Tulum’s seashores would possibly simply be probably the most lovely in Mexico. The stretch of shoreline adjoining to the city boasts 10km of chic white sand, lapped by the turquoise Caribbean Sea, which is obvious and temperate nearly year-round.
At one finish lie the dramatic Tulum Ruins, and on the different is the huge Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. In between sit boutique accommodations, boho seashore golf equipment and, often, blissfully empty shores. It’s a spot designed to unplug, play within the water and ooh-and-ahh over the views. This is our choose of the very best seashores in Tulum.
1. Playa Ruínas
Greatest landmark seashore
From the foot of El Castillo, Tulum Ruins’ largest pyramid, you may see guests taking part in and posing on the seashore under, the exact same stretch of sand the place Mayan canoes as soon as arrived laden with honey, cotton and all method of products from far off lands.
In the present day, Playa Ruínas is considered one of Tulum’s most spectacular locales: a small sandy seashore backed by dramatic seaside cliffs, graced by Tulum’s sensible turquoise waters, and solely reachable by a staircase that descends from the sentinel-like temples above. A go to right here is like no different – in spite of everything, how typically does anybody get to swim at a Maya spoil?
Planning tip: If you happen to’re right here to swim, get right here early! By noon, it’s overrun with tour teams.
2. Playa Paraíso
Greatest public seashore
Playa Paraíso is a traditional Caribbean seashore with large mushy sand, tranquil waters and towering palm bushes (even one you may drape your self luxuriously on, like a classic postcard). It’s no surprise it’s one of many space’s hottest sandy spots.
Though Playa Paraíso is house to a number of small accommodations and eating places, it’s greatest recognized for its namesake seashore membership, a behemoth operation with rows and rows of lounge chairs and seashore beds, with servers weaving between them, loaded down with ceviche platters and chilly drinks. This isn’t hippie stylish Tulum, nevertheless it’s positively a scene – and positively the place to come back for a thumping seashore celebration or a pickup volleyball recreation. Dancing ‘til daybreak not likely your factor? Head additional down the seashore for quieter sections of sand.
3. Playa las Palmas
Greatest swimming seashore
As you head north alongside the leafy seashore highway, an sudden opening within the dense tropical forest seems, appearing like a window into one other world. It’s Playa las Palmas, a large sloping seashore with tranquil blue water, a rocky cove on one finish, a ribbon of white sand on the opposite and… nicely, not a lot else.
Solely two small accommodations overlook this seashore, protecting it gloriously quiet and making it the right place to go for a leisurely swim or hunker down with learn. Deliver your personal snacks and drinks, and convey a seashore umbrella for those who can, as there’s little shade right here.
4. Playa Pescadores
Greatest picturesque seashore
Arrive early within the morning at Playa Pescadores to catch fishermen arriving of their pink and white boats, sterns full of fish that may change into lunch specials later that day. Within the distance, the Tulum Ruins stand atop rocky cliffs, their stone partitions gleaming within the solar. Sitting in your towel with the mushy sand beneath you and the blue water earlier than you, it’s like trying on the cowl of {a magazine}.
Because the day heats up, close by kiosks open their doorways, with a handful providing snorkeling journeys. Contemplate reserving an tour, not just for a peek on the underwater world but additionally for the beautiful views of the ruins from the water – a vantage level that basically showcases the magnificence of Tulum’s wonderful shoreline.
Detour: For extra snorkeling adventures, head 4km west of Tulum to Gran Cenote to swim with the fish whereas admiring the attractive rock formations of the caverns.
5. Papaya Playa Venture Seashore
Greatest resort seashore
Among the many first accommodations on Tulum’s unique southern seashores, Papaya Playa Venture captures the essence of Tulum, the place boho-chic meets luxe earthiness. The artfulness of the resort extends to its seashore membership – a two-story bar with seating pods and cozy seashore beds, all with thatch-roof shade and overlooking the undulating seashore.
Weekends draw crowds for Papaya’s DJ-fueled dancing on the sand (the full-moon events are legendary), whereas weekdays function sundown yoga and mindfulness workshops on the seashore.
Planning tip: Observe the seashore membership’s events calendar to maintain up with who’s performing and when.
6. Ahau Tulum Seashore
Greatest energetic seashore
The doorway to Ahau Tulum is unmissable: a 10m-tall wooden sculpture of an individual prying open their chest, which types a leafy walkway into the resort. Strolling via, a winding path brings you to the seashore, a superbly manicured spot the place each speck of white sand seems to be in its rightful place. Past, the water nearly begs you to come back crashing in.
That is the house of Mexican Caribbean Kitesurf, one of many high watersports suppliers alongside Tulum’s southern seashore. Classes and leases are provided for all ranges of paddleboarders, kiteboarders and even surfers right here. If you happen to’re recreation to discover, sign-up for considered one of its excursions, together with paddling previous Tulum’s ruins.
Detour: Discover close by Cenote Manatí, the place clear waters wind like a river via a mangrove forest, connecting the Caribbean to one of many world’s largest cave methods.
7. El Último Maya Seashore
Greatest secret seashore
Touring south alongside Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve’s rutted grime highway with dense vegetation on both facet, you quickly stumble upon El Último Maya, a easy thatched-roof restaurant that hosts occasional campers.
A sand dune blocks the view from the highway, however as you climb over it, a sweeping bay opens in entrance of you to disclose the ocean, a examine in waves of teal lapping the golden sand. There isn’t a soul in sight – it is a wild seashore (in the end!) and a throwback to when Tulum was a backpackers’ haven.
