Mexico boasts more than 5,800 miles of idyllic coastline, and you’ll find some of the country’s best beaches in Tulum. This charming town is set on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula and attracts countless beach bums from across the globe.
There’s plenty to experience on these beautiful beaches, from exhilarating water sports to breathtaking views. With the soft white sand and glistening waters, relaxing on the beach is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Tulum.
While there are many Tulum, Mexico, beaches to explore, some should not go unmissed. We’ve compiled a list of seven spectacular spots you should visit at least once.
10 Must-Visit Beaches in Tulum
Whether you want to sip on a cocktail at a boho beach club or splash in the sparkling sea, there’s an ideal spot for every type of traveler. Here are the top beaches to add to your Tulum itinerary.
1. Paradise Beach, Tulum (Playa Paraiso)
Playa Paraiso in Tulum is a superb spot for relaxing and recreational activities on the Caribbean Sea. Here you’ll come across turquoise waters, powdery white sand, rugged cliffs, and picturesque palm trees.
In addition to the serene shores, there are several hotels and restaurants in the area. A popular establishment is the El Paraiso Beach Club. It features delicious local and international cuisines prepared with fresh ingredients.
At the club, you can lounge on a beach bed while enjoying tasty light bites and drinks. You can also rent umbrellas, tables, and chairs.
Tip: It’s best to arrive early in the day if you’re planning to rent any beach equipment.
A must-visit attraction near Playa Paraiso is the National Park of Tulum. Here you’ll find remarkable Mayan Ruins and impressive Tulum cenotes.
2. Las Palmas Beach, Tulum
Las Palmas is one of the best public beaches Tulum has to offer. It’s the perfect place to escape the crowds and is just a short stroll away from Paradise Beach.
It features fewer developments and more expansive shores, so you’ll have more space to relax and soak up the sun. This nearly unspoiled spot is excellent for swimming in Tulum’s tranquil, aqua waters.
As there aren’t many restaurants or vendors on the beach, it’s best to bring your own snacks and drinks. Additionally, you won’t find many facilities for daybed and chair rentals, so be sure to pack in all the necessary beach equipment.
Tip: Having an umbrella on Las Palmas is a must as there isn’t much shade on the beach.
3. Playa Pescadores
Playa Pescadores is a picturesque Tulum beach location. You’ll find it just a five-minute drive away from Playa Paraiso and Las Palmas Public Beach in Tulum.
At Playa Pescadores, you’ll have breathtaking views of the Tulum Ruins atop rocky cliffs. The beach provides a relaxing environment with the pleasant breeze and soft sounds of crashing waves.
Whether you spend the day relaxing and building sandcastles or snorkeling in the Caribbean sea, Playa Pescadores would be a superb spot for some fun in the sun. If you arrive early, you’ll find several anglers heading into the dazzling waters in white and red boats. You can enjoy their catch of the day at one of the nearby restaurants.
Tip: The best time to visit Playa Pescadores for turtle watching is from May to November.
4. Playa Ruinas, Tulum
Playa Ruinas is an excellent option for a beach day filled with history and culture. You’ll find it beneath an awe-inspiring display of ancient Mayan architecture in the Tulum Archaeological Zone.
The cliff atop the beach is an idyllic spot to capture Instagram-worthy pictures with stunning Tulum ocean views. You’ll have to walk down a narrow staircase to reach the serene strip of sand that lies at the foot of cliffs.
This pet-friendly beach is a great pick for families. In addition to soaking up the sun, you can enjoy a boat ride and snorkeling to discover Tulum’s abundant marine life.
Tip: The far north end of Playa Ruinas is closed to protect a turtle nesting ground.
5. Secret Beach, Tulum
If you’re looking for secluded shores in Tulum, Secret Beach is certainly worth visiting. This beautiful beach is in the heart of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, just south of Tulum. It’s a superb location for couples to pack a picnic basket and enjoy a fun-filled day surrounded by nature.
Secret Beach boasts velvety soft sand as well as crystal-clear and calm waters. It takes around an hour to reach this isolated beach by bicycle, and if you’re traveling by car, be prepared for a bumpy ride through the reserve.
There is plenty to discover at Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. This UNESCO-listed site is home to hundreds of plant and animal species, including Brosimum Alicastrum, Drypetes, dolphins, spider monkeys, and jaguars.
6. Paamul Beach
If you’re seeking a peaceful environment, Paamul Beach is a spectacular place to visit. As the beach is usually only visited by residents, you’ll experience fewer crowds than other popular beaches in Tulum.
You’ll find Paamul Beach nestled on a curved bay with shimmering waters, soft white sand, and exposed limestone. It is a superb spot to explore vibrant coral reefs. Here you can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, and diving adventures.
There are many palm trees lining these shores, so you’ll have plenty of shade. But, be sure to bring along an umbrella as well. You’ll also want to pack in your own towels, chairs, and other beach equipment.
7. Soliman Bay
Soliman Bay is a stunning secret hideaway surrounded by palm trees and private villas. This Tulum public beach is an excellent place to catch some sun and read your favorite book in a tranquil environment.
If you’re traveling with kids, the calm waters are great for little ones to splash around. Soliman Bay is also an ideal spot for snorkeling. You can also rent a kayak to explore the bay. Additionally, you’ll come across a few beach bars in the area where you can indulge in delicious fresh seafood.
Tip: If you’re looking for more unmissable beaches near Tulum, Mexico, you’ll find Akumal Beach, just a 16-minute drive away.
8. Akumal Beach
Known for being a livelier and more commercialized beach, you are sure to experience a lot of buzz on this shoreline.
Stroll across three miles of the beach’s sandy shores while you search for palapa-roof bars and restaurants for refreshing drinks and light meals.
Parents looking to keep their children entertained while on vacation can do so by taking them to see the turtles that inhabit the five vibrant-blue bays in Akumal Beach. There is also the cute and charming Turtle Bay Café where the entire family can enjoy homemade ice cream and delicious baked goods.
Tip: Beach umbrellas are available to rent. So if you forgot to bring your own, there’s no need to worry.
9. Playa Santa Fe
Playa Santa Fe is located on the main stretch of Tulum and is not far from Playa Paraiso, so you could always take a short stroll from one to the other. If you’ve been exploring the Tulum Ruins, you’ll be pleased to know it’ll take you a short 10-minute walk to Playa Santa Fe as it is just half a mile away.
The soft white sands of Playa Santa Fe are often packed with beachgoers. You may not mind this, though, as you’ll get to enjoy spectacular views. The beach also offers the convenience of having on-site bathrooms and showers.
There’s no need for you to worry about packing lunch or a picnic basket as there are several restaurants and food stalls on the beachfront. There are also small beach bars where you can grab a refreshing drink.
Between eating and sunbathing, take some time to enjoy the calm and clear blue waters of Santa Fe by going for a relaxing swim.
Tip: If you’re going on a rustic boat excursion from Playa Santa Fe, take Lupita Launch. It is coordinated by the Playa Santa Fe hotel & has discounts.
10. Ahau Tulum Beach
Last but not least, we have the pristine Ahau Tulum Beach. Once you set foot on the beach resort, you’re met by the jaw-dropping sculpture of Ven a la Luz (Come into the Light).
The famous attraction was designed by a popular South African artist named Daniel Popper. It symbolizes the connection between humans and nature. The sculpture was created with the goal to raise awareness about the ecosystem in the Tulum area.
Carrying on with the theme of eco-consciousness, you’ll enjoy the rustic feel of the beachfront as the cabanas and beach huts are made from sustainable materials. Here you can order drinks and light meals or retreat to one of the cabanas and just relax.
There are several more experiences to be had when visiting this charming beach. Take advantage of daily yoga classes and sunrise meditation at Ahau Tulum, or trek to the nearby Mayan ruins.
Tip: Art With Me — an international arts, music, and cultural festival — holds events at Ahau Tulum Beach Resort. Plan your visit to ensure it coincides with the festival so you can have double the fun.
Tulum Playa: FAQs
If you’re unfamiliar with the area, you may need some practical information on Tulum beach or Mexico in general. Here are a few top tips for your next tropical vacation.
How to Get to the Beach in Tulum?
The best options for transport to Tulum’s beaches are by bike, walking, driving, or taking a taxi. You’ll find a road that connects the town to many of the surrounding beaches.
Enjoy a Bike Ride
An excellent and adventurous way of traveling around Tulum is by bike. The road from Tulum town to the beach offers a pleasant, flat ride, and most of it features a bike path. Depending on your desired beach destination, this eco-friendly form of traveling takes around 15 minutes.
Tip: You’ll find plenty of bike rental shops in Tulum, and most hotels offer rental services as well.
Take a Scenic Walk
Another way of getting to beautiful beaches is by taking a long stroll on the walkable route. It’s important to note that the walk would take around 45 minutes or more, but it’s a great option for a morning workout with the fresh breeze. If you’re planning to walk to the beach, be sure to pack in loads of water and a sunhat.
Drive Along the Charming Roads
For a more comfortable form of traveling, take a scenic drive to your chosen beach. If you don’t have your own wheels, you can rent a car in Tulum.
Keep in mind that finding a parking space can be challenging, especially on the south side beaches as the roads are narrow. There are some paid parking areas as well. If you’re visiting a beach club, you’ll likely find free parking areas.
Tip: If you’re heading to a few beaches in proximity to one another, it’s best to walk to the next destination and keep your parking spot.
Take a Taxi
If you’d prefer to avoid a lengthy walk or search for parking, taking a taxi is an excellent choice. Generally, you can easily find a taxi in town and on the beach. A taxi ride from Tulum town to the beach will cost around 50 to 100 pesos ($3 to $5 USD).
Tip: If you’re planning to leave the beach after sunset, it’s best to arrange a pickup with a taxi driver in advance to avoid waiting during rush hour.
Can You Swim at Playa Tulum, Mexico?
It is safe to swim in most areas of Tulum’s beautiful beaches. The calm waters provide the perfect environment to cool down from the tropical weather in Tulum. But, it’s best to steer clear from the more rocky regions. And like most beaches, it can be risky to swim at night.
Are Tulum Beaches Safe?
Tulum is a safe coastal town for tourists, especially compared to other cities in Mexico. You’re unlikely to witness gang-related violence. But petty crimes aren’t unheard of, so be sure to keep your valuables secure while visiting the beautiful beaches.
Where are the Best Tulum, Mexico, Beach Clubs?
Some of the best beach clubs are located in the Tulum Hotel Zone and Beach Zone.
Top picks include:
- Papaya Playa Project Beach Club
- Villa Pescadores
- El Paraiso Beach Club
- Caleta Tankah
- La Zebra
- Ziggy’s Beach Club
If you’re heading to the beach for a full day of fun, you might want to visit a beach club for superb amenities. A few of the services that you’ll have access to include bathrooms and sunbeds, as well as restaurants and bars.
Relax on the Best Beach in Tulum, Mexico
Tulum is home to an array of beautiful beaches with awe-inspiring views of the ocean and nearby Mayan ruins. Whether you’re staying at a beach resort or just spending a few hours on the soft white sand, you’ll have an exciting day at the seaside.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your towel and sunscreen and make your way down to Tulum’s spectacular shores.