Sian Ka'an

Sian Ka'an: Our most recommended tours and activities

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  1. From Tulum: Sian Ka'an Half-Day Tour

  The ancient Mayan ruins of Muyil in the middle of the Sian Kaan Jungle Reserve look like something out of an old Indian Jones movie. Here, you will discover the incredible history of this ancient civilization, as you wander through the ruins. Muyil was one of the earliest and longest inhabited ancient Maya sites on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, and artifacts have been found here dating all the way back to 350BCE! On our day together, we will walk through this inspiring eco-preserve to the highest point in the Sian Kaan reserve, where we can gaze out at unblemished jungle that is filled with hundreds of species of birds, plants and animal life. After our hike, we will enjoy a boat ride through the trading canals of the ancient Maya civilization and visit the Maya temple of Xlapak. Here, you can gaze at the detailed facades of these old ruins, located at the bottom of the ri...

  This was highlight of our trip. Valeria did a great job as our guide. The lunch they provide was delicious and with great view.

  Reviewed by Anonymous, 9/12/2021
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  2. Sian Ka'an Safari with Transfer Options

  After pick-up from your hotel, arrive in Tulum for a quick briefing. Travel for about 25 kilometers before you board the boat in Paso Lagartos to start the 3-hour marine safari. On the way to Paso Lagartos, make a stop at the Boca Paila Bridge where the lagoon and Caribbean Sea meet to admire local species of crocodiles. During your marine safari, observe wild dolphins, sea turtles and different species of birds and manatees. You can even go snorkeling if the sea conditions are good. After snorkeling, head to a natural pool, Punta Allen, to swim and relax. Afterwards, enjoy lunch followed by some free time to explore the area. End with a transfer back to your hotel.

  Manuel was a great guide. Great experience overall and they even accommodate us for being vegan.

  Reviewed by Long, United States, 3/5/2020
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  3. From Riviera Maya: Sian Ka'an Discovery Tour with Lunch

  Get picked up from your accommodation in Riviera Maya or Tulum and head to Sian Ka’an, a rich and diverse nature reserve south of Tulum. Board a small boat to visit Boca Paila lagoon and spot the local wildlife. Head out a short distance on open water to snorkel, if weather permits, on the Mesoamerican Barrier reef and be delighted by the healthy corals and abundance of fish. If the weather does not permit you to snorkel, visit an open cenote instead. See tropical saltwater canals, mangrove islands, and flooded sinkholes.  Return to the beach where your homemade lunch awaits you. Relax amongst the coconut groves or go for a swim in the sea before going back on the road. Get dropped off at your accommodation and reflect on the unique landscapes you just encountered.

  Carlos was very knowledgeable & well spoken tour guide. We learned so much about Sian ka’an & how it relates to our daily lives. Hope to see this place again with family next time!

  Reviewed by Anonymous, United States, 7/16/2021
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  4. Riviera Maya: Sian Kaan Boat Trip Adventure

  Punta Allen is a picturesque and perfect place to park yourself on a 3-hour boat tour! Here explore the local lagoons and come face to face with the incredible wildlife of this region. You'll have the chance to see beautiful birds and maybe even the chance to see wild dolphins and sea turtles that live in these waters! On our 3-hour tour, also stop at the 2nd largest coral reef in the world, where you can jump out of the boat and enjoy a pleasant snorkel adventure (subject to sea conditions). You'll be amazed at the colors of this still very healthy coral reef and the varieties of fish are absolutely stunning. The reef system is home to more than 65 species of stony coral, 350 species of mollusk and more than 500 species of fish. After your snorkel, head to the beach, where the picture perfect sandbar awaits. Here enjoy a delicious Caribbean lunch of fresh fish and fruit before heading...

  Lea was SUCH an amazing guide. We had a fantastic time and saw lots of wildlife. We recommend the tour very much!

  Reviewed by Anonymous, 6/29/2021
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  5. Riviera Maya or Cancun: Sian Ka'an Jeep Expedition

  See the wilderness of Sian Ka’an from the driver’s seat of a Jeep. The wilderness roads will take you around the coast of the Caribbean Sea. The park is one of the largest eco reserves in the world at the Biosphere Reserve of Sian Ka’an, protected by UNESCO. The tour starts at Boca Paila. Explore the estuary and take in its lovely views, then enjoy refreshments before starting out once more. Upon arrival in Punta Allen, you'll enjoy snacks and beverages and begin the boat ride into the Caribbean Sea. A swim in a tranquil, warm, natural spring pool will be your reward for the hike it took to get you out to the water! Later, arrive on Bird Island—a place to see cormorants, herons, pelicans, roseate spoonbills and osprey, to name just a few. Birders, get ready to check many species off your lists! If this isn’t enough, this tour includes snorkeling along the Mesoamerican Reef. More beaut...

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  6. Tulum: Sian Ka'an Biosphere Eco Park Extreme

  This thrilling full-day eco adventure of Sian Ka'an begins with a visit to the Muyil ruins, an exceptionally well-preserved site, with structures that date back to the post-classic period of 1200 to 1500 AC. Get privileged views on a zip line over the small lagoon. Then, take a boat ride through the Muyil and Chunyaxché Lagoons. Riding along the crystalline turquoise waters, you will reach the Xtlapak ruins, where you will hop into an ancient canal built by the Mayans over 1,000 years ago. While the gentle current pushes you along for approximately 45 minutes, listen to bird song and the whisper of the wind above. Float down the Mayan canal to Xtlapak, a checkpoint or customs stop where travellers wishing to pass had to pay a tax. Cruise back to the ecological park to hike through the lush jungle. Once you arrive at the cenote (ancient sinkholes), you can enjoy a thrilling zipline ride...

  An amazing experience and an exceptional guide, Javier! The swim along the Mayan canal was spectacular, surrounded by one of the most beautiful natural environments with cristal clear waters. The guided visit to the Muyil ruins was also beautiful and interesting. We finished the tour in a genuine Maya town, where its inhabitants manage a natural park with huge and spectacular cenotes, zip lines and the best food I’ve had in Mexico, authentic local food. The price might be a bit high, but the tour is worth every penny. You won’t regret.

  Reviewed by Joan, Spain, 6/24/2021
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  7. Tulum: Sian Ka'an Bisophere Reserve Full-Day Tour

  Explore the unique Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve of the Riviera Maya, and learn more about the Mayan history as you immerse yourself in an underwater world, snorkeling in the sacred waters of a cenote. Following a pick-up from your hotel, head to the reserve to hike through the jungle. Located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico, near the Mayan ruins of Tulum, Sian Ka’an is an ecotourism and education center that provides a good example of sustainable development in sensitive tropical ecosystems. Discover the impressive Mayan temple of Muyil. Cross the lagoon by boat while your certified guide explains more about the reserve's ecosystem and wildlife. You will even have time to swim and float through the channels of the freshwater stream. Discover the different sorts of mangroves and other flora and fauna of the region. A 3-course lunch of typical Mexican food will be served at Restaurant ...

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  8. Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve Full-Day Discovery Tour

  Enjoy the beauty of nature as you explore the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve on this 10-hour excursion. Start with a ride on a small boat in the Campechen Lagoon. See mangroves, endemic birds and other area wildlife. After arriving in Punta Allen, enjoy a refreshment break and then board the boat again and head to the heart of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. Be on the lookout for dolphins, turtles, starfish, cormorants, herons, pelicans and osprey in their natural habitat. Get ready for an amazing snorkeling experience that ends near the crystal-clear waters of La Piscina. Head back to Punta Allen for lunch and prepare for the return boat trip.

  The tour was everything we expected. We saw manatees, a crocodile and a nesting osprey. The reef swim we saw some turtles and rays.

  Reviewed by Laurence, 1/6/2020
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  9. Tulum: Sian Ka'an Lagoons and Cenote Escondido Tour

  After meeting at the dive store, you will depart to explore the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve, which has some amazing lagoons and canals just waiting for you to explore. The beautiful lagoons are connected between various canals, which you will also be free to explore. You can follow a Mayan commerce route from an ancient Mayan city (Muyil Ruins) to a jungle path, and then ride a boat to the lagoons and canals. Later, jump in to the turquoise water and float on your life jacket along the current of a canal. On the way back you will stop in Cenote Escondido for a snack, and can also enjoy some snorkeling and swimming in the nearby pristine waters.

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  10. Cancun: Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve Half-Day Tour

  Benefit from hotel pick-up in Cancún or the Riviera Maya, and then journey towards Tulum to spend the day in the stunning biosphere reserve of Sian Ka'an. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the reserve includes some 23 known archaeological sites of the Maya civilization. Look for wildlife and visit some of the most important archaeological sites in the area with a local guide. Go for a short boat ride through the river channels, and discover unique ruins amongst the mangrove forests. Enjoy a complimentary lunch before the trip back to Cancún, where you will get dropped off at your hotel.