The Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is a paradise of birds, sea turtles, iguanas, ocelots, monkeys, and even pumas. It is the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean and occupies approximately 650,000 hectares along 120 kilometers from North to South, between the municipalities of Tulum and Felipe Carrillo Puerto. Sian Ka'an means "where the sky is born" in Mayan, and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987.
The landscape varies from the coast where semi-virgin beaches alternate with a landscape of mangroves in the lagoon. The complete reserve includes beaches, dunes, cenotes, coral reefs, and a tropical jungle, where more than 300 species of birds, 1,000 plants, and 100 animals live.
Sian Ka'an is a natural paradise you can tour on a boat trip through the large main lagoon, you may see dolphins and above all many birds: spoonbills, pelicans, cormorants, eagles, herons, ibis... the dream of a nature lover.
It is also possible to see the graceful white-tailed deer and more rarely the elusive jaguar, which in Mexico only lives here and in the Sierra Gorda and Calakmul Reserves. Visitors can expect to see creatures that are rarely found elsewhere, including manatees, four species of marine turtle, howler and spider monkeys, crocodiles, the rare Jabiru stork, jaguars, pink flamingos, toucans, tapirs. and much more.
What to do in the Sian Ka'an Reserve
The Muyil Archaeological Zone is the most important Mayan site in Sian Ka'an. The beaches of the Sian Ka'an Reserve are much quieter than those of Tulum or Riviera Maya and for this reason, it is common to see travelers looking for total disconnection. This area is ideal for diving among turtles and dolphins, kayaking or simply sunbathing while drinking coconut water.
Inside the lagoon, the boats managed by the locals allow you to tour the mangroves and visit various points of interest such as the island of birds, or the almost completely submerged Mayan temple. If you are lucky you can enjoy the presence of manatees, which have a sanctuary inside the lagoon.
Other tours include rowing, kayaking, bird watching, chewing gum route, textile workshop, representation of Mayan ceremonies in the jungle, and a visit to the neighboring Mayan communities that sell artisan products such as the famous Melipona bee honey.
How to get there
At Zorba Collective we have concierge services to arrange private chef service, childcare, massages, yoga + wellness activities, airport transfers, onsite COVID testing, and of course a personalized tour to Sian Ka’an. The Sian Ka’an Muyil excursion is our most popular experience for families and the Sian Ka’an Punta Allen excursion is a full day and ideal for the more adventurous groups.
Whether you stay at our Mahayana Tulum property or at Zorba Tulum, we can get you the transportation directly from/to the villa, entrance tickets, and everything organized to your needs. We work in collaboration with Boutique Tours Tulum and we all will make sure you get a wonderful and memorable experience.
Please reach out anytime, we are always happy to help you book an unforgettable stay at our beachfront villas in Tulum.
When you are ready to plan your trip, please contact us at contact@zorbacollective.com.
Photos courtesy of @the.girls.trip from their stay at Zorba Tulum.