I know we have all seen the glamorous pictures of Tulum all over our social media feeds that make us want to know where in the world this is and how fast can I get a ticket down there. This booming boho beach town located in the Mexican Riviera is high on the travel trending list and receiving lots of hype. And with its proximity to Cancun for easy access and its artsy, bohemian style it’s easy to understand its growing popularity. But the secret the pictures don’t share is that a lot of Tulum is becoming crowded and some of these spots we are seeing are becoming more of just tourist traps and aren’t worth the lines and headache. There is no denying that this destination is spectacular and should be on every traveler’s bucket list but there are some spots worth really making the time for and others you can drive by and say “seen it.” Here are the top unique things to do in Tulum that are REALLY worth it to make the most out of your trip.
Kick Back at the Beach Club
Ok yes I know this may not seem like one of the most unique things to do in Tulum, but isn’t the beach the whole reason why we are here?! With some of the best beaches in North America, the cool turquoise water and soft white beaches are undoubtedly going to be on your daily itinerary. And with each resort having a unique beachfront, you’ll have plenty of options to find the vibe you are looking for, from beach party to chill cabana. During the midday rush of the town, find your spot and relax with a passion fruit margarita and chips and guac at the tranquil beach club at Hotel Nomade, catch a swing at Coco Tulum, or find the DJ at Ahau Tulum. Take a stroll along the water and feel the cooling wind as you search for the club that’s the perfect fit!
Go Sailing
There is more than just one way to enjoy the beautiful warm blue waters of the Caribbean besides just being on the beach. Escape from the town for an afternoon and spend a leisurely day cruising the coastline from a boat. While there are many different charters to choose from like large group catamarans and fishing charters, booking a private sailboat charter offers exclusivity and an unmatched experience you can’t find anywhere else in Tulum. Put on your favorite mood music, sip on a beer or some wine, and get in touch with the raw power of the wind and water as you cruise over the reefs and stunning blue sea. Vientos Sailing Tulum is the closest sailboat charter to Tulum and offers incredible service and a fantastic time with the captain, Fabian, being exceptionally friendly, fun, and hospitable. And by far one of the most unique things to do in Tulum is book his overnight sailing trip to Cozumel.
Visit Chichen Itza
The ancient civilization of the Maya, Chichen Itza, no doubt recognizable with its iconic stepped pyramid, is a member of the 7 Wonders of World and not too far from Tulum, only 2 hours. This historical and archeological wonder should not be missed if you are visiting the Yucatan. Though there are lots of group tours to book, if you can, rent a car and arrive right when it opens. You’ll escape the heat, mad crowds, and buses that flock to the site everyday and have the privilege to have this incredible city unobstructed and all to yourself. Taking in the pyramid, ball courts, and other ancient buildings all on your own is astounding and only enhances this place even more. It truly makes you appreciate this civilization and the feats they accomplished to create such a magnificent city when it is just you face to face with this ancient masterpiece. Spending time at one of the 7 Wonders of the World is definitely one of the most unique things to do in Tulum, if not all of Mexico.
Explore Cenotes
The beach in Tulum is not the only place to find stunning water landscapes. In fact, the area around Tulum is filled with open-air sinkholes, part of the area’s caves and groundwater system, called cenotes. Enjoy the jungle and soak in the cenote’s cool water for a different perspective of the area. Each cenote is different, though most are in a jungle setting or underground where you can admire some amazing geological structures, all including cold groundwater. Cenote Ik Kil located very close to Chichen Itza is like a cavern and as you sit in the water you can look up at the vines draping over the cave sides that fall down around you. And Gran Cenote, just outside Tulum, offers magnificent clear blue water and loads of wildlife nearby. Turtles swim around you, the sound of birds surrounds you, and if you decide to take a swim into the cave, bats fly above your head. Most cenotes offer snorkeling and even some allow diving, you can find a cenote cave diving tour for an extreme experience. Lots of these cenotes get busy, so to enjoy these places the best, get there as soon as they open, usually 8 or 9 in the morning.
Have Ceviche at La Popular
You will find ceviche on nearly every menu at any restaurant in Tulum. Usually made with fresh shrimp, white fish, and octopus that is marinated with lime and citrus juices, this Mexican delicacy is a must-try, and nowhere will it be fresher or more authentic than in the Yucatan. Right on the beachfront at the Hotel Nomade is the restaurant La Popular where you can listen to the waves with your toes in the sand and eat the best ceviche in Tulum. The Ceviche Nomade holds the perfect balance of white fish, sour citrus, sweet grape, that all mix perfectly with the other vegetables in the dish. Everything on the menu here is exquisite including the prawns, grouper, and tuna tartare and even after eating at other highly acclaimed restaurants in the area like Hartwood, La Popular is the restaurant to beat. Beyond just an exceptional dining experience, Hotel Nomade offers a secluded and tranquil feel that is hard to come by in Tulum with perfect touches like a nighttime beach fire to watch the stars by, walkthroughs of sweet-smelling incense and palo santo, and an open-aired design so you are one with nature either venturing through the jungle or taking in the beach. Check out my Instagram and see what our stay and experience at the hotel were like.
Enjoy Wellness Activities
Alongside the active beach town, Tulum hosts a quieter world with many of the hotels offering a spectrum of wellness classes. From yoga classes to meditation and hypnosis, to sound healing and other specialized talks and ceremonies you’ll find retreats for the body and mind. More unique than anything that can be found in your home studio, these experiences set against the beautiful beach or jungle backdrop leave your body feeling rejuvenated and your mind at ease. You can lay and immerse yourself in the sounds and vibrations of a sound bath that combines singing bowls, sounds from nature that surround the area, and ancient cultural practices from the Mayan- definitely one of the top unique things to do in Tulum. Or move your body in a yoga class for some good fitness that also has the added benefit of letting you connect deeper with yourself. Many of these classes are open to outside guests, so feel free to explore the classes offered outside your hotel and let yourself be adventurous to try something you may never have considered before.
Wake Up For Sunrise
During the day, Tulum could kind of remind you of Coachella, with people stopping and posing all over the place with anything that seems to make for a cool picture. It makes for incredibly entertaining people watching. However, if you want to experience awe-inspiring beauty in nearly complete peace and quiet, head down to the beach just before sunrise. With Tulum facing the east, the sunsets can’t really be seen but the sunrises are gorgeous. And there will be hardly anyone around. This beauty is like your own secret, just for you to enjoy. It’s amazing to have the moon still up and sit back and watch as the red and pink sun rises over the water. There might be a handful of others down there with you to admire the first light of the day or there to meditate and do yoga. And for a pro tip, this is your time to experience and go take pictures of whatever you like and have it all to yourself. Take a walk down the beach and check out whichever beachfront you’d like that will be taken over by people in just a few hours. The beach is all yours!
Visit Casa Malca
The notorious drug baron Pablo Escobar knew before anyone else that Tulum had some of the best beaches in Mexico and set up his beachfront mansion there till the end of his reign in 1993. Bought and renovated by an NYC art dealer into a boutique hotel, his mansion now named Casa Malca is one of the most exclusive and lavish hotels on the beach. Though Pablo doesn’t have much of a trace left here, the hotel now holds very unique art, and walking the grounds is like walking through an art museum. Leonardo DiCaprio and other big celebrities have stayed at this art museum beach resort. For a bit of dark, interesting history and an artistic decor, time spent exploring and experiencing Casa Malca is one of the most unique things to do in Tulum, though a night’s stay is incredibly pricey and just an afternoon there can cost more than $100 per person.
The world is well aware of the beautiful bohemian beach destination of Tulum, Mexico, and its popularity isn’t going to be slowing down. This once quaint little beach town has grown up and is now a bustling hotspot. However, if you know what to do and when to get there, it is possible to experience the best of this destination in its authentic form. There are still plenty of unique things to do in Tulum if you know where to look. Don’t waste your time following the crowds, but instead use this guide to find the hidden gems that guarantee to make for a memorable trip. To find out exactly what I did and see in-depth about my trip, head to my Instagram for more Tulum inspiration so to make sure you don’t miss out on your trip!