Support

Playa Las Palmas

About

Imagine an endless stretch of snow-white sand washed by the azure waves of the Caribbean Sea — this is exactly how Las Palmas Beach greets its guests. It is a cozy public beach located in the northern part of the famous hotel zone in the city of Tulum. Unlike many other resort locations, this place has preserved an atmosphere of untouched natural beauty, for which Mexico is so highly valued.

Las Palmas Beach. Source: Kupi.com AI

The beach is part of a long coastline and is famous for its soft coral sand. Here you can safely walk barefoot without fear of rocks or sharp shell fragments. Las Palmas is ideal for those seeking a peaceful holiday surrounded by tropical greenery: the shore is separated from the road by a wide strip of palm trees and exotic shrubs that create pleasant natural shade.

This place is often called a hidden treasure, as it is located just a couple of kilometers away from busy tourist trails and famous ruins. The absence of major developments directly on the shore allows you to feel at one with nature and enjoy the silence, broken only by the sound of the surf.

Contacts

For your trip planning convenience, below is the official information regarding the location and popularity of this spot among travelers.

Address Playa Las Palmas, Zona Hotelera Tulum, Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Coordinates 20.1984842, -87.4359668
Rating 4.5 out of 5 (based on 930 reviews)
Status Active

What to Do

There is something for everyone here, whether you seek absolute peace or a thirst for active adventure. Thanks to the steady winds, Las Palmas Beach is rightfully considered one of the best spots in the region for windsurfing and kitesurfing. If you have always wanted to try catching a wave, this place provides an excellent opportunity.

For those who prefer relaxed recreation, there are beach clubs along the shore where you can rent comfortable sun loungers and umbrellas. Local bars and restaurants serve refreshing drinks and traditional snacks, allowing you to spend the whole day by the water in maximum comfort. At the same time, the atmosphere remains tranquil: jet skis are prohibited on the beach, so your relaxation won't be interrupted by the roar of engines.

The calm coastal waters make Las Palmas a wonderful choice for family vacations with children. The absence of sudden depth changes and sharp rocks allows little ones to play safely at the water's edge. Additionally, it is an ideal location for long walks along the ocean — three kilometers of continuous beach strip invite you to stroll in the shade of the palms, collecting beautiful shells as souvenirs.

Getting There

Reaching this picturesque spot is easy, as it is located in the popular Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera). If you are staying in the center of Tulum, the trip to the coast is only a few kilometers. The most convenient way is to take a taxi or rent a bicycle, which is a very popular mode of transport in these parts.

The main landmark for drivers is Highway 109. There are signs along the road with beach names to help you navigate. Keep in mind that the shore itself is hidden behind a strip of thick vegetation, so look for turn-offs with the corresponding signs. Las Palmas Beach is located about five to six kilometers north of another famous spot — Playa Paraiso.

Public transport in the form of small buses (colectivos) also runs between the town and the beach area, but they usually stay on the main road, and a short walk may be required from the stop. For maximum comfort, we recommend taking a taxi directly to the beach entrance.

History & Facts

The coastline where Las Palmas Beach stretches has served as an important landmark for the ancient Maya for centuries. The nearby fortress city of Tulum was one of the last strongholds of this civilization, and its inhabitants used these bays for fishing and maritime trade. The snow-white sands we see today are the result of thousands of years of natural processes that shaped the unique landscape of the Yucatan Peninsula coast.

The name Las Palmas (translated as "The Palms") speaks for itself. Historically, this area was covered with dense palm groves that not only protected the shore from erosion but also served as a resource for indigenous peoples. Even today, despite the development of tourism, efforts are made to preserve the natural forest strip that separates the beach from civilization.

Interestingly, unlike many other resort areas in Mexico, Tulum and its public beaches remained a "hidden gem" for a long time, known only to a narrow circle of travelers and archaeologists. Active infrastructure development began here relatively recently, allowing Las Palmas Beach to maintain its natural purity and ecological charm.

Today, this stretch of land is part of an important Caribbean ecosystem. The combination of soft coral sand and crystal-clear water makes it more than just a place for relaxation — it is a living reminder of what the region's tropical nature looked like before large-scale urbanization began.

Time Needed

To fully experience the atmosphere of serenity and enjoy the gentle waters of the Caribbean Sea, it is recommended to dedicate a full day to visiting Las Palmas Beach. This will allow you not only to swim during the cool morning hours but also to witness a magnificent sunset, which looks especially romantic here.

If your schedule is packed with sightseeing, set aside at least 3-4 hours for the beach. This is enough time to appreciate the clarity of the water, take a stroll along the shoreline, and have lunch at one of the local bars while enjoying the view of the endless ocean.

Working Hours

Like most public beaches in this area, Las Palmas is accessible during daylight hours. There is no official operating schedule; however, the infrastructure (loungers, bars, and restaurants) usually begins to function from 9:00 or 10:00 AM and closes closer to sunset.

To get up-to-date information on beach club hours or special events, we recommend checking their official pages or the websites of establishments located directly on the shore. The best time to visit is early morning, when there are still few people on the sand and the sun is not as intense.

Nearby

Exploring the surroundings of the beach will allow you to dive deeper into the culture and nature of the region. Nearby are ruins of ancient civilizations and unique natural sinkholes — cenotes, which are considered a hallmark of this state.

Name Type Distance (km)
Temple 54 Attraction 1.8
El Castillo Attraction 1.9
Tulum Attraction 2
Templo Maya (Tulum Playa) Attraction 2
Cenote Manati Attraction 2.1
Templo del Dios del Viento Attraction 2.1
Nativo Tours Diving Snorkel Bike Motos Active Recreation 3.4
Cenote Calavera Nature Site 4
Cenote Las Palmas Nature Site 5.8
Zona arqueológica de Tancah Archaeological Zone 5.8

Reached the end of the page?

That means the route is fully explored