The wind was blasting off the ocean when we were here and the water was full of Sargassum Weed. We went down on the beach under the ruins. It was fine, crowded and beautiful. I would pick another beach for a day, but you can take a quick dip here.

Yes

No. Just a bunch of lizards and iguanas. But they don't mind you if you don't mind them.

I haven't had any experience with renting a car there, but from my personal experience, if you're staying close enough to food and what not, I would stick with taking a taxi or bus. If taking a taxi, I'd ask for a trip estimate before getting in, just to avoid getting charged extra. Have fun!!

Indudablemente es mucho más económico manejarse por cuenta propia. Lo más caro es pagar la excursión que, en nuestro caso, incluyó Ruinas de Tulum, Xcacel y Xcacelito (playa virgen y cenote) y Ruinas de Cobá con posterior visita a una familia maya auténtica. Te tienen de aquí para allá, con horarios y tiempos preestablecidos y uno no puede alterar nada de eso. Y es caro, son precios para yankees. Se puede y se debe regatear, se consiguen buenas rebajas. Alquilar un auto te da mucha mayor independencia pero te obliga a averiguar por tu cuenta qué lugares visitar, pagar un guía en las ruinas porque para ver construcciones todas rotas sin saber de qué se trata no vale la pena, tener un GPS o algo para no perderse (algunos accesos fuera de la ruta no son tan fáciles) y además está el riesgo de algún siniestro vial del cual nunca sales indemne económicamente por más buen seguro que quieras pagar (lo cual encarece mucho el alquiler). Por último, lo más barato claramente es manejarse con el transporte público pero también es lo más incómodo y además no sé si llega a todos estos lugares o a qué distancia te puede llevar. Lo que sería imperdonable es que estando en Playa del Carmen, no conozcan estos sitios de Tulum. Suerte!

Yes, the beaches are public. You don't have to climb down the steep stairs at the peak of the Tulum ruins though. In the parking lot area, on the right side is the path to the Cenote. Walk down the sand path [as if you are going to the Cenote] and there will be a few open areas to walk out onto the beach - no steep climb. Plus, there are a lot LESS people in this area of the beach

De acuerdo a mi experiencia SI se cobra por que se ingresa por las ruinas. una vez se hace en recorrido en la ruinas se puede caminar hasta la zona de playa ( que no pude conocer por que estaban en temporada de desove las tortugas) espero te sirva.

That's a really good question actually. I think Martin A is right. But let me warrant you...if you go to Mayan Beach, it has to be experienced from the descent, otherwise, what would be the point in going to Mayan Beach? The beach itself is consistently pristine along the beach coast, and going to Mayan Beach just to go the beach is nothing different from any segments of the beach along the coast. The Mayan Beach experience is experiencing the descent from the pyramids and ruins, and experiencing what they were feeling/seeing centuries ago. That's what makes it nirvana...not the beach itself. I don't know how much of that entry fee they use to help maintain the sites, but in my head, I am paying to preserve the historical site. I hope this helps! :)

There was accumulated seaweed at a few beaches, but in general very little was around.. They do a great job of keeping the beaches beautiful and weed free!