Nudity on Tulum Beaches

[freebeacher]

For those of us who are naturists, people who like nude beaches and skinnydipping, which are currently the cabanas and beaches that are OK with this?

A couple of years ago Cabanas Copal was still promoting itself as clothing-optional, as was part of Papaya Playa. Then there was a brand new property toward the south end of the beach, forget the name. Are the beach by Don Armando's and Santa Fe still clothing-optional? Many thanks.:)

[austxdan]

I can only confirm that Copal is still CO.

Since we weren't fond of their beach, we hiked south beyond all the hotels one day (perhaps across from Sian Kaan?) and found a nice stretch of sand all to ourselves. And the pelicans.

I understand there are other areas that are somewhat "lax" on the clothing requirement, but cannot name names.


Dan

[jx2]

For those of us who are naturists, people who like nude beaches and skinnydipping, which are currently the cabanas and beaches that are OK with this. A couple of years ago Cabanas Copal was still promoting itself as clothing-optional, as was part of Papaya Playa? Then thre was a brand new property toward the south end of the beach, forget the name. Are the beach by Don Armando's and Santa Fe still clothing-optional? Many thanks.:)

Will let you know in 12 days. We will be staying in this area. Leaving in 10 minutes:D :D :D

[AdGuy]

Will let you know in 12 days. We will be staying in this area. Leaving in 10 minutes:D


MUY CELOSO!!!! :D :D

Can't wait for photos and a DETAILED trip report!!!!!!!

[dcap]

The beach and cabanas area at Copal on their web site says yes it is OK to be nude, as does Azulik cover up at the reception and resturant. On our recent trip we took advantage of it at Copal. There are no signs or markers anywhere on the property that says it is OK. But we did anyway, we would walk from the beach up the stairs past the massage huts to our cabana #12. To the bar for a drink and back to the beach. No one seemed to give a care or raise an eyebrow.;) The couple in the cabana next to ours were soon doing the same. In the pool never did see anyone nude there but a few gals topless. On the beach 15 -18 people I would say, probably 8-10 nude. North of Copal is Papaya Playa we walked past there and even saw several nudies there as well.
Our next stay was Tierra Del Sol south a few K's. Nudity there was about the same just a whole lot less people. In fact you would have the beach to yourself most of the time. Carlos came around offered us cold cervasa's and was glad we were enjoying the beach and the water as we were. This area offers some good walks if you like to the south into Sian Kian without seeing a soul. We would carry a suit just in case...:o
Remember it is illegal to be nude in Mexico, and always have respect for the locals. Just be discreet about it and enjoy yourselves.

[felony]

Thanks for the report! Good for you for doing what felt right for you! We're going to Copal in Jan. and I'll be naked on the beach!

[freebeacher]

Thanks for all the replies everyone.

[Anthony]

We just got back from our (all too short) 5 day vacation at Azulik. I'm hoping to post a trip report in a day or two, once I get our photo's and paperwork back in order.

Anyway, the nudity at Azulik really fluctuated. Most of the time, there really wasn't anyone on the beach, so you could dress however you wanted. But, when folks did venture out, I'd estimate about half went completely nude (i.e. one couple had clothes, the other did not. :) ).

It seemed no one wanted to be the "first" naked person on the beach, but once someone else stripped down, others would soon follow.

The clothing optional status was one of the selling points of Azulik for me, so my wife and I stripped down and soaked in the tub on our deck the very first night. But, admittedly, that was after dark. When morning came, I was a little more shy to venture out on the deck without clothing until I saw someone naked on the beach. Then I just sat out in the deck chairs nude for a while. Eventually, I wrapped a towel around myself and ventured down to the beach, where I tossed the towel on a rock and went skinny-dipping. It was a wonderful experience I repeated each morning, and often in the afternoon as well.

There were some couples with really beautiful bodies, both male and female. So my wife was a little more reluctant to be the "fat lady" on the beach. :) But by the second day, she felt comfortable frolicking naked too. We really enjoyed the experience.

The final morning before we left, there seemed to be naked people everywhere. We were sunning nude on our deck and going swimming, the neighbors on both sides were sunning nude, and a couple was sunning nude on the beach.

Overall, it was just a matter of what you felt comfortable doing. No one seemed to care one way or the other, regardless if you were built like a model, or had less than perfect bodies like us. :)

Anthony

[freebeacher]

Thanks Anthony and thanks everyone! Never heard of Tierra del Sol. I'll have to do a google search. I now recall John of this website mentioning Playa Selva was run by great people, and I heard it was clothing-optional. Did anyone see that place? I guess Santa Fe cabanas is too rustic for those reading this. It seems mostly European backpackers stay there, am told by multiple sources the beach there is mostly nude. Has anyone been by? It seems on balance Tulum is a great place for a nude beach vacation. Does that hold up if you are single? On a related note, does the American Spring Break ritual bring those students to Tulum, or do they stay in Cnacun? I was so stunned to find American students in Negril one early April in the nineties, I figured they would never go there, so don't want to assume about Tulum. I can't wait until you all publish your Tulum trip reports and photos. Please let me know when you do! Aloha, Freebeacher

[Gale in KY]

Here ya go FB

www.tierrasdelsol.com

[dcap]

Freebeacher, we had a chance to check out little beach at Makena Sept. 05. Nice place;) . A few to many lookie loos though. Are you in Maui?

Any way Tierra Del Sol does not advertise C/O like Copal and Azulik do. I did'nt want to give you all the impression that it was like Copal, but it is a typical nice Tulum beach and Cabanas. C/O was not frowned upon though at least for us when we visited. We stayed that way only on the beach and while swimming though. There were a couple of others there that would join us, once we lost the suits. There were not many people there at all most just passing through walking the beach. But I wouldnt go there expecting to be nude around the Cabanas as you can at Copal.
The owner Carlos and his wife were very nice, I would help him and staff rake seaweed every morning and pick up the garbage that floated in over night. I offered to help them do some repairs while I was there, my wife says I cannot stay away from working. We will be back this summer again and will stay there.

[KTCussen]

We are staying in Akumal in 17 days anyone know of the closesest Nude beach we can use. Do we need a day pass at Copal? Or if we head to the ruins where should we go from there to find a nude beach?

[heenan]

FB - We have not stayed at Copal or Azulik. We have preferred staying on the south end of the Tulum beach. From the jewelry salesman just north of Coqui south into the Sian Kaan, we have seen the random optional sun bather on every trip. Sometimes they are at various resorts, sometimes between the resorts, and on some days they are more in number. The further south one goes, the more optional sun bathers will be seen. It does not appear that anyone else on the beach really cares how much or how little clothing one wears. It's all part of the Tulum beach feeling. Heenan

[mayaflya]

We are staying in Akumal in 17 days anyone know of the closesest Nude beach we can use. Do we need a day pass at Copal? Or if we head to the ruins where should we go from there to find a nude beach?

If you are just looking for uncrowded beaches where you can let it all hang out, that is possible the further south you go, but you will also not find any facilities there, either....just an FYI.

If you are looking for a more social experience where nudity is accepted, the Copal Beach is the place, although the ratio of textile to nude can vary from day to day...You don't need a pass, but if you patronize their beach bar, I'm sure they'll be happy to see you spend the day there.

We booked spa services at the Maya Spa, and we arrived a little early to get in a swim at Copal...

[Lynnette]

We are staying in Akumal in 17 days anyone know of the closesest Nude beach we can use. Do we need a day pass at Copal? Or if we head to the ruins where should we go from there to find a nude beach?

All beaches in Mexico are public, but access through private property may be a deterrent. Just a note (not a judgment :)) total nudity is illegal in Mexico and many locals are offended by it. I would definitely find a private spot in the Sian Kaan or at a CO advertised property.

[KTCussen]

Great. If we take a Taxi to copal do we ask for the beach or the resort. Do we arrive threw the resort? or do you walk up from the beach? How far is copal from the ruins? a walk or a drive?

[PhyllisB]

If it were me, I'd ask the taxi driver to take you to "Cabanas Copal" (the hotel). I'd find the restaurant first and have a drink or two there, and a snack. Then I'd wander out to the beach. Usually hotels don't care if you use the beach if you've supported them by spending some pesos at their restaurants.

You could also do what maya did and book a treatment at the spa, then head to the beach from there. Either way you're giving them some business, so they wouldn't have a problem with you hanging out for the day at the beach.

I'd also take a taxi to or from the ruins. Some folks who really like to walk might make a day of walking and stopping at places along the way for rest & refreshment, but it isn't a straight shot (lots of rocky outcroppings where you'd have to jump back to the beach road) and it would take a lot of time--something that might be fun to do if you were staying in Tulum for a while, but if you're just visiting for a day and want to maximize your beach lounging, I'd just take a cab.

Check out the maps at http://www.bill-in-tulsa.com/mapoftulum.html, or at http://www.sac-be.com, or at http://www.todotulum.com. They should give you a sense of distance.

[Gale in KY]

I have stayed at Copal..you can feel free to walk thru their property to the beach, and enjoy it for as long as you wish. Do have a drink or two from the beachbar, or perhaps book a massage in one of the huts that sits on a cliff overlooking the beach. Copal is a very laid back place and no one is going to stop you from accessing the beach as you wish. There are public bathrooms up by the restaurant you can use too.

Copal is a very enjoyable place to spend a day or a week. Enjoy!

Definitely take a cab to the ruins..it's a long hot walk from town or from the beachroad. You really can't walk the beach..well you can, but you need to be part mountain goat..there are many rocky outcroppings and areas of sharp broken coral and rock between Copal and the Ruins. It's not worth the tremendous effort it would take to walk from town or from the beachroad. Take a cab and save your energy so you can enjoy the Ruins experience.

[Lynnette]

Warning.....read this!! :D

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y251/moostifer/junk/beach.jpg

[bellydancer]

That is toooo funny!! :eek:

[DougSR]

I saw that yesterday on LG and thought...my beach balls will stay safely stowed. My only question is, why not just get a bucket of ice water and "reshrink" them.

[Karen in OH]

:eek: Thats the funniest thing I've read in a long time!! http://www.islatravelers.com/board/images/smiles/icon_rotfl2.gif (javascript:emoticon(':rotfl2:'))

Karen in OH

[mayaflya]

Why is it only the women that think this is funny..?

[minniemex]

The guys here at work thought it was funny too!! :D:D:D:D

[mayaflya]

The guys here at work thought it was funny too!! :D:D:D:D

Okay, so why is it only women, and guys wearing pants think this is funny?

[AdGuy]

Warning.....read this!! :D

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y251/moostifer/junk/beach.jpg

I'm not sure what would be worse...to be the guy stuck in the chair or the poor "member of staff" assigned to free him!:eek:

[austxdan]

I saw that yesterday on LG and thought...my beach balls will stay safely stowed. My only question is, why not just get a bucket of ice water and "reshrink" them.


Heck - I would think just the sound of a saw "down there" would be enough to "reshrink" them :eek:


Dan

[DadThatWasAGr8Advent]

As has already been well-documented, I can confirm that Copal is CO. And, by optional, I mean that it was OK to go either way. My recollection (from a couple years ago) is that folks tended to be nude around their cabanas and on the beach, not as much if at all in just walking around the grounds.

Also, since I don't think it has been mentioned, I recall that there was some topless sunbathing on other beaches (e.g. the Parisio).

[ilovewyoming]

Lee, you are a funny guy....Anyway...I think it's important to respect the laws of the land...we have stayed at Cabanas La Conchita which shares the beach with Azulik...in the years we have gone down there, it's mostly topless girls..with tiny bottoms. (Some nudie men/boys/etc) Last year there was a big sign at Conchita informing everyone that it was illegal to be nude... I would suggest taking a walk way far away, and then letting it all hang out...don't offend the locals, or people with kids...kind of like in the US of A...you go camping, hiking etc...and if no one is around....it's a beautiful day: you get the idea...Although...At Conchita...on either side of you...you will definitely see some free spirits...and i might add.... YOUNG< and FITfree spirits mostly...but then again...i really haven't recovered from the guy in Solimon bay that was quite portly,in a bright orange thong, that BENT OVER IN PLAIN VIEW to pick up a shell, and I said: That is just wrong. 2 minutes later a young nubile girl in a thong walked by ...and kept going and hubby said: now THAT is plain wrong..why DIDN"T SHE bend down to look at a shell....lol :)

[cgl7]

AdGuy,loved the NewsFlash! Guess you would call that being caught between ROCKS and a hard place.L.O.L.!

[ilovewyoming]

so there are almost 2,000 inquiries into nudity, and so little responses?
:)

[kirby]

everybody is waiting for sample pictures.

[Margoinmexico]

:pI hope I don't get in trouble for this, but I got this in an email yesterday and it totally seems appropriate.... do you think it was Tulum? I got another one too but it was way too risque for the post.........:cool:
http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll126/Margoinmexico/for%20%20the%20internet/1.jpg

[minniemex]

I hope she didn't hang around too long and ruin more pictures!!:D

[TnTWalter]

LOL Margo...I about spit my coffee @ the screen.

Ilovewyoming...also too funny.

I gotta say I'm always self conscious about my body, never good enough, fit enough, thin enough, etc.....clearly this woman has a wonderful sense of self. Kudos to that...but why the granny pants?

[AdGuy]

Margo...that is way too funny! Absolutely priceless!! I think we should sign that woman up as our "spokesmodel" for supporting Mexico's ban on public nudity! :)

[kcaraco]

Owwwwwwww! My eyes!! It hurts!!:D


Cheers,
Kat

[BatteriesIncluded]

Owwwwwwww! My eyes!! It hurts!!:D


Cheers,
Kat

At least she is not jogging...:eek:

[DougSR]

Not risque in the least Margo! :eek:

[Margoinmexico]

That's not the risque one...I was surprised not to get any requests to see the other one..........:p

Another thought I had about this thread is that....

If she'd been a totally hot babe, people WOULD have gotten upset...have you ever heard of the lady that put on a fat suit and recorded the change in the way people treated her? :rolleyes:

[AdGuy]

That's not the risque one...I was surprised not to get any requests to see the other one..........:p

Another thought I had about this thread is that....

If she'd been a totally hot babe, people WOULD have gotten upset...have you ever heard of the lady that put on a fat suit and recorded the change in the way people treated her? :rolleyes:


To demonstrate just how sensitive we males can be, if you post naked pictures of hot babes I will not be upset. Honest...try me...post thousands of hot, naked babes just to test me! I double dog dare you! :D:D:D

[Margoinmexico]

My point exactly! The only hot babe I have pictures of these days is my new baby puppy!!! :p I'm sure before the month is over I will have thousands of them at this rate! :chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihu ahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua:: chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihua hua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::c hihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuah ua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::ru nning::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua: :chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihu ahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua:: chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihua hua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::c hihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuah ua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::ch ihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahu a::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chi huahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua ::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chih uahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua: :chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihu ahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua:: chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihua hua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::c hihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuah ua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::ch ihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahu a::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chi huahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua ::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chih uahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua: :chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihu ahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua:: chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihua hua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::c hihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuah ua::chihuahua::chihuahua::chihuahua:


Hey, shouldn't you be training for your hike or something!!! Wow, your ticker says 9 days!! have a great time, it's a beautiful place!

[Ranita]

Despite Mexico's official ban on public nudity, the people of the Mayan Riviera seem to take a more pragmatic approach when it comes to their tourist clientele's European eccentricities.

I have frequently seen topless women sunbathing on the beach of the Tulum ruins. That's federal property! But no one seems to mind.

Immediately south of the ruins, there used to be a blue, cement block restaurant overlooking rustic palapas on a beach filled with a combination of topless and completely nude swimmers and sunbathers. My husband and I used to use this quaint establishment as a staging area for our own beach adventures. But on our most recent visit, we noticed the abandoned building was surrounded by a fence marked as government property. We assume this was to accommodate an expansion of the archaeological park. Not sure how this affects beach access or nudity in this particular area.

We, too, have been to Copal. And while its accommodations are on the primitive side and the beach smaller than some of the surrounding resorts, it is decidedly clothing optional - a great place to swim or walk au naturel.

We've noticed that even at the more upscale resorts with no stated C/O policy, about 25 percent of the women are topless. Once one starts the trend, others follow.

Despite the rules, the etiquette seems to vary according to time, location and your particular visit. But unpredictability is part of the adventure!

[uwreckme]

...lmao...wouldn't you know it...

[rickscott]

We just booked 3 days at Copal and an additional 4 days at Playa Mambo on the south end. Although we have wandered around Tulum a little, we have never stayed there and the eco thing will be new to us also. It will be quite the adventure but one we are really looking forward to. It's great reading of everyone's experiences and lessons I can learn before our visit. Thanks, Rick

[Margoinmexico]

I am not new to the nudie thing, my boss is widely known as Naked Bob! Anyway, I was out doing yoga this morning in front of CdlP (I had my clothes on) and saw a man jogging by on the beach naked! Not having the same aparatus as he, I have to say it either looked very fun or not much fun, hard to tell. jejejejeje
Guys can you give me some insight?:p

[northern boy]

Back in the day . . .

South beach a few years ago. Our normal attire for a couple of weeks.

http://usera.ImageCave.com/hooligan/Misc/beach bums.JPG

[lostgirlfound]

I know I may be a little prudish but I am just wondering about the general amount of nudity in the area of Playa Mambo. I have to say it would be quite a shock for my little ones to see naked people as they are not used to that sort of freedom in Vancouver Canada.

[Dale]

Well......you better definitely prepare them for topless women.....oh yeah, and topless men too! :rolleyes: As far as total nudity, our experience has been that the further south you go from your resort the more likely you are to see it, or them, or it, or whatever. :D:D

[beachreader]

I know I may be a little prudish but I am just wondering about the general amount of nudity in the area of Playa Mambo. I have to say it would be quite a shock for my little ones to see naked people as they are not used to that sort of freedom in Vancouver Canada.


Yes, they should be prepared for female toplessness, which is pretty common, especially for Europeans. Full-frontal male nudity is pretty rare, generally contained to "CO" (clothing-optional) areas such as Copal, but every now and then you'll see a guy happily walking the beach in his altogether, or one of those flaming yellow thong things, that really just don't seem very comfortable at all. :eek:

Most guys I know who like to be nude will keep a coverup very handy if they're not in an officially CO place.

However old your kids are, I think it would be a useful lesson, to be honest. To let them know that this is cool and everyone's normal and the same and seeing someone's boobies isn't a freakshow. They'll be over the strangeness of it in a heartbeat.

Nudity and sex are two very different things, unless you're unlucky enough to be stuck next to a couple of exhibitionists. :rolleyes:

[TnTWalter]

No worries...

I was a little worried about nudity everywhere when we went in '08 because of discussions on this board. I learned not to stay at Copal or Azulik for that reason.

It's really ok. Women who are topless are typically sunbathing so they're not running down the beach flopping around. I never saw a man that I know of but I didn't search it out.

It didn't seem any more or less common than any other Caribbean island I've been to and I've been to several.

It's all good.:beerchug:

[pepper]

We always seem to see full nudity - male and female. Not a lot, but a little. My kids (6 and 16) don't bat an eye at it, they are used to it since we go at least once/year.

Around Esmeralda K was the last big display - a couple, male and female. The male standing in knee deep water doing some sort of pseudo tai-chi and his lady smiling walking down the beach towards him - all totally naked.

[beachreader]

Then there's always the occasional older person, either male or female. That's an eye-opener (or closer), and definitely a good learning opportunity to show kids how bodies change over the eons. :p

[jonny]

There was a family of 4 at La Zebra when we got there for our day trip in September. They all were wearing long sleeved rash guards while swimming. We arrived at about 10:30 am and they split at about 10:45. The waiter was really the only person we saw all day with the exception of the occasional beach walker every 45 minutes and 2 vendors selling hammocks. So we said why not? Walk into the ocean and take off your swim suits. Who's gonna know? Waiter didn't seem to flinch at my wife topless or me in a spedo. anyway who cares really? just human bodies right?

[nauticalnudist]

Warning.....read this!! :D

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y251/moostifer/junk/beach.jpg

That's gotta hurt!!

[evZENy]

I've been reading some of the posts.
Yes, we'd love to see a beautiful body naked, but why do so many of you have issues with the not-so-beautiful human bodies!? bending or just hanging? :-)

This is something I really found admirable in Brazil - Copacabana, Ipaneam, Leblon... - all of the nice beaches of Rio had tons of people either later in their life or just not in the best of shape. Yet they feel good in them and no one seems to mind them either. Body is a cult in Brazil. And even if you don't have the perfect one, you still respect it. And respect the bodies of the others.

Seems like the US culture (especially) has this really messed up feeling about a body - if it's not for-the-cover-of-a-magazine perfect it's gross.
As if we all have the perfect bodies! :-)
Man in "speedos" - gross (and European :-). Naked men in your bed - fine.
Kissing the hair of the love one - lovely. Hair in your soup from the same loved one - gross.
And the obsession with the bodily functions, smells, liquids...!
It's amazing. I wonder if other nation has abbreviations like BO.

I still have my ABS and fit muscles, yet would not discriminate for someone who doesn't, but has decided to enjoy the Nature the same way I do.
That's what the spirit of Tulum is about!
As Osho said: "I can not offend you. You can get offended by me".
A person picking a shell from the sand was just enjoying the moment, didn't try to provoke vomiting in you. Don't look at him! :-) Or change your attitude :-)

In Europe I used to go to nude beaches alone, but haven't tried it in Mexico, since I know about the laws. may change my mind this Christmas...:-)

[evZENy]

Waiter didn't seem to flinch at my wife topless or me in a spedo. anyway who cares really? just human bodies right?

Right.
But since when being in speedo is considered naked !?

[nauticalnudist]

I've been reading some of the posts.
Yes, we'd love to see a beautiful body naked, but why do so many of you have issues with the not-so-beautiful human bodies!? bending or just hanging? :-)

This is something I really found admirable in Brazil - Copacabana, Ipaneam, Leblon... - all of the nice beaches of Rio had tons of people either later in their life or just not in the best of shape. Yet they feel good in them and no one seems to mind them either. Body is a cult in Brazil. And even if you don't have the perfect one, you still respect it. And respect the bodies of the others.

Seems like the US culture (especially) has this really messed up feeling about a body - if it's not for-the-cover-of-a-magazine perfect it's gross.
As if we all have the perfect bodies! :-)
Man in "speedos" - gross (and European :-). Naked men in your bed - fine.
Kissing the hair of the love one - lovely. Hair in your soup from the same loved one - gross.
And the obsession with the bodily functions, smells, liquids...!
It's amazing. I wonder if other nation has abbreviations like BO.

I still have my ABS and fit muscles, yet would not discriminate for someone who doesn't, but has decided to enjoy the Nature the same way I do.
That's what the spirit of Tulum is about!
As Osho said: "I can not offend you. You can get offended by me".
A person picking a shell from the sand was just enjoying the moment, didn't try to provoke vomiting in you. Don't look at him! :-) Or change your attitude :-)

In Europe I used to go to nude beaches alone, but haven't tried it in Mexico, since I know about the laws. may change my mind this Christmas...:-)
Very well said.
The world would be a better place if eryone had your attitude.

Someone recently told me; "If God intended man to be naked we would be born that way"

[evZENy]

Someone recently told me; "If God intended man to be naked we would be born that way"

:-)
Nowadays most kids are not born and raised naturally.
Moms don't want to suffer during birth, loose the shape of their milk producing parts, have to breastfeed every few hours... (again - God forbid to feed the baby what it needs when it needs it :-)).
And the absence of a good maternal leave doesn't help either.

So who knows - in few years babies might start being born with Speedos!
Oh wait - that is already gross. Knee long shorts.

At the same time we have scary low levels of Vitamin D in the kids (and no, drinking the milk intended for calves, not human babies, doesn't help :-)). And guess what helps your immune system against the flu - the Vitamin D.

Which is the reason why people from the North like us should hit Tulum as often as we can, especially in the short winter days! :-)
And do it as naked as possible.

[nauticalnudist]

Why is it you can see all kinds of violence on TV, in the movies and video games and parents think nothing of it.

YET, to see a bare breast or nude body, these same parents will get all up in arms and freak out.

And these same parents wonder how things like Columbine happen.

[susan]

I didn't see the tie in before to nudity on tulum beaches with Columbine. Thanks for clarifying that for me.

[needavacation]

Thanks for that laugh. So funny!!

[evZENy]

I didn't see the tie in before to nudity on tulum beaches with Columbine.

It is a butterfly effect, you know :-)

[pepper]

Oh Hi...:wave:

I can't be the only mother who doesn't mind that her children see nude people on the beach and not make a big deal about it.

Or breastfeed until they are 3 or 4 yrs old.

Or painfully push my kids out without drugs.

Whatever....talk amonst yourselves....

And Columbine happens when parents don't pay attention to their kids....it's rampant, but not in my house.

Carry on....

[evZENy]

I can't be the only mother ...

Yes you are not.
One of the few :-)

[susan]

Personally I don't think the kids that vacation in tulum wuth their parents are the ones who we need to worry about becoming the fringe of society. Somehow i believe they are all open-minded- well connected individuals. But i may be somewhat biased.

[nauticalnudist]

I didn't see the tie in before to nudity on tulum beaches with Columbine. Thanks for clarifying that for me.
How did you read a connection with nudity in Tulum and Columbine from what I posted?
My point was parents see no problem with their kids being exposed to severe violence (then wonder why thing like Columbine and Virginia Tech happen).
Yet simple human nudity freaks them out.

[beachreader]

To be honest, Nautical, it took me a couple of readings to see that you were associating Columbine with TV violence and not the whole clothing issue.

I'm sure Susan knew that too, just poked you a little bit. No harm no foul.


OK, Everyone, let's keep this thread where it was, a resource and information piece on the place of nudity on the Tulum beach.

Clearly there are widely varying opinions on the matter and we don't need to beat the thing into the ground.

Thanks for everyone's participation!

[eliza899vt]

I've been reading some of the posts.
Yes, we'd love to see a beautiful body naked, but why do so many of you have issues with the not-so-beautiful human bodies!? bending or just hanging? :-)

This is something I really found admirable in Brazil - Copacabana, Ipaneam, Leblon... - all of the nice beaches of Rio had tons of people either later in their life or just not in the best of shape. Yet they feel good in them and no one seems to mind them either. Body is a cult in Brazil. And even if you don't have the perfect one, you still respect it. And respect the bodies of the others.

Seems like the US culture (especially) has this really messed up feeling about a body - if it's not for-the-cover-of-a-magazine perfect it's gross.
As if we all have the perfect bodies! :-)


Well said and very true! If you spend any time at nude beaches you start to *get* it....we are all different and we all age. It's all natural and all good.

Respect!

[manitou]

I was out doing yoga this morning in front of CdlP (I had my clothes on) and saw a man jogging by on the beach naked! Not having the same aparatus as he, I have to say it either looked very fun or not much fun, hard to tell. jejejejeje
Guys can you give me some insight?:pHey Margo, don't think you got an answer to this question that you posed earlier...From my perspective, not much fun at all to bounce and flop around, well, at least while jogging. :eek::eek::eek:

[nauticalnudist]

Hey Margo, don't think you got an answer to this question that you posed earlier...From my perspective, not much fun at all to bounce and flop around, well, at least while jogging. :eek::eek::eek:
Not a problem, the "boys" don't weight as much as your "girls".
Just physics.

[Margoinmexico]

:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes: ;):rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleye s::rolleyes::rolleyes:

You guys crack me up! I imagine it is depending on the size of the boys as it is with the size of the girls, no?

Although in Blazing Saddles tradition, I always thought THOSE were called Boys.......


:bullseye::bullseye:¨Nice to see you Boys, I missed you last night¨:bullseye::bullseye:

[nauticalnudist]

Getting more back on track.
I've noticed on VRBO that a number of listings show nude/clothing optional nearby.
If you don't want to rent the listing, just find out where it's located to find the beach.

We are renting the property that Marog manages in January and it's clothing optional.

[beachreader]

Basically, any rental house can be clothing optional, but I hope everyone follows naturist etiquette and sits on towels both in and out of the house. They may be the cleanest people on the planet, but it's still good practice.

And when out on the beach, note the fact that the beach is public, and full nudity is technically still illegal on the public beaches in Mexico (at least, as far as I know). In practice, obviously, no one is ever hassled or arrested, just something to keep in mind. I think the public beach goes up past the high-water mark, which is pretty high.

[beachreader]

I'd just like to state some defense for the textiled among us. I mean, it's cool that some folks like to be nude, but I actually find tan lines to be really sexy. I like that certain parts of my partner are meant just for me and vice-versa, and I love that the tan lines kind of emphasize that. Liking tan lines does not make a person a prude.

And being a person with "girls" of a certain size, the idea of going without a bra or structured bathing suit is literally painful to me. Seriously, being nude all day would not be a pleasant experience, and I definitely could not play volleyball or anything like that. Being in the water, OK, or lying down, OK, but all day? Nuh-uh.

So it's nice that some folks like public nudity, but don't judge the textiles. Some of us are actually very nice people! :D

[nauticalnudist]

BR
Don't get me wrong, some of my best friends wear cloth (LMAO).

I think this is all a matter of choice and personal freedom.
I don't think anyone who is a true nudist or naturist would imply ALL people should be nude.
Do what you feel is comfortable for you.

We usually go to Mexico with two other couples, not all of us go nude.
I like to be nude most of the time, some only on the beach and swimming, others only when swimming.
And others only after mass quantities of margaritas.


All we ask is to be given the option to be nude if we choose.

This is why I prefer "clothing optional" to nude.
Some resorts require that you be nude the entire time you are at their resort. I don't agree with this.

[nauticalnudist]

I'd just like to state some defense for the textiled among us.
So it's nice that some folks like public nudity, but don't judge the textiles. Some of us are actually very nice people! :D
Nobody should have to defend thier personal choices to anyone and I hope you don't think I would judge you for those choices.

Life is too short.

[eliza899vt]

I'm all for personal freedoms. And I'm very respectful around others regarding going topless or nude....being in the minority I know the importance of making a good impression on textiles.

I don't want to make anyone uncomfortable, including myself. I realize some people are offended by nudity or topless, so try to be discrete if on a public beach. It's just a body, no more, no less, we all have them. I hate a wet bathing suit....and hate sand stuck in my suit and just love no tan lines.

I prefer nude resorts or hotels, but those are few and far between (at least ones that we would/do enjoy). We're always looking for someplace where we can just relax and be natural. We definitely prefer it if others aren't around (if it's not at a nude or c/o place). And certainly being naturists we're conscious and conscientious regarding sitting on our sarongs or towels and always having a cover up handy if people come by or staff.

It's all a personal choice and I respect people's choices to wear a suit or not...it's all good in my opinion. I certainly hope my posts or questions regarding nudity haven't offended anyone....that certainly is not my intent.

Liz

[beachreader]

No worries at all, Liz! Questions and discussion are what it's all about. :)

[eliza899vt]

....and luckily for us, we're off for a nude friendly vacation in 4 short days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[evZENy]

This Christmas we finally walked the whole beach line (not in one day I have to admit) - the one on the North (Copal, Papaya Playa...) and then South all the way to Sia'n Kan. Few places had fully naked people. Most of them in the deep South (and they prefer to keep it secret - even pretended thay don't know the name of the place, where they stay). But also full nudity in front of Shambala and Uno. Topless - here and there (e.g. Hemingway / Amnasala area). Overall - very clean even for people who get offended by what the Nature gave us :-)

[Aase T]

Great post! My husband and I have spent quite a few vacations near the Biosphere area and have spent entire days without suits on. Obviously we cover up if a family is walking by or if we're walking south down the beach (you can see people from about a mile away by the way) but we've noticed that when people notice you au natural from a distance, they often 'ease up' and lose their suits too! Kind of funny what people do, wouldnt'cha say?
Anyway, it's all about the seclusion of Tulum that makes 'clothing optional' so inviting. I definately think anyone going to Tulum should be prepared to see toppless on any of the beaches there, but agree that full nudity should stay where it's accepted or very secluded.

[carcal]

Anthony, I haven't been to Tulum before. Could you tell me the differnece between Azulik and Copal. Copal is about a 1/3 the cost. Would you stay at Copal instead on Azulik. We like the C/O places.

[mayaflya]

not Anthony, but I can tell you that Copal has a WIDE range of units...from sand floor stick huts to casitas that are similar to Azulik's (and the prices for these are closer to Azulik's prices). The lower cost units are basic in amenities. The resorts are sister resorts and share the c/o beach. Kenster from this board often splits his time between both, you might check with him on his reasons via PM.

[OTIS]

Greetings,
My wife and I are staying at the Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa later this year. How close is this to the CO beaches of Tulum? Or has anyone had any experience near this resort as it appears to be north of the areas mentioned in this thread?

[Dale]

Greetings,
My wife and I are staying at the Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa later this year. How close is this to the CO beaches of Tulum? Or has anyone had any experience near this resort as it appears to be north of the areas mentioned in this thread?

Never stayed at Dreams, but I know where it is...... From Dreams it's.....
7 kms to Tulum pueblo
11 kms to Copal
17 kms to the Sian Ka'an Arch
21 kms to the first parking area in the Biosphere

Of course all distances are approximate and often objects are closer than they appear.

[jeniferdesauza]

My wife and I are interested in staying in Tulum this Summer. We are leaning towards Cabanas Copal, but I read a trip report regarding Hemingway Palapas and Hemingway Beach. However, I can find nothing on the web regarding either. Do either exist? Are these unoffical names the locals use? Thanks in advance for any info.

[rickscott]

We stayed at Copal last January and the beach there is really nice. You can walk quite a ways. The cabanas were very rustic if that's what you're looking for. Down the beach a little ways from Copal was one called Cochinta? or something like that that was very nice and priced better but, the beach at Copal is the only one I think that really accepts nudity.

[minniemex]

I just thought it time to readdress nudity on the beaches. In Mexico all beaches are public. You may need to cross private property to get to it which is the only thing that makes a Mexican beach inaccessible. Nudity on a Mexican beach is against the law, however I have never heard of this law being enforced. Copal has a very relaxed vibe and accepts full nudity. You can find nudity anywhere along the beaches but it is mostly contained at Copal. You will find a lot of topless women everywhere on the beach. All we ever suggest is that you respect the Mexican people as it isn't any part of their culture and if there is a family nearby remain covered. There are many places you can either walk or drive to in the Biosphere that you can be the only one on the beach and express yourself however you want.

[minniemex]

My wife and I are interested in staying in Tulum this Summer. We are leaning towards Cabanas Copal, but I read a trip report regarding Hemingway Palapas and Hemingway Beach. However, I can find nothing on the web regarding either. Do either exist? Are these unoffical names the locals use? Thanks in advance for any info.

Yes Hemmingway's does exist. It is located on what we call the "south beach" area. Here is a map of the Tulum beach.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/Board%20Pictures/tulum1008.jpg

[Nelms]

Just spent a week at Cabanas Copal. Still a laid-back, clothing-optional resort where nudity is OK on the beach and among the cabanas. While typically about half the men and a quarter to a third of the women were nude on the beach, nobody was going nude among the cabanas. I walked in the nude to and from the shared baths a couple of times just to see what would happen, but nobody gave me a second look, so it seems to be OK, just not done by many. I walked nude north past Papaya Playa, the neighboring resort, where there is a "beach club" as well as cabanas, and several teenage girls on lounge chairs giggled, but nobody else seemed to mind. However, on one walk, a guy giving a massage in their beachfront massage room made a motion indicating I should wrap the towel I was carrying around my middle. So while nudity seems to be tolerated on the beach in front of the Papaya Playa cabanas, especially near Cabanas Copal, it isn't really accepted near the beach club area.

I also spent a couple of days at Tierras del Sol, and went nude in their beach lounge chair area with no problem. Alexis, one of the owners, came by to check things out and didn't pay any attention. However, after returning to my lounge chair from a long nude walk south into the Sian Kaan beach, two young French Canadian women staying at the hotel sort of dropped their jaws when I came back to my chair, although after that they didn't seem to bother. While two other women were topless, I was the only one nude. Nobody was topless or nude among the rooms, and I didn't ask whether that was acceptable. The basic vibe seems to be to do what you please without making any kind of deal about it.

I also took long walks from Maya Tulum south along that fabulous beach to about Tita Tulum and back, but saw neither toplessness nor nudity. Might have been just the people who were there those days. But compared to my last trip in 2005, there are now many more resorts lining the beach, fewer stretches of undeveloped beach where nude couples used to hang out, and what appear to be a more conventional American tourist population. I'm afraid the old days of Tulum as an anything-goes hippie beach are gone.

On my last full day, I walked nude for an hour from Tierras del Sol south on the Sian Kaan beach. A couple of miles down, there was an opening in the jungle, and about a dozen people, all with swimsuits, were swimming and sunning and picnicking. At the far end, there was a guy sunning in the nude. While I was chatting with him, two guys in polo shirts and shorts with Sian Kaan logos, apparently park rangers of some kind, walked up and told us that nudity was illegal. We covered up and they left. So no big deal, but their policy is clearly to enforce the rule against nudity when they see it. The lesson is, if you go for a walk nude in Sian Kaan, be sure to bring a towel or bathing suit in case you encounter rangers.

All in all a great trip. I didn't even bring a bathing suit, and came back tanned and relaxed. Cabanas Copal is a great place for an inexpensive naturist vacation -- it's not a heavy duty nudist resort, just a place where you can wear clothes or not, and nobody cares. It's also within a five to ten minute walk from several good restaurants (Zamas and Mateo's were the ones I tried and liked), and only a 40 peso taxi ride from Tulum pueblo, where I replenished my pesos from ATMS and ate at Charlie's and Don Cafeto, both very good as well.

If you want something a bit more upscale, where nudity is accepted although not explicitly so, Tierras del Sol will fit the bill, and there you have the option of walking that long, long virtually undeveloped beach for an hour or more into Sian Kaan. However, the resort is quite small, and you might be the only one there using the beach in the nude. Although there are a few restaurants nearby the hotel, it's quite a distance from the more active north northern end of the beach, and I would definitely rent a car if I stayed there.

[beachreader]

Thanks for the update, Nelms!

I think that's what pareos are great for. They're comfortable to wear if necessary, light to carry if not. A lot of people, even at the more populated hotels, will walk down to the water line and drop their pareo for swimming in the nude, or will lie in the sun, pareo at hand, in case covering up suddenly seems to be the thing to do for whatever reason. Not exactly naturist living, but better than bathing suits if you're so inclined!

[utmck]

We walked south from NVR and after about 1-2km we were naked and no one seemed to mind at all (there weren't that many people down there).

C & L

[snowbound]

We've sunbathed nude on Sololiman, Tankah and the Iron Shore. I've walked the beach nude, snorkeled Solimon nude and paddled a floatie and snorkeled on Tankah nude. We've never had anyone say anything or give dirty looks. We've had a couple of folks join us. The Sian Kaan area is still one of the best spots to run naked on the beach. No one around, and what few are, are usually nude also, or don't seem to mind.

[evZENy]

Just back from Tulum 2010. Happy to report what seems an increased number (%) of topless women compared to last years. Mainly in the Uno-Shambala and Hemingway-Amansala areas.
Saw few nude people, but not that many. We didn't go much further South than Om. Went to Sian Ka'an, but there weren't that many people on the beaches there.

[snowbound]

Did you stop by Cabanas Copal. I just heard from someone who was there that there were very few people there. Must have been that slow time.

[evZENy]

This year was actually the fewest people we've ever seen since 2004. Don't know if it was the ticket prices (especially with Mexicana going out of business), the economy or something else. It was also the coldest year we've had. For us it was actually a good sign, as the expansion of buildings and infrastructure we noticed every year, which brings more and more people, seemed smaller this year. Which means more Tulum spirit, less resort-like flavor.
Only Ana y Jose left an unpleasant taste with their humongous all-inclusive looking thing they build across the road.

[utmck]

It was also the coldest year we've had

Not condusive to taking clothes off.......

Chuck

[Westybchbum]

This year was actually the fewest people we've ever seen since 2004. Don't know if it was the ticket prices (especially with Mexicana going out of business), the economy or something else. It was also the coldest year we've had. For us it was actually a good sign, as the expansion of buildings and infrastructure we noticed every year, which brings more and more people, seemed smaller this year. Which means more Tulum spirit, less resort-like flavor.
Only Ana y Jose left an unpleasant taste with their humongous all-inclusive looking thing they build across the road.

Did you get any pics? They were deep into construction on it in Oct and we couldn't yet determine what it was. Yuck, Yuck, Yuck, we didn't like the looks of it then. Just curious.

[utmck]

Westy --

Are you looking for pics of nudity in tulum?????? haha

[Westybchbum]

Westy --

Are you looking for pics of nudity in tulum?????? haha

Now THAT would be asking for trouble! :)

[evZENy]

Westy --Are you looking for pics of nudity in tulum?????? haha
That was my first reaction and was just considering how to answer :-)
No, I didn't take pictures of Ana y Jose. wanted to shoot only things that make me feel good :-)
I was never AyJ fan and I guess will never be.

[TortillayTortuga]

LOL! Wow Westy...I had no idea! ;-) I'll take plenty of pics in a few months!

[Westybchbum]

There I go getting myself in trouble again.... LOL ;) TyT, honey, we need take pics we can share with the kind folks on TI as well.... lol!

[snowbound]

I think a combination and the violence press on Mexico and cooler weather(global warming)have taken it's tourism toll. I've talked to friends who say they will not go to Mexico, under any circumstances because of the drug wars. They have no idea that there is little if any problem in the places like Tulum. Especially on the nude beaches. It's obvious nudists are not carrying anything other than a great tan, and if you're like me, a little extra weight. But who cares. It's a great place and I'll keep going back to.

[utmck]

Right there with you 'snowbound". We need to keep Tulum a secret and spread the word how drug infested it is.


It's obvious nudists are not carrying anything other than a great tan, and if you're like me, a little extra weight. But who cares

It was obvious that Lainie and I were not packing and Mel and Babs weren't either..... ;)

[evZENy]

We need to keep Tulum a secret and spread the word how drug infested it is.
:-) Good idea. Though truth be told, last week on one of the popular night events I was offered both cocaine and marijuana. Nobody ever said it is a drug free zone :-)

[utmck]

We were there for 5 days and were never offered anything... I guess when you are naked it is obvious that you don't have any guns or in this case money....haha!

[evZENy]

We were there for 5 days and were never offered anything... I guess when you are naked it is obvious that you don't have any guns or in this case money....haha!
Well, that was one of the special nights with many people dancing and drinking. Plus who said they offered it only for money!? :-)

[utmck]

good point!!!!

[snowbound]

utmck

You are so correct. That's why I like Copal, you can just sign for the cervesa, and they bring a pen. I was jogging in Jamaica a few years ago and a guy offered me drugs and when I denied them, he told me his stuff was so good that I wouldn't have to jog anymore. I had to stop jogging because I was laughing so hard. I wasn't on the nude beach at the time, either.

[utmck]

I think "snowbound" is on to something..... if everyone was nude then no one would be offered drugs...... mmmmmmmm something to think about. I wonder how many would be in on that idea???????

[snowbound]

utmck

I read on TA a couple of months ago about a survey they did with thousands of people. A little over 50% said they had been nude on a beach or would like to be nude on a beach. Therefore, I think all beaches should be half nude, which, according to our great insight, would reduce the drug trade considerably. Maybe we could organize a "Nude In". Preferably somewhere warm!!

[utmck]

We are in!!!! I know of a place that is a perfect place to go in the fall, great beaches, beautiful water, great weather and some peeps that would probably in up for a great time as well!!!

[evZENy]

I am in. Let's start "Nudes against drugs" campaign. Get the media attention. Ask for some federal funding. Start a merchandise. Educational outreach...
Man, I can finally see a purpose in my life (don't right now :-). No, seriously. I grew up in Bulgaria, where 30-40% of the women on the beach were topless. And most of the beaches had a nude area. I always ended my vacations monochromatic :-). But in the last 15 years since we moved in US, I haven't been...UTMCK - send me the coordinates for that place. Is it good during the spring too?

[utmck]

send me the coordinates for that place. Is it good during the spring too?

Yes, but we need to keep that a secret or we will be put double probation!!!!

[snowbound]

utmck
Don't you mean "double secret probation"? As far as government funding, it will be difficult in this era of "no earmarks". It would probably be best to apply for a grant thru Health and Humane services. We could ask for research money on the elimination of drugs thru nudity. But,(no pun intended) when you get federal dollars, along comes the regulation. EPA would probably require us to use 60 SPF block, or stay in the shade, or go to the extreme and make us put clothes on. OSHA would require that all appendages be secured so that no one would be injured if struck by one when making sudden movements. That also brings in Homeland Security and a potential grant to fight drugs in Mexico. Are there any nudists in Congress? I would think there were because they always have to have their pants down, what with all the a-- kissing. Maybe we should just keep it private.

[evZENy]

Good points, Snow :-)
Having well tanned people in the Congress does not equal easy funds for us...
But keeping the privates private, doesn't work well enough even for the privates in the army :-)
Plus if this whole thing is offshored to Mexico, maybe EPA and OSHA will care less. After all, even in the Gulf things happened that shouldn't have. Let alone further down South. Need to get in touch with the established already nudists groups and organizations, though I am sure many will prefer to be "for" and not "against" the drugs :-)

[utmck]

utmck
Don't you mean "double secret probation

Snowbound nice catch!! I even screwed it up and you caught it.

[snowbound]

It's a work habit. I really sucks though, when others in the office catch my mistakes. My biggest mistake is having a job where I only get to spend a couple of weeks a year on a nude beach.

[utmck]

But a nice couple of weeks it is, isn't it!!!!

[snowbound]

I don't think I could describe the feeling of total escape if I wanted. There is a freedom that to few people get to enjoy. I love a nude beach, a book and a beer. I have no cares, don't even think about work, and don't care about anything else. This is "me" time. We make no schedules, and do what we want, when we want. No itinerary whatsoever. We eat where we want, or have it cooked in. The Tulum area is the most conducive area to our desires for two weeks and we make the most of it, and are usually naked when we do it. I take my clothes off when I get there and don't put them back on unless we leave to go to town. I love the town of Tulum, the only downside is I have to put shorts and a shirt on to go there. I'm on the beach, nude, with a cup of hot coffee before sun up, and my wife usually has to drag me away to get dinner when the sun has gone behind the palm trees. That may be a little extreme, but life's too short not to enjoy it when we can.

[MissDuck]

We just got back from a week at Copal. It was our third time in Tulum, and our third time staying at Copal. While there are many other lovely cabana and cottage resorts, we return to Copal first for the CO beach and secondarily for the rustic and relaxing environment there. Nothing like turning off phones and taking off clothes for a week! We were happy to get our requested cabana (#26 for those of you familiar; this is two up from the Casita and is our favorite because there is a very low level of foot traffic going past, day or night. It's also close to the yoga hut, which is a bonus for me).

My husband would get up every morning around 6am and take a sunrise swim. He'd place towels on the beach to secure our spot, and then head into town to pick up breakfast essentials (fruit, coffee, sometimes a pastry or two) while I attended the 7:30 am yoga class. I'd join him on the beach by 8:45, and there we'd stay until 3 or 4pm every day.

We have learned since our first trip that we are absolutely ok with doing nothing but lounging on the beach during our time there. Living in a part of the country that 1) is chilly 8 months of the year or so, and 2) doesn't offer legal nude sunbathing, we really relish our time on the beach at Copal. Our breakfast on the beach was followed each day by lunch on the beach from Copal's TinTun bar - not the best food, but we'd rather eat a mediocre lunch and stay near the water rather than spend an hour or more getting dressed and wandering up the road somewhere. Evenings were the time for putting simple clothes on and wandering into town or up the beach road for a tasty meal and change of scenery.

To the topic of this thread - we were a little surprised to be the only consistently nude couple on the beach. There were many topless women and a handful of nude men, but it was very rare that any other couples were nude for more than an hour or so. The exceptions were two Mexican families who all went nude, children included. As was our past experience, no one behaved strangely toward us for being nude and we relished the freedom in basking in the sun and taking dips to cool off as needed. We had lovely weather with just a couple partially cloudy days, and cool windy nights. It did seem in general just not as crowded as before (our other trips were December 2009 and June 2010), but I think that's the general trend throughout Mexico right now as others have noted.

We strolled up the beach past Papaya Playa and another cabana resort (Tribal Village?) and while people were not nude there, no one paid us any attention. We've never been nude anywhere else in Tulum, but as stated above we never leave the Copal beach area anyway ;)

A fabulous vacation and we can't wait to return. Love the freedom of unstructured days and lazy evenings. Great meals at El Tabano, Zamas, La Nave, Charlies, and Don Cafeto.

[beachreader]

Welcome to the boards, MissDuck, thanks for the helpful post!

[utmck]

There is a freedom that to few people get to enjoy.

Exactly Snowbound.

A lot of people just cannot get past "what if somebody sees me naked", when it really is that no one cares if you are nude or not. I know the first time Lainie and I tried it, it was an experience that is hard to describe. It is so freeing and after a while so natural. I understand if you are vacationing with long time friends and or family, but if it is you and your spouse and other people that you don't know at all or just met (as in our case) it is different and it is something that most would quickly realize how wonderful it is!!!

[snowbound]

MissDuck-
Thank you for the great report. As you go, so do we. I'm up before sunrise and join my wife later for breakfast. Nude all day on the beach, that's what I'm paying for No sense in putting clothes on for lunch when it can be served at the bar, or on the beach. Too bad the numbers are down, it's always fun to meet other like-minded people. It sounds like you had a great time and I know we will in a few weeks.

[MissDuck]

I love a nude beach, a book and a beer.

I read a book a day and had at least two beers a day on the beach while we were there - it was funny today at home when the snow was falling down to think how far away all of that is.....but we'll be back as soon as possible.

[utmck]

We started drinking around 11a and kept drinking until it was time to go to bed!!!

[snowbound]

You can trade your books at the internet cafe on the southside of Tulum. I ran out, so I gave them all I'd read and took a couple I hadn't. I never realized what hard, tiring work it was to lay nude on a beach from sunup to sunset, reading and drinking beer. Oh well, someone's gotta do it, might as well be us.

[solman2]

Only 2 1/2 weeks till there will be someone else nude on the beaches of Tulum! Loved Copal and points WAY south, but back again for the month of February and can't go home with tanlines that noticeable. I always figure I'll be the guy in someone's trip report where they say "can you believe this is what we saw at the nude beach while we were having lunch at the bar with our clothes on!!?" I keep checking sites and haven't seen it yet, so we'll be back again this year to give it a try.
DW says she might go for more than topless too...see yas Feb 1st!!

[snowbound]

Great news for you. Mine will be turning blue from the cold and yours will be tanning. I also had a photogenic moment. We we by the tower in the Sian Kaan and I was standing nude in about kneee deep water when I turned around and saw a young lady putting down her camera. I thought I'd ask her to see how it turned out, but they got in their car and drove off. I haven't seen it yet. I did have a great tan.
Beings you're headed that way, have you ever been to the Shambala Petit? It's by anya y rosa and looks like a nice place and reasonable. They do allow nudity, according to the manager.

[snowbound]

I forgot to ask, how far south did you go and was it all nude friendly?

[solman2]

We have been by Shambala and noticed over the years that there are sometimes people there full nude, not us though.We weren't anywhere in particular, just down in the Sian Kaan and found a nice quiet beach and there is NO ONE around.

[snowbound]

We've hung around the look out tower where the army has a small group staying in a bunker type building on the beach. A very safe area. They were very friendly and we talked to them a little as the language barrier would let us. The beauty of the water and beach almost takes your breath away. We've seen very few people in the area, a couple who were also nude. Have you been south of the Boca Paila bridge? We have not, there were too nice of beaches, so why go further?

[utmck]

How far south (walking) is the tower from NVR?

[snowbound]

It's south of the Boca Paila fishing resort, a few hundred yards. North of the bridge a short distance. I would suspect it was a klik or two south of NVR. Three people from the resort walked down the beach near us and got nude to enjoy the sun. Other than that, we saw one other couple who only looked around, then left.

[utmck]

I would suspect it was a klik or two south of NVR

So only a mile or two???? I figured we walked at least that far and didn't see anything that would resemble the tower.......

[snowbound]

It may be a little more than that, but the road is close to the beach and you can't miss the tower, it's between the road and the beach. There is a pull off to the beach just north of the tower that we drove on, only about 50 yds, then parked and walked another 50 yds to the beach. It looks like some kids built a fort on long stilts. Very rickety looking. Not something I'd ever want to climb. There are very few trees around it, so it is easily seen. I'm sure the guy in the tower is watching nude sunbathers more than he's watching for insurgents. The guy that came up and talked to us was very friendly and never quit smiling. He then walked north and talked to a couple of other nude sunbathers, then strolled back to the bunker. Nice guy, just sightseeing. I thought he was Federale, but he said he was Army. I have not walked the beach beyond the Fishing resort, so I don't recall how far it was from the entrance.

[snowbound]

Its going to be below zero here tonight with blowing snow. I think I'll sit in my hot tub and enjoy an adult beverage while imagining the snow to be white sand beaches and the wind thru the trees to be the crashing waves in Tulum. Boy, that's a stretch. It may take me a few beverages to get there.

[utmck]

HAHA. I can pull it off I have a great imagination!!!!!

[jetb2]

My husband and I went to Copal two years ago (03/09) and absolutely loved it. We're thinking about our spring vacation, it was 2 degrees this morning, and we're trying to decide between Miami and going back to Copal. I'm just starting to investigate Haulover Beach in Miami but I'm intrigued to know that there are more nude beaches near Copal. We didn't wander very far for our first trip and I we don't plan on renting a car for the next one. How far south would the next beach(es) be from Copal?

[beachreader]

You can't really walk south from Copal on the beach because of the rocky outcroppings. The beach doesn't open up to the wide-open spaces of what we call the south beach until you get south of Maya Tulum, about a kilomenter on the road from Copal. The empty beaches of the Sian Ka'an are another 5 k from that point. There aren't any officially nude beaches other than Copal, people are just posting that nudity is possible in many different places in the area.

[beachreader]

Oh, and I think Mayaflya posted about a nude beach in Miami, maybe do an advanced search for posts by him about Miami?

[jetb2]

There aren't any officially nude beaches other than Copal, people are just posting that nudity is possible in many different places in the area.

I understand there aren't any more 'official' beaches. I read through the posts in this thread and saw that there were unofficial alternatives and just wasn't clear of the distance to them from Copal.

[gbobbymac]

We stayed at a house near La Zebra and the property was clothing optional. We were told we could be nude in the water and on our property, just not in between. Go figure.

[gbobbymac]

hi Margo. We stayed at Naked Bob place June '09. Great time and we were nude. Well except for the time that policio tried to run us off...lol Thanks for your help.. We are planning a trip back this coming June. Look to see you there....

[gbobbymac]

We were at a house next to La Zebra, and spent most of our time there nude on and off the beach

[utmck]

When we went in late Oct. there were very few people on the beach to get "upset" if you were nude.

[gbobbymac]

When we went in late Oct. there were very few people on the beach to get "upset" if you were nude.

We were in Tulum in June, you are right, very few people on the beach. Only one to get upset was this one police. But Margo cleared that up for us.

[mayaflya]

Hola, jetb!

I'll give you my 2 cents worth...Haulover is an amazing beach to experience, but two caveats, one, the weather in March in South Florida may not be as reliably warm as the weather in the Riviera Maya...we were there in March two years ago, and while we had a great time, we were lucky with the weather...two days cool and rainy and three warm and sunny, we found plenty of sightseeing to do on the cool days. The other caveat, and this is what actually makes Haulover so interesting, is that you will be sharing the beach with hundreds of other nude folk...it is nothing like the relatively deserted beaches of Tulum...or even Copal, where you may have a dozen or so nude sunbathers at the most. Haulover is a great nude "experience", but not necessarily a great nude "getaway"...we split our time between a day at Haulover and the rest of our week at a naturist resort near Fort Lauderdale.

If you are returning to Tulum, NOT renting a car, and want to walk the south beaches nude, you will want to stay as far south as you can towards the Sian Kaan, preferably at one of the properties that has a nude tolerant policy. We did this last spring break, with a stay at Hamaca Loca. Not to take anything away from the positive experiences others have posted about here, but we never felt fully comfortable with the "fuzzy" status of nudity on the unofficial beaches. It was so much more relaxing to be nude at Copal, where the status was clear.

If it was my choice, I'd base my vacation at Copal, and then catch a one way taxi as far south as you want to walk back to explore the south beaches. Once you get back to the hotel zone, you could likely call or catch a cab back north.

My husband and I went to Copal two years ago (03/09) and absolutely loved it. We're thinking about our spring vacation, it was 2 degrees this morning, and we're trying to decide between Miami and going back to Copal. I'm just starting to investigate Haulover Beach in Miami but I'm intrigued to know that there are more nude beaches near Copal. We didn't wander very far for our first trip and I we don't plan on renting a car for the next one. How far south would the next beach(es) be from Copal?

[utmck]

If it was my choice, I'd base my vacation at Copal, and then catch a one way taxi as far south as you want to walk back to explore the south beaches. Once you get back to the hotel zone, you could likely call or catch a cab back north

If you like staying at Copal this would be a good idea.

[snowbound]

Great news, I just heard Nicole Kidman say that even though her body has been "rounded" a little after having a baby, she still likes to be nude when she can. She said she won't be embarrassed by the changes and will still enjoy her nudity. Hope to see ya in Tulum, Nicole.

[utmck]

Jessica Alba and Halle Berry were in the cabana right next to La Ola when we were down back in Oct.!!!!!

[mktbay]

Cabanas Copal has closed. We went there for a beach day about a week ago and all was fine. We went back yesterday and the place was deserted: all cabanas, bars and reception areas were emptied of furniture. Some bedding and furniture were being loaded on a truck. Anyone have info?

[nauticalnudist]

That's too bad.
My wife and I were just there in January and had a great time.
There were rumors and you could tell they had not spent any money on maintenance.
Beach was perfect and about half and half nude/clothed.

Wonder what is going to go in there.
It looked like most of the property on that little piece of paradise is empty.

[MOJOWY]

Hello we are new to this forum but wanted to give our view. We went to Haulover Mid Feb. for 10 days loved every minute of it. The beach is great you see so many different kind of people. If you go take a cooler with drinks the vendors are a bit pricey (Water 3 bucks) We are looking now fora condo for next winter to stay long term (Liked it that much). We all so went that same trip to Cypress Cove near Orlando. We have been to Hidden beach resort just north of Tulum many times so Haulover isa nice change of pace. Next we like to try a nudists condo in Tulum Mak Nuk village anyone seen it yet? Not open yet but should be close to opening. Anyone know how far the nude beach in Tulum is from Hidden beach we are going March 28 so we want to check it out. Thanks for your help I hope I am posting right.

[evZENy]

I just learnt about Mak Nuk from you. It seems to be in the village and not on the beach. More like in the far corner of the Aldea Zama development
http://www.maknuk.com/download/MayaZama-MakNuk-dl.jpg
Like the latter I think this is part of coming end to Tulum as we know it.
If anything, I see it becoming nude-unfriendly with the increasing of people (and the potential number of moralists :-) on the beach.
The wheel is turning however and can't be stopped...:-(

[utmck]

evZENy -

Where is that plot of land? Is it North of Copal/Azulik? If so how far?

[MOJOWY]

Hi No the condos are not on the beach they are going to have a bus to take tenants to the beach. Theres a new beach road being build that run next to the condos i have seen the google map of the site looks to be a mile or 2 from the beach. The couple thats going to run it worked for Hidden Beach a few yrs back( At least Crissy did) They now run a weekly nude cruise some place near there.

[evZENy]

Where is that plot of land? Is it North of Copal/Azulik? If so how far?
This was discussed in a different link, but Aldea Zama / Maya Zama is a monster, few times the size of the current village.
Go to http://www.mayazama.com/ > Mayazama > Site Map
This is the reason mentioned above behind the closing of Copal and other legends of Tulum playa.
Scary...

[cgynotanlines]

Cabanas Copal has closed. We went there for a beach day about a week ago and all was fine. We went back yesterday and the place was deserted: all cabanas, bars and reception areas were emptied of furniture. Some bedding and furniture were being loaded on a truck. Anyone have info?

Wow too bad. We never stayed there, but made several day trips when we were in the area.

[gbobbymac]

To all you nudists that will be in Tulum the week of June 14-21. Four of us couples will be staying at a villa in the preserve that week AND planning a night on the beach with music, dancing, drinks (byob) and just some good nudist fun. Thinking about that Friday night. To help us know how many to expect. Anyone interested can email me at gbobby_mac@att.net (gbobby_mac@att.net) Looking forward to meeting new nudist friends. See you in Tulum... :wave:

[wanderer]

To all you nudists that will be in Tulum the week of June 14-21. Four of us couples will be staying at a villa in the preserve that week AND planning a night on the beach with music, dancing, drinks (byob) and just some good nudist fun. Thinking about that Friday night. To help us know how many to expect. Anyone interested can email me at gbobby_mac@att.net (gbobby_mac@att.net) Looking forward to meeting new nudist friends. See you in Tulum... :wave:
My husband and I hope to be in Tulum that week - sounds like a good time.

[Mel]

To all you nudists that will be in Tulum the week of June 14-21. Four of us couples will be staying at a villa in the preserve that week AND planning a night on the beach with music, dancing, drinks (byob) and just some good nudist fun. Thinking about that Friday night. To help us know how many to expect. Anyone interested can email me at gbobby_mac@att.net (gbobby_mac@att.net) Looking forward to meeting new nudist friends. See you in Tulum... :wave:

Hey, we may stop by too. I will email.

[bb1991]

Copal is looking less and less like an option for me with the recent changes. Are there any Tulum hotels that are c/o friendly in the high season? Not looking to wander into the preserve with no services. Would rather a place with food, drinks and a bathroom and where I'm not the only one in case the local fuzz shows up.

[Orm]

http://www.cabanascopal.com/press-release.html

"Copal´s land lease came to an end and we didn´t have the possibility to renew it, so we had to restructure Copal. We reduce our facilites from 47 cabañas to 8."

[MissDuck]

We'll be in Tulum June 30 to July 4, staying at Azulik now that our beloved Copal has been whittled down. Any current updates on the status of the beach? We've been following the news and understand about the lease and the beach being reduced to just what is in front of Azulik, but am most interested in knowing if people are going nude there or not.

[gbobbymac]

Us and 3 other couples just got back from Tulum. We stayed in the Perserve, about 6.5 km from the arch. We were nude the whole time. We even were able to walk nude down the beach a couple of miles each way from the house. Check out VRBO.com. There is a 2 bedroom house near Ceisak. Even if you already have a place, the beaches in the Perserve (Sian Kaan) is CO. Enjoy your trip

[MOJOWY]

Hello can you give a listing number on VRBO? Thanks

[utmck]

By accident, I ran across Papaya Playa's website and after looking at some of the pictures realized that when we went to Copal (day trip) last year that we were actually at Papaya Playa' beach and using their services (eating & drinking). My question is this...

Is Papaya Playa c/o as well? The last thing we want to do is offend and like I said up until this morning thought that we were at Copal all afternoon.

[gbobbymac]

Hello can you give a listing number on VRBO? Thanks


HI. :wave: To bad we missed ya'll in June. Here is the listing for the house we stayed in during our trip in June. Hope you enjoy your trip. Where are ya'll from?

http://www.vrbo.com/288459

[MOJOWY]

Hello we are from Wyoming (Gillette) area the villa looks great but looking for a few weeks for us 2.

[gbobbymac]

That is a great villa for 4 couples, not one.. lol There is some places in Siam Kaan where the cost for 2 is better..... Enjoy your week...
Are ya'll nudists too?