Day-long trips near Tulum

The Riviera Maya is very large and offers attractions for a whole year. If your time is limited, we recommend making Tulum your base of operations and start exploring. Something magical will always be just around the corner. Here are some day-long trips near Tulum.

Day-long trips near Tulum: Visit the Sian Ka’an Reserve

South of Tulum lies the vast Sian Ka’an Biosphere, a protected area that is home to thousands of species of animals and plants. In the park, you will find dolphins, turtles and more fish and birds than you can count. The long road through the park is very rough, so you’ll either need to rent a four-wheel drive vehicle for the trip or sign up for a tour.

Although you can access the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve from both Punta Allen and Muyil, each of these two approaches offers two completely different impressions and contains two very different ecosystems.

Day-long trips near Tulum: Punta Allen

If you want to see the Caribbean side of Sian Ka’an, including beaches and saltwater lagoons, Punta Allen is the suitable destination. Here is the marine part of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve to go snorkeling on the coral reefs. You will also get to see more marine life from the boat, such as dolphins, turtles and manatees.

Exploring the coast of Sian Ka’an is a great excursion. The only downside is the extra time or higher cost to get there from Tulum. It is difficult to get from Tulum to Punta Allen on your own. If you have a rental car, it is not advisable (often impossible) to drive there without four-wheel drive in the current road conditions.

Day-long trips near Tulum: Muyil

If you want to see the inland jungle, Mayan ruins, wetlands, freshwater lagoons, mangrove forests, and Mayan-digged canals, you’ll find it all at the Muyil access point. You won’t see as much marine life as you would right on the coast (no dolphins, turtles, etc.), but it’s still a very beautiful natural environment

Logistically, it is much easier to get to Muyil on your own. Buses from Tulum to Muyil leave frequently from the ADO bus station, about every 30-60 minutes, so you can take a bus to Muyil practically any time you want. It is not necessary to reserve a ticket in advance. There are usually plenty of seats available. Buy a ticket at the ticket counter (not on the bus) and ask for a ticket to Muyil. The cost of the one-way ticket from Tulum to Muyil is under 50 pesos.

The Underwater Caves of Caracol

Just a few kilometers north of Tulum is a cave and cenote complex that will make you feel like you’ve left Mexico and landed on another planet. The spring-fed pools in the caves make for a spectacular sight as they reflect the hanging stalactites. Caracol is a little hidden gem and perfect for a half day trip from Tulum.

To get here you will either need to rent a car or join an organized tour.