A GUIDE TO UNLOCKING NATURE’S SECRETS BY TAKING A SIAN KA’AN TOUR FROM TULUM.
During our time travelling the Yucatan Peninsula, we were drawn to Sian Ka’an like moths to a flame. We had heard about how beautiful the Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve is and were keen to take a tour from Tulum to Sian Ka’an.
Our tour to Sian Ka’an was a wonderful day out, involving boat tours, beach side lunches and finding animals in their natural environment. An incredible way to unlock nature, a stones throw away from Tulum.
This blog post provides a review of a Sian Ka’an tour that we took, as well as information to help you get the most from your adventure.
Don’t have time to read the full post?
✅Boat tour to see wildlife
✅Lunch included
✅Transport included
✅ Spend time on the beach
What is Sian Ka’an Biosphere?
In the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula, where turquoise waters embrace pristine shores and lush jungles harbor secrets of ancient civilizations, lies the ecological masterpiece known as Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site, meaning “Origin of the Sky” in Mayan, is a sanctuary for biodiversity and a testament to the delicate balance between nature and humanity.
Why take a Sian Ka’an biosphere tour?
Sian Ka’an is the perfect anecdote to bustling and busy Tulum – a chance to relax, unwind and be at one with nature. Here’s a bit more about what you can expect from a Sian Ka’an biosphere tour.
A Tapestry of Flora
Sian Ka’an is a botanical wonderland, boasting a kaleidoscope of plant life. Mangrove forests, home to red, white, and black mangroves, line the coast, providing a vital habitat for countless marine species.
Towering cohune palms and the gnarled limbs of ancient ceiba trees reach for the sky in the reserve’s terrestrial zones. Amidst this green tapestry, vibrant orchids and delicate bromeliads add a splash of color, creating a mesmerizing visual feast.
Aquatic Wonders
The aquatic ecosystems of Sian Ka’an are equally enchanting. Crystal-clear lagoons and waterways wind through the landscape, providing a haven for a myriad of marine life. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world, hugs the coastline, inviting snorkelers and divers to explore its mesmerizing depths.
Avian Ballet
Sian Ka’an is a haven for bird enthusiasts. With over 350 species recorded, the skies come alive with the vibrant hues of roseate spoonbills, the acrobatics of frigatebirds, and the melodic calls of toucans. Birdwatching becomes a dance of colors and melodies, offering a profound connection to the feathered inhabitants of this ecological gem.
The Wild Parade
From elusive jaguars and ocelots to playful dolphins and manatees, Sian Ka’an hosts a diverse cast of mammals. Spider monkeys swing through the treetops, and the eerie calls of howler monkeys echo through the jungle. On the coast, sea turtles return to nest, their ancient ritual harmonizing with the rhythm of the waves.
Conservation and Cultural Heritage
Beyond its ecological splendors, Sian Ka’an holds the remnants of ancient Maya civilizations. Muyil, an archaeological site within the reserve, unveils the architectural prowess of the Mayans. The conservation efforts of local communities, combined with governmental initiatives, strive to preserve this natural and cultural legacy for generations to come. It’s worth saying, Sian Ka’an is already starting to suffer from environmental damage – as sad as it is to consider this, now is a good time to visit.
Experiencing Sian Ka’an
Whether you choose to explore the mangroves by boat, snorkel along the coral reefs, or hike through the jungle accompanied by the symphony of nature, Sian Ka’an offers an immersive experience like no other. Local guides, often from nearby Mayan communities, share their knowledge and passion, adding depth to your exploration.
Is Sian Ka’an worth it?
We absolutely think a visit to Sian Ka’an is worth it. The biosphere is a piece of paradise and an ideal place to visit for nature lovers. But, hopefully it goes without saying that animal sightings are never guaranteed.
You’re likely to see a number of interesting birds, reptiles and marine life during your trip, but it’s best to enjoy the day out and the beauty all around you when you visit Sian Kaan, than getting hung up on spotting a Manatee!
In terms of value for money, the tours to visit Sian Ka’an do seem expensive. You can expect to pay around 150 to 200 USD for a day trip. But, these are mostly very small group tours with expert guides.
I think the tours are deliberately kept quite expensive to avoid Sian Ka’an opening up to mass tourism – too much tourism would no doubt spoil the natural environment. We loved our experience of visiting Sian Ka’an with Mexico Kan Tours and felt it was worth every penny (or peso).
An important point about taking a Sian Ka’n Tour – ditch the sunscreen
If you do decide to take a tour to Sian Ka’an – one important factor to consider is that it is prohibited to wear sunscreen in Sian Ka’an, even if you aren’t snorkeling.
If you’ve visited other areas of the Yucatan peninsula, you are likely aware that using biodegradable sunscreen rather than “normal” stuff is recommended. But in Sian Ka’an, even that is not tolerated. Therefore, we suggest covering up with sun proof layers instead.
As it is a conservation area, you also need to be mindful of your environmental impact. Don’t leave any litter in Sian Ka’an and don’t take anything away from nature too.
What animals can you see in Sian Ka’an?
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a haven for biodiversity, boasting a variety of flora and fauna across its diverse ecosystems. On a day trip to Sian Ka’an you will hopefully be lucky enough to see many different species in their natural habitats – but remember, Sian Ka’an isn’t a Zoo, so sightings can’t be guaranteed.
When we visited Sian Ka’an we were wowed by the number of different birds we saw, flying and hanging out in nests in the Mangroves. Roseate Spoonbills are a pink bird native to this area, a really unusual and colorful bird. We also saw pelicans, herons and ospreys during our trip.
When it comes to reptiles and marine life, you can find some very interesting and rare creatures. In Mexico, there are two types of crocodile – the American and the Morelet. In Sian Ka’an the giant American crocodile can be found lurking close to the mangroves in the lagoon.
Apparently the Morelet live in the Cenotes around the Yucatan! In the lagoon, you can look out for elusive Manatees and a host of tropical fish. Further South, towards Punta Allen is where dolphins and sea turtles can be found too.
Sian Ka’an Tour from Tulum
We took a Sian Ka’an tour with Mexico Kan Tours, one of the most popular tour providers for Sian Ka’an. They are a Tulum based tour company offering a number of different trips in and around the Tulum area.
When it comes to Sian Ka’an, there are a few excellent choices that they offer:
1/ Sian Ka’an Sunset – a three hour sunset tour of the lagoon, complete with a boat picnic.
2/ Sian Ka’an Disover – a half day tour of the lagoon, snorkel and lunch on the beach
3/ Sian Ka’an Muyil – exploring the inland area of Sian Ka’an including a boat trip, exploring Muyil ruins and a lazy river experience
4/ Sian Ka’an Adventure – a full day of exploring Sian Ka’an with a lagoon boat tour, food in the town of Punta Allen, coastal snorkeling and time on the beach. This is the option to pick if you want a chance of seeing dolphins and turtles.
The verdict on our Sian Ka’an tour
The price differential is not much between the Mexico Kan tours. Personally, if this is going to be your only trip to Sian Ka’an I would recommend taking the full adventure day – especially if you want time on the beach and a chance to see dolphins.
We would really recommend Mexico Kan Tours too – a highly organized tour company, they collected us from our hotel on time. The tour sizes are small and they are family friendly. Our small group included a family of seven, a family of three and us.
Once off the bus, we were divided into two small boats of six people – so plenty of opportunity to get views from the boat.
Our guide Lea had actually lived in Sian Ka’an before, she was super passionate about the area and had lots of information to share with us. Both guides, Macarena and Lea were incredibly knowledgeable and we felt in totally safe hands.
Looking at other tours available in the area, I also noticed that Mexico Kan Tours are ever so slightly less expensive – even though it feels like a very exclusive tour.
How to book a Sian Ka’an tour from Tulum?
You can book directly with Mexico Kan Tours on their website – there you can pay directly in USD. Or, choose to pay a deposit and pay the remaining amount in cash (pesos or dollars) on the day.
Alternatively, you can use Get Your Guide. This is the main app we found to be useful to book tours and activities in Mexico. Get Your Guide allows you to book safely with third party providers and pay in your own currency. Mexico Kan Tours are available here on Get Your Guide.
Can you visit Sian Ka’an without a tour guide?
Theoretically, you could visit Sian Ka’an without a tour guide. But, it may not be the best use of your time or the best way to enjoy Sian Ka’an. Firstly, you’ll need to pay the entrance fee to the park regardless – the fee is included in a tour price.
Secondly, parts of Sian Ka’an, especially areas like Punta Allen, can be remote and challenging to access without local knowledge.
Roads may be unpaved and, at times, challenging for regular vehicles. Don’t forget, Sian Ka’an is best seen by boat, and even better with a guide who knows the water well. It could be very dangerous to head out on your own without local knowledge.
Finally, Sian Ka’an is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and responsible tourism is encouraged. Guided tours often follow eco-friendly practices, ensuring minimal impact on the environment.
Best time of year to take a Sian Ka’an tour?
The best time of year to visit Sian Ka’an is during the dry season – December to April. It can be harder to spot some of the animals in wet season, plus the beach will not be as enjoyable. Don’t forget to cover up with long layers to avoid the sun in the dry season if you do take a boat tour of Sian Ka’an in dry season.
Can you stay at Sian Ka’an?
Tulum is very close to the entrance to Sian Ka’an. So a day trip to Sian Ka’an from Tulum is an easy option. However, if you’d prefer to stay in Sian Ka’an, you can do so.
There is a handful of hotels in Punta Allen at the very south of Sian Ka’an. The most budget of which is Las Palapas de Punta Allen, which offers dormitory style accommodation and basic double rooms.
A more idyllic stay is offered at Sol Caribe, which is further up the coast in a remote beach front location. Picture, white sands, beach bungalows, seafood and sunbathing. The perfect Sian Ka’an getaway.
One of the options closest to Sian Ka’an, but without entering the park is Hotel Shibari. This is a luxury resort on the outskirts of Tulum. A popular favourite with nature lovers, not just because of it’s proximity to Sian Ka’an but also because it has it’s very own Cenote.
How to get to Punta Allen
Punta Allen is at the very southern tip of the Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve. There are two ways to get there. One is to drive through the biosphere, the road is incredibly bumpy and takes around 2 hours to get to Punta Allen. To get to Punta Allen, you will need to pay to enter the reserve too.
The other option is to take a boat. Guided boat tours from Tulum or other nearby areas often include a trip to Punta Allen. These tours typically explore the waterways and lagoons of Sian Ka’an, providing a scenic journey to Punta Allen.
If you have a hotel in Punta Allen, contact them to agree transport. Some of them will arrange boat transport for you.
Where to next in the Yucatan?
- Cancun – beaches & food
- Tulum – beaches, yoga and nightlife
- Holbox – island paradise
- Bacalar – paddle boarding and relaxing
- Celestun – flamingos & laid back beach
- Progreso – fun beach town
- Sian Ka’an – nature reserve
- Merida – gastronomic city & culture
- Campeche – glamorous historical city
- Valladolid – history & culture
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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3 responses to “Tulum to Sian Ka’an Tour REVIEWED”
[…] – Take a day trip – either to Coba Ruins or to see the beautiful Sian Ka’an nature reserve. […]
[…] short of sawing palm trees, white sand and turquoise waters. Our faves were in Tulum, Holbox and Sian Ka’an Nature Reserve. You can find more about the best beaches in Yucatan in our blog post […]
[…] some areas – the beach is miles from the town and many bars are in fact overpriced. But, nearby Sian Ka’an was special, the cenotes out of this world and we found a few bars and restaurants that we loved […]