Cancún in December 2020: A Trip to Remember (Even During a Pandemic)

If you had told me in early 2020 that we’d still be wearing masks and navigating social distancing by December, I probably would’ve rolled my eyes. But when December rolled around, we decided we needed a break from the chaos—and Cancún delivered in every way possible.

We landed in Mexico with sanitizer in one pocket and excitement in the other. The COVID-19 precautions were definitely noticeable: temperature checks, limited capacity at venues, and lots of signage reminding people to stay safe. But that didn’t stop us from having an absolute blast.

Let’s talk highlights.

First off, Coco Bongo. If you’ve never been, put it on your list—COVID or not. The energy in that place is electric. The performances were wild, the music was nonstop, and it was one of those “this is why we travel” nights. Dancing, singing, lights, confetti—it felt like a pre-pandemic escape for a few hours, and we soaked in every second.

We also made time for a fancier night out with dinner at Harry’s Steakhouse. Hands down, one of the best dining experiences we had. From the service to the steaks, everything was top-tier. Pro tip: Make a reservation. It gets busy for good reason.

As for the hotel—Dreams Sands Cancún—meh. It’s an all-inclusive, which sounds great in theory, but the food left us underwhelmed. It wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t great either. The drinks flowed, sure, but if you’re a foodie or expecting five-star resort vibes, you might want to look elsewhere. Who knows, maybe they’ve done some upgrades since 2020, but based on our experience, we wouldn’t stay there again.

Now let’s talk about one of the best parts of the trip: the yacht. We booked through our go-to site, GetMyBoat.com, and had the time of our lives. Sailing on turquoise waters, music blasting, drinks in hand—it doesn’t get much better. Whether you’re celebrating something or just want to live your best life for a day, renting a yacht in Cancún is a must.

In a year full of uncertainty, this trip was a bright spot. Travel looked a little different, but the memories? Unforgettable.

Would I go back to Cancún? Absolutely. Would I do it the same way? Almost. Just with a different hotel next time.