Thalia & Jason
Exploring Tulum
Gran Cenote
Gran Cenote is one of the most popular cenotes in Tulum. It is a large connection of a series of smaller caves making one giant cenote. All of the sections are connected by wooden walkways, laid down on the jungle floor. It boasts such crystal-clear water, that fish and turtles can be seen swimming around without the need of a snorkel! The water temperature is approximately 70 degrees. In the dark areas, there is a rope with floats to guide you; however, it is also quite shallow, allowing for all swimming skill levels to enjoy. It is about 10 minutes outside of town and the best time to visit is in the early morning or later in the afternoon when the crowds have gone. Cost: $300 MXN pesos Hours: Every day 8:10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. (last entry is at 4:15 p.m.)
Cenote Calavera
Cenote Calavera translates to ‘skull cenote,’ and the reason behind the name is that when sunlight pours in through the holes of the cenote, it looks exactly like a skull at certain angles of the dive. You’ve probably seen the gorgeous pictures like the one above. This is the cenote with a swing and a jumping platform, all surrounded by Mexican jungle foliage. But there’s a lot more to than first meets the eye. Under the surface, the caved-in platform juts downward in an almost perfect circle, with boulders tumbling down the sides. This means that when you scuba dive here, you can follow the edge around past rainbow-colored rock formations, prehistoric fossils, and have fun swimming through the halocline. This cenote is quietest in the mornings. Cost: $300 MXN pesos normal entry / $250 MXN pesos scuba diver entry Hours: Every day 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cenote El Pit
The Pit Cenote is the deepest cenote in the state. The visibility is incredible, even from the surface. At approximately 30-meters down, divers can see what looks like the sandy bottom with an eerie branch sticking out from it. However, this sand is actually a halocline. The cave then drops even further but can only be reached by certified divers. On the deepest point of the dive, your guide will point out some animal and human bones on the floor of the cavern. The Pit is easily one of the best cenotes for divers, due to the amazing things you’ll see down there and the fact that its open-water, so suitable for almost all diver certifications. Recently, snorkellers and swimmers were banned and only scuba divers are allowed to enter. Cost: $475 MXN pesos scuba diver entry Hours: Every day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Reserva de la Biósfera Sian Ka'an
The Sian Ka’an Biosphere is a 2,000+ square-mile reserve that protects a network of freshwater marshes, mangroves, lagoons, and barrier reef and serves as a home base for tons of wildlife. Because of how massive this reserve is, you’ll need to choose between one of the two main areas that can be explored in Sian Ka’an: Punta Allen or Muyil. Punta Allen is the area in Sian Ka’an that is closer to the ocean and saltwater lagoons, which is perfect for wildlife viewing (e.g., manatees, crocodiles, dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and ospreys) and snorkeling. For those looking to do a more accessible version of Sian Kaan, Muyil is a great choice. It’s the inland region of Sian Ka’an, and while you won’t get the ocean, you will get to see wetlands, mangroves, winding man-made canals that were used for trade in ancient times (which you can float along!), and Mayan temples.
Chichén-Itzá
As one of the largest Mayan archaeological sites, Chichen Itza is a complex of 17 structures featuring impressive step pyramids, old living quarters, and intricate stone carvings that will take you back in time. By far the most impressive Mayan ruins in the area, this is a must-see if you have the time. It is about three hours by car one way, so many people plan an overnight trip. Cost: $533 MXN pesos Hours: Open daily from 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Tulum Archaeological Zone
Coba is an ancient Mayan city that is known as the intersection of the largest network of raised pathways in the ancient Mayan world. Here, you can visit a huge connected archeological area dotted with structures, engraved stones, and pyramids, the most well-known of which is the Nohoch Mul Pyramid. If you are looking for Mayan ruins that you can climb, you’re in luck! You can still climb the Coba Ruins. In order to see all of the sites here, you can rent bikes or have a local Mayan guide take you around on a bicycle carriage. Cost: 70 MXN pesos Hours: Open daily from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
SFER IK
It doesn’t look like an ordinary art exhibition space—and that’s the point. The Tulum location’s nestlike structure was conceived as a place where avant-garde artists could gather and envision new ways to create, inspired by their unusual environs. Made of locally sourced wood and cement, the space’s ceilings and walls are trimmed with plants sprouting along circular apertures to the world outside. Cost: 198 MXN pesos Hours: Open daily from 11:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Tulum Jungle Gym
A unique jungle style gym with all of the weights made out of wood and its right on the beach of Tulum. There is group classes and a daily rate to go!
Swimming with Whale Sharks
Whale shark season is mid-May through mid-September. Don't miss this awesome opportunity!