Wildlife· Sian Ka'an· Mexico
Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve
19° 30.0′ N · 87° 45.0′ W
More than 5,000 square kilometres of mangrove, marsh, lagoon, jungle and reef south of Tulum - a UNESCO World Heritage Site where manatees, two species of crocodile, jaguars and over 300 bird species live behind a 120 km wild beach.
Practical
Coordinate is the reserve's reference point on Wikipedia (19 30'N, 87 45'W). Established 1986, UNESCO World Heritage 1987, Ramsar wetland 2003. Entry fee M$100 per person, paid at the stone arch on the Tulum-Punta Allen road for a coloured wristband (Wikivoyage; verify locally). Most commercial sunscreens are banned inside the reserve - bring reef-safe products or cover up. Four species of sea turtle nest on its beaches; 23 Maya sites inside. By sea it includes Bahía de la Ascensión and Bahía del Espíritu Santo, both shallow and difficult for deep-draft boats. Sargassum can blanket the beaches at times. Cash only and almost no phone signal south of the arch.
Best for
Wild-coast cruising, birding and flats fishing
Nearby
- Bahía del Espíritu Santo Anchorage13.6 NM away
- Punta Herrero Fish Camp (Bahía del Espíritu Santo)19.5 NM away
- Bahía de la Ascensión and Punta Allen Anchorage21.4 NM away
- Punta Allen Lighthouse23.1 NM away
- Punta Allen Flats Fishing23.7 NM away
- Punta Allen Village23.7 NM away
- Muyil Ruins and Sian Ka'an Canals35.5 NM away
- Chacchoben Ruins40.5 NM away