Tulum Authorities & Hotels Join Forces To Guarantee Free Beach Access For All Visitors

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TULUM — For years, one of the most frustrating paradoxes of a Tulum vacation was the sheer difficulty of actually getting to the world-famous beach. Visitors staying in town or at an Airbnb were often confronted with a long, seemingly endless wall of private hotels and beach clubs, leaving them confused, intimidated, and wondering, “Where are we actually allowed to go?”

This has long been a major stress point for travelers. But in late 2025, after a period of intense public pressure, that reality has finally and fundamentally changed for the better.

Following a major controversy, state and municipal authorities have successfully partnered with local hotels to create, improve, and guarantee new, welcoming, and free public access points for all. Here at The Cancun Sun, we’re diving into the recent conflict and explaining what these welcome new changes mean for your next trip to Tulum.

The “Jaguar Park” Conflict Explained

Much of the recent confusion began with the creation of the massive new Parque Nacional del Jaguar (Jaguar National Park), a federal project aimed at protecting the area’s fragile ecosystems. As the government took control of large sections of the coastline for the park, several well-known and long-used (though often informal) beach access points were suddenly closed off or had new entrance fees imposed.

The most notable of these was the popular access point near the Mezzanine hotel. Its closure, along with others, sparked widespread anger and protests from locals and tourists alike, who felt that public access to the beaches was being reduced, not expanded. This backlash, however, appears to have been the catalyst for positive change, forcing authorities to finally address the long-standing access problem head-on.

The Solution: 15 Hotels & Beach Clubs Now Guarantee Free Access

In a landmark agreement announced by Tulum’s Mayor Diego Castañón, 15 prominent hotels and beach clubs have voluntarily agreed to provide free, unrestricted public access to the beach through their properties. This means no cover charge, no minimum consumption requirement, and no more “pay-to-play” rules just to touch the sand.

The list of participating venues includes some of the most iconic names on the beach strip:

• Papaya Playa Project
• La Eufemia
• Casa Violeta
• Ahau
• Selina Tulum
• Vagalume
• Kanan
• Dune Boutique Hotel
• Ikal
• Shambala Petit Hotel
• Cabañas La Luna
• Panamera
• Aldea Tulum
• Akiin Beach Club
• Coco Tulum

What This Means for Your Trip & The Law

This official push reinforces a fundamental and crucial law: all beaches in Mexico are federal property and are publicly accessible. The problem in Tulum was never the law itself, but the practical ability to get to the beach without feeling like you were trespassing.

With these new, clearly endorsed access points, travelers can now explore the stunning Tulum coastline with confidence. You have the right to walk through the designated corridors of these properties to reach the public beach.

The Savvy Traveler’s Tip: While access to the sand is free, amenities like lounge chairs, daybeds, pools, and bathrooms are still reserved for paying hotel guests or beach club customers. You are not required to buy anything, but the option is there if you choose.

This is a welcome and long-overdue change that is making the incredible natural beauty of Tulum more accessible and enjoyable for everyone—not just the guests staying in the exclusive beachfront hotels. It’s a clear sign that Tulum is listening to travelers and is committed to rebuilding its image as a welcoming destination for all.

Happy Travels!