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Rising Sun yacht: The luxurious world of Larry Ellison and David Geffen’s nautical retreat

Rising Sun is a notable super yacht known for its size and high-profile owners. Here are some key details about the Rising Sun yacht.

Brief Overview

Rising Sun was originally built for American business magnate Larry Ellison , the co-founder of Oracle Corporation. However, Ellison later sold a significant portion of the yacht to music and film producer David Geffen. Today it is co-owned by Larry Ellison and David Geffen.

Rising Sun is approximately 454 feet (138 meters) in length, making it one of the largest yachts in the world at the time. Its impressive size allows for a wide range of amenities and luxuries.

Design and Features

The yacht boasts a stunning exterior design and a luxurious interior. It’s equipped with multiple decks, a swimming pool, a basketball court that can be converted into a helipad, and a variety of dining and entertainment spaces. The interior features opulent staterooms and lounges.

Cruising Range

Rising Sun is powered by powerful engines, which give it a a top speed of around 28 knots (about 32 mph or 52 km/h). This allows the yacht to cover vast distances on the open sea.

Part 1: Ownership of Rising Sun

Who are the notable owners of the rising sun yacht.

The Rising Sun yacht is co-owned by two prominent figures in the world of business and entertainment: Larry Ellison and David Geffen.

Who is Larry Ellison?

Larry Ellison is a renowned American entrepreneur and the co-founder of Oracle Corporation, one of the world’s leading software and cloud computing companies. With his immense success in the tech industry, Ellison has amassed substantial wealth and has used some of it to indulge in a life of luxury, including the ownership of Rising Sun.

Who is David Geffen?

David Geffen is a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. He is a music and film producer, co-founder of Asylum Records, and a co-founder of DreamWorks SKG. Geffen is known for his influence in the world of entertainment and, like Ellison, enjoys the opulent lifestyle provided by the Rising Sun yacht.

Part 2: Size, Design, and Features

How large is the rising sun yacht.

Rising Sun is a colossal super yacht, measuring approximately 454 feet (138 meters) in length. Its vast dimensions are a testament to its opulence and the array of amenities it offers.

What are the design and features of Rising Sun?

Rising Sun is an architectural marvel, featuring a stunning exterior design and an interior that exudes luxury. Onboard, guests can enjoy multiple decks, a lavish swimming pool, a basketball court that converts into a helipad, and a variety of dining and entertainment spaces. The interior is adorned with opulent staterooms and lounges, making it a floating palace on the seas.

Part 3: Cruising Range of Rising Sun

What is the cruising range of the rising sun yacht.

Thanks to its powerful engines, Rising Sun has an impressive cruising speed of approximately 28 knots, which translates to about 32 miles per hour (52 kilometers per hour). This remarkable speed allows the yacht to cover vast distances during its journeys across the ocean, providing its passengers with access to a wide range of destinations.

Part 4: Notable Guests of Rising Sun

Who are some of the notable guests who have been aboard rising sun.

Rising Sun has been a favored choice for hosting celebrities and high-profile events. Some of the notable guests who have had the privilege of experiencing the yacht’s luxury include:

• Oprah Winfrey : The iconic talk show host and media mogul has been spotted aboard Rising Sun, enjoying the yacht’s lavish amenities.
• Steven Spielberg : The renowned filmmaker and director has also graced the decks of Rising Sun, adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to its guest list.
• Tom Hanks : The beloved actor Tom Hanks has enjoyed the yacht’s hospitality during his time on the open seas.
• Bruce Springsteen : The rock legend Bruce Springsteen is another famous personality who has been a guest aboard Rising Sun, making his voyages truly unforgettable.

What makes Rising Sun a preferred choice for such guests?

Rising Sun’s opulent interior, world-class amenities, and exceptional service make it a sought-after destination for celebrities and high-profile individuals. Its spacious decks and luxurious accommodations provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation and entertainment, ensuring that every voyage is a memorable experience for its guests.

In conclusion, the Rising Sun yacht, co-owned by Larry Ellison and David Geffen, represents the epitome of luxury on the high seas. With its impressive size, breathtaking design, remarkable cruising range, and a list of notable guests that includes some of the biggest names in entertainment and business, it continues to be a symbol of opulence and indulgence in the world of super yachts. Whether you’re interested in its ownership, design, or the celebrities who have graced its decks, the Rising Sun yacht is a true icon of maritime luxury.

Technical specifications and additional details about the Rising Sun yacht

Length: Approximately 454 feet (138 meters)

Rising Sun has a steel hull and aluminum superstructure with a beam of 18.5m (60.70ft) and a 5m (16.40ft) draft.

Estimated to be around 7,500 tons

Cruising Speed: Approximately 28 knots (32 mph or 52 km/h)

Maximum Speed: Around 30 knots (34.5 mph or 55.5 km/h)

Crew Members

The Rising Sun yacht typically employs a large crew to ensure top-notch service and maintenance. The exact number can vary but may range from around 45 to 55 crew members, including officers, chefs, stewards, and technical staff.

Positions of Crew Members

The crew members on Rising Sun are organized into various departments, including deck, engineering, interior, and more. Specific positions can include captain, first officer, stewardesses, engineers, deckhands, and chefs, among others.

Number of Rooms

Rising Sun boasts an impressive number of rooms and accommodations, including numerous staterooms and suites for guests. While the exact count can vary, it typically offers accommodations for around 16 to 18 guests.

Other Amenities

Rising Sun offers a wide range of luxurious amenities, including:

• Multiple dining areas for formal and casual dining experiences.
• A stunning swimming pool with jacuzzi features on the deck.
• A basketball court that can be converted into a helipad.
• A dedicated cinema room for entertainment.
• An on-deck bar for social gatherings.
• A gymnasium and spa facilities for guests to relax and stay active during their voyage.
• A high-quality audio-visual entertainment system throughout the yacht.
• A library and study area for quiet moments.

Support Vehicles

Super yachts like Rising Sun often come equipped with support vessels, such as smaller boats and jet skis, for various recreational activities and transportation to and from shore.

Additional Information

• Rising Sun is equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and communication systems to ensure safety and efficient travel.
• The yacht’s interior is designed with opulent materials, including marble and rare woods, adding to its luxurious atmosphere.
• It has a range of environmental and sustainability features, including advanced waste management and energy-efficient systems.

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RISING SUN Yacht – Exceptional $400M Superyacht

RISING SUN yacht is currently the 16th largest motor yacht in the world at a length of 138.6 meters (454 ft).

She was built by Luerssen in Bremen, Germany, and launched in June of 2004.

RISING SUN yacht interior

The interior of the RISING SUN yacht was styled by Seccombe Design, a small and highly specialized design company. The 138.6 meter-long vessel was their largest project to date. She was last refitted in 2011 and fully updated to fit modern standards. The interior of RISING SUN is classically styled with lots of dark elements and wooden features.

She comes with a gym, a grand piano, multiple swimming pools, a beauty salon, and a spa which includes a sauna.

Sixteen guests can be welcomed aboard the super yacht’s eight suites. A further 45 crew members find space in 30 cabins below the deck.

Specifications

The RISING SUN yacht is powered by four MTU engines which allow her to reach top speeds of up to 30 knots although her cruising speed lies at 26 knots.

She was built by Luerssen , one of the most famous shipyards for luxury yachts in the world. Her total volume lies at 7841 tons making her one of the largest motor yachts in the world not only by length but also weight.

Her beam measures 19 meters (62.4 ft) and her draft is 4.85 meters (15.1 ft). The built-in at-anchor stabilizers allow her guests to be comfortable even during rough seas.

The exterior of the RISING SUN yacht was developed by the superyacht designers Bannenberg & Rowell.

Dickie Baneberg’s father was one of the most legendary designers of all time in the industry, sometimes even called the father of yacht design.

His son is continuing his legacy and elements of Jon Bannenberg’s style can still be recognized in this work. With her many separate windows RISING SUN almost looks like a small cruise ship.

She is all-white, in classical yacht design with a steel hull and aluminum superstructure. In addition to her covered decks, she features a large open-air space at the bow as well as one at the aft of the vessel.

The RISING SUN yacht originally cost an estimated US $200 million when she was launched in 2004. However, due to refits and sales RISING SUN is now valued at a price of US $570 million.

Her annual running costs lie somewhere between US $25 and 40 million.

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Motor Yacht

Rising Sun is a 138,4m (454'1''ft) motor yacht, custom built in 2004 by Lurssen Yachts. The yacht's interior has been designed by Seccombe Design. She was last refitted in 2007.

Rising Sun has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure with a beam of 18.5m (60.70ft) and a 5m (16.40ft) draft. Performance + Capabilities Rising Sun is capable of 28 knots flat out, with a cruising speed of 26 knots. Rising Sun Accommodation Rising Sun offers accommodation for up to 16 guests. She is also capable of carrying up to 45 crew onboard to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht experience.

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• Exterior Designer Jon Bannenberg No profile available
• Interior Designer Seccombe Design No profile available

Yacht Specs

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RISING SUN is a 138.01 m Motor Yacht, built in Germany by Lurssen and delivered in 2004.

Her top speed is 28.0 kn and her cruising speed is 26.0 kn and her power comes from four MTU diesel engines. She can accommodate up to 18 guests, with 45 crew members. She has a gross tonnage of 7600.0 GT and a 19.0 m beam.

She was designed by Jon Bannenberg Ltd. , who has designed 40 other superyachts in the BOAT Pro database.

The naval architecture was developed by Lurssen , who has architected 69 other superyachts in the BOAT Pro database, and the interior of the yacht was designed by Laura Seccombe - she is built with a Teak deck, a Steel hull, and Aluminium superstructure.

RISING SUN is in the top 5% by LOA and in the top 30% by speed in the world. She is one of 70 motor yachts longer than 100m, and, compared to similarly sized motor yachts, her cruising speed is 9.95 kn above the average, her top speed 8.14 kn above the average, and her volume 387.31 GT above the average.

RISING SUN is currently sailing under the Cayman Islands flag, the 2nd most popular flag state for superyachts with a total of 1366 yachts registered. She is currently located at the superyacht marina Yacht Haven Grande, in United States Virgin Islands, where she has been located for 3 days. For more information regarding RISING SUN's movements, find out more about BOAT Pro AIS .

Specifications

• Name: RISING SUN
• Yacht Type: Motor Yacht
• Yacht Subtype: Displacement
• Builder: Lurssen
• Naval Architect: Lurssen
• Exterior Designer: Jon Bannenberg Ltd.
• Interior Designer: Laura Seccombe
• Refits: 2022-05-22,2021-10-19,2019-11-06

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A Summary of Motor Yacht RISING SUN

The motor yacht RISING SUN is a 138 metre 454 (foot) major steel ship which was crafted at Lurssen Yachts and conceived by Lurssen and Bannenberg Designs Ltd. Launched in the year of 2004 the recent interior design confirms the capabilities emanating from the boards of Laura Seccombe.

This yacht was ordered by the famous technology billionaire Larry Ellison.

The Building & Yacht Design relating to Luxury Yacht RISING SUN

Lurssen was the naval architecture company involved in the formal vessel design work for RISING SUN. Her interior design was realised by Laura Seccombe. Lurssen and Bannenberg Designs Ltd is also associated with the yacht general design work for this yacht. Built at Lurssen Yachts this vessel was completed in the country of Germany. She was officially launched in Vegesack in 2004 before being delivered to the owner. A very roomy area is manifested with a total beam (width) of 18.5 metres or 60.7 ft. With a 4.9m (16.1ft) draught (maximum depth) she is reasonably deep. The material steel was used in the building of the hull of the motor yacht. Her superstructure above deck is created out of aluminium. In 2007 extra refit work and updating was in addition finished.

M/Y RISING SUN Engine Room / Propulsion:

Powered by a quartet MTU diesel engines, RISING SUN is able to reach a top speed of 29 knots. Coupled to the RISING SUN engines are 4sc. Her total HP is 48920 HP and her total Kilowatts are 36000.

The Accommodation Capacity Offered On Superyacht RISING SUN:

The imposing luxury yacht motor yacht RISING SUN is able to sleep as many as 12 people in addition to 30 professional crew.

A List of the Specifications of the RISING SUN:

Miscellaneous yacht details.

During Sept 2009 RISING SUN visited Lipari, in Italy. RISING SUN also navigated the waters around Provincia di Messina during Sept 2009. The yacht uses Heinen & Hopman air con. This motor yacht has a teak deck.

RISING SUN Disclaimer:

The luxury yacht RISING SUN displayed on this page is merely informational and she is not necessarily available for yacht charter or for sale, nor is she represented or marketed in anyway by CharterWorld. This web page and the superyacht information contained herein is not contractual. All yacht specifications and informations are displayed in good faith but CharterWorld does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the current accuracy, completeness, validity, or usefulness of any superyacht information and/or images displayed. All boat information is subject to change without prior notice and may not be current.

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"I once had a client who told me, “I will put your name on the side of my boat if it’s good, but if the boat is not good, your name will appear three times as big.” We were brought up with the sense that it is a very personal obligation for the family when we sign a contract to deliver a yacht that the client expects. I cannot go to a client and say “One of my guys made a mistake.” He would say “Is he Mr. Lürssen, or are you Mr. Lürssen?” But a successful delivery is also a great reward. I take the relationships of my clients very personally." - Peter Lürssen of Lürssen Yachts (courtesy SuperYachtTimes)

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• Impressions

Rising Sun is a 138 metre luxury motor yacht. She was built by Lurssen in 2004 and was designed by the late and legendary Jon Bannenberg whom Lurssen did not only build the first large yacht with but also this, his last project. The most outstanding characteristic of Rising Sun are the large window panels, the planning of which prompted a worldwide material search. The specially constructed glass panels were coated with a particular heat-insulating foil allowing the required energy for air-conditioning to be lowered significantly and thereby reducing emissions substantially. Rising Sun has also been equipped with customised soot particle filters to clean exhaust fumes efficiently. She is powered by of 12230 hp engines allowing her reach a maximum speed of 28 knots and a cruising speed of 26 knots.

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A Closer Look at the $200 Million Rising Sun Superyacht

There are a few different categories of yachts in the world. As a yacht enthusiast you might hear a few different terms being thrown around in the descriptions, such as Super yacht up to 100 feet in length or Mega yacht up to 300 feet. These are the larger water craft and there is even a giga yacht which are those that are over 300 feet in length. With this in mind, the Rising Sun, which is often referred to as a Super yacht far exceeds the parameters set for the classification, so if we're going to be particular about the classification, we'd call it a Giga yacht. However it's categorized, the Rising Sun is one of the most amazing private yachts afloat and we're going to take a closer look at the features which make this multi-million dollar ship so special.

Rising Sun Yacht built by Lurssen: A Celebrity Choice

This yacht has hosted some of the most celebrated personalities in the film and record industry as well as the political arena. Barack and Michelle Obama were seen vacationing on the Rising Sun in 2017, and it's also hosted Hollywood stars including Oprah Winfrey , Julia Roberts , Leonardo DeCaprio, Tom Hanks and others. The co-founder of Dreamworks, film producer and record executive David Geffen is the owner of the Rising Sun, which ranks as the 9th largest yacht in the world, currently. Depending on which source you consult, the cost to build this giant is estimated to be $200 million and some have it as high as $400 million but we believe that the base cost was the latter and the extra figures come from upgrades .

The history of the Rising Sun

The Rising Sun is the commissioned craft of its first owner Larry Ellison, who partnered with David Geffen and is the current CEO of the Oracle Corporation. He ordered the building of the ship from the German shipbuilding company Lürssen . The Rising Sun is the design of Jon Bannenberg, who has since passed away. The ship was delivered to Mr. Ellison in 2004, who shared ownership with David Geffen until 2010, when he decided that it was too large, so he sold his share to Geffen, who is now the sole owner of the yacht and Ellison bought a smaller yacht.

Specifications and details

The Rising Sun yacht is constructed of a strong aluminum superstructure with a displacement steel hull and teak decks, in accordance with Germanischer Lloyd classification society rules. The ship requires 4 MTU 12,061 horsepower diesel engines to propel it though the water. The average cruising speed is 26 knots and the top speed of the ship is 30 knots. To make the yacht more comfortable and safe in rough waters, it is fitted with zero speed stabilizers for times when she is at anchor. The Rising Sun measures 453.97 ft in length with a 62.34 ft beam, a draft of 16.08 ft and gross tonnage of 7841 tons. The exterior was designed by Bannenberg & Rowel and the interior by Seccombe Design. It was built by Lurssen and refit in 2004 and 2011. At the time of the sale it was the 6th largest yacht in the world, but other new superyachts have displaced it to the 9th position.

Luxury amenities

It takes a crew of 45 to maintain and operate this massive vessel and they are housed in 30 cabins. The guests are housed in 8 cabins which can accommodate between 16 and 18 guests comfortably. The yacht has been designed with more than 8,000m² of living space, allowing for larger gathering areas as well as plenty of places to find privacy from the crowd of guests. There are a total of five decks with 82 rooms aboard the yacht. Some of the luxury amenities include a spa and gym so guests don't need to miss out on their daily workout routines. The Rising Sun is also quipped with a lift/elevator to take guests between the five decks. For practicality so guests/owners can come and go from any location, there is also a helipad on board. For fun in the sun there is a swimming pool as well as underwater lights for excellent illumination, and a sauna for relaxation. The ship also features air conditioning throughout the 82 rooms so guests can achieve the optimal room temperatures, even on hot days at sea, and there is also a Tender Garage, as well as a Cinema large enough to accommodate all guests for entertainment.

Final thoughts

The Rising Sun has only had two owners since it was built in 2004. Co-owners Larry Ellison and David Geffen shared it for a period of time, then Ellison sold his share to Geffen who is now the sole owner. The yacht was once the sixth largest yacht in the world, but is still considered a wonder coming in at ninth place. It's packed to the hilt with luxury amenities and there is plenty of space aboard with five decks and 82 rooms. The ship which cost $200 million to build is now valued somewhere between $3 and $4 million, and it has only increased in value with the passage of time and no doubt numerous upgrades to suit the preferences of the owner. It's served as the vessel that provides a source of recreation for some of the most famous people in the world including some of our most beloved Hollywood stars and even a former president and first lady. The Rising Sun is truly one of the most magnificent yachts that has ever been created, and those who are fortunate enough to be invited on board are in for a top notch luxury experience.

Written by  Dana Hanson

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RISING SUN yacht NOT for charter*

138.6m  /  454'9 | lurssen | 2004 / 2011.

• Amenities & Toys

Special Features:

• Elevator for convenient access
• Comfortable Movie Theatre
• Generous pool
• Germanischer Lloyd classification
• Cruising speed of 26 knots

The 138.6m/454'9" motor yacht 'Rising Sun' was built by Lurssen in Germany at their Bremen shipyard. Her interior is styled by design house Seccombe Design and she was delivered to her owner in June 2004. This luxury vessel's exterior design is the work of Bannenberg & Rowell and she was last refitted in 2011.

Guest Accommodation

Rising Sun has been designed to comfortably accommodate up to 18 guests in 9 suites. She is also capable of carrying up to 45 crew onboard to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht experience.

Onboard Comfort & Entertainment

Her features include a movie theatre, beauty salon, elevator, underwater lights, gym and air conditioning.

Range & Performance

Rising Sun is built with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, with teak decks. Powered by 4 x diesel MTU (20V 8000 M70) 20-cylinder 11,149hp engines running at 1150rpm, she comfortably cruises at 26 knots, reaches a maximum speed of 30 knots. Rising Sun features at-anchor stabilizers providing exceptional comfort levels. Her water tanks store around 100,000 Litres of fresh water. She was built to Germanischer Lloyd classification society rules.

*Charter Rising Sun Motor Yacht

Motor yacht Rising Sun is currently not believed to be available for private Charter. To view similar yachts for charter , or contact your Yacht Charter Broker for information about renting a luxury charter yacht.

Rising Sun Yacht Owner, Captain or marketing company

'Yacht Charter Fleet' is a free information service, if your yacht is available for charter please contact us with details and photos and we will update our records.

Rising Sun Photos

Rising Sun Awards & Nominations

• International Superyacht Society Awards 2019 Best Refit Finalist

NOTE to U.S. Customs & Border Protection

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Tula: Mesoamerica’s Missing Link

Between the abandonment of Teotihuacan and the emergence of the Aztec Empire , central Mexico was dominated by another powerful group: the Toltecs. But we still know relatively little about them. The Aztecs sung the Toltecs’ praises, considering themselves to be their heirs. And they even repeatedly visited their former capital of Tula to learn (and take) all that they could. Consequently, not a whole lot remains today. Nevertheless, Tula still makes for a fascinating day trip. While the ruins may lack the ‘wow’ factor of Teotihuacan, the old pyramids and their enthralling Atlantean statues continue to draw in visitors hoping to learn more about the mysterious Toltecs.

Who were the Toltecs?

The Toltecs were the dominant civilization of central Mexico from around 900 to 1150 AD. Like the Teotihuacanos before them and the Aztecs after them, we know that the Toltecs worshipped gods like Quetzalcoatl, Tlaloc and various other nature-related deities. And, unsurprisingly, their main religious structures were built as pyramids. In addition to religion, Toltec society placed a heavy emphasis on militarism, with warriors being lauded all throughout Toltec art and sculptures.

Archaeologists have determined that the site of Tula, the Toltec capital, long predates the civilization’s rise. It was first settled as early as 600 AD, back when Teotihuacan was still the main city in the region. Mysteriously, Tula was abandoned some 150 years later. The Toltecs then settled at the spot around the year 900 and began to build their pyramids, palaces and ball courts there. 

At its height, the city probably had a population of around 30 – 40,000. That’s roughly one-sixth the size of Teotihuacan, and the difference in scale between the two ancient cities is immediately apparent upon arrival. But the Toltecs’ power and influence was not solely limited to Tula or even just to the central Mexico region. As we’ll go over further down below, clear Toltec influence is evident all throughout the ancient Mayan capital of Chichen Itza. 

Not only did the Toltecs bridge the gap between the Teotihuacanos and the Aztecs, but they served as an important link between the civilizations of central Mexico and the Yucatan. These two regions otherwise had little to do with one another historically, but we likely have the Toltecs to credit for bringing Quetzalcoatl worship and other new ideas to the Mayans.

Like their predecessors at Teotihuacan, we don’t know exactly why Tula was eventually abandoned. It was possibly a combination of things like scuffles with neighboring tribes, a volcanic eruption, or a drought. What we do know is that by the mid-12th century, Tula was empty for the second time.

The Aztecs would go on to idolize the Toltecs. But instead of preserving things as they found them, they looted many of Tula’s valuables and religious artifacts to venerate in their own cities. As a result, the Toltecs remain one of the least understood civilizations of ancient Mexico, despite their significance as an important bridge between cultures. As excavation work around the ruins of Tula continues, there’s still hope that there are more secrets waiting to be decoded.

Tula is much smaller than Teotihuacan and can be fully explored in a few hours. Let’s go over some of the main highlights below:

Pyramid E and the Atlantean Statues

Entering the archaeological zone, you’ll first encounter the ‘Temple of the Morning Star,’ otherwise known as ‘Pyramid E,’ from behind. The most significant feature here is the set of four towering pillars which have since become known as the Atlantean statues.

The statues are believed to have once held up a long-lost temple made of wood. Their modern name, then, is a reference to the Greek Titan Atlas, who was responsible for holding up the sky. These figures were probably never meant to be seen by the general public, with access to the temple being strictly limited to priests and high ranking officials. 

The Atlantean statues have become something of the de facto symbol of Toltec culture as a whole. Now exposed to the world, these pillars tell us a lot about whom the Toltecs worshipped, how they fought and how their warriors dressed.

But where does the name ‘Temple of the Morning Star’ come from? The morning star is another name for Venus. And it was the creator god of the Teotihuacanos (and probably even the Olmecs before that) who was said to have turned into Venus after recreating humanity. The references to Quetzalcoatl at Tula are numerous, yet also much more subtle than his depictions at Teotihuacan.

Looking at the sides of the columns, we can see what weapons each warrior is carrying. They’re rather atypical of what we normally picture today when thinking of a warrior’s tools. Some statues carry what’s known as an atlatl , a spear thrower which helps increase the velocity of a throw. Others carry bladed weapons. The somewhat unusual shape of the objects has led some people to theorize about futuristic laser guns, but it’s probably safe to say that the Toltecs weren’t that  advanced.

The Atlantean statues carry their shields on their backs. This is likely due to the simple fact that both of their hands are holding weapons. This hasn’t stopped some, however, from speculating that the round disks may actually be some kind of ancient jetpack! 

Notice how the headdress of each warrior contains both scales and feathers – a clear reference to Quetzalcoatl, also known as the ‘Plumed Serpent.’ Their chest plates also resemble butterflies, another common symbol associated with Quetzalcoatl.

The carvings on the pillars are believed to represent the ancient Toltec kings. The most prominent ruler named himself Quetzalcoatl after the Toltecs’ favorite deity. Interestingly, the Mayans at Chichen Itza also had a king named Kukulkan, the Mayan name for the ‘Plumed Serpent.’ It’s even speculated that the two kings may have even been the same person!

Different colors?

Did you notice how the statue on the left is a different color from the others? That’s because it’s actually a recently-made replica. Don’t worry though – the original is doing just fine. In fact, he can be visited by the public at the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. 

Around the site

Tula covers a much smaller area than Teotihuacan, and it doesn’t require any special strategy to explore in full. But with some of the structures in poor condition, you might end up missing some things if you don’t look carefully. 

The Great Pyramid

The “Great Pyramid,” also known as ‘Pyramid C,’ reveals the strong influence that the Teotihuacanos had on Toltec culture. It clearly resembles structures from that city like the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. Unfortunately, though, Tula’s Great Pyramid in far from great shape. It’s one of the most damaged structures at Tula, but there’s still enough left of it to get a sense of both its architectural style and original size. Archaeologists believe that there’d once been some kind of wooden temple at the top like at Pyramid E.

This pyramid is actually climbable, but not from the front. A little trail on the other side will lead you to the top from where you can see excellent views of the Temple of the Morning Star together with the Burnt Palace.

The Burnt Palace

Located just next to the Temple of the Morning Star, the Burnt Palace is a large complex that was probably used for government administration. As the name suggests, the Burnt Palace, or Palacio Quemado , was ravaged by a massive fire at one point. It consisted of three main halls and overall, the structure is huge. Remains of ritual offerings as well as intricate relief carvings have recently been found here. One section shows a Toltec king (possibly dressed as Tlaloc ) leading a group of warriors.

Located at the opposite side of the plaza from the Temple of the Morning Star is this large structure known simply as ‘Edificio K.’ It was likely used for ceremonies and rituals carried out by the Toltec elite. We also know that even the Aztecs dwelled in the building after the Toltecs had already left the scene.

El Coatepantli

Also known as the ‘Serpent Wall,’ this border likely marked the outer boundary of Tula’s sacred space. The entire wall is covered in intricate murals. Most notably, there are numerous depictions of skeletons being devoured whole by large serpents. Other images include local animals like pumas, and of course, major deities from the Toltec pantheon.

The area is currently under excavation, so new finds could be just around the corner.

The Ritual Ball Courts

The ancient city of Tula contained not just one, but two ball courts designated for the classic Mesoamerican ball game. The game involved teams hitting a rubber ball back and forth. But in contrast to today’s popular sports, players could only hit it with their hips – no hands of feet allowed. Aside from trying to knock the ball into the opponents’ territory, a more challenging goal was to pass it through a stone disk with a hole in the middle that was equipped to either wall.

The game, practiced by civilizations throughout Mesoamerica, didn’t just function as a sport or recreational activity. It was also a ritual, with the game itself symbolic of the procession of the cosmos. 

Arriving at the Tula ruins, a ball court is the very first thing you’ll encounter. Situated behind the Atlantean statues is the well-preserved, yet relatively small court pictured above. On the opposite side of the city is the more spacious court pictured below.  The design and layout of these ball courts in Tula are one of the main features archaeologists bring up when noting the similarities between the Toltec capital and Chichen Itza in the opposite end of the country.

The Mayan Connection

As mentioned above, one of the most mysterious and baffling aspects of Tula are the similarities between it and the former Mayan capital of Chichen Itza. The Mayans are one of Mexico’s greatest native civilizations. From as far back as around 500 BC, all the way up until the arrival of the Spanish, the Mayans built impressive pyramids and complex city-states. 

Mayan culture was prevalent throughout the Yucatan peninsula and much of modern-day Guatemala, along with other neighboring Central American countries. They’re also known for things like their writing system and extremely precise and complex calendar.

Generally speaking, Mayan civilization thrived independently of the cultures in central Mexico. They were, however, partly influenced by Teotihuacan, and it’s even believed that a king from there took over the city-state of Tikal in the 4th century. But Mayan civilization would continue to thrive long after Teotihuacan’s decline and abandonment. And the case of the twin cities of Tula and Chichen Itza is the only such case in Mesoamerica where two distant cities share so much in common.

The most striking architectural similarity is how closely Chichen Itza’s main pyramid resembles that of Tula’s. The Temple of the Warriors, it’s called, features pillars laid out in front of and on top of the pyramid in a very similar manner to the Temple of the Morning Star (Pyramid E). Furthermore, both structures are oriented just east of true north.

The two sites contain chacmool  sculptures of a similar style. These statues were used to place offerings to the gods. And like Tula, Chichen Itza also contains a tzompantli , or skull rack, on which the heads of sacrificial victims were placed. And as mentioned earlier, the ball courts of both cities are very similar in layout and design.

But who influenced who? While there’s no doubt that the Mayan civilization long predates the Toltecs, most archaeologists believe that it was the Toltecs who influenced Chichen Itza, and not the other way around. The reason is that similar architecture can be found at some other minor Toltec sites in central Mexico. In the Yucatan, on the other hand, what we now recognize as the Toltec style is solely limited to Chichen Itza.

What we don’t know is exactly how everything played out. Did the Toltecs invade and take over? It’s even possible that the 10th century kings Quetzalcoatl of Tula and Kukulkan of Chichen Itza are the same person. References in both Toltec and Mayan documents mention a traveling ruler around that time. It’s hard to say, though, if the ruler was an invader or he’d been banished from Tula. On the other hand, carbon dating suggests that Chichen Itza’s main structures may even predate the arrival of this mysterious king. Ultimately, nobody really knows exactly how or why these two capitals became sister cities, but the multitude of different theories are fascinating.

***I have yet to visit Chichen Itza myself, so I haven’t been able to see the similarities with my own eyes. Once I make it there in the future, I hope to update this article with some side-by-side comparison shots.***

Additional Info

Tula does not make for the easiest day trip from Mexico City, but it’s certainly doable. You can reach the ruins from the Autobuses del Norte bus station.

Entering the station, turn left and walk all the way down to the end. The booth selling tickets for Tula happens to be just next to the one for Teotihuacan. Understand, though, that unlike Teotihuacan, Tula is a modern-day city which just happens to have ruins in it. You won’t arrive at the ruins but will have to walk or ride through the city to get to them.

The ride takes around 90 minutes one way and there are 1 or 2 buses every hour.

The challenging part is getting to the ruins from Tula’s bus station. It is walkable, but there’s a very important detail you need to be aware of. The south entrance, which happens to be closest to the bus station, is no longer in use. And during my visit, there was no sign or any indication that there was another entrance. Most visitors probably arrive and get the impression that it’s permanently closed.

The entrance you need to reach is another 15 – 20 minutes walk along the same road. It’s a busy road and a rather uncomfortable walk, but there is just enough space to avoid getting hit by oncoming traffic. Eventually, you’ll see a sign for the ruins on your left-hand side.

Even after walking along that road, though, you may find that the old ticket gates appear to be smashed and abandoned. Just keep walking and you’ll eventually find the parking lot and real entrance. There is a local museum also located at the entrance, which was unfortunately closed due to earthquake damage during my visit.

With all that said, it may be best to take a taxi from the bus station. However, you’ll have a hard time finding one on the way back. The walk back could be even more confusing if you didn’t walk there in the first place.

After paying the entrance fee and entering the site, you’ll first come across a nice little botanical garden area. Keep walking along the road, past the vendors selling all sorts of souvenirs, until you eventually see the backside of the Atlantes in the distance. When finished, you’ll want to leave the ruins the same way you came.

Tula isn’t the nicest or most convenient city, so you’d definitely want to make your base in Mexico City and get to the ruins as a day trip instead.

Mexico City’s public transportation system is very efficient, so generally speaking, you’ll be fine if you base yourself nearby a metro station.

I stayed at a basic, no frills hotel called Hotel Costazul . I would recommend this place to people looking for an affordable private hotel room in a convenient location. Located in Centro, it’s a fairly easy walk to the Zocalo and right by a couple of subway stations.

The best way to get to Mexico City would be to fly. The main Benito Juarez International Airport services flights from all around the world.

Coming from within Mexico, many budget airlines service Toluca International Airport instead. Some cheaper flights from abroad also go to the nearby city of Puebla.

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Tulas Endless Summer

We are water people! Here is a little about the Captain and Crew!

Captain bill.

I love the sea. I have been a water bug my entire life and love surfing, diving, kiting, paddling, everything to do with the ocean. I have been a lifeguard on the Atlantic Ocean since high school and have been competing in lifeguard competitions since the same time. Here’s a quick movie I made of Kiting the East End of Long Island .

Kitesurfing In Jupiter

In 2013 I found an abandoned 26’ sailboat in a boat yard near my home on long island. Turns out the boat is a Victoria Frances 26. A small “pocket cruiser” designed by Chuck Payne to be a simple sturdy boat designed for ocean cruising. I bought the boat for $800. I spent a year ripping off rotten decks and delaminated fiberglass then building the boat back up and outfitting her for ocean passages. I named her “Tula” which is “balance” in Sanskrit. You can check out Tula’s restoration here .

Our first few months together were pretty crazy. You can read about our first trip together (where I cried and pissed my pants) here .

Since then, I sailed out the Fire Island inlet, down the cold lonely eastern coast in November/December/January and down to Jupiter, Florida.

Here is a short video of my cold, lonely trip down the coast. Burrrhh .

I met my beautiful girlfriend (and now first mate) in Jupiter and couldn’t be happier.

We sold Tula in 2015 and bought a 1973 Marine Trader Trawler which we named “Neverland”. Here is a quick virtual tour of Neverland.

We are living the waterman life, surfing, paddling, kiting, and training every single day while we travel and go on some crazy adventures in between. Check out some of our videos for the most recent crazy adventure!

Paddle Surfing Coral Cove

First Mate Sierra

Sailing Tula

Sierra is an all-out water woman! She is always in the ocean either surfing, paddling, swimming, kiting, spearfishing or training. She LOVES new adventures and her new life living aboard a boat. Here is Sierra paddling with some swimming pigs in the Bahamas.

Manatee Whisperer

Jetty – The Other First Mate

Jetty is an Australian Cattle Dog mix. She loves string beans, boat life, and naps. She is the real boss and we love her. Oh, Jetty kite boards too…. And here is a quick video of Jetty about 6″ from a baby shark…

Kiteboarding Dog

Need to get in touch? Email [email protected]

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