Last Updated: November 10, 2021
Tulum Vs. Cancun (One Is Better)
If you have never visited Mexico or have stuck to the like of Cabo and are looking to head to Mexico’s Caribbean side, then you are most likely weighing up two of Mexico’s most famous Yucatan Peninsula holiday destinations, Tulum and Cancun.
Tulum and Cancun are just 130 kilometers apart from each other but they are very different places and understanding their difference is key to picking the right one for your dream trip to Mexico.
Join me as we take a deep look at Tulum vs Cancun and how they differ so you can be certain which of the two will suit your best.
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About The Cities
What is Tulum like?
Tulum is a very relaxed place and it’s all about being and doing whatever you feel like on any given day. Think of tropical beach vibes where there is no rush or any hurry. It’s filled with trendy boutique hotels and top-notch restaurants as well as great local food stalls and a hostel to suit everyone’s budget.
In many ways, it is what Playa del Carmen used to be over a decade ago!
There is something for everyone on Tulum, including a more chilled Tulum nightlife. It attracts a very diverse crowd from world-famous film stars to backpackers living on a shoestring. You never know who you might meet at a casual beach bar in Tulum, but the conversation is almost guaranteed to be interesting.
Tulum has made a name for itself in the Yoga world and it’s a very Yogi place to be, but it doesn’t define it. Yes, there are yoga retreats and classes on a daily, but there is so much more to Tulum that if yoga isn’t your thing, you probably won’t notice it’s even on offer.
The Tulum beaches have everything to offer from hanging out on pristine white sand, spending time on or under the water, a plethora of sightseeing opportunities from ancient ruins to inland blue holes, and having a relaxing spa vacation to recharge.
Tulum isn’t overly developed, you’re not going to find big skyscrapers or chain restaurants, it’s all very low-key and still quite genuine.
What Is Cancun like?
Cancun isn’t like Tulum in any way, in fact, the one similarity between them is probably the stunning white sand beaches and access to the Mayan ruins they both have, otherwise it’s a different vibe completely.
Cancun is a built-up city with skyscrapers, chain restaurants, and it’s made its name by being a party destination for Spring Break with an abundance of nightclubs where youngsters can really let loose.
Cancun isn’t just for party-goers to though, it’s also a great holiday destination thanks to the affordability of the many luxury hotels and beachside resorts where one can sip cocktails by the pool, enjoy the stunning vistas of the Caribbean, and take or leave the nightlife scene on a daily basis.
It’s a place where you’ll find honeymooners and people who’ve taken a week off from their busy work lives to let off some steam, but you’re not going to find any backpackers there, it’s far too mainstream and hectic for the likes of them.
That’s not to say you can’t find cool things to do in Cancun. The Caribbean is right on your doorstep and all the ocean and under-ocean activities are still on offer, plus day trips to see the more authentic side of Mexico are still possible too, but if you have to sum up Cancun in one word, it would be mainstream.
Verdict
As you can see, when it comes to choosing Tulum or Cancun, they are very different places. Although both are close to Playa del Carmen, if that is important to you.
If you want an easy vacation where everything is on offer and you simply check in to your hotel have a good time and leave again, then Cancun isn’t a bad option.
I’d personally head to Tulum as it’s more my vibe. It’s relaxed, authentic, and about experiencing nature and meeting some interesting people on the way, plus you can still find all the fun in Tulum that you’d find in Cancun, it’s just not parading around and in your face the whole time.
Which has the better beaches?
Spending time on the beach is going to be something you do every day whether you’re visiting Tulum or Cancun. Hell, it might be something you do all day for most parts of your vacation which is why I thought it was important to give beaches their own section.
Tulum Beaches
Tulum sits on the more southern part of the Riviera Maya. The beaches of Tulum are, as you might have guessed, very chilled out. You can hang out on the beach undisturbed and find your own little slice of paradise with amazing views of the white sand sloping off into the Caribbean and not of a bunch of tourists or beach vendors.
Some of the best beaches in Tulum to visit are Playa Ruinas which has ancient ruins sitting just behind a jungled forest that leads to a stretch of Mexican paradise. I love this beach, not only for the Mayan-walled city next to it but also for the ruggedness of the cliffs and rocks along it.
Playa Paraiso is another magical place to spend some time on the sand. It’s white-sand lined with palm streets and crystal blue waters and you can find everything you want as you stroll down it whether it’s renting a kayak or SUP, having a drink, or a beach lunch.
I could go on about the beaches in Tulum for hours but I’m sure you get the gist. Laid back, hassle-free paradise is on the menu.
Cancun Beaches
Cancun sits at the head of the Riviera Maya, so it is well located. The beaches are every bit as beautiful as the beaches in Tulum. They have all the same natural features and by that, I mean sand as white as you’ve seen it, and water as blue and crystal clear as an ocean can be.
The one key thing to be aware of when it comes to the Cancun beaches is that they are busy. You are going to be sharing your little slice of paradise with a lot of people, and the chances of having a spot to yourself are nil unless you wake up for a sunrise walk.
Another thing you’ll have to deal with on the beaches of Cancun is beach vendors. On every visit to the beach, someone is going to try and sell you something whether it’s a snorkeling tour or a ride on a jet ski. You’ll also probably have jet skis as the main background noise instead of calm waves washing on the shores.
I am not a fan of busy beaches, but if you are then you’ll love Cancun. The beaches are a very happening place during the day and sometimes at night. You have to give credit to the locals who have managed to protect their beaches and keep them looking so great despite having a lot of visitors.
Some of the best beaches in Cancun to spend time at, including Playa Tortugas and Playa Chac Mool both of which are lined with resorts, restaurants, bars, and a lot of sunbeds. If the beaches of Cancun get too much for you, hop down to the beach of Puerto Morelos which is a little more relaxing.
Verdict
As you can see, the beaches of Cancun vs Tulum are very different and this is mainly due to how busy they are and this showcases the vibes of the two places too. Cancun beaches are going to be a lot of fun if by fun you mean being around lots of people and getting into the party spirit.
The beaches of Tulum are made for relaxing. They are about nature, peace and quiet, and low-key vibes. You can spend a whole day alone on the beach undisturbed or do that in the morning and stroll to a chilled beach restaurant for lunch after.
How’s the Nightlife?
Tulum
The day-to-day nightlife of Tulum is about as chilled out as the daytime vibes. It is also a great spot to find more boutique hotels, instead of those mega hotels you find up north on the Riviera Maya.
Tulum nightlight is all about casual drinks at local bars or some delicious cocktails at some of the more upmarket beach bars. Dinner and a few drinks are pretty much Tulum’s nightlife menu as there a no actual nightclubs to speak of.
That being said, some of the bars do stay open late and play good music, so the opportunities for a spontaneous party are there if everyone is in the mood, I mean, even Yogi’s like to dance.
Tulum does play host to a few music festivals every year, one of which is Day Zero, a techno festival that takes place on the beach. If you want to have a good dance and then chill out in Tulum after, it’s a great idea to coincide your visit with Day Zero.
Cancun
Cancun is all about its nightlife and if you want to go and party on your vacation, Cancun holds the keys to the safe. The party scene in Cancun is second to none and this is why it’s remained a spring break destination for such a long time.
You’ll find some of the largest nightclubs and bars in the world in Cancun and you can go to all of them in one night if you want to, as they’re pretty much all on one street. There are tonnes of different venues in Cancun each hosting its own vibe for the night and some of the favorites include Mandala Beach Club, Coco Bongo, Senor Frogs, and The City. The majority are right in the Cancun Hotel Zone too, so you don’t have to go far to have fun.
Cancun isn’t just home to nightclubs, there are even resorts in the hotel zone. Many are made for partying such as Hard Rock Hotel and Grand Oasis which have nightclubs and bars inside them where one can dance until the sun comes up.
Verdict
The main difference when it comes to Cancun vs Tulum is the nightlife. Cancun is defined by it which is why it’s such a busy place and by all means, if you want to party, then Cancun is one of the best places in the world to do it.
Tulum on the other hand isn’t about its nightlife, it’s about a lot more than that. Sure you’ll find the odd party here and there, and can plan your visit with a festival, but you’re not going to find a party on the daily in Tulum. It’s all about a few drinks after dinner and in bed by midnight.
Things To Do
Tulum
When it comes to things to do in Tulum you won’t run out of awesome activities during your stay. The lure of the Caribbean is what brings a lot of people to Tulum and there is no shortage of operators ready to take you on an oceanic adventure.
Snorkeling & Diving
There are hundreds of excellent dive and snorkeling centers in Tulum and the marine life you can see is nothing short of fantastic. Have you ever wanted to swim with turtles or whale sharks? Tulum is a place where your dreams can come true.
The offshore reefs of Tulum are a quick boat ride from the beach and they are stunning. You can expect to see hundreds of different colored reef fish, elkhorn coral, eels, and bigger creatures such as manta rays, turtles, and whale sharks. You can also dive in the cenotes of Tulum which offers some of the best inland cavern diving in the world.
The dive centers in the area also offer courses so you can learn to dive and/or work your way up the Padi skills levels.
You don’t have to be a diver to experience all of this magical underwater world either, snorkeling with a mask and a pair of fins will have you seeing the exact same things, just from the surface instead of up close.
Fishing
The offshore fishing and flats fishing around Tulum are pretty good. You can book a day of fly fishing to look for bonefish and tarpon on the flats or head offshore where you can catch amazing species such as blue marlin and sailfish.
Cenotes
This area of Mexico is famous for its cenotes which are sinkholes that are filled with seawater but in the middle of the land. There are lots around Tulum and you can find yourself at one after a 15-minute bike ride.
The cenotes are incredibly deep but filled with cool tropical blue water and there are lots of different types too. You can find open ones where you can swim and snorkel, semi-closed ones which are open to the air but have tunnels leading underground, and there are also underground ones where you can swim inside a cave – pretty awesome huh!
Mayan Ruins
Tulum was built as a Mayan coastal fortress and therefore is full of old ruins that will be accessible within a few minutes of bike ride from wherever you are staying. You’ll find pyramids, walled cities, lighthouses, and lots more to explore.
Location
Tulum has an awesome location if you want to spend some time day-tripping to see the wonders of what this part of Mexico holds. Everything from Mayan temples to cenotes is right on your doorstep in Tulum and other great attractions like Cenote Ik Kil, Cenote Suytun and Chichen Itza are just an hour’s drive.
Cancun
There are so many things to do in Cancun that you certainly aren’t going to get bored and the activities on offer are quite similar to those of Tulum.
Snorkeling & Diving
The snorkeling and diving in Cancun are a little more crowded than in Tulum but it’s also got more diversity to it. The boat ride to the offer shore reefs is quick and the waters are super clear with great visibility. You can expect to see excellent corals and a plethora of colorful reef fish as well as manta rays and whale sharks, just like you might in Tulum.
The main difference about diving in Cancun is that there are excellent shark tunnels and your chances of seeing sharks are high and you’ll also find great wrecks and MUSA there. MUSA is an artificial reef come underwater museum and is the biggest in the world. It’s filled with 400 life-sized sculptures along with turtles, barracuda, eels, and rays that call it home.
You can also dive in cenotes from Cancun but chances are you’ll drive for 2 hours to do it.
Again, you can experience all of these creatures without tanks by snorkeling and there are lots of great dive centers in Cancun if you want to do a course or learn to dive.
Fishing
The offshore fishing from Cancun is every bit as good as what you might find in Tulum with species like sailfish and blue marlin on offer. If you want to fly fish on the flats for bonefish, tarpon, and permit, then you’re going to have to drive south to Tulum and beyond to find the right waters and operators.
Cenotes & Mayan Ruins
If you want to visit cenotes and Mayan ruins from Cancun then you will probably end up looking at the cenotes and Mayan ruins in Tulum as there aren’t any close by from Cancun. This means there are all on offer but you’re going to spend about 4 hours in a car or van on your day trip to see them.
Location
You have probably already guessed it but Cancun’s location is great for getting around. The Cancun International Airport is actually in the city, and ocean-based activities are very available. But it’s not close by to any nature parks, cenotes, or Mayan ruins, so you’ll gave to travel to see them which can be done in a single day trip to Tulum.
Verdict
When it comes to Tulum vs Cancun and things to do, you’re certainly not going to get bored no matter which you choose. Both are pretty awesome when it comes to the ocean side of things, and Cancun is probably a little better for diving thanks to its diversity of dives sites.
The great thing about Tulum is everything is on your doorstep, whereas in Cancun, you’re going to need to drive around 2 hours to see some of the natural wonders of the area.
What’s the food scene like?
Tulum
Tulum is filled with great restaurants that have a chilled ambiance to them and you can find one to suit any occasion.
If you’re looking for fine dining on the beach for a romantic anniversary dinner where your toes will be in the sand, the food will be delicious and all you can hear is the wash of the ocean, Tulum does this amazingly well.
But you can also sit at an affordable beach restaurant or head into town for some delicious but still affordable food. The great thing about dining in Tulum is that it’s not full of chains, all the restaurants are pretty unique.
Cancun
Eating in Cancun is a bit like eating in the USA and you’ll find the same chains such as Hooters, Buba Gump, Hard Rock Cafe, and Senior Frogs. Chances are though you’ll be staying in an all-inclusive so won’t have to look for places to eat in the evenings.
If you want to find some fine dining in Cancun then look to the restaurants within some of the 4/5 star hotels.
Which one is more expensive, Tulum or Cancun?
The answer is, they are both as expensive as each other, it just depends where you spend your time and money. When it comes to accommodation, the budget options and five start options in Tulum and Cancun are priced pretty much the same and this goes for the restaurants too. If you go into a grocery store in either Tulum or Cancun, the prices will also be the same.
The one thing to bear in mind if you are on a tight budget is that both of these destinations are very overpriced for Mexico and you will find a lot more value by getting off the beaten track a little bit.
Tulum Vs Cancun – The Verdict
Tulum and Cancun are so different that it’s really not hard to choose between them once you know the facts.
If you’re looking for an all-inclusive party holiday with a dash of culture and ocean thrown in on a day trip, then Cancun is for you. Especially with the Cancun airport close by!
If you want laid-back beach vibes, diverse restaurants, yoga retreats, and easy access to the cultural and natural wonders of this part of Mexico, then Tulum is for you.
About the Author Roger Timbrook
Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!
