Sian Ka’an (pronounced see-AHN KHAN), a nature-lover paradise in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, made me feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the Mayan Riviera, despite being relatively close to its popular hotspots.
The reserve spreads across 528,000 hectares (1,304,716 acres) of marine and freshwater environment (beach side and lagoon side). It’s home to hundreds of species of birds and big cats like jaguars and pumas, and to a rich marine life.
Thanks to its biodiversity and natural beauty, Sian Ka’an (meaning “Where the sky was born” in Mayan) is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
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This is how you can explore this natural wonder, whether as a half day trip on your own, an overnight stay, or with a tour.
Table of Contents
Visiting Sian Ka’an Beach Side (at Punta Allen)
On the beach side of Sian Ka’an you’ll have the chance to spot sea turtles and dolphins, swim in crystal clear sandbars, and relax at the beach in the sleepy fishing village of Punta Allen.
You can either book a tour (cheapest, easiest and fastest option) or you can visit Sian Ka’an on your own (at your own pace but more expensive).
Option 1: Take a Boat Tour to Sian Ka’an (Beach Side)
This is the way to go if you don’t want to rent a 4X4, stay overnight, and then go on a boat to explore the reserve.
It was the option that worked best for us so we decided to book a Sian Ka’an Biosphere tour. It included a boat ride on the sea side of the reserve with swimming stops and lunch at the small town of Punta Allen.
Early in the morning a tour bus picked us up from Playa del Carmen and in downtown Tulum we transferred to a tall amphibious-looking vehicle with giant wheels (Why so big?, I thought). Once we crossed the Arco Maya (Mayan Arch) at the end of Tulum’s waterfront hotel strip and went further down the dirt road I understood why.
The craters were the size of the moon. And they’re all over.
However, the government is currently working on improving the road. Can’t tell how long the improvement will last, but it should make it better.
After a 40-minute ride crossing the tropical forest we started seeing clusters of mangroves anchored in shallow water, sheltering a large population of birds.
We spotted many pelicans at the Boca Paila bridge stop, where the canals connecting to the Chunyaxche lagoon meet the sea, and where you may be lucky and see crocodiles and even a manatee.
Next stop was at the dock where we boarded a small boat and saw even more birds as we navigated through marshes and mangroves, before going full speed into the sea.
Shortly after, the captain approached a pod of dolphins he spotted in the distance, which to me was the highlight of the trip.
From there, the boat stopped for a relaxed swim at Blanquizal, a sandbar forming a natural pool with waist-deep calm waters reflecting turquoise and aquamarine shades. The background? A tropical forest with tall palm trees in the distance.
Weather permitting, you’ll be able to snorkel.
The last stop was at the village of Punta Allen, where we walked around the town and checked out the beach after a tasty lunch before jumping back in the boat to return to civilization.
Taking a tour to this side of Sian Ka’an is the most cost effective (and easier) option to explore the marine side of this natural wonder.
I also loved that the guide was knowledgeable about wildlife and the local flora, he cared about the site, and pointed out interesting things during the trip.
To enjoy this experience check out this highly-rated tour to the marine side of Sian Ka’an:
FULL-DAY TOUR TO SIAN KA’AN: including guided boat ride to explore the marine ecosystem of the reserve and lunch at Punta Allen.
Book this tour here, with more than 740 (92%) 5-star reviews
Option 2: Drive to Punta Allen
If you have time, prefer to go at your own pace and have some sense of adventure, you can get to Punta Allen on your own. But you’ll eventually need to pay for a boat tour to explore the reserve (or rent a kayak), so you’ll have to add that to your budget.
Punta Allen is the largest (take that with a grain of salt) and most remote of all the tiny towns in Sian Ka’an, located at the end of the peninsula.
You’ll drive on Route 15, which connects Tulum with Punta Allen. At the end of Tulum’s hotel strip you’ll see the Mayan Arch marking the entrance to the reserve, where you’ll pay MXN$105 per person, per day. If you go on a tour this is included in the price.
From this point you’ll drive around 43 Kms (26 miles) until you reach Punta Allen.
Looks like a short trip, right?
Well, it should be. The problem is that, as you go further away from the arch, you’ll encounter giant potholes all over the dirt road and they’re impossible to miss. So the trip takes at least three hours on a regular 4×4 (don’t even think about attempting this with a car), which is why you have to stay overnight.
However, the government has started repairing the road which should shorten the trip and make it less, ahem, “exciting”.
Renting a 4WD SUV is still the way to go if you visit during the rainy season as the repairs don’t include paving the road.
Once you get there, you’ll have to take a boat tour if you want to see the wildlife in the mangroves, swim in the beautiful sandbar, or try your luck at spotting dolphins. You can also rent kayaks.
Make sure your tank is full as there are no gas stations inside the reserve!
Option 3: Explore the Campechen Lagoon (No Boat)
The Campechen lagoon is on the north boundary of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. This is a great alternative to visit the reserve if you don’t want to jump on a boat.
KAYAK AND SNORKEL TOUR: kayak and snorkel the Campechen lagoon with this tour that includes light snacks and a boxed lunch.
Book this tour here, with nearly 260 (98%) 5-star reviews.
Can you stay at Sian Ka’an?
Yes, there are a few small guesthouses (some offering glamping and camping options) inside the Sian Ka’an reserve. Most of them are in Punta Allen, which is the perfect place to enjoy nature away from the crowds.
Here you’ll hang out at the beach, go on a boat trip to explore the reserve, or walk or bike along sandy paths. And sometimes that’s all you need and nothing else.
Punta Allen can be a good fit for you if you’re the adventurous type.
Spotty internet and intermittent power outages during the day and after midnight force you to unplug and look at the stars, but also means that you may not have AC in the room at all times and it can get hot, especially during the summer.
If you want to explore a different side of the Riviera Maya check out these highly-rated accommodations in Punta Allen:
Las Palapas de Punta Allen: clean rooms located within minutes from the beach, with private bathrooms, hot showers, and AC while there’s electricity in town. They have solar panels, which means you’ll be able to rely on a fan during power outages.
Rating: 9.0, with more than 120 reviews
Hotel Cielo y Selva: you prefer glamping with an ocean view? Their spacious glamping tents may be for you, as they’re right on the beach. They also have rooms, but no private bathrooms or AC. You can relax at the hammocks, at the pool, or rent their bicycles to explore the area.
Rating: 8.6, with more than 720 reviews
Punta Allen also has a few eateries and small stores, and most places only take cash (there’s no ATM).
And there’s the beach.
Unfortunately, you may also find lots of sargassum (I saw tons during my visit), which may or may not be a problem depending on the unpredictable season.
Since everything here revolves around the beach the foul smell can ruin your experience. I would check out first how the sargassum situation is before booking a stay here.
Note: some big resorts in the Tulum hotel strip add the words “Sian Ka’an” to their name, but they’re not inside the reserve. You won’t get that unique slow pace vibe if you stay north of the Campechen lagoon.
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Visiting Sian Ka’an Lagoon Side (at Muyil)
The Sian Ka’an lagoon is a freshwater wetland surrounding the Muyil and Chunyaxche Lagoons, bordering the archeological site that bears the same name.
You can combine a visit to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve with a visit to the Muyil Mayan ruins, or you can come just to explore the waterways.
If you go for the first option you have to pay the entrance fee to Muyil (MXN$75) and the fee to enter the boardwalk that cuts through the jungle, ending at the dock of the reserve (MXN$50). As an added bonus, you can enjoy an aerial view if you climb the observation tower.
Once you reach the shore (either from the Mayan ruins or from the nearby entrance- read the next section) you can jump on a boat that will take you through the lagoon and through narrow canals dug by early Mayans where you can see birds, manatees, and other freshwater creatures. The boat ride is not guided tour and it costs MXN$1,000 p/p.
At some point you’ll be able to jump in the crystal clear water and do a river float so don’t forget to bring a mask to spot the underwater life and a towel.
If you’re planning to visit the Muyil ruins at some point keep in mind that it closes at 3PM.
How to Get to Sian Ka’an Lagoon Side
By Car
If you’re coming from Tulum or further north, head south on the Chetumal-Cancun road (Route 307) until you see the sign for the Muyil Archaeological Zone. Turn left if you want to visit the ruins and the lagoon.
If you’re not interested in visiting the archaeological site you can drive a few metres past the entrance and take the next left (right past the Oxxo) and drive straight to the dock (the parking fee is MXN$50).
The main road (307) is in good condition, you don’t need a 4×4. You can check rental car options here.
By Public Transit
To get to Muyil and access Sian Ka’an go to the main road of downtown Tulum, near the ADO bus station, where you’ll find the colectivos (shared minivans) that go to Felipe Carrillo Puerto. Ask the driver to drop you off at Muyil ruinas, which is on the way. You pay the fare directly to the driver, you don’t need to buy a ticket before.
Tours to the Sian Ka’an Lagoon
You can book a tour to the lagoon if you don’t want to deal with all the planning and you prefer to have a guide with you who points out stuff during the journey.
The lagoon tours normally last half a day, unless you want the option of exploring the seaside as well.
Check out these highly rated options:
TOUR TO SIAN KA’AN LAGOON + VISIT TO MUYIL RUINS: this tour departs from Tulum but pickup is available from other locations along the Riviera. Combine a guided visit to the archaeological site of Muyil and the nature trail and a guided boat tour to the lagoon before floating down the canals.
Book this tour here, with more than 540 (95%) 5-star reviews.
BIRDWATCHING TOUR (MUYIL AND LAGOON BOARDWALK): some birders have spotted more than 70 bird species on a single trip. You’ll go through the village of Muyil, the archaeological site and the boardwalk that ends in the lagoon. Boat ride and canal float are extra.
Book this tour here, with 75 (100%) 5-star reviews.
A visit to Sian Ka’an is an unforgettable experience, where you’ll unplug from the commotion of busy tourist spots to connect with nature. If you’re looking for another quiet spot in the Yucatan Peninsula, check out the tiny island of Holbox.
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