Sian Ka'an — UNESCO biosphere reserve
Mangrove, lagoons and wildlife as far as the eye can see.
MexicoFull dayEasy
Best time
Nov – Apr
Currency
MXN
Climate
Tropical Caribbean
Flight
11h
Language
Spanish
Sian Ka'an — 'where the sky is born' in the Maya language — covers more than six thousand five hundred square kilometres south of Tulum. Listed by UNESCO in 1987, this biosphere reserve protects tropical forest, mangrove, flooded savannahs, reefs and inland lagoons. It can only be explored in a small group, with an accredited guide.
The signature experience is to drift along an old canal dug by the Maya to move goods — life jacket on, carried by the natural current for about twenty minutes, between the mangrove roots. The route also includes crossing the Chunyaxché and Muyil lagoons by lancha, wildlife watching and the Maya ruins of Muyil, less known than Tulum but well preserved.
Good to know: the reserve's conservation fee, 300 pesos per person or around 17 €, is not included and is paid locally. Drinks are not included either.
Highlights
Drifting down a Maya canal
UNESCO-listed reserve
The Chunyaxché and Muyil lagoons
Crocodiles, turtles and roseate spoonbills
The Muyil ruins
What's included
Transfer from the Riviera Maya
Accredited naturalist guide, with a mandatory small group
Lancha trip, life jackets and access to the Muyil ruins
Lunch, as a picnic or at a local cooperative restaurant
Itinerary
- 1
A forest walk
A short approach from the Muyil entrance.
- 2
The Muyil ruins
A well-preserved site with very few visitors.
- 3
Crossing the lagoons
A fast lancha between Chunyaxché and Muyil.
- 4
Drifting down the canal
Twenty minutes carried by the current among the roots.
- 5
Wildlife watching
Crocodiles, turtles and a great variety of birds.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.
Local partner
Globeasy local partnerRiviera Maya
Runs the excursion on the ground
