Things to see and do Reserva De La Biosfera Sian Ka’an

It is one of Mexico's largest protected areas with 652 000 hectares, consisting of tropical rainforests, lagoons (110 km of coral barrier), marine lagoons and freshwater streams. The reserve is a sanctuary of migratory birds (pink flamingos, blue, blue, crested…) of which more than 300 species have been recorded, but also a true paradise for terrestrial fauna with 103 species of mammals (ocelots, monkeys, pumas, jaguars, tigrillos, agoutis, roseate, gris foxes, fourmilliers, pécaris, tapirs, etc.) which are among the Mayan ruins (27 archaeological sites). The lagoon, for its part, houses many aquatic species, including two species of tropical crocodiles. The lagoon is rich in lobster (important local resources), tropical fish, and 4 species of marine turtles come to lay on the sand. To protect this Eden against mass invasion of tourists, entry to the reserve is controlled. Those interested in the visit must contact an agency (Visit Sian Ka'an, Ciesak or Sian Ka'an tour).

This agency specialises in discovery tourism, nature, culture, education, ecology, etc. It offers spectacular tours on the Caribbean coast. 2 rounds concern the Sian Ka'an: a more cultural (observation of the process of extracting the gum from the "chicle", hiking in the forest, snorkeling in cenote, lunch): US $ 124 in Cancún; the other plus (lagoon and canals, Maya site, snorkeling en, lunch): US $ 124 from Cancún. Other proposed towers: diving with whale sharks at Contoy Island (US $ 165 from Cancun, and US $ 174 from the Riviera Maya). The tours are made in Spanish and English (a guide speaks French). Transport includes all these tours from and to your hotel. It is a very serious agency (the towers are well connected: content, timetables, interest, security…) and guides are short professionals of explanation.

Association for the Protection and Preservation of the Natural Reserve of Sian Ka'an.

The Muyil pier is located on the edge of the small lagoon of the same name. Here await the fishing boats, ready to take you to discover the local attractions.

The first of these consists in crossing a small canal to reach the much larger Chunayaxché Lagoon. We cross it and then the boat drops you off at the edge of an artificial canal dug by the Mayans; here we set foot on land and discover the ruins of what was supposed to be an ancient Mayan customs. We put on life jackets and dive into the water to let the current carry us for one or two kilometres. Those who have chosen the shorter excursion option then turn around.

The others continue their journey through canals and mangroves to the very large Capelchen lagoon, where you are taken for a short walk to observe manatees (if you are lucky) and birds, then dock at Boca de Paila, where you have the opportunity to spend some time on the beach before returning as quickly as you arrived.