Tulum: Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve Ancient Maya Canals Tour

The Tulum: Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve Ancient Maya Canals Tour offers an immersive journey through a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Priced at $149.13 per person, this 8-hour adventure promises a captivating blend of cultural exploration, wildlife encounters, and natural wonders. Visitors can expect to cruise through ancient Mayan canals, spot manatees and crocodiles, and cool off in pristine lagoons. As they savor traditional Mayan cuisine and interact with local communities, they’ll be surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of this unique biosphere reserve. With so much to discover, it’s a tour that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• This 8-hour tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve, including community tours, boat cruises, and swimming in lagoons.
• Participants can witness diverse wildlife, such as manatees, crocodiles, and various bird species, in their natural habitats.
• The tour includes a 120-minute boat cruise and long-tail boat ride through ancient Mayan canals, providing a tranquil and immersive experience.
• Visitors can swim in the crystal-clear waters of the lagoons, surrounded by lush mangroves and orchids, and visit the Ixlapak temple to learn about Mayan astronomy and trade.
• The tour features traditional Mayan cuisine for lunch and scenic views at the "Pez Maya" location, offering a well-rounded cultural and natural experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour, titled "Tulum: Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve Ancient Maya Canals Tour," is priced from $149.13 per person.

It lasts 8 hours and is likely to sell out, so booking in advance is recommended. The tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours prior for a full refund, as well as a reserve now and pay later option.

Pickup is between 6:00 am and 6:50 am from the Tulum Hotel Zone or Tulum Center, and drop-off is approximately 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals over 264 lbs, or babies under 1 year.

Itinerary and Activities

This tour includes a captivating array of activities that immerse visitors in the natural wonders of the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve.

The day begins with a pickup from your Tulum hotel between 6:00 am and 6:50 am. Guests will then embark on community tours in Sian Kaan Muyil, followed by a boat cruise and long-tail boat ride totaling 120 minutes.

Wildlife viewing opportunities include sightings of manatees, crocodiles, and birds. Visitors will also enjoy a rejuvenating swim in the lagoons for about an hour.

Lunch featuring traditional Mayan cuisine is included, and the tour concludes with scenic views and photo stops at the virgin beach "Pez Maya" before drop-off between 1:30 pm and 2:00 pm.

Highlights and Experiences

Visitors to the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve can expect to witness a remarkable blend of ancient Mayan history and vibrant natural ecosystems.

They’ll explore the 1,000-year-old Mayan canals, float through the Chunyaxche Lagoon, and observe diverse wildlife like manatees, crocodiles, and birds.

At the Ixlapak temple, they’ll learn about the Mayans’ use of the site for astronomy and trade.

Guests can also swim in the freshwater canals surrounded by orchids and mangroves, and observe marine life in the Capelchen Lagoon and Boca Paila beach.

This tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the region’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Included in the tour price are transportation from and to the customer’s Tulum hotel, a breakfast and lunch prepared by native Mayan people, access to the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve, and purified water during the tour.

However, tips for the guide and driver aren’t included. The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals over 264 lbs, or babies under 1 year.

Customers should bring suitable items like sunglasses, sun hat, change of clothes, biodegradable sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle.

Smoking, drones, professional cameras, plastic bags, vaping, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed during the tour.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Important Information and Recommendations

Customers should bring essential items like sunglasses, sun hat, and a change of clothes for this Tulum: Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve tour.

It’s also recommended to pack biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, and a reusable water bottle.

Smoking, drones, professional cameras, plastic bags, vaping, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed on the tour.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals over 264 lbs, or babies under 1 year.

With an overall rating of 4.4/5 based on 7 reviews, the tour offers a relaxing experience with wildlife sightings and quality guides and meals.

Community Tours in Sian Kaan Muyil

After being picked up from their Tulum hotels, tour participants embark on a journey to explore the community of Sian Kaan Muyil.

They’ll visit local homes and meet the native Mayan people who live within the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve. Visitors learn about the community’s traditional way of life, including their sustainable practices and connection to the land.

The tour provides an intimate glimpse into the daily routines and customs of the Mayan residents, offering a unique cultural exchange. Participants gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the people who’ve called this region home for centuries, enriching their overall experience in the biosphere reserve.

Boat Cruise and Long-Tail Boat Ride

Next, the tour takes visitors on a serene boat cruise and long-tail boat ride through the enchanting waterways of the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve.

This 120-minute experience allows guests to:

1. Glide along the ancient Mayan canals, marveling at the lush vegetation and diverse wildlife.
2. Spot manatees, crocodiles, and a variety of birds in their natural habitats.
3. Immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of the Chunyaxche Lagoon, surrounded by mangroves and orchids.
4. Appreciate the ecological significance of this protected reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This captivating boat journey offers a unique opportunity to explore the enchanting waterways and abundant ecosystems of the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve.

Swimming in Lagoons and Scenic Views

The tour then takes visitors to swim in the lagoons and explore the scenic virgin beach "Pez Maya."

Guests have the chance to enjoy the refreshing, crystal-clear waters of the canals, surrounded by the lush mangroves and orchids that thrive in this unique ecosystem.

This swimming experience offers a chance to observe diverse marine life, including manatees and crocodiles, in their natural habitat.

After the swim, the tour continues with a stop at the Ixlapak temple, where visitors can learn about the ancient Mayan practices of astronomy and trade.

The scenic views and photo opportunities throughout the tour provide lasting memories of this extraordinary Biosphere Reserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

No, pets are not allowed on this tour. The tour operator has a strict policy against bringing pets due to the sensitive natural environment and for the safety and comfort of all participants.

Is the Tour Suitable for Individuals With Disabilities?

The tour may not be suitable for individuals with disabilities, as it involves boat rides, swimming, and hiking through natural environments. Customers over 264 lbs are also not recommended. It’s best to check with the tour provider for specific accessibility options.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Participants?

The tour is not suitable for babies under 1 year old, but there are no other age restrictions. Participants of all other ages can join the tour, as long as they meet the weight and physical ability requirements.

Can I Purchase Additional Items or Activities During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t offer any additional items or activities that can be purchased during the tour. The inclusions are fixed, and there are no optional add-ons available for participants.

Is There a Way to Customize or Personalize the Tour Itinerary?

While the tour’s itinerary is set, customers can often request minor modifications, such as earlier pickup times or additional photo stops, if discussed with the tour operator in advance. However, the core experiences remain fixed.

Recap

The "Tulum: Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve Ancient Maya Canals Tour" offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the region’s rich cultural and natural heritage. Featuring a scenic boat cruise, wildlife sightings, and a refreshing swim, this 8-hour adventure also includes traditional Mayan cuisine and engagement with local communities, all within the breathtaking setting of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At $149.13 per person, it’s an immersive and memorable experience not to be missed.

You can check if your dates are available here: