Tulum can be an expensive place depending on where you’re going, but like they say, the best things in life are free and there are actually really amazing free things to do there. I have seen many blog posts just generally saying “the beach” or “the cenotes” are free things to do when half of them are not.. So I wanted to tell you what is actually free to do so you can plan your trip with these places in mind!
Most beach clubs make you buy food/ drinks that are overpriced, so listed below are some free beach options that are just as great (minus the beach beds):
PLAYA PARISO
My favorite beach we went too! It’s a great place to catch the sunrise, has white sand for miles, crystal clear blue waters, and offers amazing swimming since there are no rocks. There’s a reason it’s called “Paradise Beach” because it truly is paradise. Since its so beautiful, free, and nice to swim at it does get crowded, but just hop in the water and you won’t even notice the people. Definitely somewhere worth checking out.
PLAYA PESCADORES/ PLAYA SANTA FE
A beautiful beach with Mayan ruins in the distance located near the National Parque of Tulum. This beach has a colorful boat stuck on shore, and you can walk up the steps on the side of the beach to get a whole view of the beach (DO NOT CLIMB UP THE TOWER OR YOU WILL HAVE THE POLICE CALLED ON YOU-we found out the hard way).
This isn’t the best beach to swim at if you like swimming far out due to all the boats along the shore, but if you like just taking a dip and playing in the waves it should be perfect.
They offer snorkeling here for $15, however it is quite toursity with every other boat and tourist in the area trying to see the stingrays and turtles- they also bait the turtles/stingrays so it’s not a very ethical experience. Opt for snorkeling in the Sian Ka’an Bioreserve if possible.
RAW LOVE BEACH or AHAU TULUM BEACH
My friend found this hack, it’s one of the only beaches in the hotel zone that you can just walk right up to and not be forced to buy anything. Just park in front of Raw Love (behind the big lady) and enjoy the free music and beach access.
This beach is basically a runway show mixed with vendors selling whatever you need -from coconuts, cigars, joints, drinks, sunglasses, dresses, and much more.
FREE CENOTE AT GRAND BAMBU HOSTEL (CLAN DESTINIO)
The only free cenote you can swim and swing in. Its in the middle of a restaurant but if its free, its free. This place also offers great drink and food deals so it’s definitely worth the visit.
I heard Cenote Acro Maya was a free cenote that is right before the Sian Ka’an Bioreserve depending on the day (sometimes it’s manned and sometimes its not) and it can be hard to find. If you want to explore and find this, you can read more about the cenote here on Castaway with Crystals website.
FREE SALSA DANCING AT LA ZEBRA HOTEL
Every Sunday at 6:30pm there are free salsa dancing classes, and free salsa music to dance too afterwards.
TULUM BEACH
Basically all the beaches on the left side of town are just different ones that run along the cost. We didn’t actually get to visit this beach because there were turtles nesting on shore and we obviously weren’t allowed/ disturb them. Another beautiful white sand and clear water beach that overlooks the coast.
PLAYA MIRADOR
A small beach that you can just park right on the side of the rode right after the “Stay present/ Embrace the mystery” sign and before the hotel zone. It’s a great place to lay on the beach, however swimming is hard since there are alot of rocks. There is a rock many stand on to observe the ocean here!
You don’t have to pay for everything in Tulum, you just have to know where to look. I hope this post helps you enjoy the free things in life, especially when traveling to Tulum.
Tag me if you visit any of these free places! I would love to live vicariously through you as you explore through Tulum! Happy traveling xx.
