The Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve is full of natural beauty, clear waters, and many species of birds, animals and plants. Read more about it!
What is a biosphere reserve anyway, and why should you consider exploring Sian Ka’an? I had the same exact question. I had traveled to Yucatan many times, and always wondered about this place.
Frankly speaking, if you’re the type of traveler that enjoys the road less traveled, you simply cannot miss this place. Especially if you enjoy nature.
Lets go old school, and take a look at the Webster dictionary definition of biosphere: “the part of the world in which life can exist.” This place became a reserve in 1986, to ensure its fauna and flora were protected. In 1987 it was declared natural and cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO, for the more than nine ecosystems and archaeological ruins found there.
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What is Sian Ka’an?
Sian Ka’an (pronounced see-AHN KHAN) comes from the two Mayan words: Sian (to be born) and Ka’an (heaven). For this reason, Sian Ka’an is known as the place where heaven is born. Locals say that there are certain days in which the water is calm, and it makes a mirror effect reflecting the sky. It is a biosphere reserve in the state of Quintana Roo, just a few minutes south of Tulum.
The Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve is composed of a protected area with a fresh water lagoon system that drains into the ocean. This ecosystem creates a habitat to several types of animals and birds.
The natural spectacle created by the vegetation and the lagoon system is unmatched. The waters there are crystal clear, and become a mirror of the sky, hence its name, the door to heaven.
In Sian Ka’an you will have close encounters with a large variety of animals, such as birds, reptiles, fish, and mammals such as monkeys and even manatees!
Sian Ka’an also hosts a canal from the ocean to inland which the ancient civilizations would use as a marine trade route with the Mayans in Muyil—the oldest and longest inhabited Mayan sites of the east coast of the peninsula.
The foreign traders would arrive from the sea, through the lagoon system via the mangrove, into mainland. They would then walk through a white rock ancient road, or sacbé, and be greeted by the main temple in Muyil.
The Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve covers more than 2600 sq. miles (more than 652K hectares), which is a large part of the state of Quintana Roo. This makes it the third largest protected area in all of Mexico.
Activities in Sian Ka’an
Sian Ka’an can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Generally, it is enjoyed on boat via a tour. This is still a place with a small number of tourists (great way to get away from the Tulum crowds!).
Tour companies like Tours Sian Ka’an operate in the area through the Mayan community. The guides are truly part of the community, and are very knowledgeable. They have an office right in Tulum, as well as an office right by the lagoon.
The activities you can expect to do in Sian Ka’an are the following:
- Mangrove exploration via boat
- Bird watching, such as eagles
- Crocodile & manatee watching
- Floating on the mangrove river
- Enjoying the beach
As you enjoy this amazing natural beauty that is Sian Ka’an, please ensure to remain respectful to this magical place. You cannot use sunblock prior to floating in the mangrove river to ensure you don’t cause damage to the fish and birds in the region.
Fauna & Flora in Sian Ka’an
The Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve is the home to a number of animals and species, ranging from birds (more than 350 local & migratory species), reptiles, fish, mammals, and some rare species.
Some of the animals you will commonly see are crocodiles, monkeys, storks, toucans, ibis, and eagles.
One of the amazing finds in Sian Ka’an are manatees. Legend tells that these mammals were initially confused for mermaids by some of the early European explorers because of the particular shape of their tails.
There are two species of monkeys that you can see in the Muyil archaeological zone: the spider monkey and the howler monkey. Make sure to listen closely for moving branches as you’re enjoying the archaeological area!
In addition to its amazing plants and wild life, Sian Ka’an is also home to stromatolites, which are essentially “living rocks” that are composed of cyanobacteria that take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. These are some of first forms of life on the planet!
How to explore and enjoy Sian Ka’an
The Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve can be explored from different places. Remember that the reserve covers a very large area. The easiest way to explore it is via boat.
Only local cooperativas (Mayan residents living in or near Sian Ka’an) have access to operate tours. It is protected by CONANP (Comisión Nacional de Areas Naturales Protegidas).
There are a couple of options to consider when visiting:
- Starting near Muyil. Here you can take boat rides through the lagoon system, float in the river, see the archaeological site of Muyil, and explore the fauna. This starting point is just a few minutes south of Tulum
- Boat ride to Punta Allen. This boat route will take you to Punta Allen, commonly starting in Tulum, at the main entrance of Sian Ka’an. These tours tend to be generally more expensive, as it is a 1.5 hour boat ride to get there. You can actually stay in Punta Allen (there are small restaurants with fresh sea food, and wild life tours), but note there are only generators & windmills to generate electricity
You simply can’t go wrong with visiting Sian Ka’an. This is a must-see in the state of Quintana Roo, that will have many less tourists than Tulum. This is an opportunity to get close to nature!
Expert Co-author
Special thanks to Benjamin Gonzalez Teh, who helped co-author this article. Benjamin has Bachelor of Tourism degree from the Instituto Tecnologico de Mexico, and is also a local Mayan guide that works with Tours Sian Ka’an. He is originally from Chun-yah, Quintana Roo, which is right next to the Sian Ka’an biosphere. He speaks English, Spanish and Mayan and he offers guide services in Quintana Roo, Mexico, and is a true culture and nature expert in this region. Benjamin can be reached via email ([email protected]) or phone/WhatsApp ((+52) 983-7007443).
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Hi, I’m Iván García—I love to travel and photography. I’m big on road trips, just about anywhere in the world. I share information for people to reach truly great places. My goal is to inspire you to visit these places for yourself.
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