Sian Ka'an

Sian Ka'an protects a vast stretch of the Quintana Roo coast south of Tulum, a mosaic of mangrove, freshwater and brackish lagoons, tropical forest and a section of the Mesoamerican reef, and it is listed by UNESCO for that combination. The name is Maya and is usually translated as origin of the sky. Its signature experience is floating: canals cut by the Maya centuries ago still connect the lagoons, and guides take visitors to drift down them in life jackets, carried by a gentle current between walls of reed with birds overhead. Boat trips cross the lagoons to spot crocodiles, dolphins, manatees with luck, and an extraordinary range of birds including roseate spoonbills and jabiru storks. Small Maya sites sit within the reserve.

What you actually see

• Floating the Maya canal - drifting between reed banks on the ancient cut channel.
• The lagoons - boat trips among crocodiles, dolphins and wading birds.
• The birdlife - spoonbills, herons, frigatebirds and jabiru storks.
• Muyil - the small Maya site at the reserve's edge, with a lookout tower.

When to go

November to April is drier and more comfortable; the wet season brings heavy rain and mosquitoes in force. Mornings are best for birds and for calm water. Tours from Tulum are the practical way in, since the reserve roads are rough and navigation on the lagoons needs local knowledge.

Honest expectations

The access road into the coastal section is unpaved, rutted and slow, and hire cars suffer; most people go with an operator, which is sensible. Mosquitoes and biting flies are serious, and repellent must be applied before entering the water since sunscreen is discouraged. Wildlife sightings beyond birds are luck rather than expectation.

Nearby

Tulum and its ruins are just north; the Punta Allen fishing village lies deep inside the reserve.