Sian Ka’an is a gorgeous Biosphere Reserve and one of Mexico’s largest protected areas. It’s also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Containing tropical forests, mangroves, and marshes, Sian Ka’an is home to a great diversity of wildlife, including a barrier reef with plenty of marine life to snorkel with!
In the ancient Mayan language, Sian Ka’an means ‘Origin of the Sky’, and you’ll understand why once you’re there. This authentic paradise is one of the last hidden gems of the region and in my opinion one of the very best day trips from Tulum.
It might, unfortunately, change in the near future as they’ve recently opened the TQO Airport in the area and we don’t know how this will affect the Biosphere Reserve.
For this reason, I highly recommend visiting the stunning region sooner rather than later. I’ve put together some of the best Sian Kaan tours & excursions in this post to help you plan your trip.
They all offer great experiences and have even greater reviews from previous travelers – including the tour I personally went on!
You should know, however, that when it comes to Sian Kaan excursions, there are two different types of trips, and it can be confusing. Some take you to the coastal area of the reserve, visiting the coral reef and stunning beaches, while others go to the floating canals of the lagoon and the Muyil ruins.
Both options are great, but they are very different from each other. You’ll find both on this list.
Most of these tours depart from Tulum, but you’ll also find Sian Ka’an tours from Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, and Cancun. Often the same tours that depart from Tulum will pick you up from other locations for an extra fee.
➥ Why can you trust me? I’m a bit of an expert in this area of Mexico, having spent a few months here in the past years. So I know exactly what attractions in the area are worth visiting, and what’s the best way to go around them.
You can also trust me to bring the best tour recommendations to the table. It can be a bit stressful to find the perfect tour, or to be sure that the one you choose is trustworthy and offers a good service. Especially since tours to Sian Kaan don’t come cheap! I’ve used my travel expertise to ensure that all the experiences offered in this article are high-quality and worth your while.
I personally use and trust Viator and Get Your Guide to book tours all over the world. I especially recommend them for their fantastic cancellation policy. If your plans change, you’ll receive a full refund if you cancel most tours or experiences at least 24 hours in advance.
Are you in a rush? These are the very best tours:
| THE BEST TOUR | Sian Ka’an Adventure Full Day Trip to Punta Allen |
| HALF-DAY TOUR | Half-Day Tour Discovering Sian Ka’an with Lunch |
| CANALS OF SIAN KA’AN | Tulum Ruins + Sian Ka’an Muyil |
| PRIVATE TOUR | Sian Ka’an Adventure (Private, Full Day) |
The VERY Best Sian Ka’an Tour from Tulum, Cancun, Riviera Maya
If you’re looking for an adventure that combines wildlife spotting, pristine beaches, and some of the clearest water you’ll ever see, this Sian Ka’an Adventure Full Day Trip to Punta Allen is the one to book.
I personally took this tour, and let me tell you—the landscapes are straight out of a postcard. The shades of blue in the water? Unreal.
The day starts with a pickup from Tulum ( or Cancun, Riviera Maya, and Playa del Carmen for an extra fee) before heading into the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.
After a bumpy (but totally worth it) ride along an unpaved road, you’ll hop on a boat to explore the coastal lagoons and marine ecosystems. Keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles, dolphins, turtles, and even the elusive manatee, all while gliding through mangrove-filled waters.
Then, you’ll snorkel on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, home to thousands of marine species. Floating above the coral, surrounded by colorful fish, is an experience you won’t forget.
But my personal favorite part? The sandbanks, aka “nature’s swimming pools.” The water here is so shallow and crystal-clear, it feels like you’re floating in the middle of the Caribbean with no land in sight.
After all that adventure, you’ll head to Punta Allen, a charming little fishing village, for a fresh local lunch and some relaxation before making your way back.
This tour has everything—wildlife, adventure, and some of the most stunning natural beauty in Mexico. If you want to experience Sian Ka’an the right way, this is the tour to take.
➤ Why is this the best tour? This is the most comprehensive tour to Sian Ka’an. It’s the exact same tour I’ve personally taken a few years ago. Not only did I absolutely love it but it was the highlight of my time in Tulum (and I’ve joined quite a few tours in Tulum).
Everything from hotel transfers to lunch and activities is covered by the tour fee. You’ll visit the most beautiful places in Sian Ka’an, and learn in-depth about its beautiful ecosystem.
It’s not just me saying it! Read what the reviews say:
“What a fabulous trip, the guides are very knowledgeable and can’t do enough to make sure your day is the best it possibly can. We went on this trip with the hope of seeing a Manatee, which actually happened, along with dolphins, crocodiles and assorted of fish and birds. If you love nature, this trip is a must.”
ChrisPerkins – Read more reviews
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, Sian Ka’an boat tour, snorkeling equipment, lunch, fruit and snacks, and a local guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Muyil Ruins & Mangroves
For a more educational Sian Ka’an tour, check out the Tulum Archaeological Site & Sian Ka’an Muyil Tour from Tulum. It takes you to Muyil, once an important Mayan trading post that now sits amid the mangrove forests of Sian Ka’an.
Learn all about the Maya civilization and ecology of the area from your guide. You’ll also walk along a natural trail, take a boat ride to Muyil Lagoon, and indulge in a delicious lunch.
The tour departs from Tulum, Cancun, and Playa del Carmen, although fees may vary if your departure point is not in Tulum.
This tour includes: Transfers, bottled water, a picnic lunch, and a tour guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Kayaking Tour in Sian Ka’an
Looking for a more active trip? The Kayak Biosphere Reserve Sunset Tour might be for you.
Snorkeling and kayaking in crystal clear waters will be your means of exploring the mangrove forests and open cenotes. It’s the best combination to get to see the dynamic marine life of the reserve from all its angles.
On this excursion, you’ll also learn educational details about the wildlife and the reserve. It’s a great trip for nature lovers! This tour departs from Tulum.
This tour includes: Snorkel gear, kayaks, snacks, a box lunch, and photos and videos. Transfers are available for an extra fee. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Sian Kaan Birdwatching Tour
If you’re interested in birds, check out this Birdwatching in Sian Ka’an and Muyil Archaeological Site from Tulum. You’ll walk through the jungle with a knowledgeable Mayan guide.
Keep your eyes peeled to find the numerous bird species in the area, and listen to an expert tell you all about them.
You’ll also visit the Muyil archaeological site to learn about the history of the area, and the civilization that inhabited it.
This tour departs from Tulum, and includes pick-up from Riviera Maya resorts for an extra fee.
This tour includes: Bottled water, breakfast, and transportation. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Sian Ka’an Half Day Tour
The Half-Day Tour Discovering Sian Ka’an with Lunch is perfect if you have limited time. You’ll go on a boat trip around the reserve to explore the wetlands and meet the wildlife in its natural habitat.
Snorkel at the beach, and enjoy a scrumptious Mexican lunch by the sea. You’ll also visit the stunning Boca Paila before returning to your hotel. A guide will enlighten you with facts and history bits about the Biosphere Reserve.
This tour offers hotel pick-up and drop-off from Tulum. Transportation from other locations is available for an extra fee.
This tour includes: Transfers, a boat tour, water, snacks, and a local guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
If you’re not staying in Tulum but would still like to enjoy this day trip, you can book the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve Half-Day Tour. It’s exactly the same tour but departs from Cancun. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Sian Ka’an + Cenotes
The Sian Ka’an Lagoons Tour is an amazing day trip to enjoy the reserve’s natural beauty. You’ll get to swim in beautiful lagoons, and discover the biosphere’s canals.
Explore the Muyil archaeological site, one of the earliest inhabited Mayan cities in the region, with a professional guide. Finally, you’ll get to cool off in the natural sinkholes known as cenotes.
Snorkel equipment will be available so you can explore the depths of the cenote and lagoons!
This tour departs from Tulum.
This tour includes: Transfers, a guide, snacks, water, and snorkeling gear. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Private Sian Ka’an Biosphere Tours
▶️ This full-day Sian Ka’an Adventure (Private, Full Day) is perfect if you want to go on a trip with your friends or family. You’ll be taken into the heart of the natural reserve to explore the Mayan ruins of Muyil.
Meet the local wildlife, and learn about the history and culture of the Mayan people from a very knowledgeable guide. Enjoy a local-style lunch surrounded by beautiful scenery, and munch on snacks during the day. Don’t forget your sun glasses, and your sense of fun!
This private tour departs from Tulum and Akumal.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, entrance fees, a guide, snacks, lunch, coffee/tea, and water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Private Tour Sian Ka’an Adventure is a full-day excursion. Travel to the Biosphere Reserve, where you’ll explore the ecosystems that live in the area and meet the wildlife.
Snorkel in the stunning reef among colorful fish, sea turtles, and manatees, and enjoy a boat trip along the coast. You’ll also get to visit the town of Punta Allen, an authentic fishing village. Enjoy a scrumptious lunch in town before heading back.
Hotel pick-up and drop-off is available both in Tulum and Playa del Carmen.
This tour includes: Transfers, entrance fees, snorkeling gear, boat tours, snacks, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
If you’re looking for the same tour but from Playa del Carmen and Cancun, you can book the Private Sian Kaan Biosphere Tour. It includes the same activities as the previous one, with transfers from Cancun for an extra fee. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Private Sian Kaan Muyil Lazy River Tour is a unique alternative. You’ll travel to the Biosphere Reserve with a professional guide, and explore the ruins of Muyil.
Discover the history of the Mayans who lived in the ancient city, which is one of the longest-inhabited in the region.
Then, go on a delightful cruise along the Chunyaxche River. Relax as you take in the stunning passing views. It’s a laid-back, exclusive tour for you and up to 13 friends.
This tour includes: Transportation from Cancun/Playa del Carmen, entrance fees, a river cruise, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
