8 Best Beaches In Tulum You Can’t Miss
Planning to spend the day at the beach? You’ll be happy to know that Tulum has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Located on the Caribbean Sea, this town is considered to be one of the best places to enjoy some sun and snorkeling.
Long stretches of white sand and crystal clear waters await you; here are the best beaches in Tulum you should check out.
1. Playa Paraiso (Paradise Beach)
The name says it all – if you’re looking for paradise, this is the place to find it.
Playa Paraiso is one of the most popular beaches in Tulum, but you can still get some peace and quiet here away from all the tourists in the main town.
The waters are crystal clear – great for swimming, snorkeling, and diving so bring your own gear if you plan on doing any of these activities.
There are also sunbed rentals for 200 pesos a day if you just want to relax by the beach with a good book.
This beach is also a great place to spot some wildlife like birds, iguanas, and maybe even a few turtles.
2. Secret Beach at Sian Ka’an
For those of you who are looking for a sleepy, undiscovered beach that is not overrun with tourists, it’s hard to beat the secret beaches at Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.
Located just south of Tulum, this protected area is home to one of the most diverse ecosystems in all of Mexico.
It’s something that should be seen by everyone at least once in their lifetime.
The water found here is crystal clear and usually calm enough for swimming.
The sand is white and there are tons of palms trees, providing shade from the sweltering heat.
If you’re looking to get away from it all for the day, this is the perfect place!
3. Playa Ruinas
Playa Ruinas is nestled under a dramatic cliff near the ruins of an ancient Mayan city, in the Tulum Archaeological Zone.
It’s not very wide and gets pretty busy but it can be a good beach to check out, especially if you’re here for the ruins.
The water here is also very clear and shallow, but there is no lifeguard on duty so swim at your own risk.
There are some trees that provide shade along the beach, but they don’t offer much protection from the sun.
Just make sure you bring some sunscreen!
4. Playa Santa Fe
About a 10-minute walk from the Tulum Ruins, Playa Santa Fe is a long stretch of beach with powder-white sand.
The water here is very calm and clear, making it a great place for swimming.
It’s usually pretty quiet here so you can relax in peace without being bothered.
And if you’re craving drinks, there are small beach bars to quench your thirst.
5. Playa Pescadores
Playa Pescadores is a beautiful beach just north of Playa Paraiso and is especially popular with younger travelers.
It’s a long stretch of powder-white sand that’s lined by palm trees on one side and calm, clear waters on the other side.
The water here is very clear and shallow, making it perfect for snorkeling. You can rent snorkel gear or kayaks at the beach to explore the area.
There are also plenty of beach bars and restaurants here if you want to grab a drink or bite to eat.
6. Playa Las Palmas
Playa Las Palmas is located about an hour walk from Tulum Pueblo.
The water here is crystal clear and shallow enough to walk out very far before getting into any overhead waves.
The sand here is white and powdery soft, making it very inviting for swimming.
It’s a very long stretch of beach with plenty of shade from the trees that line the shore.
Want to squeeze in a quick workout? Check out the beach gym here.
Tip: Try to get here as early as possible – the beach gets super crowded by 3 PM.
7. Papaya Playa Project Beach Club
Forget the crowded public beaches and spend the day at Papaya Playa Project instead.
This modern beach club offers cabanas, an on-site restaurant, and direct access to an incredible stretch of private beach that’s lined with palm trees.
This is the perfect spot for lounging around or enjoying some drinks at the beach bar.
If you’re staying in Tulum or visiting for just a few days, this is probably one of your best options for spending the day at the beach!
8. Akumal Beach
Just 30 minutes away from the town of Tulum, Akumal Beach is known for its sugar-white sand beach, gorgeous turquoise water, and many sea turtles that make their home here.
This beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area so there’s no doubt that you’ll see quite a few people here.
But it’s still worth checking out if you’re looking for a slice of paradise while visiting Tulum!
The waters here are usually calm and sometimes you can spot turtles swimming alongside the shore.
There are also some restaurants along the beach if you want to grab a bite to eat.
