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Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

  • Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Last updated: 07 February, 2025

With vast tracts of tropical forest, glassy rivers, lagoons and turtle-nesting beaches, this 2,800 sq km biosphere reserve, is one of the last remaining truly wild areas on the Riviera Maya.

This biodiversity hotspot is home to 103 species of mammal – including all five cat species found on the peninsular (jaguar, puma, ocelot, margay and jaguarundi) and 330 species of bird. There are also 23 known archaeological sites inside the reserve. It is home to rare wildlife including manatees and American Crocodiles and is an important nursery for fish including tarpon and sharks.

The powdery, palm-shaded beaches are spectacular, there’s wonderful swimming in clear-water creeks, kayaking and light jungle trekking and even a scattering of barely-explored Mayan ruins. The reserve lies just south of Tulum so visiting is straightforward.

Logistics

Price from: £50
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 8+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The only way to visit the reserve is with tour companies, who offer a variety of boat, swim and light trekking trips. Full-day tours leave from the visitor centre within the reserve, at Km15.8 on the Tulum–Boca Paila–Punta Allen Coastal Road (about 10km from Tulum). This runs south from the Tulum ruins to the tiny village of Punta Allen. Hotel pick-ups are possible, but at extra cost.

Be sure to take sun hats, biodegradable sunscreen, swimming costumes, sun protection and a towel to dry off. Binoculars are useful for seeing birds and small mammals.

When to do it

Tours run all year round, and it’s great to visit anytime. The weather in the Mayan Riviera is generally good all year round, and the water is always warm enough for swimming.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

  • Tulum

Sian Ka'an is one of the largest protected areas in Mexico with a great natural diversity. The best way to discover Sian Ka' an is on board a boat which get you to explore different coastal and marine ecosystems that are habitat for many wild species of birds, turtles, dolphins, manatees and the great fish diversity of the Mesoamerican reef. Your tour includes transport from Tulum, lunch in Punta Allen and snorkeling equipment. The snorkeling activity is heavily dependent on the sea conditions which can unfortunately not always be anticipated until we reach the sea. Moreover, in the event of bad weather conditions, this tour is subject to cancellation.

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  • Tulum

Discover the fascinating history of the Maya at Tulum, a spectacular ancient city overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The ruins of Tulum are a must on anyone's visit to the region, our expert guides will lead you through this wonderful site with tales of calendars, ceremony and Spanish invaders. A delicious Mexican food tasting is included in the tour right after visiting Tulum Ruins. Once we reach the Muyil lagoon, we take a boat across two lagoons connected by an artificial canal that has been in use for many centuries. Xlapak is the name of the building at the beginning of the lazy river and the start of an incredible floating experience in crystal clear pluvial water on its way to the Caribbean Sea. We float for over 30 minutes surrounded by mangroves, orchids, bromeliads and cacti while we hear the sounds of nature.

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  • Tulum

About 20 minutes south of Tulum, we have the opportunity to enjoy an incredible bird diversity, learn about the current Maya culture and the ancient Maya civilization as we walk and look for birds in the village and archaeological site of Muyil. We explore different habitats in the village with different types of vegetation: mature semi-deciduous jungle in the archaeological site of Muyil and some fresh water wetlands as we walk through flooded jungle using a boardwalk until we reach a fresh water lagoon. On this tour it is possible to identify from 40 to 80 species of birds (depending on the time of the year). There is also the possibility to add a boat trip across two lagoons and a lazy river floating experience to this tour. We float in a truly unique setting, listening to the sounds of nature, among mangroves, orchids & bromeliads. Be aware that if you are the only client booking this tour, we will offer you to go another day or offer you to do the tour in private.

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