The 4 Best Beaches in Tulum Mexico + 1 Hidden Gem (2025)

When it comes to beaches in Tulum, there’s a lot of information out there and honestly, a lot of misinformation too. I’m a bit on the fence myself when it comes to Tulum’s beaches and how they’re being handled by the government and local authorities.

On one hand, Tulum is famous for its gorgeous, white-sand beaches and turquoise water. On the other hand, it’s also known for the drama, corruption, and constant changes around beach access. I’ve been to Tulum many times now, and the more I visit, the more mixed my feelings get about the whole situation.

That being said, I still think the beaches in Tulum Mexico are one of the main reasons people come to Tulum, so today I want to talk specifically about them. From public beaches to hotel zone beaches to a little hidden gem I found, I’ll share everything I know, what I’ve experienced personally, and what I’ve figured out after years of coming here. Hopefully this clears up some of the confusion you might have when planning your trip.

Beaches in Tulum Mexico – My Experience

As I mentioned above, I’ve been coming to Tulum for years now and I used to really love it. I enjoyed the whole vibe of the hotel zone with its beautiful resorts, but honestly, I always preferred the authenticity of Tulum town and La Veleta, with their amazing food and strong community feel.

I also used to love the Tulum beaches. I’ve spent time at beach clubs and beachfront hotels, but I also had some of my best days at the public (and back then, free) beaches like Paraíso Beach (Playa Paraíso) and Playa Las Palmas. 

Unfortunately, on my most recent visit I found out that’s no longer the case. From my understanding, those beaches have now been annexed into the Tulum National Park (Jaguar National Park), and you need to pay an entrance fee of 415 pesos. Honestly, that feels like such a joke, especially for locals living in Tulum.

That said, the beaches themselves are still absolutely stunning. Government management and fees aside, nothing can take away the natural beauty of Tulum’s coastline, which makes it all the more frustrating. I still enjoyed my time on the beaches and decided to just suck it up and pay, because I wasn’t going to let it ruin my vacation.

One last thing I want to point out: seaweed season (sargassum) is real. I’ve been to Tulum both when the beaches were clean and when they were covered in seaweed, and it makes a huge difference. My advice? Don’t even bother coming between May and October. Personally, I only visit between December and February, non-negotiable.

Everything You Need to Know About Tulum Beaches

Public but not free: As of the end of 2025, Tulum’s main public beaches like Playa Paraíso and Playa Las Palmas are still technically public, but they’re no longer free. They’ve been annexed into the Tulum National Park, which now charges a 415 MXN entrance fee. Honestly, it feels like such a joke and ripoff, especially for locals who used to enjoy these beaches daily for free. Definitely double-check current info before you go, because things in Tulum change constantly.

Seaweed in Tulum (sargassum): Everyone’s heard about the seaweed problem, and unfortunately it’s only getting worse with climate change. Beachfront hotels and beach clubs usually do a good job cleaning their stretch of sand, but the public beaches are often completely covered. Personally, I don’t even bother visiting Tulum in seaweed season anymore. After learning the hard way, I now only visit between December and February to be safe.

Tulum Beach (Hotel Zone): Technically, all beaches in Mexico are public, including the ones in Tulum’s hotel zone. So yes, you’re allowed to put your towel down for free even if the hotels try to make it look otherwise. I’ve done this many times, I would just walk through a hotel lobby straight to the beach, and no one bothered me.

Parking is a nightmare: If you’re driving to the beach, brace yourself for gridlock traffic and overpriced parking. Honestly, it’s not worth the stress. I always ride my bicycle instead, it’s quicker, avoids the jams, and free to park. Definitely the best hack for getting around the hotel zone.

1. Paradise Beach (Playa Paraiso)

his is probably the most famous public beach in Tulum, and for good reason, it’s a long stretch of powdery white sand and that classic turquoise water. I used to ride my bike here almost every morning, park it by the sand, and spend the entire day hanging out. It was simple, beautiful, and had such a good vibe, even if it got crowded during high season.

Unfortunately, as I mentioned earlier, this beach is no longer free (I’m writing this in October 2025). Since it’s now part of Tulum National Park, you’ll need to pay a 415 MXN entrance fee, which honestly feels insane if you’re just going for a swim.

2. Playa Las Palmas

This one is actually my personal favorite public beach in Tulum. If you’re coming from downtown or the hotel zone and turn left when you reach the coast, Playa Las Palmas is the very first beach you’ll run into. Because of that, it can be the busiest spot, but it still keeps a pretty laid-back vibe.

I always loved the little outdoor beach gym here, some weights, a pull-up bar, that kind of thing. I’ll be honest, I never actually used it, but it’s a fun little detail that makes this beach stand out.

Like Playa Paraíso, it’s now part of the national park, which means you’ll also have to pay the same entrance fee to get in.

3. Playa Ruinas

Playa Ruinas has always been my personal hidden gem and favorite beach in Tulum. Long before Paradise Beach or Las Palmas were added to the national park, Playa Ruinas was already part of it. 

Whenever I visited the Mayan ruins (which I think are a must-see at least once), I’d always tack on a beach day here since I had already paid the entrance fee. The best part was, hardly anyone wanted to spend the $25 USD just to get to the beach, so I usually had it almost to myself.

Now that the other beaches are also part of the national park, I can imagine more people will start spreading out here too, which might take away from the peaceful vibe I loved so much. I haven’t been back since the changes, but I’m curious if it’s still as quiet as before, so if you’ve been, let me know how it was!

4. Tulum Beach (Hotel Zone)

Tulum Beach technically refers to the whole beachfront stretch of the hotel zone. On my most recent trip, I stayed in a hotel right on the sand, and I have to say, having direct beach access without the hassle was absolute luxury. In the past, I’ve also “snuck” through hotel lobbies to lay out a towel, which has always worked fine too since the beaches are technically public.

The beach itself is gorgeous, powdery white sand and that turquoise water that looks like it’s straight out of a screensaver. Hotels and beach clubs do a good job keeping their stretches clean, which makes a big difference compared to some of the public areas.

That said, I’m very much against hotels trying to restrict beach access or charging people for what should be free. Still, given the situation in Tulum now, I honestly think paying for a beachfront hotel or a beach club can be worth it. For me, it made the whole experience way less stressful and let me focus on actually enjoying the beach instead of fighting for access.

Check Out: Where to Stay in Tulum for the best beachfront hotels.

5. Soliman Bay

I still have one more hidden gem up my sleeve, and that’s Soliman Bay. Like pretty much everything in Tulum these days, though, it’s becoming more and more restricted to the public. 

Back in the day, there used to be a little Mexican restaurant on the beach called Chamico’s. It was the definition of a beach shack with plastic chairs in the sand, cold beers, and some of the best ceviche I’ve ever had. I was lucky enough to experience it once, and honestly, it felt like the most perfect beach day in all of Tulum. Sadly, Chamico’s is no longer there.

The beach itself is breathtaking: soft, flour-like sand and crystal-clear turquoise water. But unfortunately, it’s no longer publicly accessible. These days, the only way to enjoy Soliman Bay is to stay at one of the boutique hotels right on the beach.

If you want to treat yourself check out one of the hotels right on Soliman Bay, Jashita Hotel is the most popular one.

Book Here: Jashita Hotel Soliman Bay

FAQs About Tulum Beaches

Are there free beaches in Tulum?

As of 2025, not really. Pretty much anywhere you go now, there’s a fee to pay, even the beaches that used to be free.

Are there public beaches in Tulum?

Yes, technically. Beaches like Paradise Beach (Playa Paraíso) and Playa Las Palmas are still public, but they’re now part of the national park and no longer free.

Is the seaweed in Tulum really that bad?

Honestly, worse than you think. During seaweed season the beaches can be completely covered in smelly, brown sargassum. I only visit between December and February, it’s the safest bet if you actually want to enjoy the water.

Is Tulum worth visiting?

I still think so, but it’s complicated. With the new laws, restrictions, and the infamous taxi mafia, things keep getting harder for visitors (and locals). If things keep going the way they are, my opinion might shift.

Final Thoughts on the Best Beaches in Tulum, Mexico

Tulum really does have some of the most stunning beaches in Mexico, but corruption, over-commercialization, and poor management are slowly chipping away at the experience, for both tourists and locals.

On my last trip, I still had a genuinely good time, but I can see my feelings about Tulum changing in the next few years if nothing improves.

When it comes to the beaches, I think you really only have two options:

1. Boycott it and skip Tulum altogether.
   
2. Or book a beachfront hotel so you can enjoy the beach without the hassle of crowds or sneaking through lobbies.

I hope this guide on the best beaches in Tulum Mexico gives you a clearer picture of what to expect from Tulum’s beaches and helps you plan your trip.

Check Out My Other Tulum Travel Guides

Is Tulum Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

How to Get Around in Tulum: My Taxi & Bicycle Guide

Where to Stay in Tulum Mexico: The Top Areas & Hotels

Best Time to Visit Tulum: How to Avoid the Seaweed

How to Get to Tulum Mexico: Cancun Airport to Tulum

Cafes in Tulum: The Best 7 Cafes Tulum

Best Restaurants in Tulum Mexico: My Top Food Spots

Best Things to Do in Tulum Mexico: My 9 Top Activities

Beaches in Tulum Mexico: Our Favorite Tulum Beaches