Updated November 2026 · By Terry Barkhuizen, NOM-08 certified tour guide (credential N012608). Fees and road conditions change; check before you go.
Part of our Wildlife & Nature guide.
“Sian Ka’an” can mean two completely different trips. One is a half-day float down ancient Maya canals at Muyil, 20 minutes south of Tulum. The other is a full-day journey down a rough coastal road to the fishing village of Punta Allen, with a boat trip to look for dolphins, turtles and birds. This guide compares the options so you can choose. For background on the reserve itself, see the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve guide.
Tours at a glance
| Muyil canal float | Punta Allen boat tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Half day | Full day |
| Highlights | Muyil ruins, lagoons, floating down a Maya canal | Coastal lagoon, dolphins, turtles, birds, empty beaches |
| Typical cost | Short canal-float tours commonly USD 35–50; boat at Muyil about 1,000 MXN per boat (up to ~6) | Commonly USD 120–200 including transport, boat and lunch |
| Road | Paved, 20 minutes from Tulum | Long unpaved road, rough after rain |
| Best for | Families, short trips, a gentle nature experience | Wildlife lovers with a full day |
The Muyil canal float
From the Muyil entrance, a boat crosses two lagoons to an ancient canal through the mangroves. You put on a life jacket and let the gentle current carry you downstream. It’s quiet and beautiful, and one of the most peaceful experiences in the region. Many visitors add the small Muyil archaeological site.
Punta Allen and the coast
The road south from Tulum’s beach zone runs through the reserve for several hours on unpaved road to Punta Allen. Boat tours from there (or from Boca Paila) explore the bay and lagoons, often with dolphins, turtles, rays and seabirds, and a snorkel stop. It’s a long, bumpy day but rewarding.
Community-run tours
Local Maya cooperatives run tours in the reserve, from canal floats to kayaking and birdwatching. Booking with them keeps money in local communities that protect the area. Ask your accommodation or the Muyil entrance for details.
Fees
Expect a reserve entry bracelet (roughly 70–220 MXN depending on the entrance), the Muyil archaeological site fee if you visit it, and the boat or tour price. Bring cash.
Responsible visiting
- No sunscreen or repellent in the canals – cover up instead.
- Stay on boats and boardwalks; don’t feed or touch wildlife.
- Crocodiles live in the lagoons – swim only where your guide says it’s allowed.
- Read responsible wildlife tourism.
What to bring
- Hat, long sleeves, water and snacks
- Swimwear and a towel for the float
- Cash in pesos
- Binoculars for birds
Getting there
Muyil is 20 minutes south of Tulum by car, taxi or colectivo. For Punta Allen, a tour is the easiest option; if driving, read our driving tips and check that your rental allows unpaved roads.
Related guides
- Wildlife & Nature
- Best time to visit – birds in winter, turtles in summer