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Sian Ka'an

biosphere reserve & punta allen

In the Mayan language, Sian Ka’an means “born from the sky” and to spend time in this nature reserve indeed feels like a gift from heaven. With endless stretches of pristine wetlands that overlap with isolated bays and inlets, coral reef & mangrove forests, this protected area is a feast for the senses and one of the most important coastal nesting grounds in the Caribbean. Home to an enormous amount of biodiversity, Sian Ka'an is a UNESCO World Heritage site, occupying special status inside the 'Man and the Biosphere' project - a UNESCO initiative that seeks to integrate local activities into protected areas through sustainable practices. 

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After this epic journey, the lagoon feeds out into Ascension Bay and the open ocean. You will notice changes in water-color and endless skies stretching out over the Caribbean. With luck, we will also spot the local dolphins swimming in the wild and some of the different sea turtle species that inhabit the bay. And if the waters are calm, we jump into the water to snorkel on a section of the barrier reef system, home to thousands of aquatic species. If that weren't enough, a beautiful sandbank the locals call "nature's swimming pool" is where we take time to relax & swim in the clearest of water before to end the boat tour. The town of Punta Allen is located at the tip of the headland overlooking the bay, where we are treated to a local lunch and time to relax after an action-packed day. 

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*Please note that the snorkeling activity is subject to weather conditions. 

Itinerary

  • 7:00 am – 8:00 am pick up

  • Once we enter the reserve, we drive 40 minutes approx. among coastal jungle until we reach the boat dock.

  • Laguna boat tour: explore mangrove forests, freshwater springs & the famous Boca Paila where the wetlands meet the sea.

  • Lookout for manatees and crocodiles.

  • Visit cays with colonies of incredible birds.

  • Search for dolphins, sea turtles, and more.

  • Snorkel in the world´s second-largest coral reef.

  • Enjoy bathing in the clearest tropical water at ¨Nature's swimming pool¨.

  • Delicious Caribbean lunch in Punta Allen.

  • 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. return

Days we operate

  • Monday, Wednesday & Saturday

Included

  • Transportation in Air-Conditioned van with cooler of fruit, water,  and snacks.

  • Entrance fees to the reserve.

  • Professional guides.

  • Boat with snorkel equipment (mask, snorkel, and fins).

  • Lunch and non-alcoholic drinks.

Notes

  • Not suitable for pregnant women or very young children (under 4 years old).

  • Please note that there are no ATM machines in the area, nor do any of the vendors accept credit cards.​

  • The guides appreciate tips for great service, and you are sure to leave with many great memories!

"A pristine environment full of wild aquatic animals, interspersed with breathtaking landscapes and unparalleled views of the Caribbean."

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