Sian Ka'an Boat Adventure

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 Mexico 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. Tour Program (Every Monday, Wednesday / Saturday):   Note: Our tour lasts around 10 hours TOUR SUBJECT TO WEATHER CONDITIONS - 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). - 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* (subject to weather conditions). - 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.