Sian Ka'an
Nature exploration
Sian Ka'an National Park
Our tour takes us to the south of Tulum, along the hotel zone, leading us to the entrance of the Sian Ka'an National Park. The meaning of Sian Ka'an in the Mayan language is: "The place where heaven was born".
The total area has a surface of 5328 km². Sian Ka'an has been a biosphere reserve since 1986 and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
The national park has an impressive biodiversity of animals and plants. Around 1200 different plant species, 360 different bird species and 115 species of mammals have already been identified. Many of these animals are protected or are threatened with extinction. These include the jaguar, the tapir, the manatee and the various species of sea turtles.
A 42 km long natural path leads to Punta Allen, a small fishing village with 650 inhabitants.
Punta Allen has been founded in 1968 and today the habitants live from tourism and lobster fishing.
Live the pure nature and get fascinated by the experience of animals in freedom and learn everything worth knowing about flora and fauna.
The Sian Ka'an tour includes:
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certified tour guide (english, spanish or french available)
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pick-up from your hotel in an a/c minivan
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transfer to Punta Allen by boat
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breakfast roll
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boat tour: looking for dolphins, turtles, different bird species
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snorkel activity at the reef (equipment included)
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swim & relax in the "natural swimmingpool"
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lunch in Punta Allen
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soft drinks, water, beer and tequila during the whole day
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all pictures of the day
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all taxes, entrance to the park and fees
(Tips or personal expenses are not included)
price per adult:
group size of 10-12 guests: 180 USD p.p.
group size of 8-9 guests: 205 USD p.p.
group size 5-7 guests: 230 USD p.p.
group size 4 guests: 270 USD p.p.
Duration of the excursion:
about 9 hours
+ travel time, depending on the hotel
Check out Dates & Booking for further information concerning a reservation.
Sian Ka'an tour schedule:
The entrance to Sian Ka'an National Park is at the end of Tulum's Hotel Zone. This is where the natural path to the fishing village of Punta Allen begins, which we only drive 8 km before we change to our transfer boats.
The speed boat ride takes about 1.5 hours. We drive through the lagoons, along mangroves and past the bridge of "Boca Paila". During the drive we keep an eye out for crocodiles, manatees and various birds.
Arrived in Punta Allen we change the boat / boats or get into the tour boat / boats and start our approximately 4-hour boat tour.
Enjoy the beautiful turquoise-blue colors of the Caribbean while we look out for dolphins and turtles. With a bit of luck we can also meet manatees.
All animals in Sian Ka'an are in their natural habitat and we have the opportunity to observe these animals in their natural behavior in peace and quiet.
Next, we explore the underwater world and snorkel on part of the "Mesoamerican Reef", which is almost 1000 km long and the second largest reef system in the world. Various coral formations, different, colorful fish species and, with a bit of luck, lobsters or rays await us here.
At the end of our boat tour we go to the “natural swimming pool”. Here Sian Ka'an reveals the pure Caribbean feeling - crystal clear water and a picturesque backdrop - the ideal place for swimming, relaxing and taking holiday photos.
After the boat tour, a sumptuous lunch with a view of the sea and fresh coconuts await you in Punta Allen. Before we start the return journey we take a short walk through the fishing village.
Important information:
In Sian Ka'an, all animals are in their natural habitat. They are neither attracted nor fed. We can therefore not guarantee animals, but the chances are very good.
We advise pregnant women and people with back problems not to take this tour!
Due to the "natural", uneven path with potholes and possible waves during the boat trip, this tour is not suitable for the above-mentioned people.
Current (as of March 2022): The drive to Punta Allen is in a disastrous condition, full of deep potholes and the one-way van ride from Tulum would take over 3 hours to get to Punta Allen.
We therefore currently only offer transfers by boat, as the journey time by van within Sian Ka'an is only around 40 minutes, the remaining journey to Punta Allen is by boat.
Don't forget to take with you:
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swimwear, towel, sunglasses, sun hat, sandals (no sturdy shoes required)
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long sleeve t-shirt for sun protection, snorkeling and swimming
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biodegradable sunscreen
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change of clothes (to change after the boat tour)
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maybe a camera
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money for personal expenses and tips where applicable, e.g. for our drivers and captains
Impressions from Sian Ka'an:
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