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- Best Things to do in Tulum
- Cenotes, Chichen Itza Ruins, Mayan Ruins, Reef Snorkeling, Swim with Turtles, Tulum Ruins, Tulum Snorkeling
What to do in Tulum?
You finally made it to the tropical paradise of Tulum!
Congratulations, you’re in for an amazing adventure. With pristine beaches, ancient ruins, cenotes, and a vibrant town, Tulum has something for everyone. Get ready to soak in the sun, immerse yourself in Mayan culture, and reconnect with nature.
First things first, head to the beach! Tulum is home to some of the best beaches in Mexico with soft white sand and turquoise waters. If you’re not staying at a beachfront hotel, many beach clubs offer day passes so you can still enjoy the scenic shores. Feeling active? Rent a bike and explore the Tulum Ruins or the town center with its colorful murals and bohemian shops.
Adventure calls your name – go snorkeling in the crystal-clear ocean or take a dip in a cenote, a natural sinkhole. Learn about Mayan history at the Tulum Ruins or take a day trip to Chichen Itza and Coba. Finally, unwind at a beachfront yoga class as the sun sets over the sea.
Tulum has so much to offer, but no worries, just go with the flow – you’ll find your own slice of paradise.
Best thing to do in Tulum 2023 Edition
The Best Beach Clubs in Tulum for Day Passes
The beaches in Tulum are gorgeous, but if you’re not staying right on the beach, don’t worry – the beach clubs offer day passes so you can enjoy the sand and surf!
Papaya Playa Project
This bohemian beach club is a must-visit. Cabanas, lounge chairs, and hammocks dot the scenic beachfront with swaying palm trees. They frequently host parties, DJs and special events.
Coco Tulum
A hip, upscale beach club with pristine white sand and turquoise waters. Rent a beach bed, cabana or beachfront bungalow and enjoy gourmet cuisine, craft cocktails, and attentive service.
Nomade Tulum
An eco-conscious, boho-chic beach club that’s popular with the digital nomad crowd. Relax in a beach bed, hammock or teepee. Take a break to swim, kayak or try beach volleyball. The vegan and vegetarian menu is delicious.
With scenic beaches, swaying palms, chill music, and gourmet fare at your fingertips, the beach clubs of Tulum offer a decadent escape from everyday life. Treat yourself to an unforgettable beach day in paradise! The natural beauty and laid-back vibe will leave you blissfully recharged.
Exploring Tulum Centro by Bicycle
Renting bikes in Tulum is an absolute must! It’s the best way to get around town and see all the sights. Once you’ve got your wheels, head to Tulum Centro, the downtown area about a mile from the beach.
You’ll find colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and a bohemian vibe that’s perfect for wandering. Check out the murals and street art that seem to be on every corner. Shop for handmade goods at little boutiques featuring Mexican textiles, natural beauty products, and locally-made crafts.
Be sure to stop by Taqueria Honorio for delicious street tacos like al pastor, cochinita pibil, and pescado. Or grab an ice cream, paleta, or agua fresca to cool off in the midday sun. As night falls, the main street comes alive with music from live bands and laughter from outdoor patios.
A few miles inland, you’ll find cenotes like Gran Cenote and Cenote Calavera – natural limestone sinkholes filled with crystal-clear turquoise water that’s perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum is also just a quick bike ride away.
With so much to see and do, you’ll want at least a full day to explore Tulum Centro and the surrounding areas. By the end of your ride, you’ll understand why so many fall in love with this magical place. The vibrant culture, natural wonders, and laid-back beachy vibe all combine to create a town that’s not quite Mexico and not quite the Caribbean, but altogether unforgettable.
Visiting the Stunning Nearby Mayan Ruins
Tulum ruins
Only 3 miles from town, the walled city of Tulum sits cliffside overlooking the turquoise Caribbean. Spend a morning exploring the ruins of stone temples and palaces, then head down to the beach for a refreshing swim. Entry to the ruins is very affordable, making this an easy excursion on any budget.
Chichen Itza
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, massive Chichen Itza is the most famous Mayan site. 2 hours from Tulum, the ancient city’s iconic El Castillo pyramid dominates the central plaza. The acoustics of the ball court and the details of the Temple of the Warriors will leave you in awe of the engineering feats of this advanced civilization.
Coba Ruins
For a more rugged experience, explore the overgrown ruins at Coba, 45 minutes west of Tulum. Trek through the jungle to reach Nohoch Mul, the tallest Mayan pyramid in the Yucatan at 138 feet high. Far from the crowds, you’ll feel like an explorer discovering a lost city as you wander the less-visited parts of this site.
With stunning beaches and buzzing nightlife, Tulum offers plenty to keep you busy. But take time to step back in history and uncover the mysteries of the Mayans. Their architectural and cultural achievements will inspire wonder at this civilization that prospered in the jungles of Mexico over 1,000 years ago. Let these majestic ruins spark your sense of adventure!
Swimming in Cenotes - Mexico's Natural Pools
You’re in for a real treat if you go cenote swimming in Tulum! Cenotes are natural sinkholes formed when limestone bedrock collapses, revealing an underground aquifer. The Yucatan Peninsula has thousands of these crystal-clear pools, and some of the most spectacular are right outside of Tulum.
Rent some snorkel gear and plunge into the refreshing waters of Dos Ojos, Gran Cenote or Car Wash cenote. As you swim through the bright blue waters, you’ll be surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites in the caves. The cool waters provide sweet relief from the hot Mexican sun.
Feeling adventurous? Go cave diving in one of the extensive underwater cave systems, like Dos Ojos or Angelita. Only certified divers can explore the winding tunnels and chambers of these subterranean rivers.
If heights are more your thrill, go zip-lining or rappelling over—and even into—the cenotes! Whiz over the treetops or plunge into the sacred waters below! Your heart will race at the adrenaline rush!
Whether swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving or zip lining, the cenotes around Tulum offer adventures for all. Lush jungles, fresh waters, and a sense of mystery await in these natural wonders. Make cenote exploring a must on your list of things to do in Tulum for an unforgettable experience of Tulum’s wild beauty. Vamos!
Ocean Snorkeling and Scuba Diving Off the Coast
Calling all adventure seekers and ocean lovers! Tulum’s turquoise waters are teeming with tropical fish and other sea life just waiting to be discovered. If snorkeling or scuba diving in crystal-clear cenotes isn’t enough for you, head to the Caribbean Sea for an unforgettable ocean experience.
Snorkeling
Grab your mask and fins and swim out from the beach to reefs just offshore. Schools of yellow tail snapper, blue tang, and angelfish will greet you in their natural habitat. For the best snorkeling, go early in the morning when visibility is highest and crowds are smallest. Some top spots are Playa Paraiso, Playa Pescadores, and Akumal Bay which is known for sea turtle sightings!
Scuba Diving
If you’re scuba certified or want to take a dive course, you’ve come to the right place. Tulum offers world-class reef dives, cavern dives, and the famous Dos Ojos cenote dive. Dive shops in Tulum and Playa del Carmen offer boat trips to reefs 10-30 minutes offshore with depths of 15-100 feet. You might spot eagle rays, nurse sharks, barracuda, and turtles !
Whether you choose to stay on the surface or plunge into the deep, Tulum’s turquoise waters offer an eco-adventure you’ll remember for a lifetime. Grab your gear and get ready to discover the magical marine world of the Mexican Caribbean!
Yoga retreats
Yoga retreats in Tulum are a must for any yogi! Tulum is a mecca for wellness, spirituality and yoga. You’ll find world-class instructors and a variety of yoga styles. Whether you prefer Ashtanga, Vinyasa flow or just simple beach yoga, Tulum has you covered.
One of the top spots is Sanara Tulum, an eco-chic resort with daily yoga classes. They offer everything from sunrise salutations on their massive deck overlooking the jungle, to candlelit evening classes. You can even do an intensive yoga retreat and stay in their gorgeous cabanas.
For beachfront yoga, head to Hemingway Hostel’s daily 9 am class. They have mats and props provided, so just roll out of bed and onto your mat. There’s no better way to start your day in Tulum than with the sun rising over the sea as you move through your flow.
In the jungle just off the beach road, Yoga Shala Tulum holds 2-3 classes a day in an open-air studio. They teach traditional hatha and vinyasa yoga, led by highly skilled instructors. You’ll love practicing in their peaceful, rustic shala with the sounds of the jungle all around you.
For a personalized retreat experience, book with Real Yoga Tulum. They offer week-long retreats in a beachfront villa where you can do two yoga classes a day with guidance from skilled teachers, get spa treatments, eat healthy locally-sourced meals and just generally bliss out. What could be better?
With world-class yoga, pristine beaches and a laid-back vibe, Tulum is an ideal place to recharge your body and soul. A yoga retreat here will leave you feeling zen, rejuvenated and connected – both with yourself and this special place. Just remember to pack your yoga pants!
Conclusion
So what are you waiting for? Tulum is calling your name! With pristine beaches, ancient ruins, refreshing cenotes and a vibrant town, Tulum has something for everyone. Get out there and make the most of your trip. Ride down to the beach, soak in the sun and go for a swim in the crystal clear waters. Explore the mysterious Mayan ruins and connect with a civilization of the past. Find your zen at a beachfront yoga class.
The adventures are endless. Tulum will invigorate your senses and ignite your spirit of adventure. You’ll return home with memories to last a lifetime. This tropical paradise is waiting – go experience all the magic Tulum has to offer!
- 9-10 Hours
- 100% Private
- All included
