Tulum, This Is A Guide To Tulam Beach For Visitors
Tulum, located in the Yucatan Peninsula, is a dream destination for those who love beaches.
Its exquisite shoreline extends for several miles, with soft white sand and breathtaking turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Tulum’s beachfront is breathtaking, with some of the finest resorts in the Mexican Caribbean, and it’s an ideal place to unwind with a drink in hand while appreciating the area’s natural splendor.
Tulum Beach: Why Visit?
Let’s examine Tulum’s top beaches and the benefits of going there.
Destinations of World Class Can Be Found in Tulam
Mexico’s Tulum Beach is undeniably one of the most stunning destinations.
While there are numerous spots for a calming beach getaway, Tulam should be at the forefront of your itinerary.
Tulum’s beachfront is among the most exceptional in the Yucatan region, with resorts and hotels suitable for all kinds of visitors.
There are family-oriented, environmentally conscious, luxurious, and adult-only resorts to choose from.
A Few of Mexico’s Most Pristine Beaches Can Be Found in Tulum
Tulum Beach lies between the wild Mayan jungle on one side and the sparkling Caribbean Sea on the other, creating an exceptional and strikingly beautiful setting.
Its beaches have received recognition as some of Mexico’s finest.
The beachfront extends for miles, showcasing its pristine white sand. Even if you’re not fond of water activities, visiting one of Tulum’s beaches is a must-do experience.
Traveling Green in Tulum
The Mayan civilization that initially populated Tulum had a strong belief in living in sync with nature, which many of the current inhabitants of Tulum still uphold.
Consequently, Tulum Beach has a plethora of environmentally conscious hotels, such as Ahau’s Alaya Tulum.
Furthermore, three of these hotels have been awarded the Green Key certification,
which is the most prestigious recognition for tourism and hospitality establishments that function sustainably.
Various Regions of Tulum Beach Visitation
Tulum Beach is a continuous 6-mile (10km) long stretch of coastline that runs along the northern edge of Tulum National Park’s Mayan Ruins and the southern boundary of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.
It’s divided into three sections: north, middle, and south.
On Tulum’s northern coast
The northern section of Tulum Beach spans from the junction of Avenida Coba on the beachfront road up to the Tulum Ruins.
This region encompasses one primary public beach known as Playa Ruinas, which is located under the striking cliffs of the Tulum Ruins.
The beach is fringed by numerous palm trees and fine white sand that offers magnificent views of the crystalline waters of the Caribbean.
Since Playa Ruinas is situated just a short distance from the Tulum Ruins, it’s an ideal spot to unwind after a day of exploration.
The benefits of North Tulum Beach
- The Playa Ruinas is conveniently located at a short walking distance from the Tulum Ruins.
- This beach offers affordable lodging options and is ideal for families and couples.
- Additionally, it provides easy access to the Tulum public beach and parking.
North Tulum Beach’s negatives
- Playa Ruinas can get incredibly crowded, particularly during peak season, making it challenging to find a peaceful spot.
- Additionally, this beach has limited dining and drinking options with a few bars and restaurants available.
Zone of Middle Beach
The central zone of Tulum Beach runs along the beach road between Avenida Coba and Avenida Kukulkan and is the hub of activities in Tulum.
This region boasts a diverse range of hotels, beach clubs, restaurants, bars, and boutique shops. Moreover, it offers some of the best nightlife in Tulum and is conveniently accessible from the town center.
The primary public beach in this area is Playa Paraiso, which is one of the most stunning beaches in Mexico and draws numerous visitors each year.
Although it is popular, it’s less crowded than Playa Ruinas and extends for several miles along the coastline, providing ample space for everyone.
You can rent two lounge chairs, a parasol, and a table for approximately 200 Pesos ($10).
Middle Tulum Beach’s advantages
- The central zone of Tulum Beach is the epicenter of activities in Tulum, making it ideal for groups of friends, older travelers, and couples.
- This region is conveniently located near the town center, making it easily accessible.
Middle Tulum Beach’s drawbacks
- Accommodations in this region can be costly, making it less budget-friendly.
- Additionally, it may not be the most suitable option for families due to the relatively limited family-friendly amenities.
Beach in South Tulum
The southern zone of Tulum Beach is located from Avenida Kukulkan southwards, towards the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.
This area is more upscale and has a wide range of luxury hotels and resorts.
The south Tulum zone comprises several private beaches that are accessible only through the hotels. However, there’s a public beach in the southern region of Tulum known as Las Palmas.
The beach offers a large expanse of white sand and tranquil waters. Since it’s less crowded, Las Palmas is an ideal place to spend a relaxing day away from the hustle and bustle of tourists.
Additionally, it’s a suitable option for families and couples seeking to spend quality time together.
South Tulum Beach advantages
- The area is suitable for families with children
- Not as congested as other parts of the beach
- There are many lively beach clubs to choose from
- There are many exciting water sports activities available
- There are many excellent dining options in the vicinity
South Tulum Beach’s drawbacks
- The area is not very close to the town center.
- The traffic to and from the beach during peak hours can be inconvenient.
- It may be costly to stay and shop in this region.
Beaches Close to Tulum
Tulum is not the only place with great beaches, as there are also fantastic beaches in the surrounding area.
In Sian Ka’an
Sian Ka’an Biosphere has some of the most amazing beaches in Tulum.
It’s an ideal option if you want to avoid crowds and enjoy some privacy, as it has many secluded areas.
The entrance to this protected zone is located at the south end of Tulum Beach. It’s a sanctuary for various wildlife species, and you might even have the chance to swim with sea turtles and dolphins.
Secret Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Sian Ka’an. Despite its name, it’s not easy to find, so it’s best to ask locals for detailed directions beforehand.
However, the effort is worth it, as Secret Beach is considered one of the most stunning beaches in Mexico.
Beach at Akumal
Akumal Beach is located half an hour’s drive away from the heart of Tulum. This vibrant beach is perfect for families and has many restaurants and bars with thatched roofs serving delicious food and drinks. The marine ecosystem in Akumal Beach is impressive, so if you’re interested in snorkeling, this beach is an excellent option.
Soliman Bay
Soliman Bay, located south of Akumal, is a serene and isolated bay accessible to everyone. It is perfect for spending the day lounging and sunbathing.
The bay offers various snorkeling options, and you can rent a kayak to explore the surroundings.
Beach at Paamul
Paamul Beach is situated near a small village and is usually not frequented by tourists. Although it is less developed than other beaches in the Tulum area, it is still a stunning beach to explore.
This beach is ideal for snorkeling, and there are a few excellent beachside eateries where you can enjoy food and drinks.
Fishing Beach
North of Playa Paraiso lies a stunning beach that offers breathtaking views of the Tulum Ruins from the coast.
The beach features crystal-clear, serene waters that are perfect for swimming.
Between May and November, you can witness a large number of turtles gathering at the beach. Snorkelling with them is also an option during this period.
Additionally, the area is home to some of the most delicious ceviches, so be sure to stop by one of the local eateries and sample this dish.
El Ultimo Beach de Maya
El Ultimo Maya Beach is located in the southern part of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, and you will encounter a significant sand dune on the way there.
However, once you cross it, you’ll be greeted with a breathtaking view of the open bay.
This secluded beach is one of the wildest and least visited beaches in Tulum.
The most attractive feature of this beach is that it is usually empty, providing an opportunity for a peaceful and serene getaway.
Practical Advice for Visiting Tulum’s Finest Beaches
After reading about the top beaches in Tulam, you may be motivated to plan your next vacation to this destination.
However, before you make any reservations, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. Below are some useful suggestions for when you visit Tulum Beach.
When to Go: Off-Peak Season
Tulum is best visited during November and December as the temperature averages around 83℉ (28℃) and the tourist crowds are relatively low during this period.
Additionally, the humidity levels are not high as the hurricane season has passed. However, one should carry a light jacket as the evenings may get a little chilly.
Seaweed Poses a Risk in Tulam
Although the beach is the natural habitat of seaweed, it may seem strange that it poses a problem on Tulum’s beaches.
However, the area has a distinctive seaweed situation. From May to October, a lot of Sargassum seaweed can be found on the beaches of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Even though the seaweed is not dangerous, it can make walking and swimming unpleasant.
The good news is that not all of Tulum’s beaches are affected, and the seaweed season is usually forecasted.
So be sure to keep an eye out for these forecasts so that you can determine which beaches to visit.
How to reach Tulam Beach
The most easily accessible part of Tulam Beach is the central section, and it is also the nearest to Tulam center.
It can be reached conveniently by renting or borrowing a bicycle from your hotel, or by taking a taxi.
However, one should be prepared to haggle with taxi drivers who may try to overcharge, especially during peak hours when traffic is heavy.
Tulum’s North and South Beaches are relatively more challenging to reach, and taxi fares to these locations are generally higher due to their distance from the center.
Using rideshare options might be a good option to reduce travel expenses.
Keep sunscreen on hand at all times
As a tropical Caribbean destination, Tulam can get extremely hot. To enjoy your vacation comfortably, it is crucial to use sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
Additionally, it is advisable to carry a hat with you at all times.
Greet everyone
In Tulam, it is a customary practice to greet everyone you come across, even if they are strangers.
Failing to do so is regarded as impolite by many locals. Furthermore, a simple greeting can be very helpful if you require assistance.
You can use the informal greeting “Hola,” which means “Hello” in Spanish.
There is a custom of tipping
In Tulam, it is customary to tip when dining and drinking at restaurants and bars, particularly along TulAm Beach.
It is advisable to tip 10 to 15% of the total bill for food at restaurants and 10 to 20 Pesos ($0.46 to $0.92) per drink.
