A UNESCO World Heritage reserve beginning 15km south of Tulum — boat tours through ancient Mayan canals and mangrove lagoons, with manatees, dolphins, and crocodiles all likely. Half-day or full-day tours from the hotel zone; the essential natural experience near Tulum.
Why It’s Worth Your Time
Sian Ka'an means "where the sky is born" in Mayan — a 1.3 million-acre UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of tropical forest, wetlands, and Caribbean coast that begins just south of the main hotel zone. Boat tours navigate ancient Mayan canals through the mangroves to crystal-clear lagoons teeming with marine life. Manatee, crocodile, and sea turtle sightings are common. The fly-fishing for bonefish and permit in the flats is world-class. This is Tulum before the development.
What Stands Out
- UNESCO Biosphere Reserve — 1.3 million acres of protected wilderness
- Ancient Mayan canals through the mangroves
- Manatee, crocodile, and sea turtle sightings
- World-class fly-fishing for bonefish and permit
- One of the last untouched Caribbean coastlines