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Parks and Nature in Tulum

Much of Tulum’s coastline and surrounding jungle is protected, from Parque del Jaguar on the north edge of town to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve to the south. Residents swim in cenotes and lagoons year round, and authorities have confirmed permanent free public access to several beaches inside Parque del Jaguar.

Each listing includes the location, a link and a map. Places change, so we review this list regularly; last reviewed October 2026.

Parque del Jaguar

North Tulum, coast · National park
Carretera Federal 307, about 3 km east of Tulum town, Tulum, Q.R.
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Why we recommend it: This federal park surrounds the Tulum archaeological zone and combines protected beaches, forest trails, lookout towers and the regional museum. Beach, trail and viewpoint areas are open daily, and Mexican nationals can enter free of charge.

Playa Santa Fe

Parque del Jaguar · Public beach
Parque del Jaguar beach access, Tulum, Q.R.
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Why we recommend it: Santa Fe is one of five beaches inside Parque del Jaguar where authorities confirmed in November 2025 that access is free, every day of the year. It sits next to the archaeological zone and is a long-standing local swimming beach.

Playa Pescadores

Parque del Jaguar · Public beach
Parque del Jaguar beach access, Tulum, Q.R.
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Why we recommend it: Pescadores is a fishermen’s beach included in the permanent free public access program inside Parque del Jaguar. It is a practical spot for residents to swim and walk the shoreline without paying park admission.

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

South of Tulum · UNESCO biosphere reserve
Carretera Tulum-Punta Allen, northern entrance about 15 miles south of Tulum, Q.R.
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Why we recommend it: This UNESCO World Heritage reserve protects lagoons, mangroves, reef and jungle, and includes the fishing village of Punta Allen. Residents visit for birdwatching, boat trips through the canals and quiet beaches, and a small entrance fee supports conservation.

Laguna Kaan Luum

South of Tulum · Lagoon
Carretera Federal 307, south of Tulum toward Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Q.R.
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Why we recommend it: A wide, shallow turquoise lagoon with an 82 meter deep cenote at its center, ringed by jungle. It is popular for calm swimming, paddleboarding and mineral clay, and is a common option on days when sargassum affects the beaches.

Xcacel-Xcacelito Sanctuary

North of Tulum, Chemuyil · Turtle sanctuary and beach
Carretera Federal 307 km 65, near Chemuyil, Q.R.
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Why we recommend it: This state-managed sanctuary protects one of the most active sea turtle nesting beaches on the Riviera Maya, along with a small freshwater cenote. Without beach club development, it offers an undeveloped shoreline about 20 minutes from Tulum for a modest conservation fee.

Gran Cenote

Tulum-Coba road · Cenote
Carretera Tulum-Coba, near Tulum town, Q.R.
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Why we recommend it: Gran Cenote is known for exceptionally clear water, cavern formations and resident turtles, and it is one of the most visited cenotes in the area. Showers before entry and reef-safe sunscreen are mandatory to protect the water.

Casa Cenote (Cenote Manati)

Tankah, north of Tulum · Cenote and mangrove
Carretera Cancun-Tulum, Interior Fraccionamiento Tankah Caribe, Lote 32 Manzana 3, Tankah Tres, Q.R.
Website | View on map

Why we recommend it: A river-like cenote that winds through mangroves and connects to the sea, with kayak and paddleboard rentals. It is a relaxed spot for snorkeling close to the coast just north of Tulum.

Living in Tulum

Thinking about buying in Tulum? Playa Realtors is a licensed boutique brokerage that has represented buyers in Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and across Quintana Roo since 2008, and we never represent developers.