Tulum Town - Diving Holiday Destination

Tulum Town (Mexico)

Tulum is located in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico on the Yucatan Peninsula, a 2 hour drive from Cancun (81miles/130km). It’s the most southerly resort on the Mexican Riviera Maya.

Tulum can be divided into 3 areas: Tulum Town (Tulum Puebla), Tulum Beach (Boca Paila) and the place Tulum is most famous for, The Tulum Mayan Ruins.

Tulum Town started as a quiet little village 1.5miles (2km) from the archeological ruins site, with just a few small shops and little cabanas on the beach. It has now grown to become a large town, still mainly Mexican in identity, with most of its local inhabitants being of Mayan Descent and still able to speak Mayan.

Along the highway is the tourista zona and there are lots of shops catering to Tourists: tortilla stands, restaurants, pharmacies and other kinds of stores. There are dive shops, tour companies, car rental agencies. Bars and Restaurants can be found in town. Tulum is slowly developing to offer various services (like an Internet Cafe for example) phone service, and more.

Boca Paila (beach area) has yet to be invaded by the all-inclusive resorts. Along the beach you can find inexpensive cabana's for rent, with reservations not usually needed, plus the odd drink stand/BBQ joint. Clothing is optional. The white sand beaches, gentle surf, and the year round warm tropical waters make this an ideal place for swimming, snorkeling, diving, or just beachcombing. The beaches are nearly deserted and the reef located offshore insures that the waves are kept small and provide safe swimming conditions.

Tulum ruins are approximately 2 km down a road towards the coast. There is a large market there as well as a few fast food restaurants. Tulum is the site of a Pre-Columbian Maya walled city. The ruins are located on 39-foot (12-m) cliffs. Within the ruins site, there are three main pyramids. The ruins are not the most lavish, best preserved, or significant that this ancient civilization has to offer. The magnificence of the Tulum site is its location, situated on a cliff high above the sparkling turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean.

While an inscription dated A.D. 564 has been found at the site, most of the structures now visible were built in the Post-Classic Era, between about 1200 and 1450. The city remained occupied through the early years of the Spanish conquest of Yucatán, but was abandoned by the end of the 16th century. Local Maya continued to visit the temples, to burn incense and pray, until the late 20th century, when tourists visiting the site became too numerous for the local inhabitants.

Another attraction is the extensive biosphere reserve at Sian Ka'an which encompasses over 1.5 million acres, and offers a close hand look at the plant and wildlife of the Yucatan. Jaguars, manatees, crocodiles, and turtles are just a few of the animals that can be found within the preserve.

Tulum is a great place to relax on the beach, explore the surrounding areas for adventure, and absorb the Mayan culture in a laid back atmosphere.

Climate

The average annual temperature of the Riviera Maya is 25.5 degrees Celsius (78 degrees F), with fluctuations of 5 to 7 degrees (July-Aug: high 80’s to low 90’s/ 32 degrees C) (Dec – Jan: Mid 70’s F/24 degrees C).

In June, July, and August visitors can expect hot sunny summer weather with occasional rainfall. Usually when it rains it rains hard for a little while then dries up quickly. This is also when the sea is the calmest.

The hurricane season runs September through December and the sky can change from clear to overcast in minutes. The ocean water is warmest in August-September and starts to cool down in November.

From July through September the temperature is highest, as is rainfall. This is also the mosquito season.

November, December and January are the coolest months here, which means it's very comfortable. There might be some rain, but not daily. This time of year, nights can be much cooler and a jacket required.

Spring (February to May) is a beautiful time of year on the Riviera, with very little rain and flowers everywhere. The ocean gets calmer and warmer, as temperatures rise. Nights can still be a little cool but the temperature is milder and more comfortable.

All year round the humidity level is very high, often around 90 per cent. Regardless of what time of year you get here, you will have great beach days and not so great beach days but the ocean is always warm enough to swim and snorkel in.

Dive Facts

Water temperatures range from 77°-82°F (25°-28°C) throughout the year.

Dive Attractions

SCUBA diving and snorkeling are a big attraction in Tulum there are many dive shops and cenote tours in the town.

Interesting side trips from Tulum include visiting the many cenotes or limestone sinkholes that provide refreshing swimming, snorkeling, and exciting cavern dives. Cenote dives as well as dives on the reef offshore can be arranged at several locations in town.

Tulum has the world's second-largest underwater coral reef along its coast, a spectacular and unforgettable atraction.

See More About Individual Tulum Scuba Diving Sites in Tulum, Mexico by looking in our Dive Guide.... go to Dive Guide, Dive Sites, Central America, Mexico, Tulum.... Tulum is close to Akumal, Playa Del Carmen and Cozumel, so check out their Scuba Diving Sites as well!

For Tulum Scuba Diving Clubs, Shops and Operators, see our Dive Travel Destinations Directory.... go to Dive Guide, Dive Travel, Central America, Mexico, Tulum.

Other

Language: Spanish, but most stores have English speaking staff.

Currency: Mexican peso, but all stores accept US dollars.

No comments yet.