This Sian Ka'an adventure is made for travelers interested in exploring the Caribbean Coast's culture flora and fauna in it's most natural state, while having fun and learning about these truly unique ecosystems. You'll snorkel in the world's second largest reef, see incredible marine life like manatees and dolphins and enjoy time on a secluded sand bar.
**Note - weather can make it difficult to go snorkeling some days so there is a chance this activity will be cancelled due to rough seas. There's still plenty to experience in the rare case that this happens!
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Details
In the Yucatec Mayan language, Sian Ka’an means “where the sky is born”. Sian Ka’an is one of the largest protected areas in México with 6520 km2 (1.6 million acres) and with an enormous amount of biodiversity. The UNESCO program "Man and Biosphere" has three aims: conservation, research and education in order to promote sustainable development. Therefore, people can live within these protected areas and participate in economic activities such as fishing, seasonal agriculture and tourism as long as it is 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 (35 miles) road strip covered with coastal vegetation, the Caribbean Sea on one side and Ascension Bay on the other side. Fishing for lobster is the main source of income in Punta Allen but tourism has become as important for the local economy because Punta Allen offers an excellent opportunity to experience Caribbean culture and nature. This is a great tour to explore different marine ecosystems where it is possible to see reptiles such as, crocodiles and sea turtles; birds like frigates, pelicans, boobies, cormorants, herons, egrets, ospreys and many more. Dolphins are a common sight and with luck, a manatee can also be seen.
Snorkeling in the Mesoamerican reef (second largest in the world) is an obligated activity to enjoy sights of its incredible diversity of fish and coral. When it is time to relax, we visit a beautiful sandbar that the locals refer to as "the world's largest swimming pool". We finish with a delicious Caribbean lunch.
· 7:00 am – 8:00 am: Pick up at the meeting point.
· Drive among coastal jungle 30 minutes (from the entrance of the reserve) until reaching our boat to continue with our journey by water.
· We explore the Boca Paila Lagoon and the point where it connects with the Caribbean Sea. Here it is possible to spot the American crocodile Crocodylus acutus (the largest crocodile in the American continent), incredible birds such as the osprey Pandion aliaetus and with luck even a manatee Trihchechus manatus. We also visit the fresh water springs.
· 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).
· Snorkeling in the second largest coral reef in the world (location may vary or the activity could be canceled based on the weather and sea conditions).
· The adventure continues in the Caribbean Sea enjoying a beautiful sandbar which the locals refer to as the ¨world´s biggest swimming pool¨ and snorkeling in the world’s second largest coral reef*.
· Arrive at our base in Punta Allen to enjoy a delicious Caribbean lunch and to enjoy free time to walk or relax Caribbean style.
· 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Drop off at your hotel.
What's Included
Your Local Host
Mexico Kan Tours
Local/Foreign Owned Business
In Mexico Kan Tours they believe that travelling should be accompanied with an intention. They work closely together with Mayan communities in Mexico to create exciting adventures that will benefit both the traveler and the places they visit.
Getting There
