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, manatees and 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 person:
group size of 11-12 guests: 205 USD
group size of 9-10 guests: 220 USD
group size of 6-8 guests: 255 USD
price per person:
group size of 5 guests: 290 USD
group size of 4 guests: 330 USD
group size of 3 guests: 400 USD
group size of 2 guests: 590 USD
duration of the tour:
7,5 hours
plus travel time, depending on the location of your hotel
Sian Ka'an tour description:
The entrance to Sian Ka'an National Park is at the end of the Tulum Hotel Zone. This is where the natural path to the fishing village of Punta Allen begins, which we only drive 12 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 and different bird species.
Arrived in Punta Allen we change the boat and start our approximately 3-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 a 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 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 therefore cannot 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 potholesers, as well as possible waves during the boat trip, this tour is not suitable for the above-mentioned people.
When snorkeling, you are required to wear a life jacket without exception! You can enter the water directly from the boat and get back in via a ladder. In exceptional cases it may not be possible to snorkel due to visibility and currents.
We ask you to avoid using sunscreen on our tours as this can damage the corals and the underwater world when snorkeling. We recommend wearing long-sleeved T-shirts (Lycra or UV) and head protection (cap, hat or similar).
Current (as of March 2024): The road to Punta Allen has a view potholes in the first section, so the journey time on the "bumpy road" (12 km) is around 40 minutes, the remaining ride to Punta Allen is by boat tour.
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 of Sian Ka'an:
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