Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve (Mexico) + VIDEO

Sun-bleached tree in the clear water at the beach in Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, Tulum, Mexico, Happier Place

The incredible Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is what tropical dreams are made of. You’ll find white beaches, turquoise water, palm trees, birds, fish, iguanas, Maya ruins and you can float down a Maya trade canal!

Located just south of Tulum on the Yucatan Peninsula in Quintana Roo, Mexico, Sian Ka’an is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. The principle of any UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is to foster a balanced relationship between people and nature (e.g. encourage sustainable development). This makes Sian Ka’an a perfect Happier Place: beautiful, diverse, protected nature AND access for humans to enjoy the nature and make a living sharing it with others.

While the entire Reserva de la Biosfera Sian Ka’an is vast, our video shows you some of the amazing sights in just the small section between Tulum and the little fishing town of Punta Allen.

A few specific recommendations for Sian Ka’an Biosphere:

Boat ride on the inlet and then floating down the Maya trade canal (wearing a life vest like underwear in combination with the current is the best mode of transportation ever).
Fishing in the skinny waters of the inlet and off the Boca Paila Bridge – or, if you don’t fish, just watch fish and crocodiles in the clear waters.
Staying at (Colorado expat owned) eco resort Xamach Dos in one of the unique hand-built cabins and enjoying drinks, meals and great company in the open air palapa restaurant.
Watching the sun rise out of the Caribbean Sea.

Old Boca Paila Bridge on the way to Punta Allen in Sian Ka'an, Mexico. — Old Boca Paila Bridge on the way to Punta Allen in Sian Ka’an, Mexico.

Pelican on the Old Boca Paila Bridge in Sian Ka'an. — Pelican on the Old Boca Paila Bridge in Sian Ka’an.

The Caribbean Sea on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Beach road to the lighthouse in Punta Allen, on the Boca Paila Peninsula in Mexico.

The clear waters of Sian Ka'an are perfect for fishing, snorkeling, and being happier. — The clear waters of Sian Ka’an are perfect for fishing, snorkeling, and being happier.

Skinny Water Fishing in the Sian Ka'an Lagoon, near Tulum, Mexico — Scott fishing in the skinny water of the Sian Ka’an Lagoon, near Tulum, Mexico.

Variety of anemones in the gin-clear waters of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. — Anemones in the gin-clear waters of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.

When it all gets to be too much, go see a frigate bird! Frigate birds flying above in Mexico sky, sunset clouds — When it all gets to be too much, go see a frigate bird!

Waiting for the sun to rise on the beach of Xamach Dos near Tulum, Mexico.

Sunrise over the Caribbean Sea viewed from the beach on Boca Paila in Sian Ka'an Bioreserve. — Sian Ka’an means ‘Origin of the Sky’ in Mayan.

Pelican in the Sian Ka'an Lagoon. — Pelican in the Sian Ka’an Lagoon.

Ancient Maya structure along a Maya trade canal in Sian Ka'an near Tulum, Mexico. — Ancient Maya structure along a Maya trade canal in Sian Ka’an near Tulum, Mexico.

Your view as you float down a Maya trade canal in Sian Ka'an. — Your view as you float down a Maya trade canal in Sian Ka’an.

Pure relaxation: floating in the current along a Maya trade canal held up by a life vest.

How to get to Sian Ka’an:

First, to get to Tulum, you’ll have to fly to Cancun, which is about 80 miles (130 km) north – and then rent a car or take a bus south. If you’re already in Tulum and have a vehicle, follow the coastal road (Road 15) south out of the Zona Hotelera to get to the Mayan Canals, Xamach Dos and Punta Allen – or follow Road 307 out of Tulum Pueblo (town) to get to the Muyil ruins. Beware that Road 15 turns into a dirt road! If you don’t have a car, there are plenty of tours you can book from Tulum.

Dogs and hammocks between palm tress on the beach in Xamach Dos, Sian Kaan, Tulum, Mexico — Dogs and hammocks hanging between palm tress on the beach in Xamach Dos, Sian Kaan. Talk about a Happier Place!

If you take a trip to Tulum (which we consider one of the best vacation spots), we highly encourage you to explore Sian Ka’an. And if you don’t ever make it down there, we hope Luci’s video and photos will fuel your happier dreams.

Let’s Inspire Each Other!

Have you been to Sian Ka’an or maybe Tulum? Do you have other tips? Have you posted photos from your tips anywhere? Share your thoughts, tips and links in the comment section below to inspire more.

The video and photos in this post were created by Luci Westphal. By clicking on most photos, you can see a high-resolution version – and even purchase a print if you’re so inclined.

The song in the video is “12 Mornings” by Jason Shaw. Thank you, Jason!

Save this bookmark image to Pinterest to easily find this post again and share it with others:

Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, Tulum, Mexico, Quintana Roo, Yucatan Peninsula, Happier Place, pelican, clear water, jungle, video

All photos were taken by Luci Westphal.

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2 thoughts on “Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve (Mexico) + VIDEO”

Ellie Snapp
July 20, 2018

Yes, what a beautiful, relaxing, get-a-way Happy Place…..and the fishing & floating looked exciting.

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1. Luci Westphal (@luciwest)
  July 21, 2018
  
  It was! Thank you for your comment, Ellie.
  
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