SIAN KA’AN BIOSPHERE TOURS

In the Yucatec Mayan language, Sian Ka’an means “born from the sky.” Sian Ka’an is one of the largest protected areas in Mexico, with 6520 km2 (1,6 million acres) and with an enormous amount of biodiversity. The UNESCO program "Man and the Biosphere" has three aims: conservation, research and promoting sustainable development. Therefore, people can live with these protected areas and be part of economic activities like fishing and tourism, as long as it's done in a sustainable manner. With a population of 800 people, the town of Punta Allen is located at the end of a 56-km sand dune covered with coastal vegetation and with the Caribbean Sea on one side and Ascension Bay on the other. Lobster fishing is the main source of income in Punta Allen, but tourism is also becoming important for the local economy because Punta Allen is an excellent opportunity to experience Caribbean culture and is also a great departure point to marine ecosystems where it is possible to find reptiles such as iguanas, lizards, crocodiles and sea turtles; birds like frigates, pelicans, boobies, cormorants, herons, egrets, ospreys and many more. Dolphins are a common sight and with luck is also possible to spot a manatee. Snorkeling in the Mesoamerican reef (second largest in the world) is an obligated activity to enjoy sights of its incredible diversity. When it is time to relax, we visit a beautiful sandbank that the locals refer to as "the world's largest swimming pool."

Tour Program

• 7:30-9am: pick up at your hotel.
• Drive through coastal jungle 30 minutes until reaching our boat to continue the journey by water.
• We explore the Boca Paila Lagoon and the point where it connects with the Caribbean Sea (explanation of the ecology and history of the area, see the water springs and possibly manatees, enjoy some sand bank/beach time and snorkel in the reef.
• Explore Ascension Bay (visit some colonies of nesting birds such as frigates, spoonbills, egrets, herons and more, learn about the importance of mangroves, look for sea turtles, sea stars, dolphins and more).
• Arrive at our base in Punta Allen to enjoy a delicious Caribbean lunch and enjoy free time to walk or relax Caribbean style.
• 5:30-6pm: drop off at your hotel

For Whom?

The Sian Ka’an Adventure is a tour made for the visitor interested in exploring the Caribbean coast (culture, flora and fauna), while having fun and learning about these truly unique ecosystems.

Not for pregnant women.

Included in Tour:

• Transportation in Air-Conditioned Van with cooler (fruit, water, snacks)
• Entrance fees to the reserve
• Professional guidance
• Boat with snorkel equipment (mask, snorkel and fins)
• Lunch and non-alcoholic drinks

Special tour recommendation:

A hat with strap against wind

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