8 Best Beach Clubs in Tulum, Mexico + Free Public Beaches

09/10/2022
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Tulum is one of the BEST travel destinations in the world, especially if all you’re looking to lay on the beach, catch some sun and sip a cocktail at a beach club! If this sounds perfect to you, in the article below I will tell you all about my favourite 8 best beach clubs in Tulum, as well as some other useful info.
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Practical info=#practicalinfo, Papaya Playa=#papayaplaya, Coco Tulum=#cocotulum, Cinco Tulum=#cincotulum, Taboo Tulum=#tabootulum, Vagalume Tulum=#vagalumetulum, Nomade Tulum=#nomadetulum, Casa Malca=#casamalca, Ziggy’s beach club=#ziggybeachclub, 8 other beach clubs=#otherbeachclubs, Getting there=#gettingthere, Free public beaches=#freepublicbeaches, BONUS: More beaches near Tulum=#morebeachesneartulum
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Tulum is one of the BEST travel destinations in the world, especially if all you’re looking to lay on the beach, catch some sun and sip a cocktail at a beach club! If this sounds perfect to you, in the article below I will tell you all about my favourite 8 best beach clubs in Tulum, as well as some other useful info.

Tulum, Mexico is one of the BEST travel destinations in the world, especially if all you’re planning to do is lay on the beach, catch some sun and sip a cocktail at a beach club! If this sounds like heaven to you, in the article below I will tell you all about my favourite 8 best beach clubs in Tulum, as well as some other useful info.

At the beginning of the year I spent two entire weeks in Tulum and I never got bored of the beaches and beach clubs there. There’s something for everyone and beach clubs are a great way to spend the day in Tulum! Most of them have restaurants and bars (and swings!), where you can stay all day and soak up the sun. Many of them also have pools, so you can take a dip when the ocean is too hot or rough.

Okay, let’s get into it!

Practical info about beach clubs in Tulum

Practical info about the best beach clubs in Tulum

Before sharing my list of the best beach clubs in Tulum with you, here are some practical things you need to know before visiting:

  • The beach clubs in Tulum are all run by hotels, and generally supply loungers, towels, live music, table service, pool access and a general good vibe. You simply need to purchase a “day pass” or fulfil a minimum spend per person;
  • Speaking of the minimum spend… the concept is simple: you just need to buy enough food and drinks to cover this charge. If not, you’ll still be charged with this minimum amount. Depending on your chosen beach club, the minimum spend can be anything from 50 to 150 US$ per person;
  • Pricing will vary massively. Sometimes the price of the day pass will go towards costs of food and beverages – other times it’s just a standard fee that goes on top. Plus, some places might have a service or cover charge (around 15% to 20% of your check), which is something they won’t tell you until you receive your bill, so it’s best to ask this once you arrive;
  • If you’re one of the hotel guests at the accommodation that owns the beach club, there’ll usually be no minimum spend for you;
  • Places differ in vibe – some are family-friendly while others are not, some have a real party vibe while others are more chill and tranquil – so keep this in mind before you go;
  • If you’re planning on going to one of the most popular beach clubs in Tulum, you may find that the spots fill up quickly, so I recommend making a reservation beforehand if you can;
  • Dress code: while some beach clubs are super casual, others are posh and require a certain dress code; be sure to check this beforehand.

RELATED READ: 8 Unmissable Things to Do in Tulum, Mexico – Complete Guide & Tips

8 Best beach clubs in Tulum, Mexico

Here are my favourite 8 beach clubs in Tulum that I have personally been to:

1 – Papaya Playa Beach Club

https://www.instagram.com/p/CNEA3KEDJSx/

Papaya Playa Project is DEFINITELY one of the most famous beach clubs in Tulum – and it’s gotten even bigger and better after they were closed during COVID-19 for redevelopment and upgrades. Now, this place looks like a piece of paradise and it offers anything you can think of: world-class design, famous DJs, a full moon party once per month, incredible food and cocktails, as well as a great location in the northern beach strip, close to Tulum Ruins.

As with most beach clubs in Tulum, Papaya Playa Project also has an incredible eco-hotel; here, you can stay in luxurious beach huts, cottages and cabins with unforgettable views of the Caribbean Sea or the surrounding jungle!

Reservations are recommended, especially during weekends when everybody wants to attend the Papaya Playa Project parties with live DJs and bands!

ENTRANCE FEE: 30 US$

MINIMUM SPEND: 50 US$ per person during the week and 100 US$ on weekends

RESERVATION REQUIRED: yes

ADDRESS: Find it on Google Maps here.

2 – Coco Tulum Beach Club

https://www.instagram.com/p/COQptr8Hzhg/

MY TAKE: I actually stayed at Coco Tulum during my last trip to Tulum, which means I got to chill at their beach club daily – and I enjoyed it a lot!

Coco Tulum is another gorgeous place on my list of the busiest beach clubs in Tulum – and with good reason! This great beach club is hands-down one of the most Instagrammable spots in Tulum with a boho-chic, white-washed design, scattered with pretty rope swings and hammocks too.

And when the night comes, that’s when the parties start, with electronic music and lots of dancing and the ocean as your backdrop. Did I mention this is also one of the most elite beach clubs around?

One thing to know from the start: everybody that has been to Coco Tulum is talking about their fish and seafood tacos! They’re absolutely incredible and they alone are worth the trip to this place. Plus, you can literally never get bored at Coco Tulum, as they offer plenty of activities such as sauna, yoga and guided tours as well.

By the way, I also recommend arriving early, as this place gets full really fast!

ENTRANCE FEE: no

MINIMUM SPEND: 25 US$ per person, making it one of the most budget-friendly beach clubs in Tulum

RESERVATION REQUIRED: yes

ADDRESS: Find it on Google Maps here.

3 – Cinco Tulum Beach Club

Cinco Tulum Instagram Spots
Cinco Tulum Beach

If you’re a fan of boho-chic decor and laid-back vibes, Cinco Tulum must be right up your alley! With great food and comfy beanbags, lounge chairs, sunbeds and even canvas tents right on the beach, Cinco is the perfect spot to spend a relaxing day right on the beach.

Make sure to not expect much, though, as Cinco Tulum has a pretty basic set-up with beach chairs and no pool. In case you’re looking for luxury and sophistication, it may be best to check out one of the other places on this list instead, such as Taboo or Nomade. I went to Cinco for lunch and I enjoyed it!

One of the best things about Cinco is that it’s pretty affordable, especially if you compare it to the classic Tulum prices or the rates charged by other beach clubs in this list. And if you want to linger for longer and you’re a glamping fan, you can also spend the night in one of their luxury tents!

ENTRANCE FEE: no

MINIMUM SPEND: 50 US$ per person on weekends

RESERVATION REQUIRED: yes

ADDRESS: Find it on Google Maps here.

RELATED READ: Where to Stay in Tulum, Mexico – Downtown vs Hotel Zone

4 – Taboo Tulum Beach Club

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cd4QTVBrhVc/

If you’re craving some good ol’ Mediterranean cuisine after tons of tacos and margaritas, Taboo is here for a change of scenery! Besides their incredibly delicious and good-looking menu (they take food to the start of art, quite literally), Taboo also has a glamorous design and fairytale-like atmosphere.

Taboo Tulum also has a pool and lounge chairs and everything else you might desire for a real luxury experience – this means, of course, that the prices will match.

And, most importantly, if you want to spend the day here, you must make a reservation on their website beforehand, otherwise this place will be fully booked, especially if you’re visiting during high season.

ENTRANCE FEE: Taboo has a different payment system – a sunbed here is 120 US$, but you’ll get to spend 71 US$ of them for food and drinks

MINIMUM SPEND: no

RESERVATION REQUIRED: yes

ADDRESS: Find it on Google Maps here.

5 – Vagalume Tulum Beach Club

https://www.instagram.com/p/CRWXcS-JYtU/

Vagalume is one of the newest places around and definitely one of the best beach clubs in Tulum! This place simply looks amazing, with a beautiful little bridge held by a cement hand that connects the lounge area to the pool. Speaking of the lounge area, Vagalume has a beautiful Moroccan decor with wooden chairs, macrame and colourful rugs.

As for parties, this beach club is definitely the place to be. They have live shows, DJs and bands all week long, so no chance to get bored here, as you’ll be experiencing something new every day.

NOTE: Unfortunately, Vagalume has quite a reputation of adding extra drinks to your bill or making money-related mistakes. We don’t know why, maybe they do it on purpose or maybe it happens by mistake when the beach club gets really crowded, but it never hurts to pay a little extra caution when you receive the bill at the end of the day!

ENTRANCE FEE: no

MINIMUM SPEND: 150 US$ per person

RESERVATION REQUIRED: yes

ADDRESS: Find it on Google Maps here.

6 – Nomade Tulum Beach Club

https://www.instagram.com/p/CYeQxXEL1c7/

Nomade is really famous as being one of the most gorgeous boutique hotels in Tulum – and their beach club doesn’t disappoint either! So if you’re looking for an upscale place to spend the day without a care in the world, this beach club is definitely the place to be.

Some of the highlights at Nomade Beach Club include their incredible cocktails, the food (especially the fish and seafood at La Popular, their on-site beachfront restaurant – definitely a must-try!), the private beach, outdoor tents, swings and more. Although it looks REALLY sophisticated, Nomade has mid-range prices, which is also a plus.

NOTE: Nomade is a cashless hotel/place, so make sure you don’t forget your credit card at home.

ENTRANCE FEE: no

MINIMUM SPEND: 100 US$ per person

RESERVATION REQUIRED: yes

ADDRESS: Find it on Google Maps here.

7 – Casa Malca

https://www.instagram.com/p/CfWjyvsOyhD/

Casa Malca is quite different from all the beach clubs I’ve mentioned in this list. In fact, Casa Malca is not just a place where you can sit in a sunbed with a cocktail in your hand, but one of the unmissable tourist attractions in Tulum with historical importance!

Casa Malca was once Pablo Escobar’s mansion, now transformed into a real work of art. You’ll find impressive art installations and artworks here, as well as Instagrammable corners, swings and a beach club section as well. They also have a rooftop terrace and no less than three pools and three restaurants… Do I need to say more?!

Casa Malca Beach Club also has comfy beach beds, hammocks, and a tropical vibe that you’ll surely love, making it perfect for a full day of laying in the sun.

ENTRANCE FEE: 160 US$ for a day pass, out of which 110 US$ can be used as a food and drink credit

MINIMUM SPEND: no

RESERVATION REQUIRED: yes

ADDRESS: Find it on Google Maps here

RELATED READ: 23 Best Tulum Instagram Spots: A Photo Guide

8 – Ziggy’s Beach Club

https://www.instagram.com/p/CeUH9VhuJLr/

Last but definitely not least on my list, Ziggy’s Beach Club is another cool place and one of the best beach clubs in Tulum in my experience! Another cool thing that I loved here is that they open at 7 AM, way before all the other beach clubs on my list, making it the perfect spot to drink your coffee before jumping on one of their sun loungers with a coconut cocktail in your hand. Their special breakfast menu is simply delicious as well!

What makes Ziggy such an amazing place is their eclectic schedule of events (starting at 7.30 PM daily) that differ everyday. Activities may include dancing, tequila or Mexican wine tasting, traditional live music, live seafood cooking – it’s literally impossible to get bored here, regardless of how long you’re staying! One small thing to note, though – there’s going to be a small fee if you want to join these special events.

FUN FACT: Ziggy’s Beach Club also offers solar chargers for your phone, which I think is super nice!

ENTRANCE FEE: no

MINIMUM SPEND: 50 US$ per person

RESERVATION REQUIRED: yes

ADDRESS: Find it on Google Maps here

8 Other notable Tulum beach clubs worth checking out

beaches in tulum mexico
Tulum Beach

Okay, now that you know all about the 8 best beach clubs in Tulum where I used to spend my days, it’s time for a little extra list of places that I didn’t get to visit, but I’d surely love to on my next trip to this destination:

1 – LA EUFEMIA

La Eufemia is one of the top Tulum beach clubs for many people and I’ve heard a lot of good things about this place. First of all, they don’t have a minimum spend, which is absolutely amazing, making it one of the best places for people on a tight budget. One of the most interesting things here is their celebrity-inspired furniture, as in… you can sit at the table with Amy Winehouse! Ah, last but not least, La Eufemia is well-known as being the best taco place in Tulum!

2 – HABITAS BEACH CLUB

Habitas is known as being one of the most beautiful Tulum beach clubs since forever! They have plush lounge chairs, sun loungers, a private white sand beach that’s absolutely gorgeous, pools with an ocean view, an open-air restaurant and more. And if you’re an interior design lover, you simply have to take a look around the entire property, you’ll be in awe at everything they’ve done there!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CYFTWfjPAM-/

3 – PLAYA PARAISO BEACH CLUB

If you’re planning on visiting Tulum Ruins, you’ll surely want to recharge the batteries in a chill spot nearby… which is exactly Playa Paraiso Beach Club, located on, you guessed it, Playa Paraiso Beach! One of the best things about this place is their extra-comfortable beach beds where you can relax and unwind under the palm trees. The food is excellent, there are snorkelling possibilities right near the beach and you’ll only pay 5 US$ for a basic sun lounger. What more to wish for?

4 – MIA BEACH CLUB

If you’re looking for one of the best upscale beach clubs in Tulum with affordable prices (is that even possible?!) and delicious food, then you’ll surely fall in love with Mia Beach Club. And if you’re a wine lover too, there’s no better place for you, as they have more than 300 labels of wine from all around the world – how awesome is that?!

The minimum spending limit here is 20 US$ per person and you get free beach beds if you reach it, which is definitely in the budget range for Tulum! Oh, one last thing: if you visit, make sure you don’t miss their fine dining Mexican restaurant: Mia Restaurant!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CeOpN01FPpS/?hl=en

5 – SELINA BEACH CLUB TULUM

I’m talking about Selina right after Mia Restaurant and Beach club because there’s actually a partnership between the two and they’re now located in the same spot – which means you can check out both of them on the same day if you want!

Selina is up high on the list of Instagrammable places in Tulum, so you can expect to find some gorgeous decor here. Selina has comfortable day beds, a cocktail beach bar, great music to chill on and lots more. While you’re there, make sure you don’t miss “The Next” – one of the best photo ops in Tulum!

6 – MINA

MINA is another one of those places where you can enjoy some incredible food with the view of the ocean. They have a fresh seafood and steak restaurant where you can see your food being cooked at an open-air pit on the private white sand beach – which is an interesting experience by itself!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CSqEpEGMCQA/

7 – HIP HOTEL BEACH CLUB

God, please stop me from making a pun about how hip the Hip Beach Club is… okay, I guess that didn’t work! Jokes aside, this beach club has delicious cocktails, a seafood-inspired menu and lots of comfortable spots on the beach where you can sit and unwind – or admire the sunset!

8 – AHAU TULUM BEACH CLUB

You may remember Ahau Hotel from my list of 23 Best Tulum Instagram Spots: A Photo Guide, but I didn’t get to tell you all about their beach club yet. Ahau Beach Club is nestled into the green jungle, right near the Mayan ruins. They have a delicious menu and lots of Instagrammable corners (as you might’ve guessed already) that you can enjoy.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CTUorUNLnmr/

RELATED READ: 21 Best Cenotes in Tulum and How To Visit Them

How to get to the beach clubs in Tulum

How to get to the cenotes

Regardless if you’re staying in the Hotel Zone or in Tulum Town, getting to the beach clubs I’ve mentioned above is really easy. You have three main options here:

By bike

Bike rental in Tulum is super affordable (around 10 US$ for an entire day) and really fun. Tulum is a safe spot for biking, with a clear path from town to the beach. Plus, it’s what everything does and it really adds to the entire experience!

By scooter

Scooter rental is also great and it comes with the advantage of getting you around a little bit quicker. The average price for scooter rental in Tulum is around 25 US$ per day.

By taxi

This is, naturally, the most expensive option – especially in Tulum, where prices are sky-rocketing every year! But if this is your only choice, I recommend you make sure you negotiate the fee before you get into the car, otherwise they will just come up with any ridiculous number and hound you until you pay it.

RELATED READ: Cancun vs Playa del Carmen vs Tulum – Which One Should You Choose for Your Travel Style?

Free public beaches in Tulum

8 Unmissable Things to Do in Tulum, Mexico - Complete Guide & Tips

The catch about Tulum is that most of its beaches have become private beaches once luxury hotels and resorts started popping up on the entire strip that is called Zona Hotelera – also known as Tulum’s Hotel Zone. These hotels and beach clubs have “monopolised” the beaches and started charging a fee for access; alternatively, others have set a minimum spend per person which can be as high as 100 US$.

Playa Paraiso, Las Palmas and Playa Ruinas are the only 3 free public access beaches in Tulum.

BUT! Once you’re on the beach, you can walk down the playa and set up camp at any spot – every beach is technically public and not owned by any hotel. Make sure you bring your own towel and some snacks, though.

1 – Playa Paradiso Tulum

Playa Paraiso is definitely one of the most popular beaches in Tulum and the most beautiful free public beach out of all three – which means that, unfortunately, it gets crowded at times! Regardless, it’s an excellent beach for recreational activities – Playa Paraiso has something for everyone!

If you want a place to relax, you can spend your days lounging on the beach or swimming in the crystal clear water. For those who want to explore, there are plenty of ancient ruins and caves to discover nearby. You can also find excellent restaurants and beach bars in the area!

2 – Las Palmas Beach Tulum

Las Palmas Beach is located along Zona Hotelera, right next to numerous famous resorts – only here you won’t have to pay any fee to enjoy the gorgeous white sand and turquoise waters!

This beach is quite small and it has two different zones: a sandy patch and a rocky one, which means you’ll get the best of both worlds. The only downside here is that there are literally no amenities on the beach, so you’ll have to make sure to bring your own towels, beach chairs, food and drinks.

3 – Playa Ruinas / Tulum Ruins Beach

Playa Ruinas is located right near the well-known Mayan ruins in the north of the Hotel Zone. One of the highlights of this beach is the cliff in the northern end, which makes for amazing photo opportunities.

Just like with the other two beaches on this list, it will get crowded quickly (as it’s a free access beach), so I recommend visiting as early in the morning as possible in order to beat the crowds! Again, there are literally no amenities here so you’ll have to be in charge of those, but if you get hungry, there are enough good restaurants nearby.

BONUS: Best beaches near Tulum

Best beaches near Tulum

In case you want to check out some other beaches close to Tulum in the Yucatan Peninsula, here are some beautiful ones to add to your list:

  • Playa del Carmen – Playa del Carmen is similar to Tulum, meaning it has gorgeous white sand beaches and turquoise water, plus lots of incredible beaches to check out!
  • Playa Akumal – Akumal, also known as “the place of turtles” is located a bit less than 30 km away from Tulum and it’s worth taking the trip there at least for the five gorgeous bays there and the fun activities such as kayaking, kite surfing, turtle spotting and more.
  • Playa Xpu-Ha Beach – this is one of the hidden gems in Riviera Maya and I highly recommend it if you want a laid-back place away from the hustle and bustle of Tulum Zona Hotelera! This is a secluded beach, surrounded by palm trees and it’s also a great spot for snorkelling.
  • Playa Kantenah – located around 35 km away from Tulum, this wide strip of beach is absolutely gorgeous and an excellent choice if you want to sit back, relax and enjoy some really good restaurants as well. And it’s especially good if you love places with lush vegetation!
  • Punta Allen Beach – this beach is located in the proximity of Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, so it’s a good idea to visit both in case you were planning a day trip in that direction already! Punta Allen is a gorgeous beach with clear water and lots of opportunities for snorkelling and kayaking.
  • Puerto Morelos Beach – this is one of the amazing beaches along the coast of the Caribbean Sea that you probably heard of. This is also where the second largest coral reef in the world is located, so bonus points for those that want to dive and snorkel!

RELATED READ: Complete First Timer’s Guide to Visiting Chichen Itza, Mexico

Aaand this was my complete list of the best beach clubs in Tulum! In this post I’ve told you everything I learned about the 8 amazing beach clubs I visited myself and I’ve also offered you information about 8 other Tulum beach clubs that I didn’t get to visit. In short, I’m absolutely convinced you’ll find THE best beach club for your budget and preferences among my recommendations above!

Tulum is a place that caters to all types of travellers, so regardless if you want to spend your days in a beach bed with some fish tacos and a cocktail in your hand or you want to dance the night away at one of the numerous moon parties with live music, I’m sure you’ll find something for you!

In case you need more information that will help you plan your trip to Tulum, I recommend clicking here to find all my posts about this unique destination. And here you’ll find all my articles about Mexico.

xoxo,

Melissa

Want to know more about travelling to Tulum?

  • Check out all my Tulum Travel Guides here.
  • Need to book your flights? Head over to Skyscanner!
  • Time to book your tour in the city? Head over here!
  • Did you not get travel insurance yet??? Get it – it’s not a hassle you want to risk!
  • Don’t forget to download my nifty Google Maps Guide for your trip to Tulum so you don’t miss a thing!

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best beaches and clubs tulum mexico
best beach clubs and beaches in Tulum

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Hi, I'm Melissa
LONDON GIRL GONE GLOBAL!
I left my life in London and career in the film industry to chase eternal summers, bucket list adventures and see as much of our planet as possible. To say that I am a travel enthusiast is an understatement - what can I say, I am completely obsessed with this wonderful world of ours!
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