About Bahia Principe Explore Tulum
Bahia Principe Explore Tulum, formerly known as Bahia Principe Grand Tulum, is a large all-inclusive on the Caribbean shore at Playa Aventuras near Akumal, in the Bahia Principe complex on the Riviera Maya. It has 774 rooms, six pools, eight restaurants and four bars, and was renovated in a major makeover in recent years.
This is a resort built for families. It has a kids water park, a teens club and two-bedroom suites, and many room types sleep up to four or five. It is a practical base for exploring Tulum, Akumal and the cenotes of the area.
At a glance
Highlights
- Large family resort near Akumal on the Riviera Maya
- Zama Fun kids water park
- Two-bedroom suites for up to five
- Indian, Mexican, grill and gourmet a la carte dinners
- Close to Akumal, Tulum ruins and Xel-Ha
Amenities
Rooms and suites
Rooms range from junior suites to two-bedroom suites for larger families. Most categories sleep up to four, and the two-bedroom suites sleep up to five. New junior suite categories with one king or two double beds are available from November 1, 2026.
- Junior Suite
- Premium Superior and Premium Superior Ocean Front
- Two-Bedroom Suite (up to five guests)
- Junior Suite with one king or two double beds (from November 2026)
Restaurants and bars
The 24-hour all-inclusive plan includes meals, snacks, and international and domestic drinks. Guests can book three a la carte dinners per week, and these require reservations; most have a dress code.
- Yucatan: international buffet
- Don Pablo: gourmet, dinner
- Tequila: Mexican, dinner
- Gran Tortuga: grill, dinner
- Thali: Indian, dinner
- Burger Andale and The Food Truck: snack bars
- Caracolas, La Isla and Cangrejo: daytime venues
- Snack Bar lobby bar, open 7:00 am to 1:00 am
Beach, pools and spa
The resort sits on the Caribbean, with six pools including a children’s pool and a water park. The wider Bahia Principe complex also has golf.
A spa offers wellness treatments, and spa promotions are sometimes included in packages.
Activities and entertainment
Children aged 4 to 12 have the Zama Fun water park, and the Teens Club is for ages 10 to 17. There is a playground, organized games and daily activities, with child care available for an extra fee.
Akumal, known for snorkeling with sea turtles, is close by, and the Tulum ruins, Xel-Ha and many cenotes are a short drive along Highway 307. The resort is also a practical base for day trips to Coba or Playa del Carmen.
Who it’s best for
Bahia Principe Explore Tulum is a solid choice for families who want lots of pools, a kids water park and easy access to the sights of Akumal and Tulum.
- Best for: families with kids and teens who want a large all-inclusive with a water park near Tulum and Akumal.
- Consider another resort if: you want a small, quiet hotel, an adults-only resort, or to be in Tulum town.
Getting there from Cancun International Airport
Bahia Principe Explore Tulum is at Km 251 of Highway 307 near Akumal, south of Playa del Carmen, and is reached from Cancun International Airport (CUN) along the coastal highway. Some packages include round-trip airport transfers. Tulum also has its own airport, Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (TQO), which began commercial flights in December 2023 and has fewer routes than Cancun. To skip the taxi lines, you can book a private Cancun airport transfer in advance so your driver is waiting when you land.
After immigration and customs at Cancun airport, you pass a hall of desks offering taxis, tours and timeshare deals. If your transfer is already booked, walk straight through to the outdoor meeting area where drivers wait with name signs. Pre-booking also fixes the price, which helps if you land late or travel with a group and luggage.
Good to know
Tulum is warm all year, with the dry season from about December to April being the busiest. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, and seaweed (sargassum) can reach Caribbean beaches in the warmer months, so check recent beach reports before you go. Tulum’s ruins and cenotes are best visited early in the day.
- Check-in 3:00 pm, check-out 12:00 pm
- 24-hour all-inclusive
- Three a la carte dinners per week, with reservations
- Child care costs extra
- A Quintana Roo environmental tax is paid locally at the hotel
- Formerly named Bahia Principe Grand Tulum
Location of Bahia Principe Explore Tulum
FAQ about Bahia Principe Explore Tulum
Is Bahia Principe Explore Tulum all-inclusive?
Yes. It is a 24-hour all-inclusive with international and domestic drinks.
Is Bahia Principe Explore Tulum the same as Bahia Principe Grand Tulum?
Yes. The resort was formerly known as Bahia Principe Grand Tulum.
Is Bahia Principe Explore Tulum good for families?
Yes. It has the Zama Fun water park for ages 4 to 12, a Teens Club and two-bedroom suites.
Which airport is closest to Bahia Principe Explore Tulum?
Cancun International (CUN) has the most flights, and Tulum's Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (TQO) is also an option.
How many restaurants does Bahia Principe Explore Tulum have?
It has eight restaurants, including Don Pablo, Tequila, Gran Tortuga and Thali.
How many a la carte dinners are included?
Guests can book three a la carte dinners per week.
How many pools does Bahia Principe Explore Tulum have?
There are six pools, including a children's pool and a water park.
How many rooms does Bahia Principe Explore Tulum have?
The resort has 774 rooms.
Where is Bahia Principe Explore Tulum?
It is at Km 251 of Highway 307 at Playa Aventuras, near Akumal on the Riviera Maya.
What time is check-in at Bahia Principe Explore Tulum?
Check-in is at 3:00 pm and check-out is at 12:00 pm.
