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Searching for unique things to do in Tulum on your upcoming trip? You came to the right girl! 

Tulum, Mexico has an abundance of amazing activities you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Everything from scuba diving in a cenote to visiting Mayan Ruins! 

These were my favorite things we did while in Tulum and I am positive you will love them as well!

This blog post will go over my top 11 unique things to do in Tulum!

#1. Take A Picture at Cenote Suytun

Entering Cenote Suytun feels like you are walking onto an Indiana Jones movie set.

After descending into a rock tunnel you pop out to an amazing scene! Stalagmites drip from the ceiling, and a long platform juts out into the center of the water. 

This cenote has becomes even more special in the month of May and June with light pouring in from the top and illuminating the platform with a spectacular light ray.

Sadly, we came in December and the light was far off to the side due to the angle of the sun. If you do come at the right time of year- remember 11 am-1 pm is the best time to go to get the light ray. 

Cenote Suytun costs $200 pesos per person (roughly $10) and you are provided with a life jacket. You do have to shower before getting in (also provided) as the ecology in the cave is sensitive. You can swim here although the water is much more shallow than other cenotes. 

To get the photo they do line up a queue of people so you will only have a minute or two to take your photos when it is your turn.

The lighting conditions can be quite difficult so you will want a lens that has a low aperture for low light conditions (1.4 or 2.8) and a camera you can pump the ISO up on.

LEARN MORE: Check Out These Best Cenotes In Yucatan

#2. Swim Under The Vines At Cenote Ik Kil

My favorite cenote! Cenote Ik Kil is truly a surreal experience- vines drip down from the ceiling and birds frolick around the top. You can jump in and float under the vines while vibey music plays from the speakers. 

This is one of the most popular cenotes so I would highly recommend getting there at opening time (8am) to beat the rush of people. By the time we left at 10am tour buses had pulled up and the area was swarmed with people. 

It is $150 pesos per person and you get access to the cenote + a life jacket and locker space. You are not allowed to bring anything down to the cenote besides a cell phone- not even a towel, so you will be thankful for the locker. 

If you are also doing Cenote Suytun these two make a great day trip together as they are in the same area. Add in Cenote Oxman for the trifecta!

#3. Go Scuba Diving In Dos Ojos

Dos Ojos has become a world famous cenote for scuba diving- and for good reason! The name “dos ojos” means “two-eyes” and comes from the fact there are two sinkholes right next to eachother connected with an underwater corridor. 

The water is ridiculously clear and the abundance of natural light makes for some stunning light rays and great underwater visibility. 

Even just snorkeling here we were able to see beautiful light rays! The water color itself- a bright aqua blue is another thing to marvel at. 

You can hire a guide to take you scuba diving here or take a beginner course and advance to be able to dive here. 

We brought our own snorkeling gear and just swam around in one of the main sinkholes. I would love to come back with my scuba certification just to dive here! 

Entrance fee is $350 pesos or roughly $21 USD per person making it the most expensive cenote on this list. You also need to pay extra to bring in any camera gear.

READ MORE: Check Out My Ultimate Tulum Travel Guide

#4: Visit The Architectural Masterpiece- Sfer Ik 

If you are looking to experience magical architecture while in Tulum, look no further than Sfer Ik.

They call Sfer Ik a museum but I felt it was more like an immersive experience. The entrance takes you over the jungle canopy on a bird’s nest like walk-way and upon entering you are immediately transported into a stunning meld of wood, plants and concrete. 

The architect, Eduardo Neira, is well known for melding his creations into the local environment. This particular piece takes heavy inspiration from the surrounding area- everything is curved and organic and vines drape over the intricately woven wood. 

You are not allowed to wear shoes in this space, giving it an even more tactile feel. You meander through weaving bridges up to the top and then down into an even more unique space that can only be described as organic. The entrance fee is $20 USD per person and to bring a camera in is $100. We opted instead to use our iphones and put them on RAW so we could edit them later.

Check Out My Tulum Wall Art!

#5. Shop For Dream Catchers

As soon as you enter Tulum you will surely begin to notice all of the dream-catchers. They seem to be everywhere- hanging in restaurants, in the stalls along the street and in the hotels you stay at. 

Tulum has become a mecca for weaving- not only dream catchers, but also hammocks, lamp shades and clothing! 

These beautiful art pieces are great souvenirs to bring home and cost ½ or even a 1/3rd of what you might pay for the same thing back at home. 

I personally brought home two dream catchers, three lamp shades and was SO tempted to buy a hammock. 

You will be able to find these mainly in Tulum Centro (the main city of Tulum) but also in neighboring towns and sometimes along the beach! 

READ MORE: Check Out These 20 Photos To Inspire You To Visit Tulum Mexico

#6: Take Pictures At The Tulum Sculpture and “Follow That Dream” Street Sign

If you have ever scrolled through social media and seen an influencer travel to Tulum you will 9/10 times see she has a picture with this sculpture or street sign! 

Instagram has made these popular photo spots and many people search the area trying to take a picture with them. 

To access the Tulum Sculpture you will need to go to Ahau Tulum Sculpture Park which is located in the Hotel Zone in Tulum on the beach area. If you put in “Raw Love” and find the beach cafe in that area it is right next-door. 

To take a picture with the sculpture you will need to pay $60 pesos or roughly $3 USD. This allows you to stand in a line and take pictures with the sculpture.

The street sign on the other hand is completely free and you will find it right next to “Lolita Lolita” boutique!

#7: Workout At The Tulum Jungle Gym

Ever wanted to work out by lifting rocks, a net full of coconuts or bench press with bamboo? The Tulum jungle gym has you covered! 

This is the only item on the list that I didn’t personally do. We walked past it but decided it wasn’t worth the $30 USD a day price. In saying that, it did look really fun and is an iconic place to visit while you are in Tulum! 

If you are really into working out you could even buy a week’s pass for you time in Tulum! 

#8: Stay At A Private Villa On The Beach

What is more relaxing than a private beach side villa on the Carribean sea? Nothing. 

While there are tons of hotels to pick from in Tulum it can get quite crowded and feel a bit more like a party than a vacation. If you are searching for a romantic getaway or a vacation with friends that you want to feel luxurious and relaxing than search no further than Zorba Beach Homes. 

Staying in the ocean side villa was one of the best decisions we made while on our trip to Tulum!

A UNIQUE STAY: Beachfront Villas In Tulum -Zorba Tulum

#9: Try Out Some Amazing Restaurants

The restaurant scene in Tulum is truly out of this world. Not only is the food amazing but they go above and beyond at creating atmosphere and beautiful interiors.  

You can expect tons of vegan options, great Mexican food and everything made with fresh and healthy ingredients. 

What I loved the most about Tulum was the “wellness vibe” that seemed to infuse everything. The locals here seem to really care about using great ingredients and adding things like ashwaganda, CBD and different herbal supplements at any chance they had. 

Some of my favorite restaurants were: 

Burrito Amor– best burritos I have ever had! We came back here 4 different times

Raw Love– great vegan food, best avocado toast I have ever had and amazing smoothies

Pizzeria Manglar– amazing and cheap pizza

Matcha Mama– super yummy acai bowls

Mezzanine- great Thai food but even better views and aesthetic

Good Burger– great margaritas and appetizers (and 2 for 1 from 11am-5pm!)

#10: Swing In A Cenote At Cenote Calavera

I had the most fun at Cenote Calavera while in Tulum. It was great to be able to swing from the swing and hangout in the water- but the best part (and the part not pictured here- sorry 🙁 was the smaller holes off to the side of this main opening! 

There were two other holes that dropped into the cave and you could pencil jump into them– from the side it looks like you just disappear into nothingness! In reality you drop about 5-10’ into the cave and pop up to see little bats staring back at you! 

I thought that I would have a problem with bats- but they were actually so cute! 

The entrance fee to this cenote is $250 pesos per person or around $12 USD per person. To bring a camera in it was another $200 pesos. I opted to just bring in my cell phone to record videos and snap a coupe of photos. 

#11. Visit Mayan Ruins

This blog post would not be complete without mentioning all of the amazing Mayan ruins you can visit around the area of Tulum. 

This area used to be a huge part of the Mayan civilization and there are a couple really famous ruins in the area. We only visited the Muyil Ruins (which cost $6 USD per person) but there is also the Tulum Ruins and Chichen Itza Pyramids you can visit!

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