Prices checked on Sep 11, 2026Things to do in Tulum
Explore Sian Ka’an by sea kayak during the most beautiful hours of the day. Paddle through quiet mangrove channels and open lagoons, surrounded by wildlife and far from the crowds. As sunset approaches, birds return to their nesting islands, offering a unique opportunity to observe them respectfully in their natural habitat. Along the way, your guide will introduce you to the mangrove ecosystem and help you improve your paddling technique while exploring one of the most remarkable areas of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. No previous kayaking experience is required. The tour involves moderate physical activity and is ideal for couples, families, nature lovers, and adventurous travelers. Small groups allow for a more personal, peaceful experience and better wildlife observation. Expect approximately 3 hours in the reserve, combining kayaking, nature observation, and an unforgettable Sian Ka’an sunset.
Paddle through the calm lagoons and natural mangrove channels of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. Along the route, we explore mangrove ecosystems and observe local wildlife and birds, including nesting and resting areas, while enjoying the changing colors of the sunset. The experience combines kayaking, nature interpretation and wildlife observation in a peaceful area away from the crowds.
Kayak Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve Sunset Tour lasts about 3 hours. The itinerary has 1 stop.
Prices start at $120 per person for this Tulum experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
The meeting point is 3.2 km (2 miles) inside the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, driving south from the main entrance. Look for the Yucatan Outdoors / Kayak Sian Ka’an sign on the lagoon side of the road, behind the Último Maya restaurant. Free parking is available at the meeting point.. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
The experience is available in EN, ES.
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 8 participants.
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 316 verified reviews; it is run by Yucatan Outdoors. Most-mentioned highlights: Life Jacket (PFD) and Safety Equipment Paddle and Basic Kayaking Instruction; Passionate and professional guiding service; Small groups.
I went on a sunset kayak trip in July and it was magnificent. The lagoon was exceptionally peaceful, the birdlife fascinating, and the sunset amazing - as the sun dipped toward the horizon, the rippling water reflected streaks of orange and crimson which was truly magical. Booking the trip was efficient, Antonio was helpful and responded promptly, and he went above and beyond to ensure I could get home safely. Absolutely recommend this trip!
We loved the experience of immersing ourself quietly by kayaking into the nature of the lagoon. Antonio is a great, knowledgeable guide and witnessing these large birds like Pelikans on these little islands and flying above us was a remarkable experience. Finally we even got to see a crocodile at the end of the tour very close underneath our kayak. Amazing!
A highly recommended experience for those looking to connect with nature. It requires patience and some physical condition, since the paddling can be tiring, but it is totally worth it. We did not see all the wildlife we expected, but precisely part of the magic is in letting go of expectations and enjoying the moment. Antonio and his partner were excellent guides, very respectful, attentive, and knowledgeable about the reserve. Sian Ka’an was, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places we visited: a place of stunning natural beauty, ideal for contemplation.
I loved it! Kayaking through the reserve was a super beautiful experience, with so much nature and incredible peace. Antonio was the best... very approachable and attentive, and that made everything feel more intimate and special, not just another tour. I highly recommend it, one of those tours that you truly enjoy and remember!
I made the decision to go on the Yucatan Outdoors tour at the last minute. I contacted Antonio and he provided me with clear information for it. He was my guide and is bilingual, so the tour was conducted in both Spanish and English. He conveys a sense of security by giving precise instructions, from the safekeeping of your belongings to your physical safety during the trip. Also, he shows respect for the natural environment and responds with extensive knowledge to questions regarding the flora and fauna of the site. I would recommend my family members take this tour.
Amongst the splendors of Tulum, sunset kayaking with Antonio and his Yucatan Outdoors is one of the most spectacular. Just down from South Tulum beach, through the regal gate to Sian Ka'an Biosphere, to Antonio's landing. Then out into the lagoon, twisting through mangroves, out to islands. Birds beyond belief--entire islands of pelicans and frigates, a great horned owl, prehistoric great blue herons, a peregrine falcon. Even spoonbills in the winter. All the while, Antonio exceptionally guides--beautiful English, deeply experienced with Sian Ka'an and Tulum. The natural beaty of Sian Ka'an--"where the sky is born" in Mayan--is one-in-a-million, as is Antonio and his Yucatan Tours.
Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. It was a pleasure having you join us in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. We are fortunate to paddle through such an extraordinary place every day, but sharing it with guests who truly appreciate nature makes each tour special. Thank you for noticing the birds, wildlife, and the unique beauty of the mangrove labyrinths and nesting islands. Experiences like yours help support our ongoing low-impact conservation efforts and bird monitoring program within the reserve. We hope to welcome you back someday, perhaps in a different season, as Sian Ka’an always has something new to reveal. Safe travels, and thank you again for exploring this incredible ecosystem with us. Antonio Yucatan Outdoors | Kayak Sian Ka’an
This was an amazing experience for any kayaking and/or bird lovers! The lagoon is such a unique ecosystem and our guide was extremely knowledgeable about all the plants and birds. We kayaked for about 3 hours and saw tons of different birds, a crocodile, and some sting rays. I would definitely do this again!
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted that you enjoyed exploring the lagoon and its unique ecosystem with us. Sian Ka’an is truly a special place, and every outing offers new opportunities to observe wildlife and learn about the plants, birds, and natural history of the reserve. It’s great to hear that you were able to see such a variety of wildlife, including birds, a crocodile, and even stingrays during your paddle. Encounters like these make every expedition memorable. Thank you for joining us and for supporting responsible, low-impact exploration within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. We would be honored to paddle with you again on a future visit—there is always something new waiting to be discovered. Safe travels, and we hope to see you back on the water soon! Antonio Yucatan Outdoors | Kayak Sian Ka’an
This tour is amazing. Antonio knows the area like the back of his hand. He is familiar with so much of the wildlife and can teach you so much. His kayaks are great quality and he made sure each of us felt comfortable rowing before we took off. This was a wonderful personal experience and one of the best things I’ve done in Tulum.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! It was a pleasure sharing this special corner of Sian Ka’an with you. I’m very glad you enjoyed both the kayaking experience and the opportunity to learn about the wildlife and ecosystems that make this reserve so unique. Safety and comfort are always a priority, so I’m happy to hear that the introduction and equipment helped you feel confident on the water. Whether someone is an experienced paddler or trying kayaking for the first time, I want everyone to enjoy the experience at their own pace. Thank you for your kind words and for choosing to explore Sian Ka’an with us. Knowing that this was one of the highlights of your time in Tulum means a great deal to me. I hope to welcome you back someday for another paddle through the mangroves and bird islands—there is always something new to discover. Warm regards, Antonio Yucatan Outdoors | Kayak Sian Ka’an
Stunning paddle through a bird sanctuary lagoon at sunset. Our guide was excellent and the overall experience was wonderful. Highly recommend!
Thank you very much for your kind review! We’re delighted that you enjoyed paddling through the lagoon at sunset. The bird nesting islands and mangrove labyrinths of Sian Ka’an create a truly unique setting, and every sunset on the water feels a little different. Thank you for your recommendation and for choosing to explore this incredible ecosystem with us. It was a pleasure sharing the reserve and its wildlife with you. We hope to welcome you back to Sian Ka’an in the future for another peaceful paddle and new wildlife encounters. Safe travels and thank you again! Antonio Yucatan Outdoors | Kayak Sian Ka’an
If you’re even thinking about booking the Kayak Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve Sunset Tour… just do it. Honestly one of the most special experiences I’ve ever had. It was so intimate – just me and Julian with our guide – which made it feel really personal and peaceful from the start. We spent around two hours kayaking slowly through the reserve, completely surrounded by nature. It wasn’t rushed at all, just calm, quiet, and genuinely relaxing. Ricardo (our guide) was incredible – so knowledgeable and passionate. He shared loads of really interesting facts about the wildlife and the area, pointed things out we would have completely missed, and even took photos of us and the animals which was such a lovely touch. And then… the sunset. I don’t even know how to describe it properly. It started as this soft yellow, then turned into a deep blood orange, then faded into blue and this insane deep purple I’ve genuinely never seen before – all while the moon and stars started to appear at the same time. It felt surreal, like something out of a film. It was peaceful, magical, and just one of those moments you’ll never forget. Could not recommend this tour enough – and a huge thank you to Ricardo for making it so special.
Thank you so much for such a beautiful and thoughtful review — it truly means a lot to us. We’re really happy to hear that you felt that sense of peace and connection with nature. That’s exactly what we hope every guest experiences out there — slowing down, being present, and enjoying the reserve in a respectful and intimate way. Ricardo will be very grateful for your words. He’s deeply passionate about the ecosystem and always goes the extra mile to share it in a meaningful way, so it’s great to hear that came through. And yes… those sunsets can be something else. Each one is different, and sometimes they give us moments like the one you described — truly special and hard to put into words. Thank you again for being part of this experience and for exploring Sian Ka’an with respect. We’d love to welcome you back anytime. Warm regards, Antonio Yucatán Outdoors – Kayak Sian Ka’an
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kayak Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve Sunset Tour | 3 hours | 5.0 (316) | $120 | |
 Early morning Chichen Itza Tour: Cenote and Tequila Tasting | 12 hours | 4.8 (6,893) | $39 | View |
 Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid Tour | 12 hours | 4.7 (25,505) | $49 | View |
 Chichen Itza, Cenote & Valladolid Tour with Tequila and Lunch | 12 hours | 4.7 (16,905) | $39 | View |
 Isla Mujeres Luxury Sailing: Adults Only or Family Friendly | 5h 30min | 4.6 (3,604) | $55 | View |
 Horseback Riding plus ATV, Cenote, Ziplines, and Lunch | 5 hours | 4.5 (1,319) | $61 | View |
 Xplor Park Day Trip with Lunch and Transportation | 6 hours | 4.4 (695) | $195 | View |