The Best Things to Do in Tulum for Nature Lovers

Tulum Nature Lover's Guide: Top Activities and Experiences

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Tulum is one of Mexico's most beautiful coastal towns and is famous for its gorgeous beaches, ancient ruins, and natural beauty. No wonder it is a favorite destination for nature lovers.

From the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea to the intricate underground rivers, Tulum offers a wide range of outdoor activities and natural wonders that will leave you amazed. If you're a nature lover looking for the best natural sites in and nearby Tulum, these are the best things you can see and explore.

Riviera Maya and Tulum Beaches

Riviera Maya and Tulum beaches rank among the best beaches in the world! With powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters, these beaches attract millions of visitors each year.

Some must-visit beaches in Tulum include Playa Paraíso, Playa Ruinas, and Playa Pescadores. Outside Tulum, you can visit the towns of Akumal and Puerto Morelos, both with gorgeous beaches. Akumal is also home to sea turtles, so just a few steps from the beach, you can swim and snorkel among beautiful turtles that live there.

Playa Ruinas in Tulum

Cenotes

Cenotes are natural sinkholes and a unique geological formation created when the limestone bedrock collapses, revealing an underground pool of fresh water. The water in cenotes is primarily fed by underground rivers and aquifers. It is estimated that there are around 6,000 cenotes throughout the Yucatan Peninsula.

Of course, they are a must-visit in Tulum, as these natural swimming pools offer an unforgettable experience, with crystal-clear waters and stunning underwater caves to explore.

Some of the best cenotes in Tulum include Cenote Dos Ojos, Cenote Sac Actun, Gran Cenote, Cenote Zaci-Ha, and Cenote LabnaHa.

Cenote in Tulum

Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve

The Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Mexico's most important protected areas. This massive reserve covers over 1.3 million acres and is home to a vast array of flora and fauna, including over 300 species of birds and 115 species of mammals.

You can explore the reserve by car, boat, or kayak. Some of the reserve's highlights include the Muyil archaeological site and the stunning lagoon of Boca Paila.

Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve

Río Secreto

Río Secreto is a natural underground river system that offers the chance to explore a hidden world few people have ever seen.

You can explore the underground river on foot through a series of underground caves and caverns, wading through crystal-clear waters and marveling at the intricate formations of stalactites and stalagmites. The darkness of the caves and the flickering light of your headlamp add to the sense of mystery and wonder, creating an unforgettable experience that is both thrilling and peaceful at the same time.

Its commitment to conservation and sustainability sets Río Secreto apart from other underground rivers. The park is dedicated to preserving the delicate ecosystem of the river and the surrounding jungle, and visitors must follow strict guidelines to ensure that the environment is protected.

Rio Secreto Tulum Playa del Carmen

Punta Laguna Nature Reserve

Punta Laguna Nature Reserve is a protected area home to spider monkeys, howler monkeys, and a wide range of bird species.

You can take a guided tour through the jungle and spot these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. The reserve also offers the chance to zip-line through the jungle canopy and swim in a natural cenote.

Punta Laguna Nature Reserve Tulum

Kaan Luum Lagoon

Kaan Luum Lagoon is a stunning natural lagoon that offers the perfect setting for swimming and snorkeling.

The lagoon’s crystal-clear waters are home to a wide range of marine life, including colorful fish and sea turtles. One of the most striking features of Kaan Luum is the circular cenote in the middle of the lagoon, which creates a natural swimming pool that is perfect for taking a refreshing dip.

Beyond the cenote, the lagoon is surrounded by a beautiful mangrove forest, home to a diverse range of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, and fish. You can take a kayak or stand-up paddleboard out onto the lagoon to explore the area and spot some of the incredible wildlife that calls this place home.

Kaan Luum Lagoon Tulum

Coral Reefs of Cozumel

Cozumel is one of the most famous islands in Riviera Maya and is home to some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world. Actually, the coral reefs around Cozumel are part of the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest barrier reef system in the world.

The clear and warm waters surrounding Cozumel offer excellent visibility, making it easy to see the vibrant coral formations and its vast marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles and rays. Snorkeling and scuba diving are both popular activities here, so many tour operators on the island offer guided excursions.

Coral Reef Cozumel

As you can see, Tulum is a nature lover’s paradise, with a wide range of outdoor activities and natural wonders to explore. Whether you’re looking to relax on pristine beaches, explore underground rivers and cenotes, or spot exotic wildlife, Tulum has something for everyone!

If you want to make this natural paradise your home or you want to take advantage of an investment opportunity to buy a property that you can rent, at Tao Mexico we have beautiful properties for sale in Tulum.

Contact us to learn more about our available options and answer any questions you may have. We will be happy to help you find your home in paradise.

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