Papaya Playa Project is a beach hotel of cabanas on Tulum's coast, known for its relaxed, design-led style. For a session, the hour before sunset at the water's edge, or sunrise. Sessions start at 245 USD.
Here is how we plan a photoshoot at Papaya Playa Project, from the first frame to the last light.
The Session at a Glance
- ResortA beach hotel of cabanas on Tulum's coast, known for its relaxed, design-led style
- Beach facesEast, onto the open Caribbean
Where We Shoot
The water's edge. Away from loungers, with only sea and sky behind you.
The grounds. Shade, jungle or gardens while the sun is high.
Around Tulum. Tulum's cliff-top ruins are an INAH archaeological site, where professional photography needs a permit, so we usually photograph the coast around them rather than inside.
Sunrise or Sunset
Times for this beach on the 15th of each month in 2027.
| Month | Sunrise | Golden | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7:28 am | 5:59 pm | 6:31 pm |
| March | 6:58 am | 6:30 pm | 6:59 pm |
| May | 6:13 am | 6:48 pm | 7:19 pm |
| June | 6:10 am | 6:59 pm | 7:31 pm |
| July | 6:19 am | 7:01 pm | 7:33 pm |
| September | 6:37 am | 6:23 pm | 6:53 pm |
| November | 6:59 am | 5:38 pm | 6:10 pm |
| December | 7:17 am | 5:40 pm | 6:12 pm |
The beach faces east: sunrise lifts out of the sea, and the hour before sunset is soft and even.
How the Photographer Gets In
If you are staying at Papaya Playa Project, the photographer comes in as your invited guest: give the front desk our name and the session time a day or two ahead, and we check in at the lobby. For a private session, a staying guest is very seldom asked for the outside vendor fee that resorts charge for weddings, but policies change, so we confirm it with the resort in writing before your date. If you are staying elsewhere, expect a day pass for the photographer. Our guide to bringing an outside photographer to a resort covers both cases.
Sessions in Tulum, Through Our Lens
Real IVAE Studios sessions in Tulum and along the Riviera Maya. They show our work in the area, not necessarily at Papaya Playa Project.
Collections and Prices
Prices include editing and delivery in a private 4K gallery, usually within one to three business days.
| Collection | Time | Photos | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spark | 35 min | 15 | 245 USD |
| Glow Hour | 45 min | 25 | 325 USD |
| Essential Flow | 60 min | 35 | 395 USD |
| Creative Runway | 75 min | 50 | 475 USD |
| Visual Story | 90 min | 70 | 575 USD |
| Full Experience | 90 min | Full gallery | 725 USD |