What Are The Unique Things To Do In Tulum? Know What Tulum Is Best Known For 

Jan 27, 2022

Last Updated on: May 8, 2026

Adventure

Tulum, with its versatility, remains one of the top attractions in Mexico. It has well-preserved Mayan ruins overlooking the Caribbean Sea. 

Furthermore, it nurtures a hippie lifestyle with boutique eco resorts and trendy beach clubs. 

It also offers the right fusion of relaxation and adventure with its natural sinkholes or cenotes. Moreover, it has a vibrant nightlife, and you can even plan a 30-minute ride by road to reach Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Again, from bull shark diving to kitesurfing, the adventure options in Tulum are endless. So, in today’s article, I will talk about the unique things to do in Tulum and my experience in this Pre-Columbian Mayan walled city. 

What Are The Best Things To Do In Tulum?

Tulum is a place that allows you to swim with sharks and discover the ancient Mayan ruins. Furthermore, it is a popular travel destination because of its accessibility. 

The last time I visited, I reached the Cancun International Airport (CUN) and then took a drive of around 2 hours to reach Tulum. 

However, you can even travel to the new Tulum Airport (TQO) and then enjoy a 40 km drive to downtown. 

And once you reach Tulum, you can include all these activities in your itinerary. 

6 Top Exciting Adventures Options In Tulum

1. Bull Shark Diving

Have you ever dreamed of swimming with sharks and becoming one with the underwater species?

An experience like bull shark diving may make your blood freeze at first, but you’ll soon realize that it’s a thrilling yet pleasant adventure. Bull shark scuba diving is a popular underwater adventure in Riviera Maya that both tourists and locals love to enjoy. 

Playa del Carmen, around 45 minutes away from Tulum, is the best place for bull shark diving. 

January to February is the peak season for bull shark diving here, and you can spot from 5 to more than 15 bull sharks during this time. 

You will need an Advanced Open Water certification to be a part of this bull shark diving. Also, the diving charge will be around $250-300. 

Moreover, remember you chances of getting into the water and spotting sharks also depend on the present weather conditions. Also, if you are planning deeper, multi-day dives, you will need nitrox. 

2. Cenote Scuba Diving

You can do cenote scuba diving in Playa de Carmen or Tulum. However, you must also note that there are more than a thousand cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula. 

Furthermore, all cenotes in Tulum are not the same. Some look like full-fledged caves, and some even like small pools. 

Dive into various complex, intertwined passages connecting underground cenotes and discover the beautiful networks. Your scuba diving abilities will truly be put to the test, and you’ll experience one of the most exciting feelings ever.

In order to participate in this adventure, you’ll need a scuba diving certification. It’s worth planning ahead and obtaining the necessary licensing before your Tulum trip if you want to participate in this amazing water activity

3. Take A Kitesurfing Tour

Kitesurfing is another popular water sport that has won the hearts of many enthusiasts around the world. You can ride the waves and enjoy your time in kitesurfing paradise on a Tulum trip and hop on a safe kitesurfing experience and a private lesson with a professional instructor. 

The beaches are truly awesome, and the lagoons are big and salty. The waters of the Caribbean Sea are crystal clear, which only makes the adventure even more enjoyable and magnificent. You’ll be able to ride in front of ancient Mayan ruins and discover secret virgin beaches, which are only known to the locals.

4. A Night Dive With Crocodiles

For most people, crocodiles are scary creatures that you don’t want to be near in any circumstance. However, adrenaline seekers are an interesting species that is worth exploring up close.

On a Tulum trip, you can make your dreams come true and get close to crocodiles with a night dive in the company of an instructor. Snorkel with crocodiles – one of the world’s most astonishing creatures and get to know their behavior in their natural habitat at night time. 

The good news is that you can also observe other species like frogs, shads, and other animals that live in the same habitat and are awake at night. The adventure is unmatched as you can get a high dose of adrenaline, you can witness a beautiful sky full of stars, and test your senses with something completely new.

You don’t have to worry about safety as taking part in this activity with a professional team means that all protection will be provided.

5. Explore the beauty of turtles

Last but not least, there is something for those who want to get to know the beautiful underwater creatures but find crocodiles a bit too thrilling. If you’re passionate about nature and are excited to meet new species, you should certainly hop on a turtle exploration in Tulum trip. 

From May to October, most of Tulum’s coastline enters the sea turtle nesting season. You can witness mother turtles gently making their way to lay their eggs after sunset. You can snorkel with turtles, get to know them in their comfort zone and embrace their beauty to the fullest.

6. Discover the Mayan ruins

And just because we shouldn’t forget that the Tulum trip is not just all about the waters, we highly recommend visiting the astonishing Mayan ruins that will take you back through time. 

Tulum has a vibrant history, some of which has been preserved for travelers and locals to experience in today’s modern world. The Mayan ruins in Tulum and Coba are not just a gem to look at but also offer a great amount of cultural value and can show you how different the town was in previous years before it became a top tourist destination.

Conclusion:

Your Tulum trip could certainly become the trip of a lifetime, as long as you plan ahead and are prepared for all that you could take advantage of. We hope that this list will come in handy and will help you organize the perfect vacation to Tulum.

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Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

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Lake Nakuru National Park: For bird lovers, Lake Nakuru National Park is a must-visit destination. Located around the picturesque Lake Nakuru, the park is a haven for bird species, including thousands of flamingos that flock to the alkaline lake. The park's diverse habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, and cliffs, provide a home for over 450 bird species. Apart from the stunning birdlife, Lake Nakuru National Park also houses numerous types of wildlife. The park is recognized for its endangered population of black and white rhinos, making it one of the esteemed destinations in Kenya to recognize these magnificent creatures. Additionally, you can encounter lions, leopards, buffalos, zebras, and giraffes during your safari adventures. The park's diverse habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, and acacia forests, support various animal and plant species, making each safari excursion a thrilling and rewarding experience. 6. 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