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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

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

Sian Ka'an Adventure Full Day Trip to Punta Allen

Tulum

Viator

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.

Price $229

Min age 6

Rating 4.89 / 5 [1060 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Tulum Archaeological Site & Sian Ka'an Muyil Tour from Tulum

Tulum

Viator

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.

Price $133

Min age 0

Rating 4.93 / 5 [788 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Kayak Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve Sunset Tour

Tulum

Viator

Welcome to explore by kayak the beautiful brackish water lagoons of Sian ka’an . If you like to combine adventure , beautiful escenarios and exercise, this is exactly for you. We usually paddle the last 2 or 3 hours of the day but can customize a sunrise tour too Let us know any question. No experience is required but some physical effort for sure.

Price $125

Min age 3

Rating 4.95 / 5 [289 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Half-Day Tour Discovering Sian Ka´an with Lunch

Tulum

Viator

This is a great option to visit the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, enjoying the unique landscapes of the wetlands in the quieter part of the lagoons that are less frequented by the groups of tourists heading down to Punta Allen. An intimate visit to the saltwater lagoons, coral reef and mangrove forests of the Biosphere.

Price $184

Min age 5

Rating 4.90 / 5 [201 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Sian Ka'an Boat Experience from Riviera Maya to Tulum

Playa del Carmen

Viator

After picking you up at your hotel, we will travel to the Sian Kaan Reserve and we will enter the park in the most comfortable way, with a very short time of bumps and taking the boat 7 minutes from the entrance. Our certified guides will explain everything related to the local flora and fauna. If time permits, we will snorkel in the second longest barrier reef in the world where we will be able to appreciate a diversity of corals and fish. We will eat in the fishing village at Punta. Allen and we will return the same day

Price $199

Min age 3

Rating 4.95 / 5 [123 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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