30 Best Day Trips from Tulum Mexico in 2025

Looking for the best day trips from Tulum? You’ve come to the right guide!

As a travel blogger that has spent many years living in nearby Playa del Carmen, I’ve personally been able to experience many of the amazing excursions near Tulum.

Trust me, there’s so much more to explore than just the swanky beach clubs in Tulum!

In this post, I’m sharing my top recommendations for the best day trips from Tulum from ancient Mayan Ruins to hidden cenotes and secluded beaches.

So whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, I’ve got you covered in this complete Tulum day trips guide!

Ready to discover all the best Tulum excursions? Let’s get started!

These are so many amazing activities near Tulum that it can definitely be overwhelming to navigate! 

So I’ve done my best to divide them up into these popular Tulum day trip categories:

• Mayan Ruins Day Trips from Tulum
• Beach Day Trips from Tulum
• Beach Towns near Tulum
• Island Day Trips from Tulum
• Snorkeling Day Trips from Tulum
• Cenote Day Trips from Tulum
• Adventure Parks near Tulum

A trip to Tulum wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the nearby ruins in Tulum!

Located just minutes from Tulum’s town center, the ancient ruins of Tulum are the only oceanfront Mayan ruins in the state of Quintana Roo, offering spectacular seaside views. 

The ruins are fairly easy to visit on your own and can be reached by taxi, ADO bus, or rental car. The site is open daily from 8AM to 5PM, with the last entry at 3:30PM.

Or for a more hassle-free option, you can book a guided Tulum Ruins tour with transportation included and a local tour guide to learn more about the history of the site.

2025 Update: The Muyil Ruins are temporarily closed for renovation works but are expected to reopen soon.

The Muyil Ruins archaeological site is located just 20 minutes south of Tulum and can be easily visited on a day trip.

The Muyil Ruins are thought to date back to as early as 350 BC and are home to a number of impressive structures, including a tall and narrow pyramid. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the Mayan culture and history.

To visit the Muyil Ruins, you can go on your own or book a guided tour.

Most Muyil Ruins day tours from Tulum are paired with a visit to Sian Ka’an, and include transportation, admission, and lunch in their prices.

The ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza are located a little over 2 hours away from Tulum, and are definitely worth the visit! 

The site is home to some of the largest and most impressive pyramids in the entire Yucatan peninsula–and it’s even considered one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World and a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

To get to the ruins, you can drive on your own, take the ADO bus, or book a guided tour to Chichen Itza which also will take you to some of the impressive nearby cenotes and a stop in the colonial town of Valladolid. 

If you’re looking for a cultural day trip, consider heading to the Cobá Ruins from Tulum.

These ruins are less well known than the Tulum and Chichen Itza ruins, but offer just as much insight into Mayan culture. 

Located just 45 minutes outside of Tulum’s city center, the Cobá Mayan Ruins can be visited on your own by renting a car or you can easily book a tour online.

Set in the middle of the jungle, the Cobá Ruins feature impressive stone pyramids with the largest at 138 feet tall! 

Unfortunately the Cobá Ruins can no longer be climbed but the site is definitely still worth a visit if you’re interested in ancient history.

Just a couple hours south of Tulum are the ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins, which are some of the least well-known ruins in the area–perfect for avoiding the crowds.

Situated in the midst of tropical rainforest, the site offers visitors a unique glimpse into the ancient culture and history of the Mayan people.

Visitors can explore several well-preserved pyramids, temples, and other architectural features. 

Plus, there’s a good chance you’ll see howler and spider monkeys swinging from the trees!

To get to Chacchoben, you’ll need to drive about 2 hours south of Tulum, as there aren’t many tours that go there from Tulum.

A hidden beach and natural sanctuary, Xcacel Beach is one of the most beautiful and least well-known beaches in Riviera Maya.  

The beach is located just 20 minutes north of Tulum and can be reached by car or colectivo (shared van).

As a protected natural reserve, there are virtually no amenities at Xcacel Beach like beach clubs or restaurants. 

You’ll want to bring everything you need with you for a quiet beach day where you can relax and enjoy the stunning scenery. 

For a stunning beach with more amenities, head to the beautiful Xpu-Ha Beach just north of Tulum. 

With clear turquoise waters, little seaweed, and trendy beach clubs, it’s my favorite beach in Riviera Maya!

There are also several beach clubs and restaurants, so you can enjoy a bite to eat or a cold drink while taking in the stunning views.

To get to Xpu-Ha Beach, you’ll need to drive about 30 minutes north of Tulum, take a taxi, or a colectivo.

Taxis can be difficult to arrange for the return trip so you’ll want to try and arrange a pickup with the taxi driver that dropped you off.

Travelista Tip: Head to the newest Xpu-Ha beach club called Xalmar Beach Club for Tulum beach club vibes at a much more affordable price!

Tulum is known for its stunning beaches, but if you’re looking for something a little more secluded, consider taking a day trip to Maroma Beach. 

This beautiful beach is located about 1.5 hours north of Tulum, making it the perfect option for a day trip. 

The easiest way to get there is by driving or taking a taxi, or you can book an excursion with Maroma Adventures–the only tour company and beach club located directly on the beach.

Maroma Beach is known for its white sand and crystal-clear waters, so it’s no surprise that it’s often voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. 

If you’re looking for some activities to keep you busy, there are plenty of options available, including parasailing, jet skis, and catamaran sails which can be arranged with Maroma Adventures.

Of course, I have to recommend my beloved Playa del Carmen as one of the best places to visit near Tulum!

Playa del Carmen is located about 1 hour north of Tulum, making it an easy and convenient day trip option. 

While visiting, you can enjoy the beautiful Playa del Carmen beaches and numerous beach clubs, or simply take a stroll down the vibrant 5th Avenue.

The great thing about souvenir shopping in Playa del Carmen is that the prices are much more affordable!

To get to Playa del Carmen from Tulum, you can drive, take the ADO bus, take a taxi, or take a colectivo. 

Travelista Tip: I would recommend starting at the beginning of 5th Avenue near the Cozumel ferry, where you can see the Parque Fundadores and native Papantla performers, and then work your way down 5th Avenue from there. 

If you’re looking for a day trip that’s a little more exciting than simply lounging on the beach, consider venturing to Cancun.

The city is about 2 hours north of Tulum, so it’s a little bit of a trek but Cancun is worth visiting for its lively beach scene.

There’s no shortage of things to do in Cancun–it feels like a big city compared to Tulum!

The city is home to some of the best shopping in Mexico, a number of world-class restaurants, and bright turquoise beaches in the world famous Hotel Zone. 

The easiest way to get to there is to drive, take a taxi, or take the ADO bus from Tulum to Cancun. 

Puerto Morelos is a quiet beach town and fishing village on the Riviera Maya, located about 1.5 hours north of Tulum.

The small town is known for its white sand beaches, incredible coral reefs, and its beachfront leaning lighthouse (El Faro Inclinado).

Taking a day trip to Puerto Morelos is a great way to enjoy a smaller coastal town and escape some of the hustle and bustle of Riviera Maya. 

Some of the activities available in Puerto Morelos include swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and fishing.

There are also several restaurants, bars, and beach clubs in town, as well as a few small shops.

For a beach town that’s even smaller than Puerto Morelos, consider visiting Mahahual, which is primarily a cruise ship port and up-and-coming beach destination. 

This super tiny beach town is located on the Caribbean coast, about 2.5 hours south of Tulum. The easiest way to get there is by driving or renting a car.  

Along the town’s colorful beachfront malecón (boardwalk) you can enjoy the town’s numerous beach clubs, souvenir shopping, and plenty of activities like swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.  

And with impressive coral reefs right off the shore, Puerto Morelos is also a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. 

Located just 2 hours south of Tulum, Bacalar is an incredible natural lagoon known as the “Laguna de los Siete Colores” (Lagoon of the Seven Colors).  

With its striking blue waters and numerous overwater structures, it’s often referred to as the “Maldives of Mexico”.  

Bacalar Lagoon is much less commercialized than Tulum and perfect for a low-key lake retreat–it’s such a special place and one of my favorite destinations in Mexico! 

When visiting Bacalar, you can take a boat tour or enjoy swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding in the lagoon–or simply relax on one of the many wooden docks. 

The easiest way to get to Bacalar from Tulum is by renting a car or taking the ADO bus.

Known for its beautiful beaches and incredible coral reefs, Cozumel is a Caribbean island just off the coast of Mexico and is one of the most popular day trips from Tulum. 

The most common way to get to Cozumel from Tulum is by driving to Playa del Carmen and then taking the ferry over to the island–the entire trip takes about 2 hours each way. 

Some of the best things to do on Cozumel include snorkeling, diving, walking around the quaint town square, and visiting beach clubs or water parks. There are also small Maya ruins on the island to explore. 

One of the best ways to experience Cozumel is to rent a car or jeep and explore on your own.  Or you can book a Cozumel private island tour with transportation included. 

Located off the coast of Cancun, Isla Mujeres, or “Island of Women”, is a small tropical island that is perfect for those looking to enjoy some sun and sand. 

It’s a bit of a trek to get there from Tulum but it’s definitely worth visiting Isla Mujeres for a visit to the famed Playa Norte, which is considered to be one of the best beaches in the world. 

To get to Isla Mujeres from Tulum, you’ll first need to drive to Cancun, then take a 20-minute ferry ride over to the island. The entire trip takes about 2.5 hours each way. 

While on the island, there are plenty of fun Isla Mujeres activities to keep you busy.

If you’re looking to relax, head to Playa Norte on the north side of the island for white-sand beaches and lively beach clubs. 

If you’re looking for something a little more active, rent a golf cart and head to Punta Sur, a beautiful park on the southernmost part of the island with stunning cliffside views and unique statues of Mayan goddesses. 

Isla Contoy is a beautiful, uninhabited island off the coast of Cancun. It’s a bit of a trek to get there but well worth it for the most jaw-dropping tropical beach you’ll find in Quintana Roo! 

The island is restricted to only 200 of visitors per day and can only be reached by boat, so you’ll need to book an Isla Contoy tour to get there. 

Isla Contoy tours typically include roundtrip transportation, reef snorkeling, meals, and a visit to Isla Mujeres in addition to Isla Contoy. 

Once you arrive on the island, you’ll have plenty of time to relax on the beach, go swimming, or explore the island trails in search of bird species.

With its tropical palm trees and untouched white sand beach, I still can’t get over how beautiful Isla Contoy really is!

The beautiful beach town of Akumal is known for its abundance of sea turtles, and you can often find them swimming right off the beach.

To get to Akumal, you’ll need to drive about 25 minutes north of Tulum. It’s possible to go on your own but I would recommend booking a guided snorkeling tour, where the tour operators are committed to conservation. 

On the Akumal snorkeling tour, you’ll get to snorkel in restricted areas that are only open to certified guides.  Plus, all snorkeling equipment, transportation, and meals are included. 

There are so many sea turtles in Akumal you are almost guaranteed to see one if not many!

If you’re looking for a day trip that offers plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing and nature exploration, Sian Ka’an is a great option. 

Located just south of Tulum, Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest protected areas in the Mexican Caribbean.

As one of the most biodiverse areas in the world, this nature reserve is home to a variety of wildlife and plant species. 

Visitors can explore the mangroves, lagoons, and wetlands on a boat trip and get to see birds, dolphins, sea turtles, and crocodiles in their natural habitat for a unique wildlife expedition. 

Since Sian Ka’an is so remote, the best way to visit is by booking a guided eco-tour–most include transportation, lunch, a local guide, and snorkeling.  

Located on the island of Cozumel, El Cielo (“Heaven” in Spanish) is a popular spot for snorkeling with giant starfish in crystal clear waters.

It’s one of the best Cozumel snorkeling tours–you’ll be blown away by how clear the water is!

El Cielo can only be visited by boat so it’s best to book a guided tour, which also includes snorkeling at the nearby Columbia and Palancar coral reefs, as well as a visit to a stunning beach called “El Cielito” (Little Heaven). 

To get there from Tulum, it’s most common to take the ferry to Cozumel on your own and then meet your tour operator in Cozumel. 

Kaan Luum Lagoon (“Laguna Kaan Luum” in Spanish) is a secret swimming hole and natural attraction that makes for a fun excursion from Tulum. 

The lagoon’s most notable feature is a deep cenote in the center, where the depth changes drastically and leaves a very sharp contrast in the color of the water from bright turquoise to dark blue.

While at the lagoon, visitors can sunbathe on a wooden pier, swim in the shallow waters, or participate in more adventurous Tulum activities like kayaking or paddleboarding.

Kaan Luum Lagoon is located just 15 minutes south of Tulum and can be visited by driving on your own, taking a taxi, or booking a guided tour.  

Meaning “Two Eyes,” Dos Ojos Cenote is probably one of the most popular cenotes near Tulum featuring two twin cenotes next to each other with stunning blue water and natural cave formations.  

Located about 25 minutes north of Tulum’s city center, Dos Ojos is situated in a more commercialized cenote park, which includes a restaurant and amenities. 

From Tulum, the cenote can be reached by public transportation but it’s about a 30 minute walk from the highway so it’s easiest to go by rental car or taxi.

As a cavern cenote, it is possible to swim and snorkel at Dos Ojos but the cenote is is a bit more popular for scuba diving. 

Travelista Tip: If you have time, I would highly recommend heading over to Cenote Taak Bi Ha, which is very close to Cenote Dos Ojos and absolutely stunning!

If you’re looking for a day trip that’s a little bit different from the usual beach bumming, then consider heading to the “Ruta de los Cenotes” (Route of the Cenotes) near Puerto Morelos. 

Located less than 2 hours north of Tulum, this area is home to numerous freshwater cenotes in the middle of the Mayan jungle, which you can explore on your own or book a guided tour. 

I recommend booking the Xenotes tour by Xcaret, which is a full day all inclusive adventure experience.

This unique cenote tour takes you to 4 different private cenotes where you can participate in a variety of water activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, zip lining, and rappelling. Plus, round-trip transportation and meals are included. 

If you’re looking for a great day trip that will take you out of the city and into nature, Gran Cenote is a great option. 

Gran Cenote is a popular cenote located less than 10 minutes outside of downtown Tulum, which can be reached by car or taxi.  

Gran Cenote has an open swimming area with bright turquoise waters, as well as a cave you can float or snorkel through.  

Snorkel gear and life jackets can be rented for an additional cost, and there are some amenities like bathrooms, changing rooms, lockers, and snacks for purchase.

Known for its crystal clear emerald water and lush mangroves, Casa Cenote is a long freshwater cenote located just north of Tulum. 

Casa Cenote is different from traditional cenotes for the fact that it’s more like a long lazy river that feeds directly into the sea.  

At Casa Cenote, you can swim, float, snorkel, or even paddle board in a beautiful natural setting. With its shallow depths and clear water, it’s also a great spot for beginner scuba divers.

I recommend booking a Casa Cenote standup paddleboarding tour with this tour company–one of my favorite tour operators in Riviera Maya. 

Rio Secreto is a long underground river system located about 45 minutes north of Tulum.

The Rio Secreto attraction is truly unique where visitors can explore this natural wonder on a guided trek that lasts around two hours.

You’ll wander through a labyrinth of caves, stalactites, and crystal-clear pools, all while learning about the Mayan culture and history of the ancient rock formations. 

Additional adventure activities can also be added to your admission ticket which include rappelling, biking, and snorkeling.  Plus, the small tour groups make it a much more personalized experience. 

For the best water activities, head to Xel-Ha adventure park just north of Tulum. This eco-water park is the region’s largest natural aquarium with plenty of opportunities for swimming and snorkeling. 

Spiral water slides, high jumps, and water ziplines add dimension to the park’s natural beauty and there’s even a mile-long lazy river.

Plus, the park is all inclusive so guests can also enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast, lunch, and open bar while taking in the beautiful views.

Of all the Xcaret adventure parks, Xel-Ha is definitely my favorite!

If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, then you’ll want to check out Xplor adventure park! 

About 45 minutes north of Tulum, Xplor is home to the best zip lines near Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya, amphibious vehicles, and underground cave exploration. 

Visitors can enjoy a full day of adrenaline-pumping activities as well as a buffet lunch and unlimited snacks. 

The original of Grupo Xcaret’s adventure parks, Xcaret park is located about 45 minutes north of Tulum and offers visitors a full day of unique activities centered around the culture and history of Mexico. 

It’s an eco-park that offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. 

From swimming in underground rivers to its Coral Reef Aquarium and watching live performances, there’s something for everyone at Xcaret.

Plus, Xcaret Park’s main highlight is the nightly Xcaret Mexico Espectacular production, which is a 300-person crew show that is a history lesson but fun–featuring pre-Hispanic dances and more!

Xenses is probably the most unusual Xcaret park, which is all about challenging the 5 senses.

Filled with non-stop sensory deceptions and optical illusions, Xenses is kind of like a high end fun park filled with interactive exhibits, sense-themed activities, and endless photo opportunities.

This park is located about 45 minutes from Tulum, and it features different hands-on activities that are perfect for kids but still fun for adults too! 

Besides the optical illusions, there are also some adventurous activities like the Bird Flight Zipline, Slip high speed water slide, and the mud and salt river floats.

2025 Update: Xavage Park is temporarily closed while they re-evaluate the park’s offerings.

If you’re looking for an action-packed adventure, consider visiting Xavage park–which is kind of like an Xcaret park on steroids! 

This park is located about 1.5 hours north of Tulum, and offers a variety of adrenaline-pumping activities for the most extreme thrill seekers. 

Some of the activities offered include white water rafting, monster trucks, a ropes course, Superman-style ziplining, and a high-speed jet boat experience.

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the best day trips in Tulum:

Are you ready to check out some of these amazing day trips near Tulum?! I hope this Tulum day trip guide was helpful in planning your Tulum itinerary. 

Whether you’re looking for an adventure, some culture, or just a day away from the beach, there are plenty of things to do in Tulum to keep you busy during your stay in this Mexican paradise.

If you’re the type of traveler that likes to get out and explore on your own, then definitely consider renting a car to be able to experience these Tulum day tours more quickly and easily. 

But no matter how you get there, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time exploring Tulum!

READ NEXT:

• How to Get Around Tulum
• How to Visit the Tulum Ruins
• How to Visit Kaan Luum Lagoon