During a road trip in Mexico in 2017, we stayed at a condo in Tulum, but not right on the beach (Aldea Zama). There is a road that goes along the beach in Tulum, but much of it is very busy so we weren’t quite sure how to plan a day at the beach.
Someone recommend Zazil Kin to us if we wanted to go the the Tulum beach. We were told if you find a place (like a hotel or restaurant) along the beach and eat there and/or rent a beach chair, you can use the beach (which is exactly what we did).
We drove a rental car from Avant Car Rental in Cancun, and drove down to Tulum. There are a couple signs out along the main road, so we knew when we had reached Zazil Kin.
We used Google Maps and had no problem finding it between that and the road signs.
** Note that seaweed has been an issue on the Yucatan for a couple years now. Sargassum season is generally from April to August.
While this was not an issue in 2017, it has been a growing issue. This image from June 2021 gives you an idea of what it can be like during periods of seaweed. Do your research before visiting, as a normally clear beach may be inundated with sargassum. You can find seaweed maps online doing a Google search.
Credit: Red de Monitoreo del Sargazo Cancun
At Zazil Kin, we parked in a large parking lot and headed to the open air lobby, where we were told it was fine to head to the beach. This is a hotel made up of small cabana rooms scattered around the property.
The beach is not a far walk, and is easy to find. There are restrooms around the property, and you can use those during your day at the beach.
When we got to the beach, we paid $5 to rent a beach chair. There are palm trees by the beach chairs, and it was nice to have a shady place to sit and take a break.
If you look to the north, you can see the Tulum archaeological ruins along the coast.
The beach and the water here is INCREDIBLE. We got married on the Mayan Riviera in 2004, and when we arrived at the Zazil Kin beach, one of the first things that came to mind is that this is one of the most beautiful beaches I have been to. Powdery white sand and gorgeous crystal water stretching out as far as the eye can see. My husband and kids went snorkeling and saw a conch and a bunch of fish.
Just to the south of Zazil Kin, there are other beach properties and boats that take tourists out on snorkeling tours. They did ask us if we wanted to take a tour out to the reef (however, we did not take a tour). We had read online before our trip that some of the tour boats were too close to the swim area in an attempt to discourage people from going out to the reef. There were boats pretty close to the roped off areas, but my husband swam far out with the kids (ages 8 and 10) and didn’t have any problems with the boats.
When we got hungry for lunch, we ate at the restaurant right on the beach. It was so convenient and lovely. The kids were in their swimsuits, and we ate barefoot under the palm trees. My husband ordered the chicken tacos and said they were awesome, and I got a plate of guacamole. (Prices are in pesos – so the guacamole was about $5 USD).
My daughter and I also shared some Nachos Naturales.
The vibe at the restaurant is incredibly relaxed (and the kids probably spent more time playing with this cat than eating their meals!).
(Ok, who can resist this cute face?)
We had such a great day at Zazil Kin, swimming, lounging, eating, walking along the beach. It was a relaxing day and just an absolutely beautiful place!
There was still some parking when we left in the afternoon.
Tips
~ Bring reef-safe sunscreen. Reef safe sunscreen is best for marine life, and also a rash guard can reduce the amount of sunscreen you use. There is a reef out past the beach and every little bit helps! The sun felt very intense on the beach, and it is good to have proper sun protection, including a hat, sunglasses, etc.
~ If you plan on swimming, bring water shoes and a snorkel.
~ Arrive early. It was very quiet when we went, but I think in high season, if you want easy parking and the best chairs, you’ll want to get there fairly early (before 10-11am).
~ Bring money and be prepared to rent a chair and pay for food. There are also lots of people coming through the beach area selling things, from honey to snacks.
Visit Zazil Kin at http://hotelzazilkin.com/
Check out all of our Mexico blog posts here.
About the Author: Marysa
Busy blogger and mom of two girls. We love traveling and the great outdoors, and are always looking for our next adventure!
About the Author: Marysa
Busy blogger and mom of two girls! We love traveling and the great outdoors, and are always looking for our next adventure!
Some of our Mexico posts for places we visited nearby:
Our Mayan Riviera wedding
Aldea Zama condo rentals, Tulum
Avant Car Rental, Cancun
Cenotes Casa Tortuga, Tulum
Coba Ruins, Coba
Fiesta Americana Villas, Cancun
Muyil Ruins, Tulum
Hacienda Tres Rios, Playa del Carmen
Punta Laguna Nature Reserve, near Coba
Xcaret, Playa del Carmen
Yal Ku Lagoon, Akumal
Zazil Kin Beach, Tulum
OH WOW THIS PLACE looks straight out of the movies! A perfect paradise. I have never been south of Texas/Florida – basically never been south of the US before… But I need to change that in the near future. I mean Mexico is RIGHT THERE and it has a whole lot of gems I have yet to discover!
Looks like a fabulous beach, love that they have so much right there: restrooms, chairs, food. Makes it easy, especially when on vacation.
What a beautiful place to experience. As I sit here in NH anticipating snow, I want a warm beach somewhere with sunshine and kitties too 🙂 Love that little black kitty 🙂
Holy moly! Zazil Kin Beach looks amazing. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a gorgeous place. I’d love to visit one day.
That is a fabulous beach! Mexico looks like an amazing country with lots of activities and sights.
Look at that water! It is beautiful! And I would definitely be playing with the cat too!
Mexico is such a fun place to visit. It looks like you enjoyed yourselves! I love just staring at the photos.
Zazil Kin Beach looks like a perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun and fun in Mexico. I love the palm trees on the beach that provide some shade.
Spending the day here would be awesome especially after a stressful week at work! I miss the beach, without a doubt! I love that the beach isn’t the only good thing here but the food as well.
I never thought Mexico would be such a beautiful place as I know. The views are so amazing.Looks like a your on paradise.
Oh wow! This looks a wonderful beach to visit. I cant wait to see this next year.
Wow, these are some beautiful photos. I have always wanted to go to Mexico. This makes me want to go even more.
This looks like a nice place to kick back and relax. I have never been out of the country and don’t know if I ever will but it is nice to see your trip photos. So pretty!
We loved Mexico when we visited a few years ago. I love the water because you can actually see the bottom of the ocean and it is so calm. I want to go back to Mexico again one day.
Tbis reminds me a lot of Flamenco Beach in Culebra Puerto Rico. So stunning.
I have never been but the water looks so clear! Looks like total paradise. Will check it out on my next visit to Mexico!
I really want to go to Mexico! I’d love to visit this beach – and I will remember to bring reef safe sunscreen!
This beach looks like a dream. Such crystal clear water!
That looks like a lovely place to go. I’ve always wanted to vacation in that area, the kitty makes it even more appealing!
Beautiful. This looks like such a wonderful place to visit. I think maybe it’s time we book a vacation!
Oh my , Zazil Kin Beach looks so gorgeous! I need to plan a trip to a warm beach very soon.
That looks like an awesome place. We’ve been to Mexico a few times, but we’ve never been here. I think this will be our next stop. It’s beautiful.
I’ve only been to Mexico once, but I am hoping to make it to other places eventually. This looks like a great family spot, which is exactly what we need! Glad you guys enjoyed your trip.
That looks like such an amazing place! I would love to take my brood there for a little R&R. It’s absolutely gorgeous!
Zazil Kin looks and sounds absolutely amazing! What an awesome escape from the dreariness in my neck of the woods right now!
I love the photo with your child and the cat! So adorable and such wonderful photos.
The beach at Zazil Kin is just perfect! Oh, I am wanting to go now! The sandy beach and nice sandy bottom and clear water ooh. It does sound so fun and you got some good tips about how to find your way around. Mayan Riviera sounds like a wonderful place for a wedding.
What a beautiful place to visit and the food looks delicious. That cat looks like my kitten!
Wow this place looks amazing. We have been to Cancun but not Tulum. I love how breathtaking the water is.
This place looks magical! We have been to Cabo but never Tulum! I cant wait to take the kids!
This looks like such an AMAZING vacation!! I am super jealous! The food looks amazing too! There is nothing better than good food and good views!
Tulum is on my list for such a long time …. can’t wait to visit soon. Love your pictures
❥ tanvii.com
Wow, the Zazik Kin Beach looks like such a dream vacation spot. I love all the views you were able to capture, absolutely beautiful!
The beach looks lovely. I love Mexico it’s such a great place to visit. The food sounds yummy. I love guacamole.
These photos are absolutely stunning. What an amazing vacation you experienced. Reading about it not only reminded me that I need a vacation, but also felt like I experienced it along with you. Thanks for sharing!
It looks and sounds like this is a great destination. I feel like I need some time on that white sand beach and those nachos.
Oh my God, the beach looks so beautiful. And just look at the water. Looks like the perfect holiday destination.
You found a gem of a vacation spot! I haven’t been in Mexico in years. I wish we could go there next year. We will have to re-add this to our bucket list!
I personally don’t like beaches but this place looks amazing… I really loved the picture of the black cat 🙂
Such a beautiful place to visit – I would love to go one day! And who can resist a cute cat eh?!
I was shocked at the prices but then I realized it’s not it dollars. LOL. Thanks for explaining. I’d love to visit Mexico soon!
I’ve been to Tulum a few times, but they were all before it became such a desired beach location. This looks gorgeous! I’ll have to make it back there the next time I’m in Mexico
This beach looks heavenly. I can imagine spending a good bit of time there. Thanks for sharing with us.
Yout blog is like my big window to the world. I miss the beach so much. I had to cancel my vacation trip due to the coronavirus and well being at home with the family on vacation is not that bad but I wish to be having some Nachos naturales at the beach right now,
What a fun experience and beautiful backdrop! It seems like such an easy adventure, from the parking lot right there, to the easy beach chairs, and the relaxed restaurant, all right there with the ruins in view!
It’s great to see different places in the world these days. I just want this pandemic going to an end so I can travel to those beautiful places
Zazil Kin Beach looks like paradise. Will check it out if we ever land on that continent.
Wwwwwoooowwwww….those waters are a must to step in! I wanna be here.
Lovely beach and dreamy blue waters. I love the tips you offered to make a trip to this Mexican beach memorable and comfy!
amazing place, like paradise. I hope someday I can visit such places as well.ONE LOVE!!! so nice photos!
All photos taken in Tulum is always sunny and that’s why I like the Cancun and the area so much. Thanks for this post and it brings back a lot of amazing memories of me visiting there – Knycx Journeying
Mexico has some of the bluest, clearest water I’ve ever seen. I can’t wait until we can go back!
the water looks so blue and beautiful! i would love to visit. that’s so cool there’s a restaurant right there on the beach under the palms.
That beach looks stunning, been dreaming about going to the sea side today
My girlfriends and I were just talking about planning a girls trip to Tulum, Mexico! I cant wait to share your great post with them. The water looks beautiful too! Saving this Pin.