Events at ANIMAL NIGHTCLUB , Tulum

About ANIMAL NIGHTCLUB

ANIMAL Nightclub (also known as Animal Social Club) is a rooftop dance club in the heart of Tulum, Quintana Roo. It’s a mid-sized venue perched above the town’s main avenue, offering a vibrant party atmosphere under the stars. Since opening in 2022, it has quickly become one of Tulum’s premier nightspots – consistently top-rated by visitors for its energetic vibe, modern facilities, and friendly service. The club’s name and lion-themed logo hint at its wild, untamed spirit – a place to unleash your inner party animal.

What makes ANIMAL unique is how it blends Tulum’s bohemian flair with a high-end club experience. The design incorporates natural elements (like wooden decor and open-air spaces) alongside state-of-the-art lighting and sound. You get the feel of the tropical jungle night with the comforts of a professional nightclub – including an impressive laser light show and powerful sound system that fills the dance floor. Beyond just nightlife, ANIMAL Nightclub is part of a larger vision: the team infuses social and environmental consciousness into their brand. In fact, a portion of the club’s proceeds and events support local conservation projects, so party-goers can have fun while contributing to a cause. This combination of great music, unique setting, and community impact makes ANIMAL Nightclub a standout in Tulum’s scene.

Events and Programming

ANIMAL Nightclub keeps a packed calendar with events almost every night during high season. The music programming is diverse, reflecting Tulum’s international crowd. On one night you might find a tech-house or techno DJ spinning deep into the morning, and on another night the club will host an Afrobeats and hip-hop party that brings a completely different flavor. In particular, Afrobeat Saturdays have become a staple – a weekly event where DJs play a fusion of Afro-Caribbean rhythms, R&B, reggae, and hip-hop that keeps everyone dancing (www.ticketfairy.com). These themed nights are popular with locals, expats, and visitors alike, creating a lively mix of people on the dance floor.

The club also features special events and guest performances. International DJs on tour often make appearances at ANIMAL, especially around festival seasons or holidays. For example, the club gained buzz by hosting late-night after-parties for Tulum’s music festivals – some well-known techno and house DJs have dropped in for surprise sets after their main shows elsewhere. ANIMAL’s mid-week “after-hours” parties are also famous: on Wednesdays, it’s known as the go-to spot once other venues close, with music going until 3–4 AM. Whether it’s an electronic dance marathon or a Latin fusion night, the atmosphere is always high-energy. Most events have a cover charge that’s very reasonable (usually around $200 MXN, about $10 USD) (www.ticketfairy.com), so you can enjoy top-notch entertainment without breaking the bank. Keep an eye on the club’s social media or flyers around town for the latest schedule – Tulum’s nightlife can be dynamic, and ANIMAL is often at the center of the action.

Tickets and Booking

Tickets to ANIMAL Nightclub are straightforward for most nights – it’s typically general admission at the door. You arrive, pay the cover charge (in cash pesos is fastest, though they usually accept cards as well), and head in. There’s no need to purchase tickets weeks in advance for regular nights. Cover charges hover around 200 MXN, but on special event nights (with big guest DJs or during peak holiday weeks) it might be slightly higher – still, generally in the $10–$15 USD range. Occasionally, the club offers presale tickets or early-bird discounts for special parties. These are usually sold via online event platforms or announced on their official channels. If you know a certain DJ you love is playing, it’s worth checking if there’s a link to buy an advance ticket; it can save a few bucks or guarantee you entry if the night is expected to sell out.

For those looking for a VIP experience, ANIMAL has table reservations and bottle service available. These aren’t “tickets” per se, but you’ll want to book them ahead of time. The club often posts a WhatsApp contact or email for table bookings on their event promos. By reserving a table, you and your group typically get to skip the general line and have a designated area to sit. Bottle service packages come at different minimum spends – for example, a basic table might require a purchase of around 3,000 MXN in drinks, while prime tables near the DJ or on the balcony will have a higher minimum spend. It’s wise to reach out a few days in advance if you’re aiming for a table on a busy night (like New Year’s or a famous DJ set). Other than that, there isn’t a physical box office; everything is handled at the door or via these online/contact arrangements. One tip: arrive a bit early (before 11 PM) on popular nights – even without advance tickets, early arrival can ensure you get in smoothly before the crowds peak.

Seating and Layout

The layout at ANIMAL Nightclub is designed to maximize dancing and social interaction. Because it’s on an upper level rooftop, the main area is a big open space with the dance floor centrally located. There isn’t traditional theater-style seating – this is a club, so expect most people to be standing, dancing, or mingling. Around the perimeter of the dance floor, you’ll find a few high-top tables and bar counters where you can set down a drink or lean for a break. These are usually first-come, first-served for general admission guests. They’re great if you arrive early and want to claim a little spot to regroup with friends.

VIP sections are typically roped-off lounge areas at the edges of the venue. If you’ve reserved a table, you’ll be escorted to one of these sections. They often feature comfortable seating like cushioned benches or sofas, and a prime view of the DJ booth and dance floor. From VIP areas, you can enjoy the music and lights with a bit more personal space – and you’ll have waitress service for your bottles and hookah. The club isn’t huge, so even from the VIP corner you feel part of the energetic crowd.

For the best experience as a general guest, many people like to move around during the night. If you want to be in the heart of the action, you can dance right in front of the DJ booth or stage area – the sound is loudest and the crowd densest there, which is perfect for true music lovers. If you prefer a little breathing room or to talk with friends, hanging near the bar or toward the open-air edges of the rooftop is better. From there you still see the DJ and lights, but you’re not elbows-to-elbows. Because the venue is open-air, there are some spots where you can literally step back and gaze at the night sky and the bustling street below, all while music thumps behind you – it’s a pretty cool feeling unique to this club. Overall, there aren’t many “bad” spots in ANIMAL; it’s an intimate venue and the design avoids obstructed views. Just avoid standing right in front of doorways or the bathroom entrance to not get bumped often. Otherwise, roam free and enjoy different perspectives throughout the night!

Getting There and Parking

Location: ANIMAL Nightclub is located at Av. Tulum #88 in downtown Tulum (Tulum Centro). It’s on the main strip of town – you can’t miss the building with “ANIMAL” signage and often a line of people or the thump of music audible from outside. The entrance is on the street level, and the club itself is upstairs (above the Aldo’s gelato shop at the corner of Avenida Tulum and Calle Orión Sur). Being centrally located, it’s very easy to reach from most hotels and spots in Tulum Pueblo.

Parking: Downtown Tulum can be tricky for parking. There is no dedicated parking lot for the club. A few street parking spots might be found along Avenida Tulum or on side streets like Orión Sur and Centauro, but these fill up quickly, especially at night. Some areas are marked “No Parking” or are used by taxis, so pay attention to signs. If you have a car, your best bet is to park a bit further away on a quieter street and walk, or use one of the private pay parking lots in the center (there are a couple within a 5-minute walk, charging an hourly or nightly fee). Always lock your car and don’t leave valuables if you go this route.

Recommended transport: Given the parking situation and Tulum’s layout, many visitors opt for taxis or rideshares. In Tulum, official taxis are plentiful – you can either call one, have your hotel arrange it, or flag one down. Agree on the price before you get in; from the Hotel Zone (beach area) to downtown, taxis typically charge a flat rate (which can vary, but expect around 200–300 MXN one-way). Rideshare apps like Uber were not widely operational in Tulum as of 2024 due to local regulations, so a regular taxi is the go-to. The good news is that taxis are used to the late-night crowd; at 3 AM when the club closes, you’ll see a line of taxis waiting along Av. Tulum to shuttle people home. If you’re staying in town, the ride back to your room is likely just 5 minutes. If you’re at the beach, the drive is about 15–20 minutes in the quiet of night. Some party-goers rent scooters or bikes to get around – this is fine for arriving (there’s area on the sidewalk to lock a bike near the club), but riding a scooter or bicycle after a night of drinking is strongly discouraged for safety. It’s better to cab it.

Walking is feasible if you’re staying very close by in downtown Tulum. The streets around the club are usually busy with people at night, and there’s decent lighting on the main avenue. Still, late at night it’s best to walk in a group if possible. The club’s central location means there are restaurants and convenience stores open late around, so the area doesn’t empty out immediately after closing. If you do walk, just use common sense: stick to main roads and avoid dark empty side alleys. All in all, getting to ANIMAL is straightforward – it’s right in the middle of town – and getting home is usually easy too, thanks to the abundance of taxis serving the nightlife scene.

Inside the Venue

Expect to go through a quick security check at the entrance. ANIMAL has doormen and security staff who will verify your ID (make sure you bring one – they check age) and perform a bag check for everyone’s safety. The club is known for being well-managed, so the entry process is generally smooth and respectful. Once you climb the stairs, you’ll step into an electric atmosphere. The venue is partially open-air, so you might feel the warm tropical breeze as well as hear the music blasting. Immediately, the sound system and lighting will catch your attention – the music is loud and crystal clear, and vibrant lasers and LED lights sweep over the crowd and bounce off the surrounding buildings. It’s a modern club production in an intimate setting, which gives it a wow factor.

Music & atmosphere: Inside, a DJ is almost always on duty, mixing tracks from a booth or stage area that faces the dance floor. There’s often a large video screen or neon art behind the DJ, adding to the visual experience. People are dancing everywhere – the energy is contagious. The vibe is friendly and international; you’ll hear a mix of languages in the crowd (Spanish, English, and more) and everyone is there to have a good time. The dress style ranges from casual chic (think tropical party wear) to streetwear; it’s a come-as-you-are, just-be-ready-to-dance kind of scene.

Drinks: Toward one side of the rooftop or along a wall, you’ll find the main bar. It’s a long counter where several bartenders are shaking cocktails and pouring beers. The drink menu includes all the standard cocktails (margaritas, mojitos, vodka sodas, etc.), a selection of beers (local Mexican beers and some imports), shots, and often a few house specialty drinks. Given Tulum’s trend, you might even find craft cocktails with mezcal or fresh tropical juices. Drink prices are moderate – for example, a basic mixed drink might be around 120–150 MXN, and a beer perhaps 80–100 MXN, but prices can vary. They are cheaper than at the upscale beach clubs, which is one reason people love coming to town to party. You can open a tab with a credit card (just keep the card and ID with the bartender, which is common practice), or pay as you go. Tipping is customary per drink or in lump sum when you close out.

Services & amenities: One cool offering at ANIMAL is hookah service (shisha). If you’re in the mood, you can rent a hookah at the bar or through your server (for VIP tables). They have various flavors of tobacco, and it’s a fun option if you’re lounging with friends in a section. As for seating, remember it’s limited – apart from VIP tables, there are some bar stools and maybe a bench along a wall. But most people are on their feet. If you do snag a stool or a spot on a cushioned ledge early, you can use it as a home base. There is no formal coat check or locker area. The climate is warm, so coats aren’t an issue, and you should keep any small bags or purses with you. If you have a bulky item (like a helmet or backpack), the door staff might hold it at the entrance as a courtesy, but it’s not guaranteed. It’s best to come with minimal extras.

Restrooms: The restrooms are on-site and usually located toward the back or a corner of the club. They are relatively small (common in clubs), but maintained regularly. You might encounter a short line during peak hours. There may be an attendant, so having a few pesos handy for a tip is nice if they assist you (providing paper towels, etc.). Despite the high traffic, the bathrooms are generally kept clean throughout the night.

Accessibility & safety inside: Note that because it’s upstairs and often crowded, the club environment can be a bit challenging if you have mobility issues. There’s no elevator. However, once inside, the floor is mostly flat and open. Security staff are present not just at the door but also inside, casually monitoring to ensure everyone’s safe. The team is friendly – you can always approach a staff member if you have an issue or don’t feel well. They’re accustomed to helping tourists. The venue has standard emergency protocols (clearly marked exits, etc.), but being open-air reduces a lot of typical risks. Overall, inside ANIMAL Nightclub you’ll find a high-tech club experience wrapped in a casual Tulum vibe. It’s loud, it’s lively, and it’s a ton of fun. Be ready to dance hard, meet new people, and enjoy a memorable night out.

Nearby Amenities

One of the advantages of partying at ANIMAL Nightclub is its prime downtown location – you’re surrounded by other venues and conveniences. Need a meal or snack before partying? There are numerous restaurants within a 1-2 minute walk. For example, nearly next door you have options like a pizza bar and a taco joint, as well as more upscale eateries. Grabbing some tacos or a hearty dinner beforehand is easy and recommended (you’ll need the energy!). Many places in the area cater to tourists, so you’ll find late dining options and English-speaking staff at restaurants.

If you want to start the night with drinks elsewhere, you could hit up a nearby bar such as Batey (a famous mojito bar with live music) or Nana Rooftop Bar for a chill cocktail. These are all walking distance in Tulum Pueblo. It’s common for people to bar-hop a bit on the main strip and then head to ANIMAL when they’re ready to dance.

For post-club cravings, you’re in luck: downtown Tulum has late-night street food. Often, you’ll find a couple of taco stands or vendors still open around 3 AM near the main road. Indulging in a few al pastor tacos or a quesadilla after dancing is almost a tradition. There’s also an OXXO convenience store a few blocks away if you need to grab water or snacks (or even ATM cash) late at night.

In terms of lodging, staying anywhere in Tulum town means you’re close to the club. There are boutique hotels, hostels, and Airbnb options all over the downtown area. Some are literally around the corner. This is great because you can walk back or take a super short taxi ride, and you don’t have to worry about arranging long transport late at night. If you’re staying on the beach, that’s farther (around 5-7 miles), so plan on a taxi drive back after the party. Many beach hotel guests decide to spend one night in town specifically to experience the nightlife like ANIMAL – it’s a different vibe from the beach clubs and worth checking out.

Lastly, it’s worth mentioning timing. Tulum’s dining and nightlife start later than some are used to. Restaurants in town get busy around 7-9 PM. The nightclub gets going around 11 PM or midnight. So, you have time in the evening to enjoy a leisurely dinner, maybe do some shopping or grab a coffee, and then get dressed for the night out. If you’re keen to avoid lines at the club, arriving by ~10:30 PM is a smart move. You might catch the tail end of any happy hours or early crowd at nearby bars too. Conversely, if you arrive too early at ANIMAL (say at opening time 9 PM), you’ll find it pretty empty – not a problem, you can chill with a drink, but the real action comes later. Most importantly, everything you might need is nearby: food, drinks, cash machines, taxis, even pharmacies in case you need earplugs or aspirin. Downtown Tulum is compact and traveler-friendly, making your night at ANIMAL Nightclub convenient as well as exciting.

What Makes This Venue Special

ANIMAL Nightclub isn’t just another club – it offers a genuinely distinctive experience in Tulum. First, consider the setting: it’s an open-air rooftop venue, which means as you dance, you can feel the night breeze and even glimpse the stars above. That alone sets it apart from typical indoor clubs and gives party nights a magical touch. It combines the raw beauty of Tulum’s tropical environment with the polish of a modern nightclub. Few places let you immerse in cutting-edge music while still feeling connected to the outdoors.

Another special aspect is the club’s fusion of styles – both musically and design-wise. Musically, ANIMAL bridges worlds: one event might bring global Afro-Latin beats, another night might be all about European electronic music. This diversity means the club is a hub for cultural exchange. You’ll see people from all over the world bonding over the music, which creates a unique sense of community. Design-wise, ANIMAL delivers Tulum’s signature decor (natural materials, artistic touches, maybe even a bit of jungle greenery around the bar) alongside high-tech lighting rigs and sound equipment. The contrast is striking and memorable – instagrammable, even.

ANIMAL Nightclub has also made a big impact on the local community. It helped establish downtown Tulum as a nightlife destination, not just the beach zone. This has spread tourism spending more into town, supporting local businesses and creating jobs. The club itself employs local staff and often collaborates with local artists and DJs, giving them a platform to perform for international audiences. There’s a real pride among Tulum residents that their town has a world-class club that still feels like “ours.” Visitors often mention how welcoming the atmosphere is – that goes back to the staff and the vibe the owners cultivate. They want everyone to feel the Tulum love.

What truly sets ANIMAL apart is its philosophy of partying with a purpose. The venue is associated with Animal Social Club, which as we noted, has initiatives to support environmental causes. This means when you party at ANIMAL, you’re also indirectly contributing to projects like wildlife conservation and habitat restoration in the region. It’s a forward-thinking approach that resonates with Tulum’s eco-conscious culture. Knowing that the club cares about the environment and community adds depth to the experience – it’s not just about revelry, but also about respecting the beautiful place you’re in.

Finally, the memories made here tend to stick with people. Many travelers say that a night at ANIMAL was a highlight of their trip – whether it was dancing like crazy to a DJ’s set, celebrating a birthday with newfound friends, or even watching a surprise performance. The combination of top-notch entertainment, unique locale, and warm community spirit leaves a strong impression. It’s the kind of venue where artists love to play because the crowd is so engaging, and where party-goers feel they discovered something special. In summary, ANIMAL Nightclub stands out for blending the best of Tulum’s culture (music, nature, inclusivity) into an unforgettable nightlife experience. It’s a place where fun and meaning coexist – and that’s pretty special.

Visitor Tips and Information

• Age & ID: The club is 18+ only. Always carry a valid photo ID (passport or driver’s license) – security will check it at the door.
• Dress Code: Dress smart-casual and comfortable. Think trendy beach town attire: sundresses, shorts, lightweight shirts. Sandals are fine, but avoid flip-flops if you plan to dance (closed-toe shoes offer more safety on a crowded floor).
• Cash and Cards: Bring some cash (Mexican pesos) for cover charge and tips. The bar accepts credit cards for drinks, but having cash speeds things up and is useful if the card machine has issues.
• Tipping: It’s customary to tip bartenders and servers about 10-15%. A little generosity can go a long way – it might even get you faster service on a busy night.
• Travel Light: There’s no coat check, so don’t bring bulky bags. Keep your phone, wallet, and small essentials secure on you. The dance floor gets busy – it’s best not to carry a backpack or large purse.
• Stay Hydrated: Tropical nights and dancing can dehydrate you. Drink water between cocktails and know your limits. Bottled water is available at the bar (and there’s usually free water upon request).
• Safety: ANIMAL has good security, but it’s wise to go with a friend or group. Keep an eye on your belongings and stick to well-lit main streets when leaving. Taxis are your safe ride home – use them rather than walking alone late.
• Accessibility: Unfortunately, the club is upstairs with no elevator. If you have mobility concerns, call ahead to see if staff can assist. Once inside, seating is limited, so be prepared to stand most of the night.
• Smoking: By law, smoking isn’t allowed inside. The club is open-air, but you should still step out to a designated area or outside the entrance if you need to smoke. (Hookahs are available inside, but cigarettes/vapes are generally a no-go indoors.)
• Timing: The party starts late. Don’t worry if it’s quiet at 10 PM – by 11:30 PM the dance floor will be filling up. Peak time is around midnight to 2 AM. Arriving by 10:30–11 PM can help you avoid long lines and enjoy the build-up.
• Reservations: If you want a VIP table, arrange it in advance via the club’s contact (often a WhatsApp number on their social pages). Otherwise, it’s mostly walk-in entry. No need for reservations for general admission – just come ready to party!

Frequently Asked Questions