Half-Day Tour Discovering Sian Ka´an with Lunch
Description
This is a great option to visit the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, enjoying the unique landscapes of the wetlands in the quieter part of the lagoons that are less frequented by the groups of tourists heading down to Punta Allen. An intimate visit to the saltwater lagoons, coral reef and mangrove forests of the Biosphere.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Sian Ka’an is a tropical wetland paradise – on this tour we visit a thin strip of land bordered by empty stretches of beach, lagoons and lush vegetation on a boat ride that takes us across diverging coastal ecosystems, through mangrove forest and weather permitting, out to the coral reef.
8km inside the biosphere, where we board a small boat to visit Boca Paila – a vital point of convergence for many animals, where we have the chance to spot the resident birdlife, crocodiles & even the rare manatee. Weather permitting, we then head out a short distance on open water to snorkel on the Mesoamerican Barrier reef, where you will be delighted by the healthy corals and fish in abundance.
Bask in the tranquility of coconut groves, take a refreshing dip in the inviting sea, and savor the moments of relaxation before our return voyage. This exceptional escapade offers an opportunity to relish the Sian Ka'an Biosphere's wonders, all within the serene ambiance of lesser-explored lagoons. After our explorations, an exquisite lunch awaits...
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
If you do not find your hotel/apartment in the list, please enter your own pick up location. The exact pick up time will be confirmed to you once you have provided us with the pick up location. Please revise confirmation email from Mexico Kan Tours to know your exact Pick Up Time and not the automatic confirmation as it will depend on your accommodation’s localization. Pick up and Drop off within the immediate Tulum area is included in the price, additional price applies for areas outside of Tulum. Ask us a quote for extra Transportation Fees (North of Tulum).
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Only if necessary: Biodegradable Sun Screen & Biodegradable Mosquito Repellent.
- Comfortable Shoes; Extra T-Shirt; Camera; Towel; Hat.
- Cash (Most of the local vendors only accept cash).
- Children must be accompanied by an adult. Minimum age is 5 years old.
- Snorkeling is subject to weather conditions.
- If you display any of the following symptoms (fever, dry cough, tiredness, headaches, aches and pains), please refrain from joining the tour, contact us as soon as possible and look for medical assistance
- Forbidden for pregnant travelers
Reviews(262)
Ursula is the most amazing guide! Her knowledge and positivity made the whole experience outstanding. Manatees, crocodile, reef snorkeling, refreshing Cenote - all capped off with a delicious lunch.
I had a wonderful time on this tour. I went on three different excursions during my time in Mexico and this was the only tour that offered pickup right at my hotel, which was wonderful. The driver Hector was friendly and attentive, and our guide Pablo was very knowledgeable and personable. We saw many birds, manatees, and some crocodiles (my favorite being a manatee mom and baby!). I am a big fan of birds and Pablo was wonderful with helping me identify and log the ones we saw. The guide team did an awesome job finding wildlife, as they know the best spots and techniques for sightings. After the adventure we got to relax and have a fantastic lunch at a nearby cenote. We were able to snorkel in the cenote which was super neat. It was a very laid back and beautiful experience. Sian Ka'an is a must see and this is a great group to see it with.
Thank you for such a thoughtful review! We're delighted that Sian Ka’an was one of the highlights of your time in Mexico. It sounds like nature was very generous that day, especially with the manatee mother and baby! We're also happy that Pablo could help you identify and enjoy the birdlife along the way—sharing those special moments is one of the things we love most about these experiences. We'll be sure to pass your kind words on to both Pablo and Hector. Thank you for joining us, and we hope your wildlife journal continues to grow with many more adventures!
It was a beautiful tour. Excellently organized, especially the communication with Kaan Tours including the pickup at Playa Paraiso. Sian Kaan is an experience that one must have. A special thanks to our two tour guides, Cristina and Marco. Many details in very good English. Thank you very much for an unforgettable day.
Vielen herzlichen Dank für Ihre tolle Bewertung! Es freut uns sehr, dass Ihnen die Tour nach Sian Ka’an so gut gefallen hat und dass alles von der Organisation bis zur Abholung reibungslos funktioniert hat. Besonders schön ist es zu hören, dass Cristina und Marco Ihren Tag mit ihrem Wissen und ihrer Begeisterung bereichern konnten. Sian Ka’an ist wirklich ein einzigartiger Ort, und wir freuen uns, dass Sie dort unvergessliche Momente erleben durften. Alles Gute und hoffentlich bis zu einem nächsten Abenteuer in Mexiko!
We had a wonderful experience learning about the biosphere and opportunity to see crocodiles and manatee in their natural habitat. We were lucky the current in the ocean wasn't too strong and were able to snorkel and see coral reefs and fish, if the waves are strong you won't be able to snorkel given the size of boats you're in. The lunch provided was also amazing and authentic mexican food. We ate by a cenote we got to swim in too. Lastly our tour guide Pablo and driver Axel were phenomenal, great energy and made the experience so much more enjoyable.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. It sounds like nature gave you some wonderful surprises, from crocodiles and manatees to the coral reef and colorful fish. We’re especially happy to hear that Pablo and Axel made such a positive impression with their energy and dedication. And of course, ending the day with authentic Mexican food and a swim in a cenote is never a bad way to finish an adventure! We hope to see you again on a future visit to the region.
It was a great, unforgetable experience. Niko , our guide, gave a lot descriptions and explanations while sailing us around the biosphere . We could see the manatíes, lots of different species of birds, the mangroves We even reached the sea .. Together with the captain of the boat they made a great team. The final stop at the cenote for some swim and for lunch was great, too..
Thank you for your kind review! We’re so glad you enjoyed exploring the biosphere with Niko and that his explanations helped you connect with everything you were seeing. It sounds like a beautiful day full of wildlife and special moments. Ending with a cenote swim and lunch is always a great way to wrap it up. We appreciate you joining us!
If you ever get a chance to book with MexicoKanTours, you will not be disappointed!!! My husband and I booked 2 excursions-Sian Ka'an and a Chichen Itza day tour. Both were incredible. On the Sian Ka'an tour-Martin (our tour guide) was extremely knowledgeable and our captain of the both had the eyes of a hunter!! We spotted so many manatee, multiple crocodiles, stingrays, roseate spoonbills, pelicans, tiger Herron, blue Herron, and many other birds i cant remember the names of and of course fish. It was a bit too murky to snorkel that day but we did get a chance to snorkel a bit in the beautiful cenote we visited after where we had lunch. Thats right, lunch at a cenote! The Chichen tour was a equally amazing and our guide there was amazing as well (and included another delicious lunch and ended with a cenote!!). I can't speak highly enough of our experience and am so grateful for everything we learned and the memories we made. Book them and tip them well!!!!
Wow—thank you for such an enthusiastic and heartfelt review! It truly means a lot to hear how much you enjoyed both experiences with us. Sian Ka’an is always full of surprises, and it sounds like you had an incredible wildlife day—Martin and the captain will love hearing this! And we’re so glad the Chichen Itza tour lived up to it as well. Two different experiences, but both very special in their own way. We really appreciate your trust and your energy—thank you for recommending us so strongly!
Pablo, our Guide was amazing! Such a passionate and nice guy, unbelievable! And with a huge amount of knowledge, you can ask everything. We had the perfect experience, really. Everything was like planned but to see the wildlife was phenomenal. We were very lucky to see everything that you can expect (manatee mum with baby!, crocodile, exotic birds, rays and fantastic variety of fishes at the reef). Everyone we met was super kind and nice (bus driver Axel, our captain or the people at the restaurant) and the organization was very professional and smooth (never felt time pressure). Even the lunch was amazing at the cenote with authentic Tacos and Aqua de Jamaica. This is an honest recommendation: If you want to get a deep dive of Nature in this area and spend a nice time with a super nice guide - Book this tour!
Thank you for this amazing and detailed feedback! It sounds like you had a truly special day surrounded by wildlife—what an incredible list of sightings! Pablo will be thrilled to hear how much you appreciated his passion and knowledge. We’re also happy that the whole team helped create such a smooth and relaxed experience for you. And yes, lunch by the cenote is always a highlight! Thank you for your honest recommendation—it means a lot.
We did a full day tour of Sian Ka’an. Martin and Lea were our guides. We had an amazing day and the guides were both very passionate and knowledgeable about the conservation of the area and the wildlife that live there and the whole ecosystem. The boat captain was amazing too! It was one of the most amazing trips that we have ever done and would 100% recommend it! We saw sea turtles, dolphins and manatees all in the wild, absolutely amazing! The captain of the boat and guide were both very respectful to the animals. This tour took us to places that most tours don’t go to. We went to the most amazing sheltered bay where the sea was crystal clear and brilliant blue. The tour was amazing value for money.
Thank you so much for this amazing review! We're delighted to hear that your day in Sian Ka’an was such a memorable experience. Martin and Lea will be very happy to know their passion and knowledge made a difference. It’s wonderful that you were able to see so much wildlife in their natural environment and enjoy those special, less-visited spots. We truly appreciate your recognition of the respectful approach to nature and wildlife. Thank you for your recommendation—we hope to welcome you again soon!
Amazing half day trip to the biosphere. Our 3 generation group all loved it-even the teenagers! Saw many manatees, including a baby! One big crocodile and tons of birds including roseate spoonbills, herons, pelicans, ospreys, and black hawks plus others. Our guides Kenia and Maca were very knowledgeable, but more importantly were so joyful about everything we saw, describing the mangroves and every part of the interconnected ecosystem. We need more champions of nature like them! Lunch at the cenote was delicious. The van and driver were excellent, comfortable boat with a sun canopy and a skilled captain, and the communication from the office was clear and simple. Definitely recommended. Book it.
Thank you for this fantastic review! It’s so special to hear that all three generations in your group enjoyed the experience—especially the teenagers! Spotting manatees, crocodiles, and so many bird species really makes the day unforgettable. Kenia and Maca will be delighted to know their enthusiasm and knowledge made such an impact. We’re also glad everything—from transport to lunch—met your expectations. Your kind words mean a lot to us!
Amazing experience! Super peaceful! Santi was such a great guide! Couldn’t snorkel due to the weather but went swimming in a cenote instead.
Thank you for your lovely feedback! We're happy to hear you had such a peaceful experience with Santi. Even though the weather didn’t allow snorkeling, we’re glad you still enjoyed the cenote. Nature always finds a way to surprise! Hope to see you again soon.
