Sian Ka'An: Day Trips and Tours from Tulum

A day trip to Sian Ka'an from Tulum is a quick and easy way to bask in Mother Nature’s splendor. This slice of paradise in the Mexican Caribbean is home to thousands of species of flora and fauna.

Sian Ka'an is a biosphere reserve, a protected area for the conservation of plants and animals, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There’s no better place to unleash your inner explorer, whether you’re sailing through the bay or floating in a Mayan-carved canal through the mangroves, all while gazing upon lush vegetation and marine life.

Here's all you need to know about Sian Ka'an, one of the most mesmerizing destinations for day trips from Tulum.

How to get to Sian Ka’an from Tulum?

Situated on the East coast of the Yucatán peninsula, Sian Ka'an is located in the state of Quintana Roo. There are two ways to get to Sian Ka’an from Tulum:

You can drive to Punta Allen, a small fishing village, and take a boat tour to Sian Ka’an. However, this single-access road is in very poor condition and it can take between 2 to 3 hours to reach Punta Allen — depending on the traffic.

The quickest and easiest way to reach Sian Ka’an from Tulum is via the small town of Muyil for the inland entry point at the Sian Ka’an Visitors Centre. The drive through Muyil is around 20 kilometers or 25 minutes from Tulum on a flat paved highway.

From Tulum to Sian Ka’an by car

If you drive to Punta Allen for the coastal entrance to Sian Ka’an, a 4x4 is recommended. You should also factor in the driving time, as it can take between 2 to 3 hours to get there. The Punta Allen route is a very scenic option as you drive south along the coast on Tulum Beach Road.

For the quickest and easiest option, opt for going via Muyil and you can also see the Muyil ruins. Starting from Tulum, you need to take the first exit to Cancún — Chetumal/México 307. Next, make your way to Av. Kukulkan and take a right into QROO 15 and in less than 6 kilometers later you’re at the Sian Ka’an Visitors Centre.

From Tulum to Sian Ka’an by bus

Numerous buses travel to Sian Ka’an with a direct route that goes through Muyil. Go to Tulum’s ADO station and catch the Mayab bus to Muyil. Buses leave every 30 minutes and take approximately 25 minutes to get there. Get off at the Muyil bus stop close to the Muyil ruins.

You can also opt for a collectivo (shared minibus taxi) that will drop you at the pier near the Sian Ka’an Visitor Centre.

Guided tour to Sian Ka’an from Tulum

There are a variety of day trip options to Sian Ka’an from Tulum. The tour company will pick you up from your hotel in Tulum or a central meeting spot and drive you to Sian Ka’an. Some tours go via Muyil, which is the inland entrance, and allows you to see the forests, mangroves and lagoons.

Other day trips to Sian Ka’an from Tulum go via Punta Allen — this coastal entrance to the biosphere is further away but enables visitors to soak up the area’s marine elements. Day trips to Sian Ka’an from Tulum run between 6 to 12 hours long according to the route and extra stops on offer.

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

The entrance fee at the Sian Ka’an Visitors Centre is around MXN100 pesos (US$6). However, the price in dollars varies according to the day's exchange rate.

What is the typical itinerary?

You can be as relaxed or adventurous as you like on your day trip to Sian Ka'an from Tulum. Tours generally start with a pickup from your hotel or a central meeting point and include travel in either a minivan or bus.

Most day trips to Sian Ka’an from Tulum often stop at the Muyil ruins, located at the edge of a lagoon in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere. Alternatively, some day trips opt for the coastal entrance via the picturesque town of Punta Allen.

At Sian Ka'an, you can enjoy some birdwatching, use a life jacket to float through the ancient Mayan canals, or just sail through the clear waterways and beautiful lagoons.

Certain day trips include the option to kayak in the waterways or do yoga on a standup paddle board. You could also go snorkeling at the Mesoamerican Reef — also known as The Great Mayan Reef — which is the world's second-largest coral reef.

Most tours also include a stop at a “cenote”, a deep natural sinkhole that’s home to some fascinating water-based life forms. Some day trips may even stop at Ascension Bay to see the colonies of nesting birds.

A local lunch or a snack option is included in most tour options.

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

A day trip to Sian Ka’an is an amazing way to see two UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Sian Ka’an and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, as the reef goes through the coast. Numerous tour options are available with varying prices depending on the type of tour.

Half-day tour to Sian Ka'an plus Muyil Archaeological Site from Tulum

If you want a later start, this half-day tour begins at 12:30 PM. Visit the Muyil ruins, walk through the jungle to climb the observation deck and take in some amazing panoramic views. Explore the freshwater lagoons by boat and enjoy a relaxing float down the Mayan canals through the mangroves.

Guided tours to Sian Ka’an plus Punta Allen from Tulum

A guided tour to Sian Ka’an from Tulum can also start with a boat tour of the local lagoons and reefs around Punta Allen. Snorkeling, with all gear provided, can be done at the Mesoamerican reef but this is weather dependent.

Swim in a cenote and feast on a delicious beachside Caribbean lunch before heading back out for further exploration.

Private tour to Sian Ka’an from Tulum

A private tour from Tulum to Sian Ka'an offers a more personalized experience for you and your group. It starts with a pickup from your hotel, followed by a deep dive into Mayan culture and traditions. You will explore mangroves and turquoise clear canals, followed by a guided tour of the Muyil ruins.

Kayaking and snorkeling day trip to Sian Ka’an from Tulum

If you’re looking for an adventure-heavy day trip to Sian Ka’an from Tulum, choose a tour that offers kayaking and snorkeling. Kayak in the lagoons and snorkel at the reef for a closer look at the marine life.

All water equipment is provided but ground transport to different tour spots can be an extra cost. You can arrange additional transport needs with the tour operator or book your own.

How much does a day trip to Sian Ka’an from Tulum cost?

A day trip to Sian Ka’an from Tulum ranges in cost depending on the duration of the tour and added activities.

A half-day tour to Sian Ka'an including a visit to the Muyil ruins starts from US$140 per adult and US$130 per child (ages 3-8) and this includes the entrance fees. The tour takes a maximum of 10 guests and is available in English, French, Italian and Spanish.

A day trip to Sian Ka’an including stops at Punta Allen lasts for about 10 hours and costs around US$190. This tour is offered in English, French, Italian and Spanish for a maximum of six guests. All snorkeling equipment is included.

Private day trips to Sian Ka’an start from US$220 per adult and US$210 for children (ages 2-12) and include round-trip hotel transfers. Snacks and entrance fees are included.

A more active and adventurous trip with kayaking and snorkeling starts from US$230. It takes a total of 13 guests and no children under 5 are permitted. Land transport is an extra charge.

What will you see and do?

Sian Ka’an is a luscious natural wonderland that offers amazing biodiversity as it’s home to 9 different ecosystems. A visit to Sian Ka’an is a feast for the senses — smell that fresh tropical air, feel the sunshine on your skin and keep your eyes peeled for birds, animals and sea life.

There's a huge emphasis on nature conservation and protecting the area so only 100% biodegradable natural sunscreen or coral-safe sunscreen and biodegradable mosquito repellent are permitted.

Spot the wildlife

Bird watchers will have their work cut out for them, trying to see some of the 320 bird species present at Sian Ka’an. The tropical forests are also home to jaguars, pumas, ocelots and the Central American Tapir. In the water you might be able to see dolphins, four species of nesting marine turtles, the West Indian Manatee and hundreds of fish species.

Enjoy a water adventure

No tour to Sian Ka'an is complete without a boat tour. Sailing on the crystal clear bay or the lagoons is a great way to take in the area's majestic beauty. You have to also try floating on the current in the Mayan canals — this is the original lazy river. A kayaking and snorkeling adventure will make for unforgettable memories.

Explore ancient history

The beautiful and mystical Muyil ruins offer an incredible look into Mayan culture. Some artifacts found here date back to as early as 350 B.C. The ruins are surrounded by jungle landscape and situated in Sian Ka'an, making it a wonderful and convenient addition to your trip.

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

The best time to visit Sian Ka'an, weather-wise, is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. While you can still visit during the rainy season, you might encounter short, heavy rainfalls.

High tourist season in the Yucatán Peninsula runs from December to April. If you visit Sian Ka’an during these months, especially around Christmas, New Year, and Easter, expect more visitors.

For the most enjoyable experience, with good weather and fewer crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder season in late April to early June, or November.

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

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

• Day tours to Sian Ka’an from Playa del Carmen
• Sian Ka’an day excursions from Cancún

Travel tips

• Popular tours can fill up quickly, especially in peak season, so book in advance!
• Opt for eco-friendly tours that respect the local environment and wildlife.
• Bring only essentials to make the trip more comfortable.
• Wear lightweight, breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring swimwear, some tours include snorkeling or swimming in lagoons.
• Use biodegradable sunscreen, and wear a hat and sunglasses.
• Carry a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated.
• Opt for a natural or biodegradable insect repellent to protect the environment.
• Observe wildlife from a distance, and avoid feeding or touching animals.
• Some tours or areas might not accept cards so it’s always a good idea to have cash in hand.
• Leave no trace by ensuring you take all trash with you.