Things to do in the Riviera Maya
You can plan several trips down to Tulum – Riviera Maya and still discover new tours and attractions every time you visit. The Riviera Maya and Tulum are not only well known for its amazing Caribbean white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and Beach resorts, there is so much more to see, discover and experience. Here are some of the most popular tours among travelers that come to Tulum, Mexico and enjoy culture, nature and adventure. You can request more information and book your tours with our concierge staff at The Beach Tulum Hotel. Enjoy your stay in Tulum and the Riviera Maya.
KAAN LUUM LAGOON
Located about 15 minutes south of Tulum, Kaan Luum is the most beautiful, colorful and peaceful natural lagoon in Tulum, Riviera Maya and also one of its hidden treasures. Kaan Luum lagoon is part of the Sian Ka’an’s Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with more than 1 million acres and hundreds of endemic species of flora and fauna. Its amazing colors go from deep turquoise blue to emerald green and all the colors in between. It has shallow areas where you can see your feet under the clear water and it gets darker as you go deeper. Right in the center of the lagoon lays a massive cenote marked by dark blue water.
You can sunbathe, take a healthy mud bath, swim, kayak or standup – paddle board in the lagoon. As in many natural attractions in the Riviera Maya, you will be asked not to wear sunscreen to help protect the ecosystem, no smoking, no alcohol, no littering and no swimming in the deep cenote of the lagoon.
- Kaan Luum Lagoon is open from 9 am to 4 pm.
- You can drive and park your car for free. If you prefer to take a Taxi just make sure to pre arrange your pick up time with the same driver.
- The entrance fee is $300 pesos per person (about $15 USD)
You can also buy a tour that includes transportation, guide, visiting 3 other cenotes, a stop at Playa Paraiso and lunch for about $100 USD per person.
EXPLORE TULUM ON A BIKE
If you enjoy the sense of freedom while the sun bathes your face and the wind plays with your hair, this might be the option for you. The majority of hotels in Tulum Hotel zone are located on the beach and the main road is full of small restaurants, pizzerias, cafes, beautiful boutiques, eclectic bars and other small businesses. This makes Tulum a great destination to explore on a bike. At cabanas Tulum Beach Hotel & Spa the bikes are complimentary, you can even drive downtown by riding along the coastline and following up on the bike path.
You can also book an early bike tour through Tulum to beat the heat, traffic and large crowds. You will join a small group and take a 10 minute ride to the amazing Tulum archaeological site overlooking the Caribbean Sea, learn about history, culture and the fascinating astronomical discoveries of the ancient mayans. Then you will be riding to downtown Tulum for a local experience through its narrow streets, viewing street art and a mix of architectural styles from maya huts to more modern structures, getting a complete feel of the unique Tulum vibe. The tour ends by stopping for lunch at one of the best taco spots in town.
Average price: 70 USD per person. It includes bikes, helmets, fruit, snacks, water and lunch, always accompanied by a certified guide.
XCARET
You probably have seen this distinctive name all along the Riviera Maya or even while planning your Tulum vacation and there is a good reason for it. Xcaret is one of the most visited attractions of the Riviera Maya. An amazing Mexican owned company that has won several International recognitions for the best theme and water park in the world. Xcaret has a large system of fresh water underground rivers, a night show with over 300 singers and dancers representing Mexican 500 year history, with traditions, music and dances from all the regions in Mexico.
You can swim, snorkel, visit the coral reef aquarium, their sea turtle program, a bat cave, an aviary and the butterfly pavilion, see a Mayan ball game or a traditional showcase where Mexican charros and escaramuzas perform on beautiful Aztec horses. Other amazing activities with an extra charge are Sea-trecking among stingrays or swimming with dolphins. The park has also 5 delicious specialty restaurants and varied snack stops along the park. This is a full day tour. There is so much to do in Xcaret, you may have to go back another time to see it all.
Xcaret is located in the Riviera Maya near Playa del Carmen, about a 45 minute drive south of Tulum. Xcaret is open from Monday to Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Admission only fee:
Adults, (12 and older) 2.309 pesos, about $157 USD per person
Children (5 to 11) 50% off the adult ticket price.
Children under 4 years old enter for free.
Admission fee & buffet:
Adults, (12 and older) $4.001 pesos, about $200 USD
Children (5 to 11) 50% off the adult ticket price.
Children under 4 years old can enter for free.
SIAN KA’AN BIOSPHERE RESERVE
The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is located about 1 hour from Tulum, Riviera Maya. It has more that 1 million acres (404,686 hectares) and is one of the largest protected areas in Mexico. It has been declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO and it is home for thousands of endemic and protected species of flora and fauna.
You will explore the reserve in a small boat going through mangroves, natural pools and waterways, discovering the diverse marine life in their own habitat searching for dolphins, sea turtles, starfish, cormorants, herons, pelicans, ospreys and manatees. You will end the tour while enjoying a delicious Caribbean lunch at Boca Paila beach. You will be always accompanied by a certified tour guide. The tour includes the following:
- Local certified guide, boat with snorkeling equipment and life vest, Fruit, water and snacks, lunch
- Price per person $189 USD
DREAM CHICHEN ITZA
When thinking of Mexico, one of the first things that comes to mind is Chichen Itza. Magical Chichen Itza is one of the new seven wonders of the world. You can visit it on your own terms with private transportation and enjoy an insightful explanation by your certified guide the moment you hop on board.
Afterwards, cool off in a breathtaking sacred cenote and enjoy a delicious regional lunch near the beautiful 500 year old colonial town in Valladolid. Finish your experience in Yucatan with a visit to the picturesque town square of Valladolid and enjoy its beautiful colonial architecture.
Prices per person:
1 person – 428 usd 2 people – 258 usd
3 people – 218 usd 4 people – 208 usd
5 people – 188 usd 6 people – 168 usd
7 people – 158 usd 8 people – 148 usd
COBA AND WILD MONKEY SANCTUARY
Begin your day exploring the mighty Coba archaeological site on a bicycle or friendly Mayan bike taxi (Included). Leave a triumphant mark on your day by climbing the mighty Nohoch Mul Pyramid, the tallest in the northern Yucatan (not mandatory).
Connect with nature knowing that your visit economically contributes to the fight faced by local Mayan inhabitants to defend their ancestral lands from deforestation. Finish this gripping experience with a gourmet beachside lunch.
Explore old- growth jungles inhabited by wild howler and spider monkeys. Zip-line over an amazingly picturesque lagoon and swim in a truly sacred cenote.
Prices per person:
1 person – 348 usd 2 people – 228 usd
3 people – 198 usd 4 people – 194 usd
5 people – 188 usd 6 people – 178 usd
7 people – 168 usd 8 people – 158 usd
AQUATIC TURTLE DREAM
Begin your day with the pickup time of your choosing along with the added comfort of modern private transportation. Snorkel in a wild sea turtle sanctuary protected by the federal government. Witness them enjoying the existence of peace and freedom that comes from responsible management and environmentally sustainable encounters.
You will snorkel and swim in a breathtaking underground river system. End the day with a well-deserved gourmet beachside lunch on the powdery white beaches of Tulum.
Important – although sea turtles are seen on a very consistent basis, their presence cannot be fully guaranteed. As they are wild animals they can freely come and go from designated snorkeling area. In any case, you will surely have a special experience.
DIVING CENOTES OF TULUM
Scuba diving in cenotes is a unique experience that is like floating in space on another planet. The serenity and beauty of these underworlds and their ancient rock formations provide a unique, almost mystical experience. Each cenote has its own beauty and character. We choose the dive sites according to your experience.
Don’t miss your opportunity to witness this unique natural phenomenon.
REEF DIVING IN TULUM
There are great reef scuba diving sites near Tulum located at depths between 12 and 30 m. Tulum is part of the 2nd biggest coral barrier reef in the world. These sites include many coral canyons with a height of about 10 m that are covered with colorful and healthy corals of many types. You will see lots of Elkhorn coral and volcano sponges and reef fish. It is also possible to see lobsters, crabs, eels, and rays in the clear, warm Caribbean waters. You can also choose to dive in Cozumel From Tulum, one of the most beautiful reefs in the world just an hour and a half away trip from Tulum.
NIGHTLIFE IN TULUM
During the day there is so much to do in Tulum, from relaxing on the beach or taking a spa treatment to exploring caves, cenotes, driving an ATV through the jungle or visiting amazing archaeological sites. During the night, Tulum is vibrant and active, offering a wide range of options for everyone: diverse and delicious culinary options, laid-back bars, to beach parties and live music venues with where you can dance barefoot on the sand under a sky full of stars.
If you go towards downtown Tulum, you will experience the colorful nightlife the locals enjoy with more authentic Mexican food, seafood tacos, pizzerias, Argentinian steak houses, mariachis and live performances. Here you will enjoy great food and lots of fun in a local atmosphere with less expensive options for restaurants and bars.
On the other hand, if you decide to stay on the Tulum hotel strip on the beach you will have a more boho-chic experience with many culinary options right on the beach or on the popular main road. From Mexican/ Mayan gourmet restaurants, fusion cuisine, seafood, Thai delicacies, authentic Italian food with homemade pasta, iconic Beach Clubs with music and dancing, eclectic bars and their unique mixology, to salsa lessons at night. Here is a list of the most popular night spots in Tulum and when to go:
Tuesdays & Wednesdays: Batey Mojito & Guarapo Bar
Thursdays: Casa Jaguar
Fridays: free Salsa dancing classes at Ziggy’s
Saturdays: Papaya Playa Project
Sundays: Salsa Night at La Zebra Hotel
Start planning your Tulum beach vacation and explore all these options and many more! If you are booked at Cabanas Tulum Beach Hotel & Spa, just email our concierge team for more info and to book any of these activities recepcion@hotelcabanastulum.com.