Welcome to this article on things to do in Tulum, brought to you by locals who know this town inside and out. Here we cover everything Tulum is famous for – and much much more. We wrote a more in-depth article for each and every worthwhile activity in Tulum (see blue links below). Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you still have any questions!

About Tulum

Tulum is an upscale destination in Mexico, best known for its beautiful beaches, Mayan ruins, and lively party scene. The town is split into four pretty distinct areas, each with its own vibe: the beachfront “hotel zone” where you’ll find iconic beach clubs and high-end spots, Tulum Centro with its more local vibe, and the residential areas Aldea Zama and La Veleta.

Is Tulum Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Tulum offers a unique mix of stunning beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and a lively social scene, especially during high season. If you’re seeking natural beauty, cultural exploration and energetic nightlife, Tulum is a destination that truly stands out.

Beach and Water Activities

The stunning coastline and crystal-clear waters make Tulum the perfect destination for water-based activities and beachside relaxation.

Chilling at the Beach: Relax on Tulum’s beautiful beaches, enjoying the sun, soft sands, and vibrant beach clubs offering sunbeds, cocktails, and music. Learn more about the beaches of Tulum.
Snorkeling with Sea Turtles: Swim alongside sea turtles and explore Tulum’s underwater wonders. Learn more about where to snorkel with turtles in Tulum.
Yacht and Catamaran Rentals: Sail in style with yacht or catamaran rentals, ideal for groups or a romantic escape. Rent a boat in Tulum.
Cenotes: Experience the mystical allure of Tulum’s cenotes, perfect for a refreshing swim or a diving adventure. Explore the best cenotes in Tulum. Or check out which ones have ziplines.
Jetski Adventures: Get an adrenaline rush as you speed along Tulum’s coast on a jetski, an exhilarating way to explore the coastline. Learn more about jet skiing around Tulum.
Fishing Trips: Cast your line and try your luck with a fishing tour, a relaxing way to enjoy the sea and possibly catch a meal. Plan your fishing adventure in Tulum.
Kitesurfing and Kiteboarding: Tulum’s windy shores offer the perfect conditions for kitesurfing, an exciting way to glide over the waves. Find kitesurfing spots in Tulum.
Surfing: Ride the waves along Tulum’s beaches, a great option for both beginners and seasoned surfers looking to catch some sun and surf. Surfing spots in Tulum.
Paddleboarding: Enjoy a peaceful paddleboarding session, perfect for exploring the shoreline at your own pace and spotting marine life. Where to paddleboard in Tulum.
Parasailing: Soar above the turquoise waters with parasailing, offering stunning views of Tulum’s beaches from high above. Learn about parasailing around Tulum.
Snorkeling: Discover Tulum’s marine life and coral reefs on a snorkeling excursion, ideal for close encounters with vibrant sea creatures. Explore the top snorkeling spots in Tulum.
Kayaking: Explore the calm waters around Tulum with a kayak, a relaxing way to navigate the coastline or nearby cenotes. Where to kayak in Tulum.
Diving Expeditions: For certified divers, Tulum offers exceptional dive sites, including cenotes and coral reefs teeming with life. Plan a diving expedition in Tulum.
Lagoon Visits: Visit nearby lagoons for a serene escape, perfect for swimming, kayaking, or simply enjoying the tranquil beauty. Read about the lagoons near Tulum.
Swimming with Dolphins: Get up close with dolphins on an interactive experience, a memorable outing for wildlife lovers. Swim with dolphins near Tulum.

Dining and Eating Out

Tulum’s vibrant culinary scene offers an impressive mix of local flavors and international cuisine, perfect for any palate.

Dining Experiences: From beachfront dining to hidden gems in town, discover Tulum’s top dining spots. Discover the best restaurants in Tulum
Breakfasts and Lunch: Start your day right with a hearty breakfast or brunch. Find the best places to have breakfast or lunch in Tulum
Cooking Classes: Immerse yourself in the local culture by learning to cook authentic Mexican dishes. Learn about cooking classes in Tulum
Private Chef Experiences: Elevate your dining experience by hiring a private chef to prepare a personalized meal, whether for a special occasion or a cozy night in. Discover private chef services in Tulum

Going Out

Tulum offers a dynamic mix of venues and experiences, from relaxed beachside vibes to high-energy nightclubs, catering to every kind of outing.

Beach Clubs: Relax and party at Tulum’s iconic beach clubs, where you can enjoy daytime lounging, music, and cocktails with ocean views. Explore the best beach clubs in Tulum
Nightclubs and Afterparties: Tulum’s nightlife scene is renowned for its high-energy nightclubs and underground afterparties, with music and dancing that go until dawn. Check out our party calendar, or learn about the best nightclubs
Bars and Cafés: Enjoy expertly crafted cocktails and a variety of atmospheres at Tulum’s bars and cafes, from beachfront spots to intimate cafes. Discover Tulum’s bars and cafés
Festivals: Tulum is a top destination for world-class music festivals, drawing international artists and music lovers, particularly in electronic and house music. Check out Tulum’s festivals
Throw Your Own Party: Create an unforgettable gathering with options like personalized decorations, a private chef, mixologist, DJ, and much more. Learn about organizing your own party in Tulum

Tours and Excursions

Explore Tulum’s surroundings with a range of guided tours that reveal the area’s natural beauty and historical significance. Check out our tours and excursions in and around Tulum

Amusement Parks

Nearby amusement parks blend adventure and nature with thrilling experiences for families and adventure-seekers. Discover the best amusement parks near Tulum

Shopping

Uncover unique finds and artisan crafts at Tulum’s markets and boutiques, where local and international artisans showcase their creativity. Discover shopping in Tulum

Museums and Other Art

Museums in Tulum: Learn about the region’s rich history and cultural heritage at local museums, offering a glimpse into Tulum’s past. Explore museums in Tulum
Art in Tulum: From street murals to galleries, Tulum’s art scene captures the spirit of the town, celebrating vibrant, contemporary, and traditional art. Discover art in Tulum

Sports and Other Exercise

Hiking in and Around Tulum: Discover scenic trails that let you explore the natural beauty of Tulum, from coastal paths to jungle hikes. Best hiking trails near Tulum
Padel & Tennis in Tulum: Enjoy a game of padel or tennis at local courts, a great way to stay active while enjoying Tulum’s sunny weather. Where to play padel and tennis in Tulum
Golf Courses: Hit the greens at Tulum’s golf courses, where lush landscapes and challenging fairways offer a memorable golfing experience. Golf courses near Tulum
Gyms and Fitness Centers: Stay fit with Tulum’s range of gyms and fitness centers, offering equipment and classes to suit every workout need. Find gyms in Tulum

Wellness and Relaxation

Massages in Tulum: Treat yourself to a rejuvenating beachside or spa massage, tailored to your needs. Find out more about massages in Tulum
Temazcal Ceremonies: Participate in this ancient Mayan ceremony that purifies both body and spirit. Discover Temazcal ceremonies
Yoga in Tulum: Embrace Tulum’s peaceful energy with a yoga session, whether at a tranquil beachside spot or a dedicated wellness center. Learn about yoga options in Tulum

Day Trips from Tulum

Tulum’s central location makes it easy to take scenic day trips that uncover the region’s stunning lagoons, cenotes, and archaeological sites. Explore top day trips from Tulum

Other Cool Stuff

Lastly, some other suggestions: