When you think about all the things to do around Tulum, Mexico, it can feel a bit like opening Pandora’s box—in the best possible way. Especially when your home base is Casa Nalum, our Eco Chic Villa tucked inside the magical Sian Ka’an Biosphere on the Yucatán Peninsula. From the moment you arrive, this beachfront retreat welcomes you with a private pool, kayaks, and spacious living areas that whisper, “Why go anywhere else?” Well… you’ll still want to, because Tulum is packed with adventures.
In this blog, we share our favorite activities and hidden gems near Tulum and the Yucatán Peninsula. We write from our villa’s own experience—yes, we’ve done the legwork (and the hammock-resting). So you’ll see why Casa Nalum makes an ideal jumping-off point for jungle treks, beach escapes, and every dreamy detour in between. Read on for can’t-miss stops, insider tips, and ways to make your Tulum trip truly magical.
Table of Contents
Things to Do
1. Swim in Gran Cenote
Jump into the crystal-clear waters of Gran Cenote, one of Tulum’s most famous sinkholes. It is just a 35 to 45-minute drive from Casa Nalum. You can snorkel among turtles and fish as light beams dance through rock formations.
⭐ Ratings: 4.3/5
💵 Price Level: Mid-range (USD 25 entrance fee)
📍 Location: Carretera Tulum-Cobá Km 1, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
⏰ Hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
2. Explore the Tulum Mayan Ruins
Visit the Tulum Ruins, perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Walk along stone walls, step into the Temple of the Frescoes, and look out over the Caribbean blue. Estimated drive time: 40 to 50 minutes.
⭐ Ratings: 4.4/5
💵 Price Level: Budget (USD 30 entrance fee)
📍 Location: Carretera Federal 307, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
⏰ Hours: 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
We recommend booking a guided tour through our concierge at Contact Us so you learn about Mayan history while enjoying ocean views.
3. Kayak the Sian Ka’an Biosphere
Hop into a kayak right from our beachfront and glide through the famous Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. Paddle past mangroves, spot manatees in clear canals, and listen to bird songs. You’re already there!
⭐ Ratings: 4.6/5
💵 Price Level: Mid-range (depends on the tour)
📍 Meeting Point: Casa Nalum Beachfront
⏰ Duration: 2–3 hours
No need to rent gear off-site. We provide kayaks and life jackets. Our eco-friendly tours help protect the mangroves, and our guides share local wildlife tips.
4. Explore the Coba Ruins and Jungle
Drive about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Casa Nalum to the Coba Ruins. Once there, you can rent a bike or hop in a pedal-powered tuk-tuk to explore the jungle paths that lead to the Nohoch Mul Pyramid—the tallest in the Yucatán Peninsula.
⭐ Ratings: 4.5/5
💵 Price Level: Budget (USD 5 entrance + USD 5 bike rental)
📍 Location: Carretera Tulum–Cobá, 77790 Coba, Q.R., Mexico
⏰ Hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Back at Casa Nalum, unwind in the private pool after your jungle ride.
5. Relax on Tulum Beach
Visit Playa Paraíso or Playa Pescadores for soft white sand and calm waves. It’s a 30 to 40-minute drive from Casa Nalum. Lounge under a palapa, read a book, or swim in warm water.
⭐ Ratings: 4.7/5
💵 Price Level: Free public beach (chairs/umbrellas extra)
📍 Location: Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila Km 7, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
⏰ Hours: Dawn to dusk
6. Visit a Cenote Day Club
Treat yourself to a luxe day at Vesica Cenote Club. Listen to chill beats, sip fresh juices, and float in a cenote next to a pool. It’s a 25 to 35-minute drive from Casa Nalum.
⭐ Ratings: 4.4/5
💵 Price Level: Mid-range (USD 35 entrance + food/drinks)
📍 Location: Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila Km 4.5, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
⏰ Hours: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Relax in private loungers and, if you like, book a massage through our villa concierge.
7. Enjoy Yoga & Temazcal at Casa Nalum
Start your day with a sunrise yoga class on our ocean-view deck. In the afternoon, join a traditional temazcal ceremony (Mayan sweat lodge) on our property. You won’t need to travel.
⭐ Ratings: 5/5 by guests
💵 Price Level: Inclusive for villa guests
📍 Location: Casa Nalum Deck & Beach
⏰ Schedule: Yoga at 7:00 AM; Temazcal at 4:00 PM
You’ll leave feeling calm, restored, and ready for evening cocktails by the pool.
8. Experience Tulum Beach Clubs
Explore beach clubs like Papaya Playa Project, Mia Beach Club, or Ziggy Beach. Each club has its own vibe—boho-chic, party, or family-friendly. Expect a 25 to 35-minute drive from Casa Nalum.
⭐ Ratings: 4.0–4.5/5
💵 Price Level: Expensive (USD 50–100 per person)
📍 Location: Tulum Hotel Zone, Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila
⏰ Hours: Depends on the club
9. Take a Cooking Class in Town
Learn how to make authentic tacos and salsas with local chefs in Tulum Pueblo. Include market visits, ingredient prep, and a hands-on lesson, perfect for those interested in cooking classes. It’s a 35 to 45-minute drive from Casa Nalum.
⭐ Ratings: 4.8/5
💵 Price Level: Mid-range (USD 80–200 per person)
📍 Location: Tulum Pueblo
⏰ Hours: 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
After class, explore Tulum’s street art and craft shops, just a short drive from Casa Nalum.
10. Snorkel with Turtles at Akumal Bay
Take a half-day trip to Akumal (30 minutes north of Tulum town) to swim with green sea turtles in a protected cove. From Casa Nalum, it’s about 1 hour and 10 minutes by car.
⭐ Ratings: 4.6/5
💵 Price Level: Mid-range (USD 60 for guided tour)
📍 Location: Akumal Bay, 77776 Akumal, Q.R., Mexico
⏰ Hours: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Tips & Tricks
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Book Early: Popular activities fill up fast.
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Pack Smart: Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and light clothing.
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Stay Hydrated: Keep reusable water bottles on hand. We refill them daily.
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Dine In: Try our villa’s Meal Plan Service for farm-fresh breakfasts and chef-prepared dinners.
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Respect Nature: Follow leave-no-trace rules at beaches and cenotes.
Conclusion
From swimming in cenotes to exploring ancient ruins, from endless beach days to private yoga and temazcal, there’s no shortage of things to do around Tulum, Mexico. At Casa Nalum, we bring you closer to nature in style and comfort. Our ocean-lagoon haven is your gateway to the best adventures and the deepest relaxation.
Ready to book your stay? Visit casanalum.com and let us craft your perfect Tulum escape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where else to go near Tulum?
Beyond Tulum, consider day trips to Chichen Itza (2 hours), the colorful town of Valladolid (2 hours), or the stunning Bacalar Lagoon (2.5 hours). Each spot offers unique history and crystal-clear waters.
How many days are enough for Tulum?
You need at least 5–7 days to cover Tulum’s highlights: beaches, ruins, cenotes, and Sian Ka’an. More time lets you explore nearby sites at a leisurely pace.
Is Tulum nicer than Cancun?
Tulum is quieter, more eco-focused, and offers boutique hotels and boho vibes. Cancun is more crowded, with large resorts and easy amenities. Both have beautiful beaches but very different feels.
Where do celebs stay in Tulum?
Celebrities often choose luxury eco-villas and hidden villas along the Sian Ka’an coast.
What are the must-see cenotes near Tulum?
Top cenotes include Gran Cenote, Dos Ojos, Cenote Calavera, and Casa Cenote. To explore them safely, book a guided Cenote Circuit Tour via our Tulum Excursions page.
