15 Things to Do in Tulum: Tours, Activities, and Sightseeing
Updated: Nov 17, 2022
If you're looking for things to do in Tulum, you've come to the right place! Tulum is a beautiful town located on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. It's known for its stunning beaches, Mayan ruins, and eco-friendly resorts. In this blog post, we'll give you a rundown of the best Tulum tours, activities, and sightseeing spots. So whether you're looking to explore Tulum's history or relax on the beach, we have you covered!
Go Snorkeling in the Cenotes
The cenotes are a network of underground caves and waterways that are located all throughout the Yucatan Peninsula. They're one of Tulum's most popular tourist attractions and for good reason! The water is crystal clear and the cave formations are absolutely incredible.
There are many different tour companies that offer snorkeling tours of the cenotes. We recommend doing your research and reading reviews before booking a tour, as not all companies are created equal. Some of the tours can be quite crowded, so if you're looking for a more intimate experience, we recommend paying a little extra for a private tour. When I visited, we had a rental car which made visiting the cenotes on our schedule easier, as we checked out a couple each day.
Some of my favorite Cenotes are:
Gran Cenote
Dos Ojos
Cenote Angelita
Cenote Oxman
Cenote Calavera
Cenote Cristalino
Escondido Cenote
Take a Cooking Class
Mexican food is some of the best in the world, and Tulum is no exception. If you're interested in learning how to make traditional Mexican dishes, we recommend taking a cooking class. There are many different companies that offer cooking classes in Tulum, so you're sure to find one that's perfect for you. Plus, what better way to impress your friends and family back home than by cooking them a delicious Mexican meal?
Spend a Day at the Beach Club
Tulum is world-renowned for its beautiful beaches, and rightfully so! The soft white sand and crystal-clear water are simply unbeatable. If you're looking to relax on the beach with some food and drinks, we recommend heading to one of Tulum's beach clubs. My personal favorite is La Zebra, but there are plenty of other great options to choose from.
Beach clubs usually have a cover charge, but it's well worth it for the amenities they offer. Most beach clubs have restaurants, bars, pools, and lounge chairs for guests to use. Plus, you'll have access to Tulum's best beaches!
Check out Tulum's Ruins
First on our list of things to do in Tulum is exploring the Tulum Ruins. The Tulum Ruins are a group of Mayan ruins that sit atop a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. They're one of the most popular tourist attractions in Tulum, and for good reason! The views from the top of the cliff are absolutely breathtaking, and the ruins themselves are very well preserved.
If you're interested in learning more about Tulum's history, we recommend taking a guided tour of the ruins. The guides are very knowledgeable and can answer any questions you have about the site. Plus, they'll take you to all the best photo spots!
Learn How to Surf in the Caribbean Sea
Tulum is a great place to learn how to surf! The waves are fairly gentle and there are plenty of instructors available to help you out. If you don't want to take a lesson, you can always rent a board and try it on your own. Just be sure to stay safe and only surf when the lifeguards are on duty.
Check out Local Art Exhibits
Tulum is home to many talented artists. If you're looking for something to do on a rainy day, we recommend checking out one of Tulum's many art galleries. You'll find everything from traditional Mexican art to contemporary pieces. There's sure to be something that catches your eye. My favorite art installation was the SK-FER Tulum Art Gallery.
Have a Spa Day
Tulum is home to many incredible spa resorts. If you're looking to relax and rejuvenate, we recommend spending a day at one of Tulum's many spa resorts. You can expect to find all of the usual treatments like massages, facials, and body wraps. But Tulum spas also offer some unique treatments that you won't find anywhere else, like Mayan clay wraps and temazcal baths. Temazcal baths are traditional Mexican sweat lodges that are said to have healing properties.
Take a Yoga Class
Tulum is a very popular destination for yoga enthusiasts. There are many different studios and instructors to choose from, so you're sure to find the perfect class for you. If you've never tried yoga before, Tulum is the perfect place to start. The relaxed atmosphere and beautiful scenery make it the perfect setting to learn how to practice yoga.
Visit the Tulum Monkey Sanctuary
The Tulum Monkey Sanctuary is a must-visit for animal lovers. The sanctuary is home to over 50 rescued monkeys, who are all well cared for by the staff. Visitors can tour the facility, meet the monkeys, and learn all about their rescue and rehabilitation. The Tulum Monkey Sanctuary is a great place to learn about animal conservation and get up close and personal with some amazing animals.
Take a Bike Tour of Tulum
Tulum is a great place to explore by bike. There are many different companies that offer bike tours of the area. This is a great way to see Tulum's sights and get some exercise at the same time. Just be sure to wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water, as it can be quite hot in Tulum. You can also rent bikes from one of the many rental companies downtown or in the Beach zone and explore Tulum at your own pace.
Hit the Trails in the Jungle
Tulum is home to some beautiful jungle hikes. If you're looking for a workout, we recommend checking out one of Tulum's many hiking trails. The Coba Ruins are a great place to start. The hike to the top of the ruins is fairly strenuous, but it's worth it for the amazing views. You can also find some easier trails in the Tulum National Park.
Go ATV-ing in the Jungle
One of the best ways to explore Tulum's jungle is by ATV. There are many different companies that offer ATV tours of the area. This is a great way to see some of Tulum's hidden gems. Just be sure to wear sunscreen and insect repellent, as you will be spending a lot of time outside. If you haven't been on an ATV before, don't worry. Most companies will give you a brief lesson before setting off on your tour.
Learn How to Scuba Dive
Tulum is a great place to learn how to scuba dive. There are many different companies that offer scuba diving lessons. The lessons are usually pretty affordable and the instructors are very experienced. Tulum is also a great place to go diving, as there are many different dive sites to choose from. Some of the common companies are Tulum Diving Center, Dive Tulum, and Pro Dive Mexico.
Explore Tulum's Nightlife
Tulum's nightlife is not to be missed. There are many different bars and clubs to choose from, so you're sure to find the perfect place to party. Just be sure to drink responsibly and take a taxi home, as Tulum can be quite dangerous at night. If you are visiting during their peak season and are looking to go to a beach club party, be sure to buy your tickets in advance since they sell out pretty often.
Go Shopping at Tulum's Markets
Tulum is home to many different markets. The most popular market is the Tulum Artisan Market, which features a variety of handmade goods from local artisans. If you're looking for souvenirs, this is the place to go. You can also find markets selling clothing, jewelry, and other items, and plenty of street vendors as well. Haggling is expected, so be sure to brush up on your negotiating skills before heading to the markets.
So there you have it, our list of the best things to do in Tulum. We hope this guide has helped you plan your trip and that you have a wonderful time in Tulum!
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