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Escape the Seaweed: Best Swimming Spots in Tulum Beyond the Beach

  • Writer: livethetulumdream
    livethetulumdream
  • Jun 7
  • 5 min read

Updated: June 07, 2025

Wondering where to swim in Tulum during sargassum season? Don’t worry—there are plenty of stunning freshwater alternatives beyond the beach. From cenotes and lagoons to luxury spa pools and jungle retreats, this 2025 guide explores the best places to cool off when seaweed hits the shores of Tulum.

What Is Sargassum Season in Tulum?

Each spring and summer, sargassum seaweed washes up on Tulum’s coastline, making some beaches less ideal for swimming. But inland, the Yucatán Peninsula shines with crystal-clear cenotes, tranquil lagoons, resort pools, and holistic water experiences—perfect alternatives for your tropical getaway.



Sargassum in Tulum

Cenotes in Tulum: Discover These Magical Freshwater Pools

Tulum is famous not only for its beaches and ruins but also for its stunning cenotes—natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear freshwater. These unique geological formations, formed in the region’s porous limestone bedrock, were considered sacred by the ancient Maya and are now among the top attractions in Tulum. Swimming in cenotes is a must-do activity, offering a refreshing escape and a chance to connect with nature. Many cenotes near Tulum are perfect for snorkeling and even cave diving. Most are open daily with no reservation required, but visiting early helps avoid the crowds. To help preserve these fragile ecosystems, visitors should rinse off all sunscreen and insect repellent before entering—most cenotes in Tulum provide outdoor showers for this purpose.


Best Cenotes in Tulum

Best Cenotes to Visit in Tulum During Sargassum Season

Tulum is world-famous for its cenotes—natural freshwater sinkholes ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. These magical spots offer a unique way to enjoy nature while escaping the seaweed.

🌊 Gran Cenote

  • 📍4 km from Tulum town on the Coba road

  • ⏰ Daily: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM | 💰 500 MXN

  • Features: Caverns, turtles, crystal-clear water, snorkel gear & lockers for rent

🌊 Cenote Dos Ojos

  • 📍15 km north of Tulum

  • ⏰ Daily: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM | 💰 450–700 MXN

  • Guided access to the "Bat Cave", snorkel packages available

🌊 Cenote Calavera (Temple of Doom)

  • 📍3 km west of Tulum center

  • ⏰ Daily: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM | 💰 250 MXN

  • Famous for its cave holes, ladder entry, and dramatic photos

🌊 Cenote Carwash (Aktun-Ha)

  • 📍8 km west of Tulum

  • ⏰ Daily: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM | 💰 300 MXN

  • Open-air, lily pads, turtles, and picnic areas

🌊 Cenote Zacil-Ha

  • 📍8 km northwest of Tulum

  • ⏰ Daily: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM | 💰 300 MXN

  • Zip-line, palapas, swimming pools, and snack bar

🌊 Cenotes Cristal & Escondido

  • 📍4 km south of Tulum

  • ⏰ Daily: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM | 💰 150 MXN (both included)

  • Great for diving, picnics, and secluded swimming

Lagoons & Spring Pools: Sargassum-Free Swimming Spots Near Tulum


Kaan Luum lagoon
Kaan Luum lagoon

Discover Tulum’s Lagoons and Freshwater Springs: A Tranquil Escape into Nature

In addition to its famous cenotes, Tulum offers serene lagoons and crystal-clear freshwater springs perfect for kayaking, snorkeling, and leisurely floating. These natural attractions provide a peaceful alternative to the beach, often surrounded by lush jungle vegetation and diverse birdlife. Whether you're seeking relaxation or a quiet adventure, Tulum’s hidden lagoons and spring-fed pools offer a refreshing way to experience the region’s natural beauty.

These serene bodies of water provide beautiful settings for kayaking, floating, and wildlife spotting.

🌿 Laguna Kaan Luum

  • 📍9 km south of Tulum

  • 💰 350 MXN | Kayak rentals available

  • Shallow turquoise lagoon surrounding a deep cenote

🌿 Casa Cenote (Cenote Manatí)

  • 📍Tankah Bay, 10 km north of Tulum

  • 💰 150 MXN | Ideal for mangrove swimming and paddleboarding

🌿 Yal-Kú Lagoon (Akumal)

  • 📍30 km north of Tulum

  • 💰 300 MXN | Great for snorkeling with tropical fish

🌿 Sian Ka’an Muyil Float Tour

  • 📍20 km south of Tulum (Muyil Ruins)

  • 💰 ~$50–$70 USD | 2–3 hour guided float experience in ancient Mayan canals

🌿 Punta Laguna Nature Reserve

  • 📍Approx. 1 hour from Tulum

  • 💰 300 MXN | Lagoon access, canoeing, zip-lining, and monkey watching

Water Parks & Multi-Cenote Day Trips

Combine adventure and relaxation at these top-rated attractions, perfect for full-day freshwater fun.


Aquatic parks in the Riviera Maya
Aquatic parks in the Riviera Maya

🎟 Xel-Há Park

  • 📍20 km north of Tulum

  • 💰 ~$100–$120 USD all-inclusive

  • Snorkeling, tubing, cliff jumping, food, and drinks

🎟 Parque Dos Ojos

  • 📍15 km north of Tulum

  • 💰 100–300 MXN per cenote | Multi-cenote guided tours available

🎟 Cenotes Casa Tortuga

  • 📍15 km northwest of Tulum

  • 💰 650 MXN (guided tour of 4 cenotes, life jacket included)

🎟 Tankah Park

  • 📍10 km north of Tulum

  • 💰 ~$60–$80 USD | Includes zip-lining, canoeing, lunch, and cultural immersion

🎟 LabnaHa Eco Park

  • 📍Between Tulum and Akumal

  • By reservation only | Guided cave snorkeling in sacred cenotes

Wellness & Spa Water Experiences in Tulum

Wellness and Spa Water Experiences in Tulum

Tulum is a top destination for wellness tourism, offering transformative water-based experiences that blend nature, relaxation, and healing. From luxurious spa hydrotherapy treatments to immersive sound healing sessions in sacred cenotes, Tulum provides a unique environment for rejuvenation and spiritual connection. Discover the power of water in Tulum’s wellness scene—perfect for travelers seeking deep relaxation, holistic health, and mind-body renewal.


Best hotels in Tulum
Conrad Tulum

Want to relax during sargassum season? Tulum’s spa culture is flourishing with hydrotherapy, healing rituals, and aquatic bodywork.

🧖 Yäan Healing Sanctuary

  • 📍Across from Be Tulum Hotel

  • Indigenous therapies, hydrotherapy circuit, steam rooms, hot & cold plunges

🧖 Naj Naay Spa (The Beach Tulum Hotel)

  • Beachfront spa with full hydrotherapy circuit and romantic moonlight sessions

🧖 Casa Malca – Philosophy Spa

  • 💰 $150 USD day pass (massage + spa access)

  • Cold plunge pools, art-filled ambiance, and luxury design

🧘 Sound Healing in Cenotes

  • Immersive sound bath sessions in hidden cenotes with singing bowls and gongs

🌊 Aquatic Massage (Watsu / Janzu)

  • Private, floating massage experiences in cenotes or warm pools (~$120 USD/session)

Best Hotel Pools & Day Passes in Tulum (No Seaweed!)

Enjoy lush poolside lounging, food & drink service, and peaceful ambiance—no sargassum in sight. Hotel Pools and Public Day Pass Pools in Tulum.

When the beach isn't ideal, Tulum offers some of the best alternatives through its hotel pools and public day pass options. Many boutique and luxury hotels in Tulum feature stunning rooftop or jungle-view pools, perfect for relaxing in a serene atmosphere. These hotel pools are often accessible with a Tulum day pass, which typically includes access to the pool, loungers, and full food and drink service. Whether you're seeking a peaceful escape or a chic poolside experience, Tulum's day pass pools provide an unforgettable way to unwind without staying overnight.


Where to swim in Tulum
Hotel Bardo

🏨 Hotel Bardo

  • 📍La Veleta

  • 💰 $30–$50 USD | Jungle pool, craft cocktails, wellness vibe

🏨 Muaré Tulum

  • 📍Near Holistika

  • 💰 1,000 MXN | Spa pool access, sauna, garden, and healthy cuisine

🏨 Kore Tulum Retreat

  • 📍Hotel Zone (southern end)

  • 💰 ~$95–$118 USD | Infinity pool, hydrotherapy, massage, all-inclusive

🏨 Akumal Resort Day Passes

  • Resorts like Grand Sirenis & Barcelo | 💰 ~$70–$90 USD

  • Large pools, water parks, buffet, kid-friendly

🏨 Vesica Cenote Day Club

  • Jungle lounge by a cenote | Minimum spend applies

  • DJ music, wellness events, cocktails, fine dining


Tulum cenotes
Tulum Cenotes

Final Thoughts: Where to Swim in Tulum in 2025 Without Sargassum

Whether you're diving into the cool depths of a jungle cenote, floating in a hidden lagoon, or unwinding in a luxurious spa, Tulum’s inland waters offer a refreshing and unforgettable alternative to the sea. So don’t let sargassum spoil your vacation—discover the magic of Tulum beyond the beach.

Bookmark this 2025 guide to swimming in Tulum during sargassum seasonFollow us for updated tips on eco-tours, wellness escapes, and secret cenotesTag your favorite freshwater spot with #TulumBeyondTheBeach #sargassum2025 #mayamirealestate

 
 
 

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