Not even a question. Tulum beach is by far the most beautiful on the entire carribean coast. It is close to shopping in the town of Tulum and the ruins of Tulum, but it is also a quick trip to Coba, and a reasonable distance to Chitzen itza. The snorkeling is not so good there, but unless that s a priority for you, the powdery white sandy beaches, the lack of people and the beautiful terquoise waters should keep you happy. The only down side to Tulum is the shortage of amenities, such as beach front restaraunts etc. They have a couple of great beach bars and 2 (I think) hotel restaraunts. Another great option, which is where we stayed for 9 days (and 5 on Cozumel) is the little village/town of Akumal. The water and beach are not as amazing, but there are several restaraunts, it is real quiet, the accomidations at Vista Del Mar are awesome, and the snorkeling is good. it is only about 20 km north of Tulum, so the proximity to the aforementioned trips are about the same. There are a lot more condos in Akumal, but it doesn't feel like it as there is still a lot of vegetation that seperates you from everyone else. We love privacy and felt the perfect mix of things there. Plus, a day at Tulum beach is just a quick trip down the road. We thought Cozumel was ok, but to have it to do over again, we would have spent the full 2 weeks in Akumal. Hope this helps. BTW,I have pictures electronically if you want to see the Tulum beach or any of the ruins.

I totally agree...there is no place like Tulum for the kind of vacation you have described. My experience in Tulum is that of a "Margaritaville" kind of time..the beach is unparelled in beauty, and there are any number of choices in accomodations from very rustic to the 5 star.

My choice is Copal, but, I enjoy the rustic experience, with a cabana 10 steps from the shimmering waters of the Carribbean. I have not stayed in any of the All Inclusive Resorts there, but, they all look absolutely awesome.

The Tulum Ruins will hook you on the amazing culture and society of the Mayans..the setting is spectacular. Tulum Pueblo, only a couple of miles from the sea, has a wonderful array of resturants and shops, as well as a bank for the best rate on money exchange, a great convenience.

Thanks! I would love to see those pictures SB. Can you send them to jhawk37990@aol.com? Has anyone heard anything about Bahia Principe? I read the reviews and it sounds great. The cabanas are neat, but I think I am a little too prissy not to have electricity. Mostly I am really excited about the ruins. Is the drive to Chichen Itza too far to do in a day?

I agree with the others, go the Tulum way. I stay at the Sunscape Tulum everytime I go, it is the last resort before the Tulum ruins. If you like BIG places then Bahia is good (too big for me) but it depends on what you are looking to do.

KSTraveler00- Chichen Itza makes a great day trip from the Tulum area- just start out kinda early. And to Sillybilly- loads of restaurants along the Tulum beach; many of the cabana hotels have one. Enjoy!!!

Sorry for the late reply, but I will get those pics off to you tonight after work. From Tulum it is a little over 2 hours to Chitzen, so not bad at all. Coba and Tulum make for a full day as well (doing them in the same day that is), but not overwhelming. Sunset at Tulum was reccommended in one of my books, and it provided for some great lighting on the ruins.