Article Guide
The thing about Tulum is that it doesn’t try too hard—it doesn’t have to. It just exists, in all its sun-bleached, salt-sprayed, jungle-lined perfection, as if the universe designed it specifically for people who like their paradise with a side of mezcal and a soundtrack of crashing waves.
Tulum isn’t Cancun, and thank God for that. There are no mega-resorts here, no high-rise hotels obstructing your view of the Caribbean. What you get instead are beaches—really, really good ones—some lined with boho-chic beach clubs, others so quiet you half expect to find a message in a bottle waiting for you in the sand.
But let’s get specific. If you’re coming all this way, you should know where to plant your sun-warmed feet.
beaches in tulum
Playa Paraiso: The Name Checks Out
You walk onto Playa Paraíso, and suddenly, you get it. The name isn’t some overhyped tourist bait—this place is actual paradise.
The sand is so fine it feels like powdered sugar under your feet. The water? A ridiculous shade of blue, the kind of blue that makes you question whether your eyes have been malfunctioning your entire life. And even though this beach is popular, it never feels overrun. There’s a rhythm to the way people exist here—some sprawled out on towels, others wading lazily into the sea, a few sipping something cold and citrusy under a thatched palapa.
This is the kind of beach where you stay too long, where you lose track of time, where you tell yourself “just five more minutes” at least a dozen times before you actually get up to leave.
beaches in tulum
Las Palmas Beach: No Frills, No Fuss, Just Bliss
If Playa Paraíso is the prom queen, Las Palmas is the cool girl who skips school to read poetry on the beach. Lesser known, less crowded, and infinitely more peaceful, this little stretch of sand is for those who prefer their beaches quiet and unbothered.
There are no beach clubs here, no waiters delivering cocktails to your lounge chair. Just you, the occasional coconut washing up on shore, and the lull of waves rolling in like a whispered secret. It’s the kind of place where you can take a nap under the shade of a palm tree and wake up feeling like you’ve been reborn as a less anxious version of yourself.
If Tulum’s beaches were a playlist, Las Palmas would be the acoustic track that makes you nostalgic for something you can’t quite name.
beaches in tulum
Tulum Beach: History Meets Natural Splendor
Then there’s Tulum Beach, the one that comes with a bonus feature—history.
Picture it: You’re floating on your back in warm, impossibly clear water, staring up at the remains of an ancient Mayan city perched on the cliffs above you. It’s one of those moments that makes you stop and think, what the hell was I doing with my life before this?
The ruins of Tulum were once a thriving port, a place where Mayan merchants traded turquoise and cacao centuries before your SPF-slathered self arrived. And yet, here they are, still standing, still magnificent, watching over the beachgoers below like an elder who’s seen it all.
As the sun starts to dip, turning the sky into an oil painting of pinks and oranges, you realize something: this place is special. Not just pretty, not just Instagram-worthy, but special.
beaches in tulum
The Private Beach at Aldea Canzul: For When You Want to Pretend You’re a Celebrity
Not all beaches are created equal, and some are just straight-up exclusive. Aldea Canzul’s private beach is one of them.
Three beachfront villas, each designed with that signature Tulum aesthetic—earthy, minimalist, effortlessly chic. A private stretch of sand so pristine it looks like it’s been Photoshopped in real life. This is where you come when you want to sip your morning coffee with nothing but the ocean in front of you, when you want to hear nothing but the sound of waves and the occasional rustling of palm leaves.
It’s the kind of place where time slows down. Where you wake up, step outside, and realize you’ve never actually seen a sunrise properly before.
beaches in tulum
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve Beach: Nature Still Wins
If Tulum itself is paradise, Sian Ka’an is the untouched version of it. A UNESCO-protected biosphere, this isn’t just a beach—it’s an entire ecosystem.
The sand here isn’t just sand; it’s part of a bigger story, one that includes dolphins, sea turtles, and mangrove forests teeming with life. The water here isn’t just blue; it’s an expanse so clear you can see the fish darting beneath the surface.
Eco-tourism actually means something here. You can take a boat tour through the reserve, spot wildlife, and feel like you’re witnessing nature in its rawest, most unfiltered form.
Sian Ka’an isn’t a beach you go to for a frozen piña colada and a tan. It’s a place you go to remember that the world is still full of magic.6. The One and Only Secret Beach of all the Beaches in Tulum
beaches in tulum
Secret Beach: If You Know, You Know
And then, there’s Secret Beach. The name isn’t just a gimmick—it’s an actual secret. There are no road signs pointing you there, no easy pathways leading the way. You either stumble upon it by chance, or you hear about it in whispers from a fellow traveler who’s been let in on the secret.
Getting there takes a little effort. Maybe a bike ride, maybe a hike, maybe a bit of trial and error. But when you finally arrive, when you see that empty stretch of sand, when you hear nothing but the wind and the waves, you get it.
Some places aren’t meant to be found easily. Some places, like Secret Beach, are meant to be discovered.
As its name suggests, Secret Beach is a hidden gem that beckons adventurers willing to explore beyond the beaten path. Accessible through a bit of an adventure, this secluded spot offers an unparalleled sense of tranquility. The journey itself becomes part of the experience, as visitors navigate through the natural wonders of Tulum to unveil a beach untouched by the masses. The effort is rewarded with a serene atmosphere, where the only sounds are the gentle lapping of waves and the whispers of the wind. Whether you seek a peaceful retreat or a hidden sanctuary, Secret Beach promises an escape from the ordinary and a rendezvous with the extraordinary in the heart of Tulum’s coastal charm.
beaches in tulum
Final Thoughts
Tulum’s beaches aren’t just places to lay out a towel and catch some sun. They’re moments waiting to happen. They’re the feeling of warm sand between your toes, the sound of palm trees swaying overhead, the taste of salt on your lips after a swim.
They’re where time slows down, where worries feel smaller, where life feels just a little bit sweeter.
So go. See for yourself. And when you do, don’t just visit the beaches—experience them. That’s what Tulum is all about.