An exotic haven with a bohemian vibe, Tulum is a truly unique holiday destination. A place where jungle blends with beach, mojitos are crushed with fresh sugarcane and cerulean waters sparkle beneath the beaming sun. If this all sounds like heaven to you, keep reading to discover even more of Tulum’s treasures...
Tulum is a town situated on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. The closest airport to Tulum is Cancun International Airport, the drive from here to Tulum takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. We recommend pre-booking a private transfer from the airport to your hotel for a hassle-free start to your holiday. Alternatively, there are plenty of taxis available to hop in. You could also opt for the shared shuttle bus passing through Cancun and Tulum, although this journey takes slightly longer.
If you’re looking for a laid-back party vibe, Tulum is the place to be. You’ll find more beach parties and bars than bouncing nightclubs in this part of Mexico. Batey Mojito & Guarapo Bar is considered the life and soul of downtown Tulum’s party scene. They’re famous for their delicious fruit mojitos, made with freshly crushed sugarcane. Casa Jaguar is a popular Caribbean restaurant which transforms into a vibrant jungle party come nightfall. Live DJs create a euphoric atmosphere that keeps spirits soaring. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting during the cycle of the full moon, Papaya Playa Project is must see! You won’t want to miss this full moon beach party, fuelled with music, dance, creativity and bohemian vibes.
Experience a luxury French-Mediterranean dining experience at Bagatelle, a restaurant that brings an essence of the South of France to Tulum’s tropical coast. For more casual dining, check out Burrito Amor. This burrito bar goes the extra mile and offers a diverse menu packed with superfood, they also have great options for Paleo, Vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free requirements. Their biodegradable packaging and commitment to plastic reduction is an added bonus! RosaNegra is an illustrious venue, which combines sophistication and decadence with rustic décor. You can expect to sip on incredible infusions of artisan cocktails, and dine on incredible Latin American cuisine.
Tulum is home to a fantastic range of shops and markets, be ready to snag some one-of-a-kind bargains. Downtown is the place to be if you love supporting small businesses and want to grab some authentic Mexican souvenirs. La Madre Tierra (The Mother Earth) is an organic beauty shop specialising in natural, environmentally friendly products. They sell everything from natural honey shampoo to pure jade facial rollers, so every time you pamper yourself, you’ll feel connected to the soul of Mexico. MexicArte has an amazing range of authentic souvenirs on offer, from small handmade sculptures to large paintings. It’s also worth checking out Tulum Bazaar and Mercado Maya Tulum for traditional Mexican crafts and wonderful food vendors.
Tulum has rightfully earned its title as the ultimate eco-chic holiday destination. Whether you’re setting sail on a romantic escape, fun trip with pals or an adventure-packed family holiday, there’s so much to experience here...
If you want the ultimate diving experience, visit Xel-Há Park. With over 90 marine species living here, the snorkelling experience at this natural water park is out of this world. The crystal-clear waters are heavenly, and you may come across angelfish, parrotfish, pufferfish, rays, and much more. You’ll not only have unlimited access to snorkelling during your visit to Xel-Há, food and drink are also included in the price! You can truly relax here and appreciate the natural wonders of the park.
Tulum doesn’t usually see the strong waves that surfers love to ride, but you can still enjoy boogie boarding and bodysurfing up and down the coast. You could even branch out and try foil surfing, an incredibly unique balancing experience, similar to traditional surfing.
Tulum is blessed with pristine, warm waters and steady wind from the East, the ideal combination for kitesurfing. There are plenty of kitesurfing schools in Tulum, you could choose to kitesurf over a beautiful private beach, or soar amongst ancient Mayan ruins at Playa Ruinas. The wind is usually stronger in the mornings, and you’ll find perfect kitesurfing conditions from October to May.
Cruise through the sparkling cerulean waters surrounding Tulum on a luxury catamaran and uncover remote offshore locations along the way. You could choose either a full-day or half-day excursion, with the option to include an open bar, buffet, snorkelling gear and exclusive beach club passes. Classic sailboats are also available if you want an authentic sea adventure. There’s so much to discover on the shores beyond Tulum, perhaps you’ll happen upon the elusive Yantén Bay, or dive into the depths of Xpuhá’s stunning radiant reef. There are plenty of tour packages to choose from, find the perfect one for you.
Tulum is situated near the edge of an underwater canyon, meaning that deep-sea fishing enthusiasts will be in their element on these waters! A mighty reef can also be found just minutes away from the shore. Ascension Bay has shallow waters teeming with fish, making it a brilliant location for some flats fishing action. Hop on board a local charter vessel for the ultimate fishing experience, your captain will let you in on all the local tricks. If you’re lucky, you may even get a chance to set sail on a traditional Mexican-style panga. If you’re exploring the bays, on foot fishing is the most effective way of snagging a bite. Local anglers love to visit Sian Ka’an for a peaceful spot of foot fishing.
The wetlands of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve are magnificent for kayak excursions. This reserve has an exceptionally diverse ecosystem and is one of the largest protected areas in Mexico. There are many eco-tour companies to choose from, many offer either sunrise or sunset tours. Discover mysterious mangroves and glide through magnificent cenotes, learning about the area’s history along the way. Encompassed by natural beauty, you will feel completely at ease in these serene surroundings. There are plenty of other kayak tours which involve crossing through freshwater pools and cenotes, some even include a traditional Mayan lunch.
The Riviera Maya Golf Club can be found within the Bahia Principe resort. This excellent course features saltwater-tolerant grass, eccentric stone-lined fairways, stunning tropical fauna and numerous lakes. Guests of the resort receive a discount on their games. Situated between Tulum and Cancun, El Camaleón Golf Course is a pristine championship golf course that overlooks the ocean. It features a stunning design which incorporates its natural surroundings of dense mangroves, freshwater canals and evergreen jungle.
The best way to see the sights of Tulum and easily travel between the town and beach is by cycling. The ride from the town to the beach takes between 20-30 minutes. Check out Ola Bike Tulum, the highest-acclaimed bike rental shop in the area, or Paola for a budget-friendly option. If you’re a confident cyclist, you can even visit a few nearby cenotes by bike. Gran Cenote is one of the most popular attractions, so it is worth getting there early, turtles can often be seen swimming in its crystal-clear waters. Cenote Calavera is about a mile from the intersection, it’s small but very peaceful. If you’d rather be guided by a professional, there are plenty of mountain bike tours to choose from. Cycle through secluded forest paths and discover the ancient Mayan ruins.
The most iconic and popular hiking trail in Tulum is the Walled City route. This trail boasts stunning sea views and a scenic backdrop of the magnificent Mayan ruins. The Coba ruins are situated amongst dense forest, so hiring a local guide to explore the surrounding area would be a fantastic hiking experience.