Home › Excursions › Nature & wildlife › Sian Ka’an Biosphere
The Sian Ka'anbiosphere.
A UNESCO reserve, wild dolphins, deserted beaches, mangroves and the village of Punta Allen. The excursion for nature lovers. Departure around 6.30am, back at the end of the day, groups of 12 maximum, English-speaking guide, 130 € per adult all inclusive.
The place
Sian Ka'an, “where the sky is born”
Its Maya name says it all. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987, Sian Ka’an is the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean: lagoons, mangroves, savannah and reefs where dolphins, manatees, turtles, crocodiles and more than 300 bird species live wild. No paved road goes into it, and that is exactly why we love it.
The programme
How the day unfolds.
- ≈ 6.30amDeparture from your hotel
We drive south of the Tulum hotel zone, where the track begins that separates the freshwater lagoons from the Caribbean Sea. Allow an hour and a half to the entrance of the reserve, then 1 to 2 hours on the track depending on its condition.
- MorningBoarding at Paseo Lagartos
We take the boat for a three-hour ride through this biosphere listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- MorningDolphins in the wild
Crocodiles, turtles, migratory birds, ospreys, starfish. The main draw is still the dolphins, right beside the boat and completely free. We see them on the vast majority of trips, without ever being able to guarantee it: this is a nature reserve, not a park.
- MorningSnorkeling and a natural pool
Mask and snorkel over the reef, then a swim in a natural seawater pool, a genuine postcard setting.
- MiddayLunch facing the sea
A buffet run by one of the fishermen’s cooperatives, facing the sea. Lunch is included. Lobster is possible as an extra during the season, to be arranged directly on site.
- AfternoonPunta Allen
Free time in this authentic fishing village, small enough to walk around, before taking the boat back to Paseo Lagartos where the van is waiting for you.
- End of dayReturn
The return time depends on the condition of the track, which varies a lot with the season. This day is not recommended if you have back problems or suffer from motion sickness, and it is not advised for pregnant women.
In detail
Included, not included.
- Return van from your hotel
- Boat inside the reserve
- English-speaking guide
- Lunch
- Tips
- Bath towel
- Personal spending
In your bag
They lived it
Travellers rate “Sian Ka’an Biosphere” 4.9/5 on Google (323 reviews).
Gallery
What you will see.
Frequently asked questions
Everything people ask us.
They live wild in the reserve: sightings are very frequent but never “guaranteed”, which is rather the point of wild animals.
The access track depends on the weather; it is a full day, so plan a quiet evening.
You write to us (form, email or WhatsApp) with your dates, your hotel and how many of you there are; we confirm quickly. A deposit of €10 per person from 3 people (refundable up to 48 h before), the balance on the day in euros, pesos or dollars.
Straight from your hotel or accommodation in Playa del Carmen, Tulum or Puerto Morelos. In Cancún, pick-up is available for Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy (and for groups, on request). The exact time is confirmed the day before on WhatsApp.
Most of them are. We give you all the details when you book: depending on your children’s ages, we will recommend a particular outing, or advise against it.
free
★ 48 h ★
Simple, quick booking
Under-12 prices: ask us · Quick reply, 365 days a year
A deposit of €10 per person from 3 people (refundable up to 48 h), the balance paid on the day.
Keep the adventure going
They also loved.
Nature & wildlife100 €The canals of Muyil
Floating down the Maya canals of Sian Ka’an, the experience our travellers ask for most.
Nature & wildlife95 €Punta Laguna · Maya village
Wild spider monkeys, a sacred lagoon and a meal with a family in a Maya village.
Nature & wildlife115 €Bacalar, the lagoon of seven colours
The finest gradient of blues on the continent, right at the south of Quintana Roo.