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Sian Ka'an Adventure (Private, Full Day)

Recommended by 98% of travelers
Tulum, Mexico
  • 6 hours (approx.)
  • Pickup offered
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Swap the beaches and bars of Tulum for a deep dive into Mayan history. This private tour takes you into the heart of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere where you'll explore the clear, cool canals and visit the Mayan ruins of Muyil. As you explore, you'll learn about the local culture and history, see tropical birds, and enjoy a delicious local-style lunch.
  • Immersive Mayan culture and history tour to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere
  • Ideal for history lovers as well as outdoors enthusiasts and nature lovers
  • Private tour, exclusively for your party: A personalized experience
  • Hassle-free pickup from your Tulum/Akumal accommodations

What's Included

  • Snacks
  • Bottled water
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Parking Fees
  • Lunch
  • Entrance fee - Entrance fee
  • Gratuities
  • Alcoholic Beverages

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

Roundtrip transportation included from Tulum, Akumal, or Puerto Aventuras. Please select the booking option that corresponds with the pickup location.

Operating hours
.7:45 am

Itinerary

1

Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve

2 hours Admission Ticket Included

2

Zona Arqueologica de Muyil

2 hours Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Katelin_K
We loved Eli so much! The Biosphere trip was so beautiful and perfect, the ruins were so much fun, and lunch was delicious. If we return to Tulum again, we will definitely hire Eli again, especially after learning he can help craft personalized tours. Three things stood out the most to us about Eli. First, he's very kind. Second, he's very thoughtful. Throughout the day, he made sure we had snacks and water and were able to use the bathroom. Third, he's so knowledgeable about everything that he showed us, including Tulum, the Mayan ruins, and Mayan culture in general. He answered all of our questions thoroughly and enthusiastically, and he even was able to help us understand some of the cutting edge research being done by Mayanists. His passion for the subject made learning about everything a blast. It was also just great to hear what he, a long-time local, had to say about Tulum. We highly recommend booking a tour with Eli!

Reviews

5.0
based on 43 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Very good experience

Jesus_R, Sep 2025
The tour takes you in a boat through 2 beautiful lagoons, into a river where you can float with the current for about 30 minutes. Or you can explore through a boardwalk. The place is a national treasure.

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Thank you for taking the time to review us! We hope to see you again for another adventure!!

Great day out

Maria_E, Feb 2025
Great day out. Floating down the Mayan canals was a unique experience and we found it very relaxing. Our guide Eli is very knowledgeable and has a great personality. Really enjoyed lunch at a local restaurant.

Response from Host, Feb 2025

Thank you for taking the time to review us, we appreciate it! We hope to see you again!

We Recommend!

Marisa_L, Dec 2024
We had an awesome day with Rodrigo cruising through the jungle! Absolutely loved floating through Chunyxché. It was truly magical to float in the crystal waters with the currents and the birds. We learned a lot along the way too! As the archeological site was undergoing some construction, Rodrigo took us to a beautiful Cenote with very few people instead. We were able to snorkel and lounge and could have stayed there all day. To top it off, Rodrigo took us to eat the best food we’ve had in Tulum. Perfect day! Highly recommend :)

Response from Host, Dec 2024

Hola Marisa! Thank you for taking the time to review us! We hope to see you again for another adventure!

Rodrigo was great!

Gregory_P, Oct 2024
We loved swimming in the mangrove. Our guide Rodrigo was very knowledgeable and a joy to spend the day with.

Response from Host, Oct 2024

Thank you for taking the time to review us! We hope to see you again!

Unique Adventure Floating Amongst the Mangroves

Caitlin_J, Jul 2024
Our tour of Sian Ka’an with Rodrigo was fantastic. The lagoon experience felt like stepping into another world. As we entered the reserve, surrounded by lush jungle, Rodrigo pointed out hidden Mayan temples still awaiting excavation. The morning boat ride to this remote area, once a bustling trading route for the Mayans, was surreal, leaving us in awe of the rich history and beauty of the area. Floating through the channels amongst the mango trees was such a unique and relaxing experience. Rodrigo’s enthusiasm was infectious, and his preparation impressive. He brought masks for swimming, authentic Mexican snacks, and a boundless energy that kept us engaged throughout the day. His knowledge of the area's history, geology, and geography was truly impressive. He enriched our experience with fascinating stories and insights, making sure we didn’t miss a thing. The Muyil ruins were closed for renovations, so Rodrigo instead took us to swim in a cenote. This was a hidden gem that would have been difficult to find without a local's guidance. For lunch, Rodrigo chose a wonderful restaurant where we indulged in delicious Mexican cuisine and delved deeper into the region's culture and history, tracing it back thousands of years. We highly recommend this tour and if you have the chance to tour with Rodrigo, you're in for a treat. He’s more than a guide; by the end of the day, we considered him a friend.

Response from Host, Aug 2024

Thank you so much for your review, we appreciate you! We hope to see you again for another adventure!

A total blast!

Katelin_K, Jan 2024
We loved Eli so much! The Biosphere trip was so beautiful and perfect, the ruins were so much fun, and lunch was delicious. If we return to Tulum again, we will definitely hire Eli again, especially after learning he can help craft personalized tours. Three things stood out the most to us about Eli. First, he's very kind. Second, he's very thoughtful. Throughout the day, he made sure we had snacks and water and were able to use the bathroom. Third, he's so knowledgeable about everything that he showed us, including Tulum, the Mayan ruins, and Mayan culture in general. He answered all of our questions thoroughly and enthusiastically, and he even was able to help us understand some of the cutting edge research being done by Mayanists. His passion for the subject made learning about everything a blast. It was also just great to hear what he, a long-time local, had to say about Tulum. We highly recommend booking a tour with Eli!

Response from Host, Jan 2024

Thank you for taking the time to review us! We hope to see you again!

Sian Ka’an with my teenage daughter

Caroline_M, Feb 2023
Nelson was a wonderful guide as we enjoyed the incredible float through the Mayan canals and walked the jungle to the Sian Ka’an ruins.

Response from Host, Feb 2023

Thank you for taking the time to review us! We are happy you enjoyed the beautiful Sian Ka'an Biosphere and the Muyil Ruins as much as we do. We hope to see you again!

Sian Ka’an Biosphere before the crowds

Paulina_T, Apr 2022
Derek was very communicative before the tour and confirmed our pickup time and location with our guide Eli. Eli is very friendly and knowledgeable about the area and the Mayan community. The pro of an early start is that we were one of the first boats out on the Sian Ka’an Biosphere. The leisure float down the canals was our favorite part of the trip. Be sure to bring your waterproof camera. After, he took us to the muyil ruins where he taught us about the ancient history and ecosystem of the local area and then we finished with tacos for lunch. We enjoyed the private tour as Eli was able to customize our day and experience the preserve by ourselves.

Response from Host, Apr 2022

Hi Paulina, Thank you for taking the time to review us. We are happy you enjoyed your tour in the Sian Ka'an Biosphere! We hope to see you again, thank you!

A perfect day and amazing tour

Melissa_F, Jan 2021
This tour was incredible! It was just my husband and I, with our guide Eli, who was the best. Eli was so knowledgeable about the Sian Ka'an area and Mayan history. We started early so we were the only people on the water, which I’ve never experienced before. The lagoon was absolutely beautiful and the float down Mexico’s only lazy river was absolutely magical. After Sian Ka'an, we went to the Muyil ruins which were breathtaking. We learned so much about Mayan history and culture. That was followed by delicious, authentic Mexican and Mayan style tacos. Also, Eli took the best photos for us! My husband and I have traveled all over the world and have been on countless tours. This was one of the best and Eli was the best guide. Don’t sleep on this tour!

Response from Host, Jan 2021

Hi Melissa! Thank you for reviewing us, we are happy you enjoyed the tour so much! The Sian Ka'an Biosphere is such a special place. We hope to see you again. Thank you!

Una de las mejores experiencias que hemos tenido

JosAlberto_A, Feb 2024
Flotando por el canal sin nadie alrededor, cruzando las lagunas, admirando las ruinas de Muyil. Una de las mejores experiencias que hemos tenido. Excelente guía, bien preparado para que todo saliese bien.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

¡Gracias por su opinión! ¡Esperamos verte de nuevo!

From $254.00

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 19 days in advance.

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