Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve Tour
- 10-12h
Description
Discover one of the great natural areas of the Mexican Caribbean with our Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve tour in Riviera Maya. Explore the reserve by boat, sail through lagoons and mangroves, look out for dolphins, turtles and other wildlife, and enjoy activities like snorkeling and a swim in a natural pool.
The experience includes transportation from the pickup areas covered, a certified guide, boat tour, snorkel gear and a buffet lunch with a drink.
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Sian Ka’an!
Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve Tour: your adventure begins
Once we've picked you up, we'll head to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, where we'll board a boat for up to 6 people to explore its lagoons, mangroves and natural landscapes all the way to the Punta Allen area.
While sailing you'll have the chance to see dolphins, turtles, crocodiles and a variety of bird species in the wild. Since these are wild animals, sightings can't be guaranteed.
If sea conditions allow, you can go snorkeling on the reef and enjoy a swim in a natural pool. Afterwards, we'll refuel with a buffet lunch with a drink included before heading back.
Regular Option
With the Regular option, the drive from the reserve entrance to the boat dock takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Premium Option
If you'd rather spend less time on the road, choose the Premium option. The drive from the reserve entrance to the boat dock is cut to approximately 45 minutes.
Choose your option and get ready to discover the nature and wildlife of Sian Ka'an!
Details
- 10-12h
- Tour duration may vary depending on your hotel's location and daily operations
- Hotel pickup.
- Exceptions and meeting points:
- Transportation is not included for hotels located north of Puerto Morelos.
- Premium: Monday to Sunday
- Regular: Tuesday and Friday
- Transportation from your hotel
- Travel insurance
- Certified guide
- 6-person boats
- Life jacket
- Giant sea turtle watching
- Dolphin watching
- Reef snorkeling
- Snorkel gear
- Free time at natural pools
- Buffet lunch (includes plain or flavored water)
- Federal natural reserve fee (15usd/person)
- Tips (optional)
- Regular Option:
- The ride from the entrance of the natural reserve to the starting dock where you board the boat takes approximately 1h 45min.
- Premium Option:
- The ride from the entrance of the natural reserve to the dock where you board the boat takes approximately 45min.
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Hat for sun protection
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable shoes
- Flip-flops
- Change of clothes
- Not wheelchair accessible
- The use of sunscreen is prohibited in natural reserves
- For safety reasons and due to weather conditions, snorkeling and the planned visits may be changed during the tour. These decisions are made directly by the port authority. Such changes do not entitle you to a refund
- Federal fees are paid at the destination on the day of the activity. They must be paid in cash in € (bills), USD, or Mexican pesos.
- The customer is responsible for any possible increases in federal fees for archaeological sites and natural reserves.
Frequently asked questions
When should I book?
We recommend booking the tour in advance, especially if you have a specific date in mind or want to choose between the Regular and Premium options, as spots are subject to availability.
What does the Sian Ka'an tour include?
The tour includes transportation from the pickup areas covered, travel insurance, a certified guide, boat tour, life vest, snorkel gear, water activities and a buffet lunch with plain or flavored water.
What's the difference between the Regular and Premium Sian Ka'an tours?
The main difference is the drive to the boat dock. With the Regular option, the drive from the reserve entrance takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, while with the Premium option it's cut to about 45 minutes. The Premium option runs Monday to Sunday and the Regular option on Tuesdays and Fridays.
How long is the Sian Ka'an tour?
The tour lasts approximately 10-12 hours. The total time may vary depending on your hotel's location, the option you choose and the day's logistics.
What activities are there on the Sian Ka'an tour?
On the tour you'll take a boat ride through the reserve, see wildlife in its natural habitat, snorkel on the reef if conditions allow, swim in a natural pool and enjoy a buffet lunch.
What animals can you see on the Sian Ka'an tour?
Along the way you may see a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, turtles, crocodiles and many birds. Since they're wild animals, sightings depend on the natural conditions of the day and can't be guaranteed.
Do you visit Punta Allen and Boca Paila on the tour?
The tour heads deep into the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and continues toward the Punta Allen area. Along the way you'll see a variety of the reserve's landscapes, including lagoons and mangroves.
Is there snorkeling on the Sian Ka'an tour?
Yes. The tour includes snorkeling on the reef, with the necessary gear. For safety reasons and depending on weather and sea conditions, the port authority may change or cancel this activity during the tour.
Do I need previous snorkeling experience?
No previous experience is needed. During the activity you must follow the guide's instructions and use the gear and life vest included in the tour.
Is snorkel gear included?
Yes. The tour includes the gear needed for snorkeling and a life vest.
Is transportation included?
Yes. The tour includes transportation from the pickup areas covered. Transportation is not included from hotels north of Puerto Morelos.
Is lunch included?
Yes. The tour includes a buffet lunch with plain or flavored water.
What's not included?
The federal natural reserve fee and tips, which are optional, are not included. The fee is paid at the destination on the day of the activity. Check the "Not included" section for the amount that applies to this tour.
What should I wear to Sian Ka'an?
We recommend bringing a swimsuit, a towel, a hat or cap, comfortable shoes, flip-flops and a change of clothes. Keep in mind that sunscreen is prohibited inside nature reserves.
Is the tour recommended for people with back or mobility problems?
No. The tour is not recommended for people with back or mobility problems and is not wheelchair accessible.
Can the route change due to weather?
Yes. For safety reasons, weather and sea conditions may require changes to the snorkeling, the order of the route or some of the planned stops. These decisions are made by the port authority and do not entitle you to a refund.
Is Sian Ka'an worth visiting?
Sian Ka'an is a great option if you're looking for a nature-focused tour on your trip to Riviera Maya. The experience combines a boat ride through the reserve, mangrove and lagoon landscapes, wildlife watching, water activities and time to enjoy the surroundings.
Where is Sian Ka'an?
The Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is in the state of Quintana Roo, on the Mexican Caribbean coast. The tour covers different areas of the reserve and continues toward Punta Allen.
What makes the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve special?
Sian Ka'an stands out for the diversity of ecosystems and species it's home to. Mangroves, lagoons, jungle, coastline and reefs coexist in the reserve, making it one of the most unique natural areas in Quintana Roo.
Is this a good tour for kids?
The tour offers activities focused on nature and wildlife watching. If you're traveling with kids, keep in mind it's a day of approximately 10-12 hours, includes boat rides and some activities may depend on sea conditions.
Which operator will run this tour?
Your provider's name will appear on your confirmation voucher after you book. We work with local partners for shared experiences, while Xplora Riviera runs its private tours directly. Either way, Xplora Riviera will be your point of contact to help with any issue related to your booking.
Is this tour safe?
The tour is led by a certified guide and includes travel insurance, a life vest and the gear needed for the activities. During the tour you must follow the instructions of the guide, the crew and the staff in charge of the activity.
Do I need to go with a group to Sian Ka'an?
You don't need to form your own group to book the tour. You can book the spots you need and join the experience as part of the regular operation of the tour you choose.
Cancellation
- Free! Cancel at no cost up to 72 hours before the activity. If you cancel later:
- Cancellations less than 72 hours in advance: a 30% penalty of the total amount applies.
- Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance: a 100% penalty of the total amount applies.
- No-shows: 100% penalty, except in case of an accident or a justified medical reason.
- If you need to reschedule your tour, we'll do everything we can to move your booking to the new date you choose, as long as there is real availability on the date you want.