Photo by Kat Tancock
South of Tulum's hotel zone, surrounding the fishing village of Punta Allen, is the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean. It's best to visit the reserve on a tour, which can be arranged through your hotel. Mexico Kan Tours offers one water-oriented option; tour the waterways and mangrove-surrounded lagoons on a local fishing boat while you search for dolphins, sea turtles, starfish, crocodiles, pelicans, cormorants and the distinctive pink spoonbills, then snorkel the relatively unspoiled reef, go for a dip in the "natural swimming pool" (metre-deep crystal-clear waters stretching far from shore) and finish your day with a buffet lunch eaten on the beach.
8. Sunrises to get up early for
Yes, you're on vacation, but even if you're not much of an early riser, make an exception at least once and get up at first light for a sunrise walk on the nearly deserted beach. Take off your sandals and wade barefoot through the waves as you watch the sun's first rays light up the water; if you're a yoga or meditation devotee, this is the perfect time and place for your daily practice. Follow up your morning walk with a beachside pineapple and banana smoothie and Mexican-style eggs at La Zebra's restaurant.
9. Uncrowded beaches
Tulum's hotel zone stretches along the beach from the ruins near town all the way south toward the Sian Ka'an biosphere – and the road backs onto mainly jungle, meaning there's a limit to the amount of people nearby. The farther south you go, the more secluded the beach; while you may not be the only one stretched out in the sun, it's a far cry from the crowds farther north. And the creamy coral sand and clear turquoise waters spell nothing short of paradise.
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