10 Adventurous and Unique Things to Do in Tulum Mexico

I’ve tried the most unique things to do in Tulum Mexico and will rank them below so you can plan your own trip based on real experiences, not just generic brochure information.

I’ll talk about unforgettable and adventurous activities I did like whale shark swimming, ziplining into cenotes, ATV riding, swimming with turtles, horseback riding on stunning beaches, and even boating out to Heaven. 

 

Tulum town is located on Mexico’s Yucatán peninsula and the surrounding area has tons to offer to adventure enthusiasts, so don’t be a lazy bum, rent a car, and head out to explore.  

Tulum beaches have to some of the  most stunning I’veever seen as well, but that the town has earned such a bad reputation—all thanks to the hippies. I’m not into the influencer and spiritual guru shite and could do without the people who found their mecca in Tulum. 

So, just to be clear, my list of things to do in Tulum DOES NOT INCLUDE jungle parties, shopping for dreamcatchers, breathwork, or hopping between weird bars barefoot… on bicycles.

What exactly does it include? This way please…

 

At a glance: The top unique things to do in Tulum (ranked)

1. Swim with Whale Sharks: An unforgettable encounter with gentle giants off the coast of Cancun—absolutely worth the early wake-up call.
2. Zipline into Jungle Cenotes: Fly through the trees, rappel into caves, snorkel in cenotes, and get blessed in a Mayan ceremony—all in one wild day.
3. ATV Adventure + Monkey Sanctuary: Off-road through the jungle, cool off in a cenote, and hang out with rescued monkeys at this adrenaline-filled tour.
4. Snorkel with Sea Turtles in Akumal: Calm waters and close-up turtle encounters with sea turtles. A peaceful, must-do marine experience near Tulum.
5. Explore Lesser-Known Cenotes: Skip the crowds and dive into underground cave pools like Choj-Há and Dos Ojos—way more magical than Gran Cenote.
6. Stay at Uman Glamping: Luxury meets nature with a private cenote, outdoor baths, and tents that are nicer than many hotel rooms.
7. Take a Local Cooking Class: Cook traditional Mexican dishes with a local chef, learn the difference between mezcal and tequila, and eat your masterpiece.
8. Horseback Ride in Cozumel’s “Ghost Town”: Trot through historic trails and finish with a tequila tasting. 
9. Go Deep-Sea Fishing & Snorkeling in Cozumel: Catch barracuda, snorkel colorful reefs, and feast on ceviche made from your fresh catch—beer and good vibes included.
10. Cozumel Catamaran Tour to El Cielo: Sail to a starfish sanctuary with crystal-clear water, snorkel with stingrays, and toast the day with drinks on deck at sunset.

I really liked the Tulum ruins
 

Is Tulum worth visiting?

Yes, Tulum, despite its drawbacks in the form of too many yogis and boho wannabes, is totally worth visiting for the varienty of outdoor adventure activities you can do there. Plus, Tulum beaches are breathtaking and the white sand and palm trees create such an oasis that you will forget about what’s happening downtown.

The Tulum Mayan ruins overlooking the Caribbean Sea are easily accessible, and I highly recommend visiting them.

 

 

The ancient ruins in Tulum are right on the cliffs

 

 

Introduction to Tulum town

Tulum’s neighborhood—beaches, jungle, and Cozumel just a short trip away

 

Tulum is split in two: the inland town (Tulum Pueblo) and the beach road along the Caribbean Sea. They’re only about 3–5 km (2–3 miles) apart, but with just one main road connecting them, traffic builds quickly. 

Most tourists either stay in town for easier logistics and cheaper hotels, or along the beach, where restaurants, beach clubs, and accommodation options are squeezed between jungle and sea.  

It’s also where the boho scene lives.  

The beach zone is where people gather, and where prices climb fast. By Mexican standards, Tulum is expensive across the board. 

I prefer staying somewhere comfortable, adults-only, and away from the hippie scene, like Hotel Bardo.  

 

1. Go on a day trip to swim with whale sharks 

Swimming with these great creatures simply has to be experienced!
 

Practical information:

• My tip for this activity: Wear a long-sleeve rash guard instead of sunscreen. Many tours don’t allow sunscreen in the water.
• Arrival: Early-morning pickup in Cancún (approx. 4:40–7:00 am)
• Price: Around USD 200 
• Best months: May–September
• Check prices for your dates: Small-group tour 
• Company I used: Cancún Whale Shark Tours

The Cancún Whale Shark Tours company is located in Cancún, so it’ a bit out of the way but this is the number 1 adventure experience near Tulum, so I’ll include it anyway. The pick-up is between 4:40 am and 7 am. Yeah, you read that right—AM. But hey, I'm all about those epic sunrises, and these guys promised me a whale of a time (pun intended).

While staff explain the plan and safety measures, you can munch on breakfast and sip your coffee that they prepare for you. They’ve got sandwiches, drinks, and more onboard. And don’t worry about comfort—their boats have shaded areas, comfy seats, and easy access to the water. They’ve got your back if you’re prone to seasickness. Pop a pill and join the party—ain’t nobody got time for nausea.

But enough of the introduction, I want to tell you everything about one of the best days of my life. Spoiler alert: it was surreal AF.

Next thing you know, we’re sailing off the shore. The journey to where the whale sharks hang out is like a bonus adventure in itself. Dolphins swimming with the boat, manta rays literally flying in the water, and we even got to see some sea turtles.

The underwater world in Cancun
 

And then comes the big moment—swimming with the whale sharks. You get not one but two rounds to swim with the majestic creatures. I know that you might think that spending just a couple minutes in the water with these gentle giants might not be enough, but trust me, this is an experience like no other (ok, cage shark diving in South Africa was pretty memorable, too)! If I wasn’t floating in the water, I would have definitely been swept off my feet!

Was I initially afraid? Hell yeah! Have you seen the size of those things?! They’re huge! But once you get closer to them, your curiosity takes over, and you just enjoy every single second of the time you get to spend with the sharks. Guys, no description will do this experience justice. This has to be experienced. 10 out of 10 adventure for real!​
 

2. Visit Tulum cenotes with epic iplining,  Mayan ruins, and a Mayan ceremony (!)

Prepare for a crazy and adventurous ride through this forest
 

Practical information:

• My tip for this activity: For the best experience, visit the park or cenotes in the early morning to avoid crowds and the midday heat.
• Arrival: Hotel pickup available from Tulum and Riviera Maya hotels, or you can arrive independently by car to the park entrance.
• Price: Around USD 89 per person (including activities, guide, equipment, and lunch). 
• Best months: All year
• Company I used: Alltournative – Discover Native Park Tulum

Get ready for a full day of thrilling adventure with Alltournative’s Discover Native Park Tulum! Prepare for a crazy ride right away—our trek to the first amenities was an adventure in and of itself! We hopped onto a rugged off-road truck driven by our guide, who navigated us through the twisty, bumpy dirt road. It felt like a roller coaster through the forest!

After that, you start with a couple of normal, shorter zip lines, warming up for the big one. The big zip line was a game-changer, ending with a splash in a Nohoch Nah Chich cenote—a thrilling splashdown, to be precise.

And then comes the best part—a National Geographic-recommended snorkeling in the cenote, with bats flitting around and the captivating cave formations adding to the cool factor. These cenotes are stunning natural freshwater pools, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.

Chilling in the Yaxmuul cenote
 

But wait, the excitement doesn’t stop there! Brace yourself to rappel down a 12-meter (40-foot) drop, descending right into the enchanting Yaxmuul cenote.

On top of that, you get to experience an enchanting blessing ceremony in the jungle. I have to admit that the Mayan ceremony was a surprisingly great cultural touch, adding a unique dimension to our adventure.

 

 

3. Combine an ATV offroading adventure with Akumal Monkey Sanctuary

Get your ATV and ride to the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary!
 

Practical information:

• My tip for this activity: Bring your own bandana or buy it there to spare yourself a mouthful of trail dust.
• Arrival: If you’re driving to the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary, there is a parking lot available for visitors. If you don’t have a car, the ADO bus is a convenient and affordable transportation option to reach Akumal or the sanctuary.
• Price: From USD 134 (approx. MXN 2,270)
• Best months: All year
• Company I used: Akumal Monkey Sanctuary official tour

Our adventure began with an ATV ride, first down a dirt road, then onto this wild terrain that’s like a roller coaster for quads. The ATVs go pretty fast, and our guide skillfully managed our varying riding levels, ensuring everyone is having a blast. The route is great, featuring straight paths, hilly stretches, and curvy sections.

For the speed demons among us, the freedom to zoom added an extra layer of fun without being reined in. The trick is that your ATV abilities entirely determine your position in the pack, so if you are a racer, get in front and rev up the speedometer! It’s hella fun!

Zooming on the ATVs led us to cenote Nohoch Nah Chich, a refreshing way to cool off and get rid of the dirt from the ride. After a spin on the ATVs, we returned to the monkey sanctuary, where we learned more about the animals they rescue and how rehabilitation works. What’s great about this sanctuary is that people working there are passionate about their work, and it shows.

Don’t forget to shower yourself in a mosquito repellent—the critters there are nothing short of aggressive. Nonetheless, every inch of the journey was a blast, and don't be surprised if you encounter pythons in an unexpected place—the bathrooms!

So, if you're seeking an unforgettable adventure that seamlessly weaves the thrill of ATVs, the tranquility of cenotes, and the educational richness of animal conservation, this experience comes highly recommended. Whether you're racing through the trails, diving into the cenote, or gaining insights into the sanctuary's noble mission, every moment of this Tulum ATV ride is nothing short of an adventure.​

4. Dive with turtles in Akumal

Spend your afternoon under the water with these cuties!
 

Practical information:

• My tip for this activity: Arrive early to soak up this incredible experience without the tourist crowd. You can use my Yucatan itinerary to help you plan the logistics.
• Arrival: Parking right in front of the shop is FREE. Don't be swayed by those outside (who aren't affiliated with ADS) suggesting otherwise to lure you into their paid lots. Just stick to those front spots, and you're all set.
• Price: Around USD 44 (approx. MXN 750)
• Best months: All year
• Company I used:  Akumal Dive Shop (ADS)

Had enough of the eclectic cast of characters you can encounter in Tulum? Ready for some different company? Spend the afternoon swimming with turtles instead! Akumal offers a perfect escape where you can experience the best snorkeling in Tulum and swim alongside green sea turtles.

It's like stepping into a dream, and trust me, this will be the highlight of your Yucatán journey.

And here's the best part—you don't need to be a seasoned snorkeler to enjoy this. The bay is sheltered by a reef, keeping the waters calm and welcoming even for beginners. You'll find parking lots conveniently situated, leading you to the beach through the Akumal Dive Shop.

I was absolutely thrilled with this place! Our underwater adventure was truly remarkable. We encountered plenty of turtles and an array of vibrant fish, corals, and other marine creatures. The icing on the cake is that the reef is incredibly close to the dive shop, so you're in the water in no time after departing the boat.

Remember, it's vital to respect wildlife and avoid touching them, but here's the exciting part—the turtles seemed relaxed and at ease, allowing us to enjoy their company from a reasonable distance. And if you listen closely, you can even hear the turtles nibbling on the seagrass. One would be surprised at what amazes you once you put your head in the water.

The team at the dive shop was incredibly friendly and went above and beyond to address all my inquiries.

When I had some sunset drinks later that evening, staring over the ocean, I felt like I was part of a newly created turtle-human friendship pact. Pretty magical knowing they are in there, somewhere. 

 

 

5. Find the most beautiful cenotes near Tulum 

Cooling off in a cenote near Tulum—because jumping into cold freshwater under jungle roots is always a good idea
 

Practical information:

• My tip for this activity: Arrive early in the morning for fewer people, clearer water, and better light for photos. My Yucatán itinerary helps a lot with planning cenote hopping.
• Arrival: Easy to reach by car from Tulum; parking is available on-site. You can also take a colectivo toward Cobá and ask to be dropped off near the entrance.
• Price: Around USD 14 (approx. MXN 200)
• Best months: All year
• Company I used: I did a DIY trip

A cenote is a natural sinkhole that forms when limestone bedrock collapses and exposes groundwater, creating natural freshwater pools that are perfect for refreshing swims due to its cold water and, most of the time, a very picturesque site. 

The Yucatan Peninsula is famous for its abundance of cenotes, and Gran Cenote is one of the most popular and accessible cenote near Tulum… so I skipped it and headed out to find some of the more special ones, hehe. 

 

Cenote Dos Ojos

Near Tulum, Mexico, is a system of two interconnected cenotes known as Cenote Dos Ojos—The Bat Cave and the Barbie Line are the names of the two cenotes. The name of the Bat Cave is self-explanatory while Barbie Line is called this way because there is a literal headless Barbie doll that a plastic crocodile is eating. Out of place? Probably. Does it say something about Mexican humor? Definitely!

Cenote Do Ojos
 

Dos Ojos is one of the most popular cenotes for scuba diving and snorkeling close to Tulum. If you want to cool down, this is the place to be. The water is very refreshing and crystal clear. I do recommend getting there early in the morning to avoid crowds.

If you’re planning on snorkeling, bring your gear if you’ve got it. For one, it is more sanitary, and it lets you do your thing without waiting around. Oh, and don't scrimp on anything, when you're swimming around the enormous second eye, make sure you see it all.

Tip: You’re not allowed to enter any cenote with sunscreen and mosquito repellent on, so make sure to literally run from your car and take a dip in the cenote as soon as you can to avoid being eaten alive. Visiting in the early morning is ideal for a quieter experience and better photos.

 

Cenote Choj-Há

This cenote is a real hidden gem, it’s not well-known among tourists yet and it doesn’t have a website. Most probably, you’ll be alone here, which adds to the magical atmosphere of this place on top of the amazing structures you can see while swimming around.

Cenote Choj-Há
 

Tip: Bring a waterproof flashlight, and you'll uncover a whole new world underwater.

This is an underground cave with a cenote so there isn’t any daylight, however, the owners did such a great job lighting it up. Once you enter the cave, it is unbelievably silent in comparison to the other cenotes around Tulum.

Getting into the water might be a little tricky if you‘re not used to walking on rough terrain. There are millions of tiny sharp rocks, so it feels like walking on a broken glass. But hey, it’s like visiting an underground castle with a massage. So just relax, swim around, and watch the beauty that surrounds you. Hands down, my favorite cenote in the whole Tulum area!

 

Are there free cenotes near Tulum?

Nearly all cenotes near Tulum charge an entrance fee, usually around USD 15–20. Though finding a free cenote possible (like Aldea Zama), it’s rare and it probably won’t be the hidden gem you were hoping for. Just save yourself the disappointment and go to a paid one. 

If you twisted my arm, I’d say Kaan Luum Lagoon with it’s sinkhole in the middle of the lagoon, a local favorite, is the closest you’ll come to a gem. It’s a short drive from downtown Tulum. Still not free though. 

Cenote Escondido only cost USD 8 last time I checked, so at least that one is cheap.

 

 

6. "Rough it" @ Uman Glamping and Cenote Tulum

Camping and comfort usually don't go together... not true at Uman Glamping! You'll even get your very own cenote!

 

Practical information:

• My tip for this activity: Stay for just one night unless you’re visiting in cooler months—it’s a unique experience, but the heat can be intense.
• Arrival: Best reached by car or taxi from Tulum; the glamping is tucked away in nature and not ideal to reach by public transport.
• Price: From around USD 180–220 per night, depending on season and availability.
• Best months: November–March (avoid the hottest summer months).
• Check prices for your dates: Uman Glamping Tulum

Uman Glamping is set in a stunning location surrounded by nature, offering a unique escape from the usual hotel scene.

Do you remember when I was talking about the hippie stuff I’m not into at all? Hold on to your hats because I'm going off the deep end this time. I'm going to suggest you camp. Yes. I said it. 

But stick with me—even though it's a tent, it has somewhat of a roof and there's a real, comfortable bed, and your own luxurious bathroom that is completely outdoor were it not for the walls made of sticks. And that's not all! You'll be glamping right at a private cenote, which you can appreciate from the many wooden decks and hammocks.

The lovely ambiance created by the outdoor setting and unique design makes it your own little piece of Tulum paradise... and it'll make your Instagram as proud as a peacock! 

Uman Glamping will also feed you well, but only for breakfast. That said, since you have a long list of adventurous things to do in Tulum to get through, it's not like you'll have time to spend more than breakfast at your accommodation. 

If you're anti-hippie like me, just ignore the Buddha statues and incense, but you can't deny that Uman will allow you to engage in nature in ways that a regular old brick-and-mortar hotel won't. So release your inner wild child and "rough it" for a night or two! Though, I can't help but think the price is a little steep for a tent! And unless they upgrade their cooling system, don't stay at Uman if you're going in the really hot months. 

 

7. Take a cooking class in a local’s home 

Take a cooking class in riverakitchentulum.com
 

Practical information:

• My tip for this activity: What is mezcal? Why isn’t it tequila? >> I explain the difference in my Mexican food and drinks article
• Arrival: Held at Rivera’s Kitchen in Tulum; easiest to reach by taxi or car from Tulum Centro.
• Price: Around USD 87 (approx. MXN 1,466)
• Best months: All year
• Check prices for your dates: Rivera’s Kitchen Cooking Class 

 

Rivera’s Kitchen Cooking Class 

Anybody hungry? I for sure am! Tonight, we’re cooking a delicious dinner with the help of a very chatty and friendly cook, Lily. This is no ordinary cooking class. This one adds a lot of cultural flavor into the meal. You’ll hear plenty of legends from the area as well as the insight into how people ate in the ancient times.

You’ll be cooking outside, so it’ll likely be pretty hot already, but it is when they start with the Mezcal tasting when the things got really hot and sweaty! Make sure you eat a lot, otherwise, you will end up in your hotel room all day tomorrow.

Hands-on Mexican cooking in Tulum—fresh tortillas, homemade salsas, and the kind of meal that tastes even better because you made it yourself
 

Learning how to cook dishes according to Lily’s family recipes was fun. She is a great host and will try to make you feel like home. Her Spanglish added to the entertainment of the afternoon, and if you know a little bit of Spanish, you can for sure try communicating with her, as she is very patient.

All the ingredients we used are as colorful as Lily´s house, and the bonus is that most of them came from her garden.

Once the dinner is ready, you’ll move into the dining area inside, and oh my God! It has AC! So, crack a cold one and dig into the dinner you just made. You deserve it!​

If you want to explore more dining options in Tulum, most restaurants are located in the lively Tulum Centro area, where you can enjoy everything from street food to upscale meals at amazing restaurants.

 

8. Take a horseback riding tour of beautiful Cozumel Ghost Town (with tequila tasting) 

Unforgettable!
 

Practical information:

• My tip for this activity: Wear long pants—your legs will thank you the next day. And don’t expect a spooky ghost town; come for the ride, stories, and tequila.
• Arrival: From Tulum, drive to downtown Playa del Carmen, the drive takes about an hour. If you’re planning on using a regular passenger ferry, I recommend using Ultramar Ferry service as these guys have high-speed ferries that can take you to Cozumel in about 20 minutes, rather than the usual 45 minutes. If you’re looking for a car ferry, drive to a small town called Calica. Transcaribe Ferry is your go-to.
• Price:  Around USD 86 (approx. MXN 1,465)
• Best months: All year
• Company I used: Best Buy Tours Cozumel

 

Full disclosure, I didn’t do this activity myself, because I’m allergic to horses. But a friend described it to me in such vivid detail that it earned a spot on my list. 

Saddle up and prepare for a leisurely journey along the trails of the beautiful Cozumel Ghost Town on the backs of well-trained horses guided by local guides. These paths lead to the very first settlement inhabited by Mayan descendants in the 1800s!

As we were cruising through downtown, heading to the Ghost Town for some horseback riding, Marcos—an absolute character—told us all about Cozumel’s tales. The only downside is that the so-called "ghost town" isn’t as spooky as it sounds. In fact, it’s got a lively vibe, with a few residents keeping it cozy as vacation homes. Who would’ve thought, right?

Now, hold onto your sombreros—the tequila tasting was a treat! Learning about the golden elixir while sipping away was like taking a shot of Cozumel’s spirit.

Arriba, abajo, al centro y para el dentro!
 

Now, I won’t sugarcoat it—there’s a small hiccup. At every stop, someone seemed to pop up like a whack-a-mole, asking us to buy something. This is very common throughout Mexico but it still gets very annoying. I wish they had made a repellent strong enough to keep the vendors away.

So hey, if you’re up for a wild ride filled with stories, laughter, and a dash of tequila, buckle up and hit the road. Trust me, it’s a Cozumel experience you will remember! Just wear long pants if you want to be able to walk tomorrow, if you know what I mean.

If not for anything else but the laughs, it’s awesome to have a tour guide who loves what he does, and boy, did he have some stories up his sleeve. ​

 

 

9. Catch your dinner while deep sea fishing and snorkeling in Cozumel

You won’t be bored in Cozumel
 

Practical information:

• My tip for this activity: Go with a group and split the boat cost, it’s much better value and way more fun.
• Arrival: see previous activity 
• Price: From USD 380 per boat (approx. MXN 6,405)
• Best months: All year
• Check prices for your dates: A trip out to 3 reefs
• Company I used: Cozumel Tours and Excursions

I’m no fisherman but this trip was again a blast! The guides who are taking care of us are all characters. One funnier than the other while also being very professional when it came to fishing. They have more experience than a fish has scales, and they know how to keep the good times rolling.

These guys have different kind of boats and yachts that range in size. The yachts look great and can fit more people if you’re coming with a group of friends. One of them is called Winning Ticket, and the other one, my favorite, is called Poverty Sucks. Kudos to Cozumel Charters!

It might’ve been beginner’s luck or Poseidon was on our side that day, but we caught a monster barracuda within the first hour of our boat ride. By the end of the day, we caught two more barracudas that we left for the guys to take care of as nobody can eat that much fish in a couple days!

They made sure we always had something to drink, from soda to cold beers, they cut up fresh fruit throughout the ride, make guacamole and a drop-dead delicious ceviche from the very fish we caught. Seriously, I didn’t expect this kind of service.​

10. Cozumel Catamaran Tours

Get a tour with www.furycozumel.com
 

Practical information:

• My tip for this activity: Book an afternoon tour—El Cielo looks unreal in the late light, and the sunset on the way back is a bonus.
• Arrival: Departures are from Cozumel marinas; easiest to reach by taxi from anywhere on the island.
• Price:  Around USD 79–95 per person (depending on season and booking platform).
• Best months: All year
• Company I used: Fury Cozumel

Choosing the catamaran tour in Cozumel is for sure a great way to spend your afternoon. You get to go El Cielo—a starfish sanctuary that can be reached only by a boat, and it lives up to its name translated to English: Heaven. The water is turquoise blue, and you can see stingrays, puffer fish, and so many more colorful fish. It’s a perfect place for snorkeling.

The only downside of this tour is that you don’t get to choose your co-travelers, so there might be some awkward moments. And sure, there are a lot of flailing limbs, and occasionally someone gets kicked in the face.

Luckily, the crew is saving it with the drinks and hamburgers for lunch (you heard that right, hamburgers, are we still in Mexico?). The lunch is served on a private Fury beach, where you get to relax before the party that gets going on the way back to Cozumel Island. On the way back, it's all about good vibes, endless tunes, and an epic sunset.

 

 

Wait… Should you visit the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum?

The Tulum Ruins sit right above the Caribbean Sea and are worth a quick early visit for the views alone

 

I wouldn’t call the Tulum ruins adventurous, but I absolutely think they belong on any Tulum itinerary, so I just want to mention them briefly. 

The iconic Tulum ruins sit right above the Caribbean Sea on the Yucatán Peninsula, with crumbling stone temples, turquoise water, and white sand beach in the background. That combination alone makes them worth seeing once.

I arrived early in the morning to avoid the worst of the crowds and heat. The entrance fee is now around USD 28, and the gates open at 8 am sharp. 

Walking through the site gave me a quick but clear sense of what this used to be—a busy Mayan beach town, definitely not a hidden jungle ruin. The cliffside views are what make this place, and I even spotted a few iguanas sunbathing on the rocks.

A guided tour has value if you want more historical context, but I think most people will be just fine without it. Expect it to be crowded. 

 

Accommodation in Tulum

Tulum’s coastline from above—hotel zone on one side, jungle and mangroves on the other, and prices that vary wildly depending on where you choose to stay
 

I include a private glamping experience as one of the adventurous things to do in Tulum up on my list (because the epic outdoor bath=unforgettable). But if you like to sleep within actual walls, here’s another Tulum hotel tip: Hotel Bardo (adults only).

 

 

That said, Tulum has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hotels and hostels in Tulum Centro to luxury beachfront properties in the hotel zone. Whatever you choose, the value in Tulum is not the best and you will always find better prices for the same type of hotel in the surrounding towns. 

 

Akumal or Tulum? Which beach destination is right for you

If you’re deciding between Akumal beach and Tulum beach, Akumal stands out for its unique turtle encounters and tranquil snorkeling, while Tulum beach is famous for its stunning white sand and proximity to the Tulum Ruins—making it a great spot even if you’re not staying at a beachfront property.

Swimming with sea turtles in Akumal

 

 

Getting to Tulum Mexico

The closest major airport to Tulum is Cancún International Airport (CUN), about a 2-hour drive south. From Cancún, you can easily rent a car. 

A new Tulum Airport (TQO) opened in late 2023. It’s much closer (30–40 minutes from town) and serves domestic flights from cities like Mexico City, plus a few US routes. Rental car options are more limited here, so book in advance if you're landing at TQO.

Skip Cozumel airport—while technically possible, it adds unnecessary ferry transfers and renting a car you can take to the mainland is almost impossible. 

 

Final thoughts

Despite the Instagram clichés, overpriced smoothies, and the occasional spiritual warrior in a feather headdress, Tulum is absolutely worth visiting—if you do it right.

For every influencer crowding a jungle café, there's a hidden cenote, a zipline into the trees, or a sea turtle waiting offshore. The top attractions in Tulum aren’t the parties or overpriced beach clubs—they’re the wild, raw, unforgettable experiences you’ll have diving with whale sharks, rappelling into caverns, or learning to cook real Yucatán cuisine with locals.

Just make sure to rent a car to have the ultimate freedom and get out there. Trust me, the best things to do in Tulumare outside of town.

 

 

You might also be interested in reading:   

• Top 9 Places to See in Yucatán
• Yucatán Itinerary—2 Weeks Full of the Best Places to Visit
• Top 5 Mayan Cities in Mexico (with Photos, Prices and Opening Hours)
• 7 Best Aztec Ruins in Mexico (Photos, Opening Hours, and More)
• 33 Mexico Travel Tips from Our Own Experience

 

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