Tulum Beach Guide
Laura Schulthies
Laura Schulthies
Daniel Mode
Daniel ModeTulum beaches are famous for warm white sand and clear blue waters. As a destination, Tulum is easily becoming one of the most popular vacation spots in Mexico. With some of the most tranquil beaches, impressive Mayan ruins, and countless water sports, it is no wonder why Tulum tourism is on the rise. Your Tulum all inclusive resort or boutique hotel may be located directly on the beach, but there are other nearby beaches worth exploring. Here is our guide to five of the best beaches in Tulum for you to check out this year.
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*Note: Since 2008, Sargassum (seaweed) has regularly arrived on the Caribbean coast of Mexico (Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, etc.) from April to August. Many Tulum beaches and resorts remove the seaweed from the sand daily, but it can pile up by the water’s edge and be stinky in places where it’s not removed. For this reason, we suggest getting a hotel with a nice pool area for swimming or spending some time on the islands of Cozumel or Isla Mujeres which are largely protected from the seaweed.
The Best Tulum Beaches
Playa Paraiso
Playa Paraiso is known as one of the most beautiful beaches in Tulum. While it is popular, it doesn’t feel too crowded since the beach is expansive and runs over many miles on the coast. The beach is known for its towering palm trees and turquoise waters. There are a few small hotels along the beach, but the most sought after spot is the Playa Paraiso Beach Club. Visitors can rent one of the beach chairs, drink a cold cocktail, and enjoy the upbeat atmosphere. If you want more of a lowkey experience on this beach, then visitors can go further away from the beach club, where things can be a bit quieter.
Beach Amenities: Limited Parking, Snack Bars, Cafes, Lifeguard On Duty During Season, Rentable Chairs, Sunbeds, and Umbrellas.
Stay Nearby! Explore Tulum Hotels on TripAdvisor
Playa Pescadores
Picturesque Playa Pescadores is another of the most popular Tulum beaches. If you arrive early in the morning, visitors can witness fishermen arriving in their small boats to bring fresh fish to the town.
In the early afternoon, kiosks open along the beach offering excursions like snorkeling. If you take a boat tour from Playa Pescadores, be sure to have your camera ready to take pictures of the Tulum Ruins that are nearby.
Beach Amenities: Public Parking, Public Restrooms, Public Showers, Bars, and Restaurants.
Stay Nearby! Explore Tulum Hotels on TripAdvisor
Akumal Beach
Akumal Beach is just a short 20-minute drive from Tulum off of Highway 307. There is a small entry fee to go to this beach, but it is well worth it for the clean sands and beautiful clear water. One of the most appealing things about this beach is the sea turtles. Visitors might have to book a boat tour to swim with these creatures as they are usually found further away from the shores. Because Akumal sits in a bay, the water is usually calm and perfect for swimming. Visitors should be aware that if they book a trip between April to August, then the seaweed at this beach can be bountiful.
Beach Amenities: Very Limited Parking, Entrance Fee, Public Restrooms, Rentable Lockers, Rentable Chairs, and Umbrellas.
Stay Nearby! Explore Akumal Hotels on TripAdvisor
Las Palmas
Las Palmas is one of the best beaches to relax, unwind, and swim. With only two hotels along this beach, there are typically not many crowds to contend with.
The beach is small with a rocky cove at one end and beautiful white sand sweeping to the other end. This is the perfect beach for couples as the atmosphere is quieter and less crowded. Make sure to bring your own snacks and umbrella, as there is not much around.
Beach Amenities: Public Restrooms, No On-Site Parking, and No Additional Amenities.
Stay Nearby! Explore Tulum Hotels on TripAdvisor
Playa Ruinas
*Permanently Closed
Playa Ruinas is small but is one of the most unique beaches in Tulum. The beach is set at the foot of a cliff holding El Castillo, Tulum’s largest ruins. The turquoise waters are calm and inviting, making it perfect for some great photo ops. To get some fantastic pictures, head to the beach early in the morning, where you can have the chance to be on Playa Ruinas alone. While you can get in the water and relax on the beach, the area is small and may become quite crowded around the early afternoon.
Beach Amenities: Public Restrooms, Paid Parking Outside El Castillo, and Snack Vendors.
Stay Nearby! Explore Tulum Hotels on TripAdvisor
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