Tulum Unveils New Beach Access Point: Opening Soon

Tulum Opens New Public Beach Access After Ongoing Controversy and Community Pressure

After months of tension and public outcry, Tulum’s mayor, Diego Castañón Trejo, has announced the opening of a new public beach access point in the Tulum National Park. The access will officially open on April 14, bringing the total number of entry points to the beach to over 15—but for many locals, this is about more than just a new path to the sea.

“This is a direct response to the people of Tulum,” said Mayor Castañón. “We’re creating a space where families can gather, enjoy the beach, and take part in cultural and recreational activities in a safe environment. Tulum is transforming for the benefit of its people.”

The new access will be located near the Templo Lookout inside Parque Nacional Tulum, with basic amenities like bathrooms, shaded areas, facilities for people with disabilities, and public spaces that will be regularly cleaned and secured.

A Win After Months of Frustration

The announcement comes after mounting criticism over the restricted beach access caused by the creation of Parque Jaguar, a federally-backed conservation initiative launched in 2023. While the park was presented as an environmental protection zone surrounding the Tulum archaeological site, its implementation sparked immediate backlash from local residents, beach vendors, and even environmental groups.

Dozens of former beach access routes were suddenly blocked or rerouted, and entrance to some areas began to carry high costs—even for locals. For many Tulum residents, especially those who have lived there for generations, the beach is not a luxury—it’s part of daily life. Protests erupted over the exclusion of locals from public spaces, and the lack of transparent planning behind the park’s rollout.

A Collaborative Effort—With Community Still Watching

According to Juan Antonio Garza, director of Zofemat (Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone), the new access point is the result of collaboration between local government, the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Conanp), and the Center for Environmental Culture. It will host public yoga classes, cultural events, and recreational activities, all free of charge.

While this new access is a step forward, many residents remain cautious, noting that one new opening doesn’t fully make up for what was lost. They continue to push for more transparent planning, free access to natural resources, and preservation of local rights in one of Mexico’s most rapidly changing coastal towns.

[Image of the new beach access]