Tulum - North Beach vs South Beach

[SandyBeach]

For those who have spent time on both the North & South Tulum beaches...

Which has the better (wide, white, sandy, trek-able) beaches and the most water colors? I have a Sac-Be map in front of me, so if you could also provide at which "oasis" to hang for the day to flatline and enjoy the colors, it would be appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

[beachreader]

For trek-ability, i.e., miles and miles of walking space, the south beach is where it's at. Start anywhere south of Maya Tulum all the way down to the biosphere. The beach is widest, whitest and least crowded (with a few exceptions) along this 4-5 kilometer stretch, and it gets whiter and less crowded the farther south you go (but the stretch between Retiro Maya and Arrecifes is pretty darned wide).

Depending on the weather, the "colors" are often better up north because the water is somewhat calmer (this is a personal opinion). My favorite place to see the colors at lunchtime is Mayan Grill:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7cc39b3127cceb27d186eae7900000026108Aas2rVo2ZuS

The actual "north beach" area starts at Mezzanine and heads north from there (Mezzanine also has an amazing view at lunch):

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b8dd34b3127cceb67bfb083a5200000026108Aas2rVo2ZuS

For colors, I think it's best to be at a high angle, and they're definitely best mid-day when the sun is directly over the water. Don't get me into the "why is the water blue" thing. :)

Oh, and while Mezzanine may be a bit trendy, they do have 2-1 margaritas from 1 p.m.-4 p.m., so that's something, anyway. Of course, the margaritas at Mayan Grill are almost twice the size for the same price, so it may be a wash (see my avatar). :)

[luvthesun]

I agree with Beachreader (on both the beaches and the margaritas!)

(Beachreader.. every time I see your avatar I want to go right back to Mayan Grill for one of those margaritas!)

I liked the south beach better, but the north beach has nicer colors and is a little calmer..especially near Don Cafeto's... but it's all nice.. just different.

[SandyBeach]

Thank you for the guidance.

Mayan Grill is not on the Tulum map at www dot sac-be dot com. Is Mayan Grill on the North or South Beach? Thank you one more time!

[TnTWalter]

Mayan Grill has a dual personality...it is also known as Nachos. So your map might have 'Nachos'. listed on it!

Welcome!:eat-drink:

[PhyllisB]

It's on the north side. It is situated in a rocky area, so there isn't much beach directly in front, but it's a gorgeous place to eat and enjoy the view. As BR said-- start at Mezzanine and work your way up.

Is the sac-be map the same as todotulum? I'm guessing not. So head over to todotulum.com and check out their map-- it might be on there.

Phyllis

[Lynnette]

Beachreader nailed it with her advise and beautiful pics. Last spring we were staying on Soliman and used Tita's as a parking spot to access the beach. Of course we had lunch there, too. It's a wonderful, long beach....great for walking!!!

[SandyBeach]

Thank you for the wonder descriptions. I fell like I'm already there!