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Sian Ka’an Reserve Tour with Boat Trip
Must Do
Cancun, Mexico
4.6/5
Free Cancellation
Language:
German
,
Spanish
,
English
,
French
,
Dutch
,
Polish
Mobile voucher accepted
Validity: Fixable
Do this because
Journey through the mangroves on a boat safari
Search for crocodiles and birds that live in the area
Take your pick of a buffet lunch in a fishing village
Snorkel in a protected coral reef
Expert local guide with unrivalled knowledge of Sian Ka'an
What to expect
The ancient Maya called it ‘Where the Sky Begins' – and there's definitely a touch of heaven to Sian Ka'an. Its mangroves, coral reefs, wildlife and archaeological sites mean that it's both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve, a rare double that puts it in the Champions League of natural parks. Manon, one of our expert local guides, says, “I first came to Sian Ka'an as a visitor on holidays from Normandy and totally fell in love with it – now I work in this paradise. I come here every day and have never lived the same experience twice.”
The adventure begins the moment you step onto the boat to explore the dense mangroves. As you navigate through the reserve, you'll be surrounded by flora and fauna – over 300 species call this place home, including birds, crocodiles and dolphins. As the boat drifts along, your guide will point out unique plant species that thrive in this wetland ecosystem, explaining their vital roles in maintaining the ecological balance. Then, you'll head out into the Caribbean Sea to snorkel in one of the best-preserved reefs in the area. You'll also drop the anchor at a shallow stretch of sand with low tides and crystal-clear waters, known locally as La Piscina.
Then, the afternoon is all about unwinding. You'll head to Punta Allen, a small Mayan fishing village, where you can savour some local dishes, before having some time to sit back and relax. It's an idyllic end to a day spent immersed in some of Cancun's most stunning natural scenery.
What's included
Transport
Guide
Boat cruise
Soft drinks
Equipment
Lunch
Swim stops
Park fees
What to remember
Bring bathing gear and biodegradable sunblock as no other sunblocks permitted so bring a hat and long-sleeved T-shirt if biodegradable not available
This tour operates in a very remote area., and we advise that anyone with a medical condition and/or particular medical needs to take this into careful consideration when deciding to book on to this tour
Height, weight and/or age restrictions may apply
Bring a hat
Not suitable for expectant mothers or guests with back problems
Subject to weather conditions
Not suitable for guests with reduced mobility
Not suitable for families with small children
Bring money for extras or gratuities
Bring biodegradable insect repellent
Bring a towel
Provider
TUI MEXICANA SA DE CV
Booking Fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Cancellation Fee
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 1 day before the experience begins
Reviews
Excellent
4.6/5
Based on
32 reviews from verified customers
A
Adele Powell
January 2025
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
With family
- 41 years old
Great
Loves this tour been before and it was brilliant my only 1 gripe is that you need a better vehicle going to the 10km drive, it was bumpy but it took a hour and smashed ********** out of our backs. Warning to other people it was a long hard journey, the pain today is excruciating from a vehicle that is not suitable or equipped for 10km drive. 4x4 would be more suitable and safe aswell.
E
Egita
March 2024
From United States of America
Traveled as
With family
- 11 years old
Excellent
Amazing experience. Definitely recommend. Alex the guide was very good.He gave us a lit of facts about the place, wildlife, culture and the country. Definitely worth every penny.
D
Danielle
December 2023
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
As a couple
- 28 years old
Excellent
Wolf from Blue Caribe was knowledgeable and personable. He made the trip for us. An absolute asset.
J
Jo
December 2023
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
As a couple
Excellent
Dolorice our guide was amazing made the clay even more special. Everyone was so kind and helpful, saw loads of wild life, beautiful scenery and food. Just the best day ever
M
Mark
December 2023
From United States of America
Traveled as
With family
- 36 years old
Excellent
Great experience seeing wildlife, obviously this can be unpredictable but Fernado did his best to ensure we saw as many wild animals and birds as possible. Snorkelling great and the swimming stop excellent. Lunch in Punte Allen was one of the best we had whilst in Mexico.
S
Samuel
November 2023
From United States of America
Traveled as
As a couple
- 18 years old
Great
Like: we saw a lot of animals, food was good, staff was friendly. We were unlucky with weather so we couldn't do snorkling. Didn't like: being the only two English speakers and missing on questions and tours information. I would have have love to have more informations about Sian Kaan: like when did it become UNESCO, wild life living there etc. It would have been nice to see more of mangroove tributaries.
J
Joanne Grocock
November 2023
From United States of America
Traveled as
With family
- 40 years old
Excellent
Prompt pick up. Long day but worth it. Fernando (1) the guide was with us constantly, knowledgeable about everything! Couldn't have been better. Speedboats were a fab experience and the river dolphins & sea turtles put on a great show in their natural habitat. Lunch was ok. 11 on the minibus and all friends by the end of the day. Fernando (2) got us back to the hotel safetly. Fabulous day
R
Rob Mac
November 2023
From United States of America
Traveled as
As a couple
- 42 years old
Excellent
The journey took one and a half hours from our hotel, the roads from Tulum onwards were very bumpy. At the final stop there were no toilet facilities whatsoever, beyond a jungle toilet. The boat rides were good and we saw crocodiles, dolphins, turtles and many birds. Snorkelling and swimming was very pleasant.. It is not a cheap experience but it is enjoyable. Wear open sandals and put your mosquito spray and sun tan lotion on well in advance.
L
Lisa
October 2023
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
Alone
- 34 years old
Great
I don't think this trip sells itself from the write up. Its a lot of money - nearly £200. But it is not made very clear what will happen on the trip. The guides were amazing and nothing was too much bother and will do what they can for you to see dolphins, turtles, crocodile etc. This place is heaven for nature lovers. For me, it was worth £200. Its a long day, about 12 hrs total. Mostly in the boat. But its one of the most beautiful places to visit.
E
Emily
July 2023
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
As a couple
- 10 years old
Excellent
This was a fantastic trip out. The guides went the extra mile to make sure we sure as many animals as possible. The snorkelling was great and views were amazing. There really wasn’t anything we didn’t enjoy.
L
Lisa
July 2023
From United States of America
Traveled as
As a couple
- 38 years old
Excellent
Fab day great guide brilliant to see dolphins turtles bird life in their own habitat
C
Chris H
June 2023
From United States of America
Traveled as
As a couple
- 38 years old
Great
It cost £175 for a Premium Economy seat from Edinburgh to Mexico. It cost £165 for 40 miles in a minibus and a 50 mile boat trip, some cheap grub and a brilliant guide. Had TUI not charged such ridiculous prices then we might have done another trip…. No justification at all, we think the entry ticket was $104, so approx $95 paid by 10 people, $950 dollars for what amounted to a bus trip, boat trip, pay for 6 people and equipment. THE GUIDE WAS GREAT
R
Robert
May 2023
From United States of America
Traveled as
As a couple
- 45 years old
Excellent
Superb trip to end our holiday saw crocodiles, turtles, dolphins and some excellent bird life. The guide Roberto was very good with great local knowledge. However the minibus was in very poor condition compared to others. The lunch very basic even by Mexica/Mayan standards.
G
Gemma davis
May 2023
From United States of America
Traveled as
As a couple
- 11 years old
Excellent
Our guide Debbie was very knowledgeable and friendly. Seeing the dolphins & turtles in their natural habitat beats any zoo/enclosure! This is the second time we have done this experience & would definately do it again. Buffet lunch was amazing!
T
Traveller123
March 2023
From United States of America
Traveled as
As a couple
- 17 years old
Excellent
It’s a little expensive and the term “Mayan village tour” is a little misleading as it was simply a walk from A to B to get to the boats back to the starting point, which happened to be through a small fishing village but there was little to see so I wouldn’t really advertise it as a selling point. Guide Roald was very knowledgeable and driver got us there and back safely. Great team on the boats who had a lot of patience and made sure we saw all the animals: dolphins, turtles, and a crocodile!
A
Alan
October 2022
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
As a couple
Excellent
The whole experience was fantastic, but, it needs to be looked at! From pick up from the hotel to a toilet facility was around 5 hours!! Not good for women and children! Told the nearest toilet was the big green toilet! Meaning somewhere in the mangroves. Otherwise everything else is good.
C
Charlie Smith
October 2022
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
As a couple
- 13 years old
Excellent
This trip was the stuff of dreams. We had a fantastic guide in Pepe from Blue Caribe; he was so knowledgable about the biosphere and Mexican biodiversity. We managed to see sooo many wonderful animals and made memories of a life time. The dirt track on the way down is (of course) extremely bumpy so I do think a warning should be put on Tui site when booking as one of our group suffered with back pain. Overall absolutely incredible- once in lifetime experience that we can’t stop talking about.
A
Annie
August 2022
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
With family
- 39 years old
Excellent
Fabulous opportunity to see a conservation area. We saw dolphins, turtle and a crocodile. Not quite the unique experience with so many boats but that's to be expected. Journey takes a long time and the roads aren't great. Lunch was nice but the facilities to shower, change and toilet are also mexico standard!
W
Wilkos
August 2022
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
With family
- 33 years old
Excellent
The trip was awesome, we got to see; dolphins, sea turtles, crocodiles and tropical birds. The location for the meal was lovely. The road to the area was pretty bumpy, prepare yourself! It was lovely to be away from everything commercial in Mexico, only a few other boats. My only negative was that it was really expensive.
N
Neil
June 2022
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
With family
- 30 years old
Great
Guide was nice but very functional. Only told us what we are doing rather than anything about the environment or what we are seeing. Transport was very dangerous. Almost in a serious accident with the driver losing concentration and hitting a speed bump at high speed causing cuts and bruises to those in the back row as the minibus wheels left the ground.
M
Mrs pope
June 2022
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
As a couple
- 13 years old
Excellent
Guide was very informative and helpful. Lots of snacks and drinks provided through the day which was good as had an early start so missed breakfast. Got to see lots of animals in their natural habitat which was incredible. So worth the journey to get there. Would definitely recommend
J
Jase
May 2022
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
With friends
Excellent
The guides, seeing all the wildlife and how the day was planned.
M
Martin H
May 2022
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
As a couple
- 33 years old
Excellent
Nothing we didn't enjoy, amazing place to see wildlife naturally, can't fault it and a special shout out to our guide Pepe, the experience wouldn't have been the same without him.
I
Iris
May 2022
From United States of America
Traveled as
As a couple
- 15 years old
Average
Het waren twee boottochten. Een boottocht was door de mangrovebossen heen, waarbij je zo hard vaarde, dat je van de omgeving niet veel kon zien. We zijn heel even gestopt, bij een broedplaats van 2 verschillende vogels, waarna we weer hard doorvaarde. Bij de tweede boottocht gingen we de open zee op, opzoek naar dolfijnen en schildpadden. Wij hebben beide dieren gezien, maar van een grote afstand. Daarna hebben we kort gesnorkeld bij een koraalrif, wat eigenlijk voor het grootste gedeelte al kapot/vergaan is. Als laatste hebben we kort gezwommen bij een stuk strand. Als laatste nog heel belangrijk, in de omschrijving staat dat je je mag insmeren met biologisch afbreekbaar zonnenbrand, maar dit mag absoluut niet. Zorg dus dat als je deze excursie gaat doen, je een t-shirt meehebt voor het zwemmen en op de boot.
V
V from Manchester
April 2022
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
As a couple
- 28 years old
Excellent
Great trip, loved the amount of time spent on boats. Saw dolphins and a turtle. Really nice to see the unspoilt beauty. Free time at lunch was too long as not much to do, but I think that was to do with water levels and the boats having to take different route back
R
RB
March 2022
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
As a couple
- 27 years old
Excellent
Had a great day seeing turtles and dolphins and also visited a small community of Punta Allen where we had a tasty lunch. Excellent guide
C
Conny
March 2022
From Denmark
Traveled as
With family
- 43 years old
Great
B
Buckley
February 2022
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
As a couple
- 21 years old
Great
The trip itself was excellent as were the staff and guide. The guide was knowledgeable and friendly as were all of the fishermen and drivers. However the duration of the trip was not as advertised which had an adverse effect on the whole experience. The advertised duration was 8 hours however the trip itself was over 13hours most of which was picking up and dropping off other guests. If we had known this we would not have booked it. I would encourage that this is changed on the app and website to honestly reflect what the trip will actually entail.
S
Sian
January 2022
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
As a couple
- 45 years old
Great
I enjoyed the boat trip and looking around the little fishing village.. The food was awful and the drive along a very bumpy road going and coming back was horrendous 40 minutes of being thrown around.
F
Freepete1
January 2022
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
As a couple
- 46 years old
Excellent
H
Helen
December 2021
From United Kingdom
Traveled as
As a couple
- 26 years old
Average
The range of activities for the day was excellent. We loved the speedboat through the mangroves and all the wildlife we saw. We also really enjoyed seeing a normal Mexican village and the food was lovely. The day was spoilt from being excellent for us by a couple of things. Firstly, the “beach stop” needs to be called something else as we were looking forward to relaxing on a beach for a bit and instead we had the option to swim in shallow water a way from the beach. This seemed rather pointless when we’d just been snorkelling and also was not what we had expected. Secondly, the snorkelling was horrible down to the guide. Once we were in the water instead of being able to relax and enjoy the snorkelling she took us on a swim one way and then back at such a pace that it felt more like an enforced March and didn’t give us any time to enjoy it. My partner is not the strongest of swimmers so I was more worried about him being left behind as I struggled to keep up with the pace. There was also a Spanish lady with the group who had been left behind and so I waited to make sure she was ok. It turned out she had been hit in the head by a flipper and was struggling but Olga was nowhere in sight. I stayed with her to make sure she got back to the group ok. I hate to think what could have happened if it had been worse or I had not waited. When back on the boat she told Olga what had happened she didn’t seem overly bothered and at no point later on in the day checked if she was ok. This event spoilt my whole enjoyment of the rest of the day and turned what should have been a 5* day out into something a lot less.
A
Anonymous
November 2021
From United Kingdom
Great
Good trip, shame weather wasn’t better, rep was excellent.
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