Tulum is beautiful, chaotic, spiritual, and indulgent. You know—a little like the gay community itself!

Chilling out on the Riviera Maya in Mexico, it has ancient Mayan ruins beside wild, jungle-set beach clubs. It has perfect beaches with impossibly blue Caribbean waters, backed by gorgeous eco-friendly hotels and wellness retreats crafted to blend seamlessly into the jungle behind them. And it has a lively, authentically Mexican downtown with decent nightlife and—just miles away—the often-photographed, crystal-clear sinkholes known as cenotes. Tulum is truly one of Mexico’s most visually striking destinations, and it’s also a welcoming, bohemian retreat for LGBTQ+ people.

What Tulum doesn’t have is the gay nightlife scene of Puerto Vallarta, or even its bigger brother Cancún up the coast. Instead, Tulum is ideal for LGBTQ+ travelers seeking something slower, more stylish, and more experience-driven than a party-heavy gay hotspot with classic bar circuits and late-night club scenes. That said, it’s not dead either—there are still a solid number of gay-friendly bars, and gay DJ events regularly pop up at jungle clubs, making them well worth planning a trip around if you do want a little dance action in paradise.

So, if you’re craving a little nature, culture, sensuality, and style on your gaycation, here’s everything you need to know before planning your gay guide to Tulum.

Table of Contents

1. General Tips
2. Transportation & Airport Transfer
3. Gay Hotels in Tulum
4. Sightseeing & Activities in Tulum
5. Restaurants and Cafes
6. Tulum Gay Bars and Clubs
7. Tulum Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars
8. Gay Beaches in Tulum
9. Gay Events in Tulum
10. Day Trips from Tulum

General Tips

The best time to visit Tulum is between November and April, when the weather is dry, warm, and far less humid. This is also peak season, so prices are higher and accommodations book up quickly. If you’re looking for fewer crowds and better deals, late May or early November can be a great compromise—just be prepared for the occasional jungle downpour.

Tulum is actually split into two areas: Tulum Pueblo (town) and Tulum Beach. They are about three miles apart, so traveling between them will require a bus, taxi, or collectivo (van) ride. Tulum Pueblo has more authentic Mexican vibes and wonderful restaurants (plus its cheaper), whereas the beach zone has clubs, ruins and… well the beach! The beach zone is further divided into two sections, with the Hotel Zone in the south and the Archaeological Zone in the north, where you’ll find both the Mayan ruins and some of the best beach clubs.

Tulum isn’t a classic gay destination with a clearly defined LGBTQ+ nightlife scene, but that’s part of its appeal. The vibe here is relaxed, international, and quietly inclusive—especially in the hotel zone and beach clubs, where diversity is the norm. You’ll see plenty of same-sex couples and queer travelers, and while public displays of affection are generally fine in tourist areas, it’s still a good idea to be a bit more discreet when you’re away from the main beaches or downtown.

Transportation & Airport Transfer

Most travelers arrive via Cancún International Airport, which is about a 1.5–2 hour drive from Tulum. The easiest and most comfortable way to get to Tulum is by pre-booked shuttle or private transfer, especially if you’re arriving after a long flight or traveling with luggage. These are reliable, air-conditioned, and take you directly to your hotel. Renting a car is also popular and gives you flexibility, but be prepared for traffic and limited parking in the hotel zone. Taxis are expensive, and there’s currently no Uber or Lyft on the Riviera Maya. Failing that, the ADO bus will take you to either the beach or town for around 330 pesos (about $19).

Public transportation in Tulum can be difficult to navigate. To be honest, ADO buses are infrequent, and the roads between places are often in poor condition. Collectivos (shared vans) are absolutely your best option, as they reliably run between Tulum Pueblo and the beach and only cost about 50 pesos per person (around $2.50). Compare that to taxis at roughly 1,000 pesos or the ADO bus at around 100 pesos, and it’s really a no-brainer. If you do take a taxi, be sure to agree on the fare before getting in.

Walking and biking are also common downtown, though distances between areas can be longer than they appear.

Gay Hotels in Tulum

Luxury

La Valise Tulum Hotel – Everything you picture a beachfront resort in Mexico should be, La Valise Tulum is. Intimate, effortlessly stylish, gay-friendly, and deeply romantic, this boutique hideaway sits directly on the white sands of Tulum Beach, with the jungle on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other. The resort offers just a handful of beautifully designed suites, many with floor-to-ceiling glass, private terraces, and even king beds that can be rolled outdoors for sleeping under the stars. Interiors blend rustic wood, linen, and handcrafted details with modern luxury touches. Facilities include a beachfront restaurant serving refined Mexican cuisine, personalized concierge service, and direct access to one of Tulum’s most swimmable beaches.

The Beach Tulum – This quintessential coastal escape is where barefoot luxury meets boho-chic style right on the white sands of Tulum’s famous beach and within walking distance of the best beach clubs. On-site facilities include a breezy beach club with loungers and service, an oceanfront pool, yoga and wellness offerings, and a restaurant serving fresh, creative cuisine inspired by local ingredients. The rooms and suites are spacious and beautifully appointed with natural materials, light-filled interiors, plush bedding, and private terraces or balconies overlooking the Caribbean. Many accommodations feature outdoor showers and hammocks, inviting you to embrace that laid-back Tulum lifestyle.

Mid-Range

Loba Tulum – The only gay-focused hotel in Tulum is perfectly situated about midway between the beach and town (so great for those looking to experience both). Like a lot of men-only hotels, it’s also clothing-optional (“get naked” is quite literally their slogan) and is pretty intimate, with just eight rooms! Its design is simple yet sleek and comfortable, with cool jungle treehouse vibes, wooden spiral staircases, and more. There’s a pool, garden, bar, and terrace, with day passes available and even the odd pool party from time to time. Budget-friendly too, this is the absolute best option for gay men wanting to hang out with like-minded men in Tulum.

Layla Tulum Boutique Hotel & Restaurant – A stylish boutique hotel located right in the heart of Tulum town, Layla is ideal for travelers who prefer to stay in the more culturally rich town rather than the pricier beach area. Stylish, Proud Certified, and adults-friendly, its vibe is modern and bohemian. The Moroccan-style tile work throughout the common areas and rooms is particularly beautiful. The rooftop boasts a small pool and a restaurant serving great local food and cocktails. The staff are also extremely friendly.

Una Vida – A laid-back boutique hotel located in Tulum town just goes all in on the chic jungle-meets-beach vibes with thick hammocks, leafy pathways, greenery everywhere, a wooden finish on everything and a gorgeous swimming pool. It even has outdoor baths connected to the rooms! Una Vida is also closely connected to its sister property, Bardo Hotel, meaning guests can enjoy access to Bardo’s popular bar and social scene just next door. Not to mention its even more beautiful pool.

Holistika– This unique wellness-focused hotel and retreat space is set slightly outside of Tulum town. What makes it stand out is its strong emphasis on mindfulness, creativity, and personal growth, with daily yoga classes, meditation sessions, sound healing, and workshops often available on-site. The property feels like a peaceful jungle sanctuary, featuring minimalist eco-conscious rooms, art installations, murals, and quiet garden paths designed for reflection. There’s also a vegan café, temazcal ceremonies from time to time, and a strong sense of community among guests. Calm, intentional, and inspiring, Holistika is perfect for hippy types wanting to slow down and reconnect while in Tulum.

Budget

MIMOSA Tulum Boutique Hotel & Hostel – A fun, budget-friendly boutique hotel and hostel in Tulum town, MIMOSA is openly gay-friendly and attracts a diverse, social crowd, making it especially popular with LGBTQ+ travelers/backpackers. The vibe is relaxed and youthful, with a mix of private rooms and dorms, colorful design touches, and inviting common areas that make it easy to meet other guests. There’s a pool, shared kitchen, and all the social energy you'd expect of a hostel in Tulum.

Sightseeing & Activities in Tulum

Tulum Ruins (Tulum National Park) – Tulum National Park encompasses the famous ruins, pristine beaches, coastal forests, and coral reefs surrounding them. Perched dramatically on cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the Tulum Ruins are among Mexico’s most iconic archaeological sites. Once a thriving Maya port city, Tulum was a key center for trade, astronomy, and religion. Visitors can explore remarkably preserved stone temples, ceremonial platforms, and defensive walls while enjoying panoramic ocean views. Book tour →

Gran Cenote – Mexico's cenotes are legendary for their beauty, and these freshwater sinkholes are truly unique. Gran Cenote is the most famous, renowned for its crystal-clear water and striking limestone formations. The way sunlight filters through the caverns creates mesmerizing reflections. Wooden walkways surround the cenote, leading to swimming and snorkeling areas where turtles, small fish, and underwater caves can be seen. Facilities are well maintained, with restrooms and rental gear available. Book tour →

Cenote Dos Ojos – If you go just a little farther outside of Tulum, you’ll find its second most famous cenote. Cenote Dos Ojos, meaning “Two Eyes,” is a world-class cenote system known for its twin circular pools connected by vast underwater caves. It is a top destination for snorkeling and cave diving, with visibility often exceeding 100 meters. Stalactites, stalagmites, and cathedral-like chambers create a surreal experience beneath the surface. Book tour →

Playa Paraíso (Tulum Beach) – Calling a spade a spade, Playa Paraíso is indeed paradise! Frequently ranked among Mexico’s most beautiful beaches, it has all the powdery white sand, gently swaying palm trees, and brilliant turquoise water one could ever want. The beach is easily accessible from both the hotel zone and the ruins, making it the beach of choice for visitors to Tulum.

Tulum Pueblo – Tulum Pueblo, often simply called Tulum Town, is the cultural and social heart of the area. Unlike the beach zone, it offers a more local and laid-back atmosphere with colorful street art, family-run restaurants, and lively markets. Visitors can sample authentic Yucatecan cuisine, explore boutique shops, and experience daily life beyond the resorts. The town comes alive in the evenings with music, food stands, and cafés. Affordable accommodations and easy transportation make Tulum Pueblo a popular base for travelers who want to balance beach time with culture and community.

Laguna Kaan Luum – This stunning freshwater lagoon is known for its vivid turquoise color and peaceful setting. At its center lies a deep cenote that creates dramatic color contrasts visible from above, with wooden piers extending into its shallow, calm waters. Unlike ocean beaches, the lagoon is free from waves and salt, letting you simply lay back and enjoy the calm. Located a short drive south of town, Kaan Luum remains less crowded than other attractions and is ideal for those seeking a little tranquility and natural beauty. Book tour →

Restaurants and Cafes

Mezzanine – A prime date location, Mezzanine is a chic Thai restaurant within a boutique hotel perched on Tulum’s cliffs in the archaeological zone. Overlooking the Caribbean Sea, it offers authentic Thai cuisine, craft cocktails, and romantic sunset views from its breezy terraces.

Palma Central – To get the full Tulum experience you need to spend at least one evening at this outdoor food-truck park that blends global street food with bohemian jungle vibes. Colorful food trucks serve everything from tacos and sushi to vegan bowls and wood-fired pizza. While live music, salsa nights, and cultural events give it some Latino spice.

Kin Toh at Azulik – Conversely, for something totally luxurious but also wholly unique climb above the hotel zone to this elevated restaurant. Quite literally elevated because you dine in circular wooden “nests” surrounded by jungle. The design is sculptural and organic, crafted without nails, creating a surreal, immersive atmosphere. The menu fuses Mexican ingredients with international techniques, presenting refined seafood, creative tasting dishes, and artisanal cocktails. It isn't cheap, but it's an experience and a half for sure!

Ziggy’s – You have many beach clubs/restaurants to choose from in Tulum but Ziggy's is everything you could possibly want from one. Wooden tables sit directly on the sand, framed by palm trees and turquoise Caribbean waters. By day, it offers fresh seafood, tropical cocktails, and sun-soaked lounging. By night, soft lighting and live music create a romantic yet casual vibe. The menu highlights Mexican flavors with international touches, emphasizing fresh, local ingredients. Chic but unpretentious, Ziggy’s is pure barefoot luxury

Onyx Tulum – One of Tulum’s most talked-about restaurants, Onyx is a stylish nightlife-driven restaurant blending modern dining with an energetic party atmosphere. Sleek interiors, dramatic lighting, and curated music create a chic, upscale vibe. The menu features contemporary international cuisine with creative presentations, alongside handcrafted cocktails and premium spirits. As the evening progresses, DJs elevate the mood, and make the restaurant a great choice for a dinner before a night out.

Burrito Amor – The best burritos you've ever tasted! A cult favourite for breakfast and lunch, known for its colourful, coconut-based tortillas and generous burritos. Casual, affordable, and always buzzing!

Raw Love Cafe – A wellness-focused, boho café serving smoothie bowls, raw dishes, and refreshing elixirs. The plant-based sanctuary is known for its colorful smoothie bowls, raw desserts, and nourishing vegan dishes. Tucked into lush jungle surroundings, it offers a relaxed, earthy atmosphere with rustic wooden seating and tropical greenery.

Mamazul Tulum Mezcaleria – While Mamazul in Tulim Pueblo is best known for mezcal and nightlife, its food is also amazing The menu is very clearly curated to compliment, yes you guessed it, Mezcal!. It leans toward elevated Mexican small plates designed to pair with smoky agave spirits. Expect flavorful tacos, fresh guacamole, ceviche, and shareable botanas with bold spices, and a great atmosphere that feels authentically Mexican.

Tulum Gay Bars and Clubs

Red Room Gay Bar Tulum – The one and only constant gay bar in Tulum is found in Tulum Centro (downtown, not the beach zone). Inside, the space has a dark club aesthetic with red lighting (thus the name), mirrors, and neon or LED accents, creating a sensual atmosphere to compliment the jungle around it. A central dancefloor sits in front of the DJ booth, and the bar runs along one side serving cocktails, shots, and simple mixed drinks typical of party venues rather than craft cocktail lounges. Music is usually DJ-driven—house, pop, Latin, and electronic—with dancing as the main focus. The venue often hosts drag performances and themed party nights, drawing a mixed crowd of LGBTQ+ locals, expats, and tourists. The entrance is discreet at street level, and the club typically operates late evening Wednesdays to Sundays until around 2–3 am depending on the night and season.

Tulum Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars

There aren't currently any gay saunas or cruising bars in Tulum. Your best bet is heading to Red Room and making a friend on the dancefloor or getting a day pass to Loba Tulum Hotel.

Gay Beaches in Tulum

While Tulum doesn't have a gay beach all of the beaches are LGBTQ+-friendly. They are even a popular wedding location for many gay couples. Playa Paraiso being the most iconic of its beaches.

Playa Delfines – Cancun on the other hand has an unofficial gay beach in Playa Delfines (dolphin beach). It's also one of Cancún’s most beautiful public beaches, known for wide white sand and vivid turquoise water. Much more relaxed than the hotel beaches it's well-worth making a trip out for a day. If you don't have a car, you'll need to head to Cancun and then hopping on the R1 or R2 public buses.

Gay Events in Tulum

Arena Festival Week — One of the biggest gay circuit parties in the Riviera Maya, Arena Festival is a multi-day epic event with world-class DJs playing at massive themed parties in jungle and cenote venues alternating between Playa Del Carmen, Cozumel and Tulum (varies year to year). Dates: January 30 to February 3, 2026.

Fruity Tulum — Not a full festival, but a beloved gay pop-up party in Tulum. Known as the “OG Queer Party” of Tulum, they host regular “Fruity Friday” events and seasonal pride celebrations. Check their socials to find out when.

Tulum Carnival – Not specifically an LGBTQ+ festival but still used as a damn good excuse for some LGBTQ+ event in Tulum. During that week there are often LGBTQ+ beach parties at boutique beach clubs, queer pop-up parties (PRISMA, KINETIC), drag shows, and inclusive after-hours jungle parties. Dates: February 26 – March 1, 2026.

Day Trips from Tulum

Chichén Itzá & Cenote Day Trip – The main day trip from Tulum takes you to one of the world’s seven remaining wonders, the Mayan pyramid of Chichén Itzá. Depart early (2.5–3 hrs) to beat the heat and crowds, exploring the iconic El Castillo pyramid, Temple of the Warriors, and sacred ball court with a certified guide. Afterward, cool off at a nearby cenote—often Ik Kil or a quieter jungle pool—swimming in crystal-clear freshwater beneath vines and limestone walls. Book tour →

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve Tour – Far less touristy than the cenotes, Sian Ka’an is a breath of fresh jungle air and immerses you in one of Mexico’s most pristine UNESCO-protected ecosystems. Travel south (1.5–2 hrs) by 4×4 or boat through mangroves and lagoons, spotting dolphins, turtles, manatees, and exotic birds. Glide ancient Maya trade canals or float gently downstream between lush jungle banks before swimming in clear, shallow waters. Guides explain wildlife and conservation while small groups minimize impact. Book tour →

Valladolid – One of the oldest town in Mexico, Valladolid offers colonial charm, Maya heritage, and an authentic look at Yucatán culture. Drive 1.5–2 hours inland to this pastel-painted town, strolling the main square beneath the San Servacio Church and along Calzada de los Frailes’ boutiques and cafés. Visit local markets or museums to learn regional history, then cool off at Cenote Zací, an open limestone sinkhole right in town. Enjoy traditional Yucatecan dishes like cochinita pibil or lomitos before browsing handicrafts. Book tour →

Featured image by Ricardo Saavedra

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