The beaches in Tulum Mexico are some of the most beautiful in the Caribbean, known for their powder-white sand, turquoise water and bohemian vibes. It’s my favourite part of the Yucatan! In this guide, I’m sharing the best Tulum beaches along with what to know before you go!
I’ve spent a lot of time on Tulum’s beaches, it’s the main reason why I travel to this part of the world – they are nothing short of alluring with acres of soft white sand and the most vivid blue waters!
Depending on which beach you choose to visit for the day, you can be swimming in an untouched tropical oasis or sipping cocktails on a luxurious beach cabana between the palm trees!
But, there is a trick to finding ‘your’ beach and a few things worth knowing beforehand for the best experience, which is why I wrote this guide to the best beaches in Tulum – it really makes all the difference!
So grab a spicy margarita, picture yourself in an oversized hammock and get the beach lowdown – for those perfect Tulum beach days!
Where are the best beaches in Tulum Mexico?
If you didn’t know already, Tulum’s coastline stretches 6 miles and the best beaches in Tulum are scattered along the beautiful Caribbean shores from the Tulum National Park in the north, through the Hotel Zone beaches, and down to quieter, more secluded spots like Soliman Bay and the super wild beaches of Sian Ka’an!
Each area feels totally different – some are perfect for swimming and slow beach days or even stylish beach club afternoons, while others are better suited to adventure and exploring with remote and nature-focused stretches of sand – it totally depends on your style!
If you’re also choosing where to stay, I break down the main areas in my Where to Stay in Tulum Mexico guide.
BEST BEACHES IN TULUM BY AREA
TULUM NORTH BEACH (TULUM NATIONAL PARK AREA)
Open, swimmable beaches, natural & unspoilt!
Tulum North Beach is located within the protected area of the newly formed Jaguar National Park and it’s one of the most beautiful swimmable beach areas in Tulum, which is made up of three spots: Playa Ruinas, Playa Paraiso and Las Palmas!
Part of the appeal is the close proximity to the Mayan Ruins, which sit majestically at the top of the North Beach Road and just below is what I think is the best beach in Tulum; Playa Ruinas – a scenic, open area with calm water, the best sand and postcard-perfect views, but very little shade, so be prepped for that!
What’s more, there’s no beach development at all, a total contrast to the South Beaches, there’s just two (beautiful) boutique hotels, and they have the best Tulum beaches all to themselves. I’ve actually stopped by one of them, Mezzanini, for lunch and it was fabulous – a bonus of staying here is that you can enjoy morning beach walks without the hordes of day trippers!
Because the area falls inside the national park, access is slightly different from the other beaches; you can expect a designated entrance, a fee – $20 approximately and fewer facilities (vendors and cars are also banned). It keeps the area feeling natural and unspoilt.
North Beach is definitely worth the fee, especially if you make a day of it by cycling along the North Road to visit the Tulum Ruins. This was one of my favourite things to do in Tulum; the mornings here are wonderful!
SOLIMAN BAY
Low-key, beautiful cove with clear water and a castaway feel!
If you’re looking for a smaller, quieter beach cove, Soliman Bay is a beautiful alternative to Tulum’s busier Beaches, a world away from beach clubs, crowds and music. It’s fantastically peaceful and just a 15–20 minute drive north of the Mayan ruins.
This bay has a true tropical hideaway feel and remains largely (and shockingly) untouched by mass tourism! The sand is kept pristine here, while calm, clear water makes it ideal for swimming, and there’s even a shallow reef just offshore where you can spot tropical fish and turtles. You’re also close to the ruins and several local cenotes – two of the top experiences in the area – so you could easily combine beach time with a bit of exploring!
While Soliman Bay is accessible by car or taxi, most people you’ll see here are staying at one of the small number of boutique beachfront properties, including the beautiful Jashita Hotel – with one of the most stunning settings in the Mayan Riviera and it has a private corner with luxury loungers, which is a guest-only perk!
Although the beach is technically public, it’s well hidden within the jungle and easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there – part of what keeps it feeling so special. Thanks to its setting and limited access, Soliman Bay is also considered one of the best quiet places to stay in Tulum, ideal if you’re after a little luxury, privacy and relaxation!
No wonder Soliman is widely considered one of the best beaches in Tulum Mexico, it’s rare to find such quiet, hidden gems in Tulum!
TULUM SOUTH BEACHES (HOTEL ZONE)
Stylish, social beaches lined with beach clubs and resorts!
Tulum’s long South Beach stretches all the way to the edge of Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, and in between you find that true boho-luxe vibe and the very best Tulum boutique hotels. This is the quintessential Tulum that you’ve probably heard about!
Along this beach you’ll find a mix of lively and quieter spots with cool beach clubs, breezy restaurant terraces and beautiful beachfront hotels in Tulum that blend seamlessly into the jungle backdrop! Think rustic textures, natural materials, swaying palms – and iconic barefoot luxury!
The beginning of the hotel zone is the most developed and vibrant part of the beach, and is known simply as Middle Beach. While I do enjoy this beach and places like Ahau Tulum and Ziggy’s, my favourite spots to hang out are further south, where things become much more beautiful, bohemian and relaxed! Many of Tulum’s most stylish beachfront hotels can be found in this area, plus my favourite, the iconic Nomade hotel – a total vibe!
Access can be a little tricky if you’re not staying directly on the beach, as most entry points run through hotel grounds and often involve sneaking through, begging a large security man or renting a luxurious sunbed for the day!
(If you’re staying elsewhere, these are good entry points: Ahau Tulum, Coco Tulum, Nomade and Lula Boutique – or a beach club!)
Psst! Make sure to check out my guide on Where To Stay In Tulum for the best boutique hotel options and full breakdown by area!
SIAN KAAN BEACHES
Wild, remote coastline best explored by tour!
Sian Kaan is one of the more exciting Tulum beaches right at the end of the South Beach (the Hotel Zone), where Tulum’s hotel-lined coast gradually becomes more wild and untamed. This stretch of shoreline sits within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, an almost untouched area of the Yucatan!
The area is best known for its rich wildlife and dramatic scenery. You might even spot a few dolphins, and the water here is some of the clearest along the coast, with the most powdery white sand! There are virtually no amenities – no beach clubs, no restaurants, and very little infrastructure or WiFi, which makes this beach better suited to adventurous travellers!
Because of the wild nature, the easiest way to access this area and see the hidden beach coves and wildlife is through a Sian Ka’an tour, it’s one of the most unique things to do in Tulum, which provides the necessary 4×4 jeep for the roads and remote beaches, but don’t worry, there’s still plenty of beach time on this tour – and it’s often paired with a boat trip through the lagoons!
What truly sets Sian Ka’an apart is how quiet it feels; very few people make it here other than tours, which creates a completely different atmosphere from the rest of Tulum’s coastline!
GOOD TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING TULUM BEACHES
The Seaweed (Sargassum) In Tulum
Seaweed season happens between April and October, yes, that’s half the year, when the shoreline is covered in the dreaded stuff (by a metre wide), making the sea totally inaccessible! For this reason, it really is best to visit December to February, even then you might see a little bit (sometimes it just appears), but the hotels do their best to remove it and a few areas now have nets!
Tulum Beaches Best For Swimming
The best Tulum beaches for swimming are the quieter South Beaches towards Nomade Hotel with the widest stretch of soft white sand and Tulum’s calm National Park Beaches, Playa Ruinas, Las Palmas and Paraiso – the most perfect beaches in Tulum.
Not All Tulum Beaches Are Free
The beaches in Tulum are all technically public, but access to South Beach, is only possible by walking through one of the beachfront hotels (the beach is not even visible from the beach road!). You can still swim and lay your towel on the shoreline, even though it looks privatised or hire a sunbed from the many hotels or beach clubs for the day!
North Beach, even though still public, now has a small National Park entry fee. As of 2025, this beach became part of the Jaguar National Park to further protect the fragile ecosystem of Tulum, which can only be a good thing!
In more remote areas like Soliman Bay and Sian Ka’an, access is limited to a few roads or tour operators, and facilities are minimal or non-existent!
Tip! If you stay at the hotels on the beachfront in Tulum, the beach is always easily accessible!
Best Time To Visit Tulum Beaches
The best time to visit Tulum beaches is in the morning, 9-10am and even earlier for the most beautiful beach Tulum Ruinas, to experience it without the crowds – and have the best breakfast in Tulum afterwards! Midday until 4pm is always busiest, sunbeds and restaurant terraces will be buzzing, but you can find quieter spots towards the end of the Hotel Zone!
Visiting Sian Ka’an Beaches
Sian Ka’an is best visited as part of an organised tour, as the access roads are rough and usually require a 4×4 vehicle. There are no facilities once you enter the reserve, and phone signal is limited, so it’s worth bringing water, sun protection and anything else you might need for the day!
Starting early is ideal for calmer seas and fewer visitors, and remember that this is a protected biosphere reserve, so access and activities are carefully regulated to preserve the area.
If you’re interested, you can see the most popular Sian Ka’an tours here.
What To Bring To The Beach In Tulum
If you’re visiting Tulum beaches, I recommend packing a few extra things in your beach bag: a large water bottle (you don’t want to be paying needless $$$), some cash (always important in Tulum), a large hat (in case you don’t get shade) and reef-safe sunscreen!
BEACHES IN TULUM MEXICO – FAQ’S
What are the best beaches in Tulum Mexico?
The best beaches in Tulum Mexico are Playa Ruinas, Soliman Bay and South Beach, for powder white sand and clear blue sea they are unbeatable!
What are the best beaches in Tulum without seaweed?
While the seaweed is mainly an issue between April and October, the best beaches in Tulum without seaweed are Soliman Bay, and South Beach, where hotel’s do their best to clear it away so it doesn’t spoil your swim and stay.
Are there any public beaches in Tulum Mexico?
While all beaches are public in Tulum, the North Beaches within the National Park are best, you can feel more at ease laying your towel on the sand here!
Are there all-inclusive resorts in Tulum Mexico?
Yes, there is only one all-inclusive resort in Tulum, Secrets Tulum Resort & Spa – Adult Only. The main hotel is located in Aldea Zama, while some luxury private beach cabanas are right on the beachfront! But otherwise, Tulum is nothing like Cancun, the style here is small boutique, boho vibes!
Where should I stay on the beach in Tulum Mexico?
For that true boho Tulum vibe, stay on South Beach, near Nomad and Lula hotels or Mezzanine within the National Park, both are beautiful!
Planning your Tulum beach trip?
I hope this guide to the best beaches in Tulum Mexico, has given you all the beach answers and inspo, you need! The next step is planning where to base yourself and what to add to your itinerary! To help you plan, you might find my other guides useful:
- Where to Stay in Tulum – a breakdown of the best areas & neighbourhoods!
- Best Restaurants in Tulum – the best places for lunch & vibey dinners!
- Best Things to do in Tulum – ruins, restaurants, beach clubs & experiences!
- Complete Guide to Tulum – all the tips & need to know for first-time visitors!
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Michelle Trudie, is the founder of Little Wanderblog, a luxury boutique travel site. She has travelled to over 30 countries in the last 15 years. Michelle share’s her passion for stylish and affordable luxury travel experiences in Europe and beyond! Her goal is to make travel planning easier to hidden gem places!