea turtles are among the most famous animals to see in Cancun and the beautiful Mexican Caribbean. Witnessing these incredible creatures up close is an experience that will stay with you for years to come, as you learn about their unique life cycle and the struggles they face.

Several species of sea turtles nest here, from green sea turtles to Loggerheads, Hawksbills, and more.

Most nesting grounds can be found on protected beaches on the outskirts of town. Sea turtles start laying their eggs from May to October in nests dug by females.

Turtles hatch at night after 50-65 days of incubation and head towards the ocean following starlight’s reflection off the water’s surface. 

Apart from swimming with sea turtles, you can also watch these baby sea turtles hatch and take their first-ever steps into the ocean or even volunteer in baby sea turtle release programs to help with preservation efforts!

Now, while we’re on sea turtles in Cancun, it’d be remiss not to mention the nearby town named “Place of Turtle” in the Maya language.

I’m talking about Akumal, where you can see hundreds of green sea turtles up close and snorkel with them.

You can get there on your own if you rent a car or take a combi (colectivo) from Playa del Carmen to Tulum.

Animals that live in the Yucatan Peninsula but are difficult to spot

The Yucatan Peninsula, home to the bustling Cancun, is filled with diverse wildlife. While some animals can be easily spotted vacationing in Cancun, others are more elusive and difficult to find. Here are some that you might want to keep an eye out for.

16. Jaguars

It is scarce to spot Jaguars in the Yucatan Peninsula as they hide in the jungle and come out at night to haunt.

Especially found deep within the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, these majestic cats can be seen roaming freely and silently through the region’s lush jungles.

The reserve covers more than 7,000 square kilometers and is one of the best places to spot jaguars in their natural habitat.

Just remember that jaguars have a beautiful spotted coat of black or brown patches, which helps them blend into their environment while hunting prey. As they mainly hunt at night, they are fairly elusive animals.

But with patience and luck, you might come across them while exploring Calakmul.

For reference, you should know that the guide I hired in the Calakmul Biosphere told me that he only saw the jaguar three times in his seven years working in the jungle. But who knows, maybe you are lucky and will see it too!

INTERESTING FACT – In Mesoamerica, the jaguar was a highly respected and feared animal that held a prominent position at the top of the food chain. It was considered sacred by the ancient Maya and was linked to warrior and hunter symbols, as well as the power and authority of rulers. As a result, many Maya rulers adorned themselves with jaguar pelts or used the image of the jaguar in their thrones, tombs, and other objects associated with royalty. (source)

17. Tapirs

Tapirs are large, dark-colored mammals found in many parts of the world, including Cancun. Well, maybe not in the city, but in the surrounding green areas, meaning the jungle.

Tapirs, with their round bodies and short, flexible snouts, have an interesting and distinct appearance. They can weigh up to 700 pounds and are the largest land mammals native to Mexico. 

The tapir is an endangered species due to habitat destruction and hunting.

They can be found in areas such as the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve and the Yucatan jungles, which provide plenty of food sources like fruit, leaves, grasses, and aquatic plants, but it’s very rare to spot them.

18. Pumas and ocelots

When visiting Cancun, you see several large cats native to the region. Two species of wild cats living in the Yucatan Peninsula are pumas and ocelots. These beautiful animals make their home in the tropical forests covering much of the peninsula.

Pumas, also known as mountain lions or cougars, are one of the largest cat species. They can live up to 13 years. Pumas are solitary hunters who prefer dense vegetation for stalking prey. They are usually shy creatures who will avoid being seen.

Ocelots are also an endangered wild cat species found in Mexico’s tropical jungle near the Yucatan Peninsula.

These cats typically remain solitary and usually hunt at night, making them difficult to spot even when they are present in the area.

19. Spotted skunk

Another hard-to-spot animal inhabiting the region is the spotted skunk, which can be found in many different areas throughout Mexico and the southwestern United States.

The skunk has a small, slender body with short legs and a short tail tipped with white fur. It is easily recognized by its distinctive black and white spotted coat. 

As its name suggests, the Yucatan spotted skunk is native to this peninsula and can be seen throughout its jungles.

You might spot some and even see them doing their famous handstands if you’re lucky enough. Remember that the handstand precedes the nasty smell they release to deter predators, so be careful.

20. Sereque

The Sereque, or Agouti, is a small rodent found in many places around the Yucatan Peninsula. This cute and furry creature has an orange-brown fur color that helps it blend in with the sandy landscapes and lush jungles of this tropical paradise.

While these animals are mostly nocturnal, they can still be spotted during the daytime as they roam about looking for food.

Sereques typically feed on fallen seeds from trees or plants nearby and can often be seen hunting for something tasty along the forest floor.

These critters may also take shelter under rocks or logs during the warmer parts of the day when shade becomes sparse. As such, you should keep your eyes peeled while exploring Cancun’s beautiful outdoors if you want to spot one!

Where you must not see animals

I mentioned not visiting places like Dolphin Discovery earlier. Such places are mostly for-profit and raise animals in captivity, and visiting there will only encourage people to do it more—ultimately harming and destroying the ecosystem and endangering the animals.

These places are cruel and dangerous for the planet in the long run, so I suggest not visiting them. As a rule of thumb, avoid places that raise animals in captivity and stick to wildlife encounters offered in the animals’ natural habitat.

Dangerous animals in Cancun and the Yucatan Peninsula

Cancun and the Yucatan Peninsula are among the best destinations to see the diverse wild animals in Mexico. However, that also means that particular creatures can be dangerous, and even downright fatal, so it’s good to keep them in mind and avoid them for a safe and enjoyable experience.

These include a variety of venomous snakes, certain insects, and a few species of marine creatures. I’m highlighting some of them below.

As a side note, you should not get scared. These animals do not hang out in areas where humans live, and it’s very rare to encounter them. I have never seen any of them in my 13 years in Mexico.

21. Mexican beaded lizard

Among Mexican wildlife, the Mexican beaded lizard is one of the most dangerous animals. It can be found in Cancun and the Yucatan Peninsula. With its beautiful black and yellow coloration, this reptile can easily blend into its surrounding environment.

Though its appearance may seem harmless, this species is renowned for being aggressive and territorial when disturbed or threatened.

It has long, sharp claws and vicious teeth, which it uses to protect itself from potential predators by lashing out at them.

22. Stonefish

Another dangerous animal found in Cancun and the Yucatan Peninsula is the stonefish. This fish lives at depths of up to 40 feet and is camouflaged to blend in with its surroundings on the ocean floor.

It has venomous spines along its back, which can deliver a potentially fatal sting if stepped on or touched by an unsuspecting person.

The stonefish is one of the many venomous fish in the world, making it a unique danger for beach-goers in this region. Its rock-like body, wide head, and protruding eyes allow it to stay well hidden amongst rocks and coral reefs on the seafloor.

They are unlikely to be close to the beach, but stay aware of your surroundings while snorkeling or diving. They won’t attack you of course, but you may bump into them if you touch the rocks as they are easily camouflaging, hence the name.

23. Kissing bug

Kissing bugs are also found in Cancun and the Yucatan Peninsula. These small, brown insects get their name from the habit of biting people when they are sleeping, near the face or lips.

They can also cause an array of illnesses, such as Chagas disease, which is transmitted through their feces.

Again, they are not so common, and I have never encountered these creatures while living in Cancun.

24. Black widow

One of the most feared creatures in this region is the black widow spider, which can be found in both urban and rural areas. Despite their small size, these spiders have a venomous bite that can lead to serious symptoms such as nausea, abdominal cramps, and pain and swelling around the bite area.

Fortunately, although black widows may inhabit both urban and rural areas on the peninsula, they generally stay away from humans, so bites are rare but still possible.

25. Box jellyfish

The box jellyfish can usually be found near coastal waters during certain times of the year. It has a cube-shaped bell and four sides with up to 15 tentacles on each side. These tentacles contain enough poison to kill an adult human within minutes.

While it’s uncommon for tourists to encounter this creature swimming in Cancun or near other resort cities in the region, it’s important to know what it looks like and how to avoid it if it’s spotted nearby.

Animals in Cancun: final thoughts

For those looking to enjoy all the sights and sounds of nature while vacationing in Cancun, many animals are worth seeing here. From colorful tropical birds to majestic whale sharks and adorable sea turtles, you can find an abundance of wildlife in the region.

Having discussed all that Cancun has to offer its visitors when it comes to spotting wildlife, I’d like to mention here that while you should take the opportunity to witness all of this Cancun fauna, you should also make sure to enjoy it responsibly and respect its habitat.

Animals in Cancun FAQ

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