Where to Stay in Tulum for a Perfect Getaway

Choosing Tulum for your next vacation means you’re getting closer to paradise. Here’s what you need to know about the town’s areas, so you can choose the villa that best suits your style. 

Over the past few years, Tulum has established itself as the boho chic capital of the Riviera Maya. With incomparable natural beauty, granted by the lush jungle and the clear waters of the Caribbean, the destination offers an ideal blend of laid-back vibes and sophistication. Tulum is still small enough to give off a cozy, beach town feeling, yet has some of the most coveted concept stores, restaurants, and boutique hotels in the region. 

From its lively downtown area to the chic beach clubs that line the coast, Tulum has different vibes and moods that you can explore during your stay, making your travel experience as relaxing or high-energy as you want it to be.

So before you find your dream Tulum villa, it’s key to learn a bit about this beach town’s different areas.

Zona Hotelera in Tulum for Nightlife and the Beach

Travelers seeking a lively experience, with plenty of nightlife and dining options, as well as shopping and people-watching, will find plenty to love at the beach. The hotel area, or Zona Hotelera, is a long stretch of hotels, beach clubs, and shops along the beach, and is ideal for groups of friends who want to be a part of the Tulum scene all day and all night long. 

Along the soft, powdery sand, travelers who choose the beach will find buzzing clubs like Gitano and Taboo, as well as iconic hotels like the stunning Azulik, which is also home to a lovely boutique called Zak Ik. Another great option is the eco-conscious Habitas, offering wellness-oriented programming and an intimate yet fun beach club. 

The beach area is also great for getting a taste of Tulum’s dining scene. Check out upscale spots like Hartwood or Arca, considered some of Tulum’s very best restaurants, or more laid-back options, like La Corriente Cevichería Nais, dedicated to Pacific-style seafood.

Other Areas of Tulum for Beach Lovers

Beach lovers who are on the lookout for the most gorgeous stretches of sand in Tulum have quite a few options. 

  • The Northern area is less developed, meaning more tranquil, relaxed beaches. 
  • The lovely Playa Ruinas is right next to the stunning Mayan archaeological site that gives this town its name, which makes it perfect for relaxing and cooling down in the sea after exploring the historic buildings. 
  • Nearby, Playa Santa Fe offers a long stretch of beach, perfect for a leisurely walk. This public-access beach is also home to several casual eateries.

South Playa, Tulum for Travelers Seeking Luxury

If you head south, you will find more beachside action. South Playa, where most of the luxury hotels in town are located, guarantees fun afternoons at beach clubs and plenty of dining options.

Sian Ka´an Biosphere for Nature Lovers

However, if what you’re craving is to dive deep into nature, plan to spend your day at the Sian Ka’an Biosphere. This spectacular nature reserve boasts more than a million acres and is home to gorgeous rivers and secluded beaches. Keep in mind that this is a protected area, so you won’t find vendors or restaurants. Plan accordingly.

Tulum Pueblo for Lively Town Life

To get a feel of Tulum’s lively town life, staying in the Pueblo is your best bet. This area is extremely walkable and bike-friendly, and it is surrounded by jungle, making it a fantastic option for those who want to get a sense of the Mayan region’s natural treasures. In fact, some of the area’s stunning cenotes are close by, like Gran Cenote and Cenote Calavera. 

Couples, families, and groups of friends looking for a stay that brings them closer to nature and the local lifestyle should check out their lodging options around here.

Holistika is one of the loveliest hotels in the Pueblo. Just like its name says, this hotel offers a holistic wellness experience to guests, including yoga and sound healing sessions. Holistika also boasts a co-working area, a delicious vegetarian restaurant, and a lovely jungle art walk, where you can admire paintings and sculptures. Even if you’re not staying there, you can check out the art walk, dine there, and inquire about taking part in many of these activities. 

Dining options in the Pueblo are varied, and in general, more affordable than the ones found by the beach. Sabor de Mar, serving fresh seafood in a casual spot, is a favorite in the area, as is El Takazo Jr. for getting an always-necessary taco fix. 

For a chill night out, head to La Guarida, a bar/cultural center hosting live music performances, movie nights, and open mic sessions, paired with good drinks and a relaxed atmosphere. Another great option is the recently-opened Vaivén, doling out dishes prepared with local ingredients from the Yucatán peninsula and fascinating Mexican artisanal spirits.

Consider Staying in a Villa in Tulum

Corazon 1 Vacation Bungalow, Tulum Mexico

Whether you choose to stay at the Pueblo or the Beach, you’ll find plenty of vacation rentals and villas to choose from, guaranteeing you can create the tropical getaway that best suits your needs. Tulum villas offer complete privacy, safety, and relaxation, making you feel right at home in paradise. You can spend hours lounging in your swimming pool and, if the villa has beach access, gazing at the Caribbean. And when it comes to cooking, you can make it part of your vacation and prepare some delicious dishes with local ingredients, or have the Two Travel team assign you a private chef who will take care of your every craving.

Your Two Travel concierge can also provide transportation for you to head wherever you need to go during your stay, whether you want to explore the ruins or one of the cenotes or enjoy a night out on the town. As locals, your Two Travel concierges know everything there is to know about Tulum, and will be happy to accompany you at any point of your trip if you’d like. For additional safety, there are security guards at many of our villas.

Amare Beach Club Day

Amare Beach Club, Cartagena

Amare Beach Club is a firm favorite with locals craving a beach day without the crowds of tourists or the vendors. It’s only 10 minutes from the city, but you would never know it. It’s hidden on the far side of Tierra Bomba on a beach called Playa Linda (which translates to “beautiful beach”). Here you have a view of the ocean, the beach and the palm trees – what more could one ask for?!

Amare really is a gem of a place. The beach is huge and white. The sky is blue 320 days of the year, and the water is clean and clear. And at Amare, you can choose your style. Set back under the palms, you’ll find a gorgeous pool and plenty of places to relax. For those that want more “on the beach action”, head to the loungers set on the beach.

But it’s not just the setting that you’ll love at Amare Beach Club. You’ll also find excellent cocktails recommended by all the city’s bartenders, plus deliciously satisfying design-your-own bowl-style lunches. And look out for the regular events, featuring some of the best DJs in town (and some of the coolest locals!)

This beach club truly is for those in-the-know wanting to experience local Cartagenero culture at its coolest!

What’s included in the Amare Beach Club day pass?

  • Round trip by boat departing from Playa Hospital Bocagrande
  • Pool and beach access all day
  • Sunbeds and shade
  • Wi-Fi
  • $20 USD credit for food and drinks

Blue Apple Beach Day

Blue Apple Beach Club, Cartagena

Welcome to Blue Apple – one of the best beach clubs in Cartagena!

In their own words, “Blue Apple is an independently owned boutique hotel and beach restaurant with a strong focus on fun and also on sustainable tourism.”

Here, you can relax during the week and party and dance on the weekend. Blue Apple always has live music and DJs from Friday to Sunday, whereas the weekdays are more relaxed if you’re looking for a quieter time, maybe a horse ride or simply a delicious organic lunch and some cocktails by the pool.

Included in your day pass:

  • Round trip transfers in shared boat (departure from Cartagena 10am or 12pm, return from Blue Apple Beach 4pm or 5:30pm) – Make sure to choose the right schedule for you!
  • Sun longer, towel and use of club facilities
  • Mid-morning snack
  • 2 course lunch (menu restrictions aply)
  • Alcoholic cocktail
  • 15 minutes massage
  • Unlimited drinking water

Explore Tulum – Our Pick of the Best Activities

Tulum cenote

You may think that Tulum is all about lazing the day away on sumptuous beach loungers sipping mezcal margaritas, floating in the Caribbean turquoise waters, or eating gourmet lunches in quirky little eateries. And YES, you would be right to think that, because it is absolutely all about that. But if you really want to explore Tulum, you’re in luck! There are plenty of great Tulum activities, tours and experiences to enjoy. However, Tulum offers so much choice, it can be difficult to decide which places work best for you. So to help, we’ve selected our Top Six Activities to Explore Tulum.

Two Travel can offer a wide variety of customised excursions set up exclusively for your group. From cultural experiences to active adventures and everything in between. Whether you’re celebrating a bachelorette, a wedding, or a family vacation, we help create incredible Tulum experiences and unforgettable moments.

Explore Tulum’s Cenotes

A cenote is a magical, deep freshwater pool fed by underground springs, and they are unique to the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. Many cenotes open up into vast under<water worlds, filled with tunnels and lagoons. Cenotes are number one on many people´s must see list while in Tulum and for good reason! If you’re travelling independently, the cenotes are usually open between 8am and 5pm, and some charge an entrance fee.

Take a look at our Tulum cenote tour.

Cenote hole in Tulum

Cenote Dos Ojos

Cenote Dos Ojos, translated as “Two Eyes Pool” because it’s formed by two neighbouring circular cenotes, is the most photographed in Tulum. It’s easy to see why, as the sun beams glisten over the rock formations and transform the water into an aquamarine paradise. This place is also popular with divers due to the world’s longest underground water cave, so grab your snorkel and your GoPro, this is one not to miss!

2. The hottest beach clubs in Tulum

As soon as you arrive in Tulum you´ll want to hit the beach clubs. With so many to choose from, where do you start? The beach clubs in Tulum are split across the Beach road and the Hotel road and they range from rustic chic to luxury.

Here are our top three recommendations for beach clubs in Tulum.

Casa Malca

For pure opulence and a touch of the bizarre, head to Casa Malca, which once upon a time was one of Pablo Escobar’s homes. Now transformed into a boutique hotel, art sculptures and abstract pieces fill every corner. The draped fabrics, swinging sofas and armchairs dotted around make the perfect backdrop for a photo, before you take the winding staircase to the rooftop for incredible 360 views. For non-residents of the hotel, a day pass is available, so don’t worry, you’ll be able to enjoy beautiful grilled seafood lunch with a crisp rosé – the perfect combination.

Cinco

Now popular on the beach club scene, Cinco opened its doors in August 2020. Here you’ll find a rustic laid back beach club full of bohemian charm. Located on the beach road in a quieter part of Tulum, it’s the perfect place for a relaxing beach day with friends and family. With a help yourself beer cooler, sorbet stand and swinging hammocks, plus glamping teepees for an overnight stay, what’s not to love about this beach club!

Papaya Playa Project

Surrounded by beautiful, lush green jungle, Papaya Playa Project is a luxurious eco-friendly beach club in the very heart of Tulum. With guest DJs and beautiful people draped across sun loungers, this is the place to be if you want to party into the night.

3. Rent a yacht or catamaran and explore Tulum by boat

Boat Rental in Tulum

For an unforgettable day out with family and friends, jump on board your very own private yacht or catamaran. There is no better way to explore the area. Spend the day gliding across crystal clear waters and visit some of the most extraordinary beaches and sights in the Mayan Riviera.

Your boat will take you to the best places to swim and snorkel amongst tropical marine life, and if you’re lucky, you may spot sea turtles or dolphins bobbing in and out of the water alongside you. Take in the sights and enjoy an open bar, as well as gourmet lunch, freshly prepared by our chef. For added luxury, choose an onboard DJ and your very own photographer!

4. Explore Tulum’s Sian Ka’an Nature Reserve

Get away from the hustle and bustle of central Tulum and step into the natural beauty of the Sian Ka’an nature reserve, which translates as “Origin of the Sky”. To negotiate the bumpy ride, a 4 wheel drive is essential. Deep in the jungle, with only the sounds of jungle birds and the rustle of a lizard at your feet, fun and adventure awaits!

Walk along the pontoon to your private lagoon boat, perfect for couples, families or large groups of friends. Cruise through the lagoons where the sea water meets with freshwater and you may even see a manatee, as wild birds swoop overhead. For added fun, pop on your life jacket, jump in and let the current gently pull you through the mangrove lined waterways.

After the lagoon tour, explore Tulum’s gorgeous secluded beaches. The Sian Ka’an is completely untouched, and home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Think white powdery sand and crystalline turquoise waters as far as the eye can see. As the sun sets, your food and drinks platter is served on the beach, brimming with fresh fruit, pastries, pasta salads and fresh juices, maybe even a bottle of fizz for that special occasion.

5. Spa and Detox Day in Tulum

Your vacation is all about balance. Too many midnight tacos might have you and your BFFs craving a detox. Rejuvenate your mind and body with a sensual spa day at the luxurious Yaan Healing Sanctuary spa in the hotel zone.

Here you’ll find a healing water circuit, with warm and cool massage pools, sauna, steam room and marble stone hammam. The spa uses natural waters from the crystalline springs of the Yucatan’s natural cenotes. Expect offerings of delicate herbal teas, made from herbs freshly harvested from the rooftop garden, followed by a natural scrub to stimulate your senses, and that’s just for starters.

Woman with a smoothie

Two Travel can help arrange unique spa experiences that will purify and cleanse your body, mind and soul. Choose from many different treatments including reiki, sound healing and traditional Mayan massages.

6. Tulum Cenote Adventure by zip line and ATV

For the adrenalin junkies, this activity is for you! Glide through the jungle on a zipline, ride an ATV through dense jungle before jumping into cool cenotes and crystal-clear waters. Experience the top adrenaline sports of the Riviera Maya on a trip that combines off-roading, ziplining, and snorkelling in a cenote.

These are just some of our top recommendations to explore Tulum. You can find more experiences here, or get in touch with details of the kind of vacation you’re looking for, and we’ll help you craft your dream trip to Tulum.

The Best Way to Visit the Rosario Islands

You are not alone if you’ve never heard of the Rosario Islands before. Most people who’ve not visited Colombia have no idea that just off the coast of Cartagena, there lies an archipelago of nearly 30 protected islands to rival the picture perfect Caribbean islands of your dreams.

The Rosario Islands nestle in a national park just an hour from Cartagena. The national park protects this important coral reef and the biodiversity that thrives in it. They are a must see for anyone coming to the Caribbean coast of Colombia. The experiences you can have in the Rosarios are as varied as the sea life you’ll find here.

This Two Travel guide to the Rosario Islands will help you decide what kind of trip you want to take. Discover when to visit, the best things to do in the Rosarios, and the things to know, before you go.

What kind of Rosarios Islands trip are you looking for?

The Rosario Islands offer a wealth of options for visitors who want to explore this beautiful Caribbean setting. Before you book, it’s important to know what kind of trip you want.

Party Vibe with Friends

The party you can have in the islands with friends all depends on your time and budget.

If you’re on a budget with just one day to spare, hire a speed boat for an island hopping party.

For parties of 4 to 15 people, we’ll take you to the best spots to swim, snorkel and hit the beach. You´ll enjoy a traditional fish lunch and some dancing on the boat. And you´ll have time to explore some hotspots like Cholon which is THE party place in the Rosario Islands. Or maybe the hotspot where locals are flocking these days. It’s called La Piscina.

For a simple upgrade, choose a yacht or catamaran instead of a speed boat. You can even hire your own DJ and chef. This is a great option for bachelor and bachelorette weekends. It also works for a pre-wedding event, or for friends looking for a spring breaks style day trip.

For a more exclusive party if you have more time, you can rent a villa on a private island. This really gives you the chance to kick back and relax, or adventure and party. Staying the night in the Rosario Islands is the perfect way to enjoy the turquoise waters and perfect sandy beaches. With a private boat, you can explore anytime, then come back to the villa to relax, or continue the party.

Tell us what you need and our concierge will make sure everything is arranged for you – be it the boat you want, a DJ and bartender for the evening, or drinks and snacks for the ride.

A Romantic Trip for Couples

The Rosario Islands are the perfect weekend away for couples. There are some incredibly beautiful places to relax, reconnect and recharge. Even if you don’t stay on a private island, if you choose a weekday trip to a small island, you may well be the only people there after the day trippers leave. Go for a sunset stroll or take in the sunset with a cocktail on the deck of a beach-side cabin, before an intimate dinner for two in the most gorgeous of surroundings.

Exploring and Adventure

If you’re keen to explore the biodiversity of the Rosarios, there are a wealth of options to suit any visitor. See the wildlife, coral reef or the mangroves in a kayak or on a paddle board.

Take a trip out for some excellent snorkelling or even better, scuba diving, and you will find yourself swimming with shoals of tropical fish in a unique coral wonderland. And if you’re staying the night, local residents will often offer you a chance to see and swim with bioluminescent plankton!

Exploring and Adventure

Relax for the day on a Caribbean beach

Relax for the day on a Caribbean beach

If you’re in Cartagena, without a doubt, you’ll be offered a trip to Playa Blanca. It’s true that the beach has idyllic white sand, tropical palms and incredible turquoise waters, but it can also get VERY busy.  If you don’t know the best spot, you will (most likely) be hounded by vendors. That’s not to say it can’t be enjoyable, but we know some better spots if what you’re looking for is an Instagram shot to keep or a day to chill away from everyone.

As well as the villas that are available on private islands in the Rosarios, there are plenty of beach clubs you can go to for the day (we can help with those all important recommendations!) Perfect for those iconic Caribbean Instagram shots in the warm, turquoise-jewelled waters, or on incredible white-sanded beaches. You’ll need to arrange a day pass or stay the night at these island hotels, but we can guarantee that they’re worth it if you’re looking to relax for a couple of days. We can help you get the best price – just get in touch.

What you need to know before a trip to the Rosario Islands

Although a day trip is great for a boat party trip to the Rosarios, to really kick back and relax, we recommend you stay at least one night to enjoy more of what makes these islands so very special. Most boats, whether you go on a tour or hire a private boat, will leave from the main marinas in Cartagena between 7.30am and 9am, returning at around 4pm, before the sea gets too choppy.

What you need to know before a trip to the Rosario Islands

As you can see, there are plenty of options for places to stay and things to do in the Rosarios, but do your research. If you’re looking for a quiet relaxing day, don’t head to Cholon or Playa Blanca. Instead, up your budget for a more luxe affair that you won’t forget.

Also, beware of gringo prices. Some tours, boats and lunch options are blatantly overpriced. When you’re out in the islands, there’s no choice to go elsewhere. So please choose a trusted operator who can tailor a trip to what you’re looking for.

Because there’s one thing we do know – the Rosario Islands are a great option for every visitor to Cartagena.

If you enjoyed these recommendations, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for more inspiration for your next trip to Cartagena or Tulum. And get in touch if you need help with a boat, island or in building your journey.

The 10 Best Tulum Beaches

Tulum Two Travel

If you’re yearning for a slice of tropical paradise, the bohemian beach town of Tulum in Mexico may well be the answer to your vacation daydreams. This Caribbean coastal stunner is a delicate mix of picture-perfect beaches and thick luscious jungle topped off with a cool boho vibe. Located on the east coast of Mexico, this former fishing village is home to some of the world’s most Instagrammed beaches. So if you’re looking for crystal turquoise waters and sugar-white sand, there are ten miles of exquisite Tulum beaches for you to explore.

Tulum has two main areas: Tulum beach (playa) and Tulum town (pueblo). It’s a 90-minute drive south of perennial spring break favorite — Cancun — and although Tulum’s not as bold and busy as its northern neighbor, your Tulum vacation can be as social or as chill as you please. This idyllic spot enjoys a reputation as a nature lover’s paradise — an eco-chic destination brimming with yoga retreats, organic smoothies, and a burgeoning foodie scene. It’s also known as a music event hot spot, with big-name DJs drawing large crowds to epic jungle raves and full moon parties.

Where to find Tulum’s Top Beaches

When it comes to experiencing the natural beauty of Tulum, you can’t go past its breathtaking Caribbean surrounds. Tulum’s beaches stretch for more than 10 miles south of the spectacular Mayan ruins in Tulum National Park to the World Heritage-listed Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. So you’ve got plenty of choices regarding where to stay and where to play along the Tulum coast.

Less development in the north means fewer hotels and beach clubs and easier access to that silky-soft sand. The further south you go, you’ll find luxury accommodation and beach clubs and more of a party vibe.

Tulum beaches

And although Mexico’s beaches are public by law, many of Tulum’s resorts limit beach access to resort guests. Some beachfront hotels and beach clubs offer daybeds and cabañas for rent, as well as access to the beach if you dine or drink at their restaurant.

The Two Travel team are experts in all that Tulum has to offer, so to whet your appetite for your next visit to Mexico, we’ve put together a guide to Tulum’s 10 Best Beaches.

1. Playa Ruinas

Tulum Playa Ruinas

The spectacular 13th-century Mayan ruins are one of Tulum’s biggest drawcards. These well-preserved structures sit high on a clifftop, overlooking a dazzling beach called Playa Ruinas. This secluded cove is all glistening blue water and powder-white sand and can be accessed via steep steps down from the viewing platform.

Arrive early at the ruins to beat the crowds and the midday sun, and make sure to bring a towel and your swimsuit so that you can cool off in the crystal-clear waters below. The striking contrast of the tropical jungle, dramatic ancient architecture, and baby blue water of the Caribbean makes this one of Mexico’s most photographed locations.

2. Playa Santa Fe

The beautiful white sands of Santa Fe Beach are just a 10-minute walk south of the ruins. Playa Santa Fe is a public access beach, and its long, vast stretch of sand is the perfect spot for a day lazing in the Caribbean sun. You can still see the Mayan ruins from this stunning beach, and there are a handful of beachfront restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat or rent a lounge chair on the sand.

3. Playa Pescadores

The next beach heading south along the Tulum coast is gorgeous Playa Pescadores. This long stretch of sand gets a little busier at times because the local boat tours depart from here; it’s also pet-friendly so expect to see some four-legged friends frolicking in the shallows. Playa Pescadores is the kind of beach where you can just throw a towel down on the sand and spend the day bathing in the calm azure water. If you’re up for some adventure, you can head out on a snorkeling or fishing tour with one of the boats moored offshore, and make sure you sample the freshly caught seafood at one of the local restaurants.

4. Playa Paraíso

Named one of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches, Playa Paraíso (Paradise Beach) is all crystal-clear water and pure white sand. It’s one of Tulum’s most popular beaches and has become an Instagram hotspot, with its famous leaning palm tree taking prime position on influencer feeds.

Playa Paraíso

You’ll find this slice of paradise just over a mile south of the ruins, and although it’s long and wide, it’s best to get there early to secure a good spot on the sand.

Paradise Beach has become popular with daytrippers, and while it’s a public access beach, you can also rent a sunbed and fill up on food and drink at one of the local beach clubs.

5. Playa Las Palmas

The last of the beaches along Tulum beach road’s northern stretch is Playa Las Palmas — one of Tulum’s more secluded places to laze away a sunny day. This public access beach is the perfect spot to settle in for a day of sun, sand and baby blue water, and although it’s less busy than some of the other spots along the Tulum coast, you’ll still encounter local vendors selling their wares. Playa Las Palmas also has an outdoor beach gym resembling the one in Muscle Beach, California!

6. South Playa

South Beach is where you’ll find the majority of Tulum’s luxury hotels and eco-boutique resorts. Most of Tulum’s beach accommodation lines either side of the Tulum beach road, and South Beach is the go-to for open-air clubs and lively beach parties. The Tulum beach strip is brimming with fine dining options located within instagrammable interiors — think sand floors and rustic decor — as well as high-end boutiques stocking bohemian-style fashion, handcrafted accessories, and organic skincare.

If you’re coming to Tulum and want advice on where to stay and what to do, get in touch.

We manage some gorgeous houses and can offer great rates on unique experiences.

OK, let’s get back to those amazing beaches…

7. Sian Ka’an Biosphere

If you’re dreaming of lazy days on a secluded beach, get off the beaten track and venture into the wilds of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere. This UNESCO World Heritage nature reserve is south of Tulum and spans more than one million acres! Home to thousands of species of fauna and flora, Sian Ka’an is tricky to get but worth it. Sian Ka’an boasts an abundance of stunning places to swim — we’re crystal-clear waters with not another soul in sight. There are miles of coastline to explore, and while some of the beaches are rough and rugged, others are protected and serene. The reserve beaches are not like Tulum’s developed areas, so bringing supplies is essential.

8. Soliman Bay

Woman swimming in Tulum

If you head back in the other direction — that’s north of Tulum towards Playa del Carmen — you’ll discover a hidden gem called Soliman Bay. This tranquil tropical hideaway has escaped the development found along other parts of the Riviera Maya, so you won’t find large beachfront hotels and loud bars along this stretch of sand.

But if you’re seeking sunshine and serenity against a tropical backdrop, this pristine piece of paradise is ideal. Soliman Bay is a semi-private gated community, so to gain access to the beach, you’ll need to refuel with an ice-cold drink or some tasty ceviche at one of the small beachfront restaurants.

There’s an outer coral reef that protects the bay’s calm turquoise waters and provides snorkelers with an amazing underwater world full of marine life. Make sure to pack beach shoes or flip-flops to avoid mishaps with broken coral and seashells.

9. Akumal

If you’re a wildlife lover, then a day trip to the town of Akumal is essential. Akumal is known locally as ‘Place of the Turtle,’ and it’s famous for giving visitors the chance to swim with wild sea turtles. It’s a small inlet, about 30 minutes north of central Tulum, that boasts brilliant underwater visibility and warm, calm waters thanks to the surrounding coral reef. As well as the juvenile sea turtles, snorkelers are spoilt with an incredible abundance of marine life, including manta rays, parrotfish, and pufferfish. This popular beach vacation destination was officially founded in 1958 as a scuba diving community and is quite commercialized compared to other beach towns along the Tulum coast.

10. Paamul Beach

For a stripped-back beach experience, travel a little further north towards Playa Del Carmen and make a stop at Paamul Beach. This crescent-shaped bay is less developed than other spots along the Riviera Maya. But what it lacks in beach clubs and facilities, it makes up for with calm blue-turquoise water and plenty of swaying palm trees to protect you from the midday sun. A favorite amongst locals and visitors, Paamul boasts superb snorkeling thanks to the offshore coral reef, and you can indulge in delicious local cuisine and an ice-cold beer at the resident beach restaurant.

Adventure Sports

Adventure Sports

For the more adventurous, we can offer exhilarating day trips. Take an ATV into the jungle for a zip lining experience – it’s the best way to see the jungle from above. Hold on tight and explore the rain forest in a whole new way, followed by a short trek to a fantastic cenote for an end of day swim, and an ATV race back to the beach!

Tulum Cenote Tour

Cenote in Tulum

The freshwater pools, or cenotes, around Tulum are some of the most beautiful in Mexico, and we can take you to the best spots for a photo or a refreshing dip. Don’t forget your swimsuit! We’ll bring water and a light snack.

Cenote hopping with a break for a Mayan lunch

With breath-taking jungle backdrops, many cenotes in Tulum are high on the Instagram hit list. Float between lily pads or dive deep into ancient hidden caves. With over 200 cenotes in Tulum, it can be difficult to know which are the best to visit.

The cenotes are spread out around the area and so, you’ll need some form of transportation. Our day trip to the best cenotes in Tulum takes you from pool to pool in a luxury air-conditioned minibus, which means you can sit back and relax. Enjoy a typical Mayan lunch and try traditional handmade corn tortillas accompanied by chicken pilbil and Poc-chuc pork with salsas and guacamole.