A Guide to Planning Perfect One-Day Tulum Excursions

Tulum is one of the last vestiges of the Mayan empire, an east-facing city with perfect sunrises. Hundreds of years ago, it was a trade hub and a walled city. That's where the name comes from; Tulum translates to "fence" or "wall" in Yucatan Maya.

To this day, tourists feel the allure of this ancient Carribean-side location. Excursions in Tulum take visitors every day to gorgeous beaches, mystical ruins, and so much more. If you don't come prepared, though, traveling to Tulum could end up feeling like a very expensive, wasted vacation.

Before you schedule any Tulum day trips, take it from the experts. Read on for the ultimate guide on having perfect day-one excursions in Tulum.

Common Excursions in Tulum

The Mexican coastline along the Caribbean is one of the hottest tourist destinations in the world--literally and metaphorically. The area gets millions upon millions of visitors per year. Big celebrities like Dua Lipa and Chloe Sims spend their holidays in its famed resorts.

So, if you've never been to Tulum, what sorts of excursions should you anticipate? Here are some Tulum vacation ideas that tourists love.

Visit the Ruins

Right off the bat, Tulum is famous for a wide variety of well-preserved Mayan ruins. You'll find stone homes and pyramids all across the Yucatán peninsula. Tulum's ruins, in particular, are very recognizable.

They're unique because, unlike many other ruins, they face the sea. It looks like an ancient beachside surf town lost to time. Fascinating, whether or not you are a history buff.

The easiest way to visit the Tulum ruins is with a tour. Otherwise, you would have to take your own public transportation or ride a bike. Other nearby ruin sites include Muyil, Chichen Itza, and Coba.

Beach Trips

Beaches are not in short supply in Tulum. The real question is what sort of beach you want.

If you are the partying type, you'll find tons of resorts. Liquor and loud music abound. Whether in Cancun or Tulum, you'll get your fix for late-night dancing.

Then, there is the opposite end of the spectrum: the quiet nature preserves. Take, for example, Xcacel Beach, a hidden natural sanctuary 20 minutes north of Tulum. Amenities are sparse, so plan on a nature-oriented experience.

Many beaches offer a mix of activities. You can go scuba diving, swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, really anything you can think of. Parasailing, jet skiing, and other thrill-seeking activities are on the menu, too, if you have a will!

Island Hopping

Island hopping makes you feel like Moana. You traverse the gorgeous web of Caribbean island chains and isolated atolls. It's the best way to sate your sense of adventure--or spend a romantic outing.

You can choose from a wide variety of islands. There's Cozumel, which is great for crystal-clear snorkeling waters. Then you have places like Isla Mujeres, or "Island of Women," for beach clubs and water activities.

Some islands have quite severe restrictions, catering to those in search of the uninhabited. Take, for example, Isla Contoy, which is limited to 200 visitors a day. Get your chance to do some reef snorkeling and birdwatching.

Visit Reserves

You won't always necessarily take a whole day to visit nature reserves. However, we highly recommend at least adding one to your itinerary.

Sian Ka'an is a great option. This UNESCO World Heritage Site protects native species like sea turtles and sea birds. See nature in protected areas such as mangrove preserves, wetlands, and lagoons.

Some tours take you out onto the water, such as visiting El Cielo. Translated as "Heaven," you'll glide over cerulean waters to witness coral reefs and dolphins.

Then, there are tours that let you see unique landscape features common to the Caribbean. One such is the cenote, a natural freshwater swimming hole. You won't find them anywhere outside Yucatán, so take your chance while you can!

With that said, let's cover some tips for your excursions in Tulum.

Manage your Budget

In Tulum, it's easy to spend through your travel budget faster than you planned, as anywhere else. Mexico makes it all too easy to upend your coffers. Many places support credit card payments and hide their true prices behind pesos.

When it comes to Tulum day trips, this problem gets compacted. Tour guides have you at their mercy when you have to pay for access to islands or activities. So, when traveling to Tulum, keep these things in mind.

Download a Currency Converter

At the time of writing, one USD is equivalent to 17.5 Mexican pesos. Truth be told, that's not the most convenient calculation. Make it easy on yourself by downloading a currency converter app.

Each time you prepare to drop cash, whip out your trusty converter and do the math. This can help you avoid overspending due to conversion blindness. That is, making poor estimates of the real cost when looking at foreign currency.

Pay in Local Currency

When you pay with a card, you'll likely get a question: USD or pesos? It seems like the obvious choice is to choose USD. However, this is a common trick tourist-focused businesses play across the world.

In reality, when you pay in USD, they are charging you a currency conversion fee. A small amount, but one that ultimately goes into their pocket. So, always pay in the local currency--otherwise, you'll pay the conversion fee twice!

Consider getting a credit card that offers free foreign transactions. This way, you can pay in pesos and have no conversion fees whatsoever. It also makes it easier to dispute charges that you feel are wrong.

Pay Only in Cash

A helpful tip for many travelers is to always pay in cash. It's a nifty budgeting technique even when you're back at home. You see how much cash you have and spend less due to perceived scarcity.

As the trip winds down, you may find you have better control over extravagant spending. Any leftovers on the last day go to fun splurging.

Prepare for Unanticipated Fees

A good deal of the money you spend will go towards stuff you never planned for. Little things, like tipping your boat driver, the tour guide, or the kayaking instructor who takes your pictures.

Another factor many don't consider is entrance fees. Most islands have a fee to enter, a swimming fee, and even a snorkeling fee. All of these fees are small--a few dollar's worth at most--but they add up.

These may be "emergency" costs, too. Say your sunglasses fall overboard, and you need to replace them at a premium. Factor in money for the occasional bottle of water or extra food if you're feeling peckish before the next meal.

Finally, you never know what you're going to indulge in. There may be a tantalizingly colorful cocktail or a cute tourist bauble that catches your eye. It would be a shame to be strapped for cash in that situation, so plan accordingly.

Come Prepared for Sun and Water

Obviously, you didn't come to this Caribbean Paradise for rain and dry land. Still, many, many tourists arrive for a day-long trip woefully underprepared to tackle the elements. Trust us: returning to your hotel red as a lobster is going to put a damper on the rest of your vacation.

Bring Plenty of Sunscreen

Sunscreen is your best friend in Tulum, especially if you know yourself to be someone who burns easily.

Purchase something with a high SPF that is easy to apply. Spray sunscreen is very convenient for you and your kids. Buy the waterproof kind--if you're not swimming, you'll be sweating.

Make sure you have enough before going out. Remember, you should apply sunscreen every two hours in normal conditions--although applying once every 8 hours is usually fine. With a lot of sweating or swimming, you must reapply it every hour.

You will be able to purchase sunscreen in Tulum. We highly recommend, though, that you get it beforehand. The last thing you want is to spend an arm and a leg at a tourist shop.

Bring Waterproof Gear

We all know exactly what you'll do at the end of each vacation day: post to Instagram. And why wouldn't you? The pictures you'll take during your visit will look like a dream.

It would be quite a shame, then, if your phone got soaked. Purchase a high-quality, reusable, waterproof cellphone bag. In most cases, it comes with a handy neck strap to keep it close to your person.

Make sure to use it right, too. Get a good seal before taking it to the water- and don't open it in the water! Most bags allow you to access the camera or anything else from within the bag.

Sure, your phone probably has IP-whatever water resistance. But salt water won't play nice with your charging port or screen protector. Plus, the protector doubles as a strap to prevent you from dropping it into the depths of the ocean.

Bring Swim Gear

Unless you are allergic to saltwater, bring swimming clothes. Even if you don't plan on taking a dip, bring them anyway. You never know when you'll stumble upon an excellent cenote.

Even if you somehow resist the pull of cool, blue water, you're not out of the clear. Your ferry or transport boat will splash you here or there. Wearing swim trunks or a bikini beneath your clothes is usually a must in the Caribbean.

Bring Drinking Water and Snacks

There will be plenty of spots to tuck into some delicious local fare and slurp smoothies on your trip. Still, it's highly advisable to bring a water bottle and snacks.

Mexico, like the rest of the world, has experienced a rash of heat deaths. Aside from staying cool, the best cure for heat is drinking water. The salty air and water can dehydrate you quicker than you realize.

Experts recommend approximately three liters per day of water. Keep track of how much water you and yours are taking in. Keep a mental note to refill where possible--you never know where you can buy drinks.

Snacks always help. When meals can be quite spread out, it keeps your energy up.

Bring Mosquito Spray

Missing from all the smiling pictures of your friend's trips to Tulum are the mosquitoes. They are everywhere, day or night.

Get yourself a high-deet or all-natural mosquito spray. You'll thank us later. Mosquito stickers or bracelets could also help, but your mileage may vary.

Make sure to get all the exposed areas when spraying yourself. The neck, the backs of your knees, and your feet are areas people usually miss.

Do Some "Seaweed Research"

This may seem like an odd recommendation, but hear us out. Caribbean beaches go through a yearly season of brown algae. From mid-May to about mid-October (Caribbean summer), it's everywhere.

Algae is harmless, but it's not fun to swim in. It also ruins the image of crystal-clear water you want in your pictures.

If possible, plan your trip during the winter. Regardless of when you plan it, do your research in advance. Knowing when there is an algae bloom helps to swap swimming-related plans for inland excursions.

Arrange for Transporation

There is so much to do in Tulum and the surrounding area. The problem is, you'll have to do a fair amount of traveling to access it.

To be clear, there is plenty in Tulum city itself. Most of the prime locations, however, will be a minimum 10-20 minute journey from your hotel. And in the case of day excursions in Tulum, some of them could easily be a one or two-hour journey.

There are plenty of transport options available. Public transport, like colectivos (shared buses) and taxis. Or you can take a bike--though we mentioned you'll sweat like a pig.

The solution? Arrange for private transportation.

Having your own transport at your beck and call is a game changer. Go at your own pace and skip the cramped buses.

Get Private Transportation with Cancun Love

Excursions in Tulum will take from beaches to islands, with exotic animals in between. Before you go, plan well in advance. Preparing the right gear and budget can make all the difference.

Cancun Love hooks you up with private transportation during your trip. Reach out to us here and tell us about your plans.