Mexico’s Caribbean Coast is magical. With clear warm waters and beautiful white sandy beaches, it is difficult to imagine a better setting anywhere if you want a beach holiday with guaranteed sunshine. The beaches in Mexico are all public. However, getting to some of them in Tulum can be a challenge because of the beach clubs that have developed in the central/south part of Tulum. Downtown Tulum is about 3 miles from the coast with Pueblo the best alternative place to stay if you do not decide to be right on the beach.
You have three choices when you decide to head for the beach if you opt for Pueblo:
- Walk through one of the clubs and ignore anyone trying to stop you.
- Become a customer but you will be paying far more for a drink that you would be elsewhere.
- Head to the beaches to the north and south of that central zone.
The best area to stay in Tulum, Mexico is close to the beach. Look at those resorts as an option but there are plenty of others.
Tulum’s historical past with the Mayan civilisation is a compelling reason to visit Tulum if you want more than just a beach holiday. However, your choice of beaches is plentiful and it is worth knowing more before you decide where to stay in Tulum from easytravel4u.com. You will find the best places to stay in Tulum Mexico for the best beaches.
Tulum has two zones: North Zone and South Zone. Tulum’s northern beaches are less developed but they are arguably better than those in the south. The sands south of Tulum just go under a single name other than a special one that involves jumping in a car for a bumpy ride. Let’s look at the 6 best beaches in Tulum.
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1. Playa Paraiso
Source: www.a-nah.com
The translation ‘’Paradise Beach’’ says it all. If you lie on this beach and look around, you will see the palm trees, the cliffs and even iguanas if you are lucky. This beach is popular but a good size so you should be able to find plenty of space. Restaurants closeby provide all you might need in the way of refreshments and there are boats that will take you out for snorkelling. Umbrellas and loungers are available for daily hire.
2. Playa Ruinas
Source: Expedia
The Mayan ruins that look out on the Caribbean are reason enough to put this beach on your list for at least a day. There is a castle on the clifftop which acted as a watchtower as far back as the 13th Century. Not surprisingly, it is not just sun-worshippers that head to Playa Ruinas. It makes sense to get there early to guarantee a good spot.
3. Las Palmas
Source: Best of Tulum
The advantage that Las Palmas has over Playa Paraiso is that it is more secluded. It is not as convenient to reach but while there you will have access to all the facilities you might need fairly close by. Las Palmas is a great place to get a suntan, so take a picnic, lie back and enjoy the rays.
4. Playa Pescadores
Source: pixabay.com
The best ceviche, a raw fish flavoured salad, is sold at Playa Pescadores. Pescadores means ‘’fishermen’’ and the waters off Tulum’s beaches have plenty of them to catch. This beach is just north of Paraiso and has great views of the Mayan ruins. If you want to see for yourself what marine life is under the waves, take a snorkelling trip from Pescadores out to the reef. Haggle for the price!
5. South Playa
Source: Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
South of Tulum’s centre is where you will find the beach clubs and plenty of top quality hotels. The major difference between here and the northern zone is that the beaches are not as wide. As described above, the beach clubs front plenty of the beaches. It is up to you whether you walk through because you want to be at a specific place. Tourists walking with confidence will usually not be stopped.
If you use a beach club, you have access to loungers and rest rooms. Lunch with a couple of drinks will satisfy the owners. Why not?!
6. Secret Beach, Sian Ka’an
Source: Adventure Together
Playa Ruinas and Playa Paraíso are the two beaches in Tulum that receive the most attention but what about this for an idea? If you head south for around an hour by bike to Secret Beach next to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, you can enjoy more than the sands. You might hire a car for the day also. UNESCO has recognised the value of Sian Ka’an. Enjoy an organised tour of the Reserve while you are there.
You will certainly not find yourself in crowds. The people you will meet there are mostly locals so a Spanish dictionary or phrasebook will be useful.
Secret Beach is not developed in any way but it is no hardship to take refreshments for the day out.
Conclusion
If you are looking for nice sandy beaches and a crystal blue sea, you will find it at Tulum. Whether you head to a beach north or south of Tulum itself, you are certain to enjoy your days. You can stay close to the beach or choose somewhere in the heart of Tulum. The beach is never far away, and with the added attraction of Mayan ruins, your memories should be more than just the sand and sea.
If you want to spend all day at the beach, the beach clubs make sense. You will have its facilities at your disposal, including restrooms. Lunch or just a snack with drinks will usually cover any minimum spend it requires. Loungers on the beach are an added advantage.
If you are not looking beyond 2 or 3 hours on the beach on a specific day, it is probably a better idea to head to the north of Tulum to one of the alternatives there. Look at Secret Beach for something a little different if you are in Tulum for any length of time. Tulum certainly will not disappoint you.
