Sian Ka'an: Day Trips and Tours from Playa Del Carmen

If you’re staying in Playa Del Carmen, a day trip to the Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve is a must do. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famed for its diverse landscapes and unparalleled natural beauty.

An excursion to the Sian Ka’an offers travelers a variety of adventurous activities to enjoy, such as exploring lagoons, sailing through mangroves and discovering ancient ruins.

There’s also a range of wildlife to see, from manatees and dolphins to crocodiles and jaguars. With coral reefs, savannah, cenotes and untouched beaches to enjoy, Sian Ka’an is a unique and diverse place that is well worth a visit.

Here's all you need to know about Sian Ka'an, one of the most interesting day trips from Playa del Carmen.

How to Get to Sian Ka’an from Playa del Carmen?

Sian Ka'an is located about 100 kilometers south of Playa Del Carmen, making it a great option for a day trip. If you're staying in Playa, there are a few different ways to get to Sian Ka'an.

From Playa del Carmen to Sian Ka'an by Car

It takes roughly two hours to reach the Sian Ka’an from Playa Del Carmen by car and the journey is relatively easy. The route takes you along the coast before turning inland towards Tulum. Once you reach Tulum, follow signs for Boca Paila and then Sian Ka’an.

However, once you arrive, hiring a boat by yourself can be complicated, and there are often restrictions in place to protect the environment. For this reason, it's best to take a guided day tour to Sian Ka’an instead.

Guided tour to Sian Ka'an from Playa del Carmen

There are many Sian Ka’an day tours available from Playa del Carmen. These guided tours include transportation, a bilingual guide and often different activities such as snorkeling, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding.

On a Sian Ka'an day trip from Playa del Carmen, you will usually be picked up from your hotel in an air-conditioned van or coach. The journey takes around two hours each way, and Sian Ka’an tours usually last around 12 hours in total.

How much does the entrance ticket to Sian Ka’an cost?

Entry to the Sian Ka'an biosphere costs M$37 (US$2). This is an environmental tax to protect the area and its wildlife so it supports a good cause. This fee is not usually included in the price of a Sian Ka'an day tour from Playa del Carmen. Make sure to bring some extra cash for this reason.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Sian Ka’an from Playa del Carmen?

A day trip to Sian Ka'an from Playa del Carmen usually starts around 6 AM with a hotel pickup.  You will then travel for around two hours to reach the biosphere reserve.

When you arrive, your guide will give you a safety briefing before taking you on a tour of the area, explaining the different ecosystems and wildlife that call Sian Ka’an home.

Afterward, you will have time to engage in activities such as marine safari boat tours, snorkeling, kayaking and swimming in natural pools. Some tours also include jeep rides through the jungle, visits to ancient Mayan sites or horseback riding on the beach.

Several Sian Ka’an day trips also offer the chance to explore Punta Allen, a small fishing village located within the biosphere. Punta Allen is only accessible by boat and is a great place to spot dolphins, turtles, rays and a variety of tropical fish.

Lunch at a local restaurant is usually included in day tours. You will then have some free time in the area around Sian Ka’an before starting the journey back to Playa del Carmen, arriving back at your hotel around 6 PM.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Sian Ka’an?

One of the best ways to plan a jaunt to Sian Ka’an is via boat. Luckily there are plenty of exciting tours to choose from to make your day absolutely perfect.

Sian Ka'an boat tour

One of the most popular Sian Ka’an day trip options is a boat tour, where you'll explore the lagoons and reefs around Punta Allen. The boat ride itself typically lasts three to four hours, and the tour includes transportation, a bilingual guide, snorkeling gear and lunch.

Biosphere and Muyil ruins tour

If you want to learn more about Mexican history, then a trip to the Muyil is a must. The ruins are located within the biosphere reserve and date back to the Classic Period of the Maya.

This Sian Ka’an excursion package includes transportation, a bilingual guide, entrance to the Muyil ruins and a three-hour boat ride through the biosphere reserve.

Private lazy river tour

For a more relaxing Sian Ka’an day trip, try a private lazy river tour. You'll float down the Sian Ka’an canal in a tube, with stops along the way to take a dip in natural pools and explore the jungle. This is not only a relaxing excursion but also a great way to discover Sian Ka’an from a different perspective.

Sian Ka'an jeep tour

A jeep tour is a great way to explore the jungle areas of Sian Ka’an. You'll even have a chance to get behind the wheel yourself and navigate through the winding trails. There will still also be plenty of opportunities to swim and snorkel in the biosphere's crystal clear waters.

How much does a tour to Sian Ka'an from Playa del Carmen cost?

Sian Ka'an day trip prices typically range between US$109 and US$229, but can cost up to US$749. Prices vary according to the type of tour, group size and inclusions. Tours which also include a visit to the Muyil ruins or Punta Allen village, tend to be on the higher end of the price spectrum.

What will you see and do in Sian Ka’an?

There's so much natural beauty to enjoy in Sian Ka'an. Here are some of the most popular activities in Sian Ka'an day tours offer include:

Natural Pools

There are several natural freshwater pools located within the Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve, perfect for a cooling dip after a day of exploring the jungle. Don't forget your towel and dive into the deep blue water.

Muyil ruins

The Muyil ruins are one of the earliest Maya settlements. You'll have a chance to explore them as part of your Sian Ka'an excursion and learn more about the area's culture and history.

Punta Allen

Punta Allen is a small fishing village located within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, accessible only by boat. Here, you'll be able to spot dolphins, crocodiles, turtles, manatees and a variety of tropical fish.

While you are in Punta Allen consider going on a marine safari which is a boat tour through the Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve, where you can see local wildlife. The reefs in the biosphere are teeming with colorful fish, making it a snorkeler's paradise.

Sian Ka'an day trips usually include snorkeling gear, or you can bring your own if you prefer.

Mangrove Forests

The Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve is home to a variety of different ecosystems, including mangrove forests. You'll be able to marvel at the mangroves on a guided tour or from the comfort of a boat. A jeep tour is a great way to see the jungle areas of Sian Ka’an and spot wildlife like howler monkeys, iguanas and birds.

When is the best time to visit Sian Ka’an?

Sian Ka'an is a year-round destination, with an average of 240 days of sunshine per year. Hurricane season is from June to November, but the risk of a hurricane hitting the area is low.

Tropical rains are warm and tend to pass quickly, so it's unlikely that weather will disrupt your day trip to Sian Ka'an. However, be sure to check the forecast before you go and pack appropriate clothing.

Are there any tours to Sian Ka'an from other cities in Mexico?

Yes, there are other tours departing from several other cities in Mexico:

• Sian Ka'an day tours from Cancún
• Day trips to Sian Ka'an from Tulu'um

Travel tips

• Bring biodegradable sunscreen because regular sunscreen can damage the coral reefs. Always check if your sunscreen is reef-safe before diving into the crystal clear waters.
• Be sure to pack insect repellent, as there are lots of mosquitoes in the area around Sian Ka’an.
• Wear comfortable shoes and remember to bring sunglasses and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
• Bring your camera. Of course, there will be plenty of photo opportunities on your Sian Ka’an jaunt.
• Pack snacks and drinks for the journey to Sian Ka’an, including plenty of water. Mexico’s climate is hot and humid and you’ll want to refresh yourself during the day.
• Bring cash for the biosphere entrance fee. They generally do not accept card payments.
• Tours fill up quickly, so be sure to book in advance.
• If you're planning on driving, be aware that the roads can be bumpy, and there are no gas stations in Sian Ka’an. Fill up the tank in Playa del Carmen or Tulum before you go.
• If you’re visiting during the wet season, bring a packable raincoat. Rains can come and go quickly and you might encounter intense showers.
• There will be plenty of opportunities to swim, so don’t forget your swimsuit.
• Temperatures can be warm, so wear loose, light clothing to stay cool.
• Bring a towel if you want to dry off after swimming. You might also want to have a beach blanket with you to sit on.
• You’ll be traveling by boat, so it’s a good idea to bring a dry bag for your phone, wallet and other valuables.
• Pack an underwater camera for snorkeling. There are plenty of fish and interesting things to see, and you’ll want to take some photos to keep as a memory.
• The Sian Ka'an journey can be bumpy, so bring travel sickness tablets if you're prone to nausea.