Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve Tours and Tickets

The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve covers 1.3 million acres (526,000 hectares). It is a protected area of rich biodiversity and diverse ecosystems spanning tropical forests, wetlands, mangroves, lagoons, a marine section with a barrier reef, and 23 archeological sites. It is located on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, south of Tulum.

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 due to its incredibly rich biodiversity, its complex ecosystems, its unique and largely undisturbed interface of land and sea, and rare features, such as cenotes and islands of trees. It is the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean.

A boat tour is one of the most popular ways to explore the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, which offers the chance to spot some of the area’s rich wildlife. Other activities include snorkeling the coral reef, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, birdwatching, fly fishing in the saltwater lagoons, and exploring Mayan ruins.

A guided tour is the easiest way to visit the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. Many tours from Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Cancun and other areas of the Riviera Maya will include transportation. Visitors can also reach the reserve independently with a 4WD, or take a local boat from Laguna Muyil.

Wildlife in the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve includes pumas, jaguars, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, ocelots, tapirs, manatees, dolphins, turtles, more than 400 types of fish, and more than 300 bird species. The reserve has tropical forests, wetlands, mangroves, savannahs, lagoons, beaches, dunes, and coral reefs.

The small fishing village of Punta Allen is located within the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and has a few basic hotels and restaurants, although electricity only runs during certain times of the day. Plenty of accommodation and dining options can be found in Tulum, around 7 miles (11 kilometers) north of the reserve.