Recreation

Sportfishing

Sportfishing is world-class in and around Sian Ka’an [1]—it’s hard to go wrong in the flats and mangrove islands, or with the Caribbean lapping at its shores. All of the hotels [2] listed in this section arrange fishing tours, and most specialize in it, using their own boats and guides.

If you prefer to go with an independent operator, recommended outfits include Pesca Maya (7 kilometers/4.3 miles north of Punta Allen, tel. 998/848-2496, U.S. toll-free tel. 888/894-5642, www.pescamaya.com [3], 8 a.m.–7 p.m. daily), which accepts credit cards, and Macabi March Fishing Services (just south of the central plaza, tel. 998/893-1063, www.macabimarch.com [4], 8 a.m.–6 p.m. daily).

In general, fly-fishing trips for two people (includes guide, lunch, drinks, and admission to the reserve) run US$420–540 full day (8 a.m.–4 p.m.) and US$320–440 half day (8 a.m.–noon). Rod and reel occasionally are included, though remaining tackle is always extra.

Bird-Watching

Sian Ka’an is also an excellent place for bird-watching. Trips to Bird Island and other spots afford a look at various species of water birds, including male frigates showing off their big red balloonlike chests in the winter. Tours (US$50–115 pp) often combine bird-watching with snorkeling and walking around one or more bay islands.

Hotels in Punta Allen and along the coastal road can arrange tours, as can outfits in Tulum [5]. Operators to consider include: CESiaK (Hwy. 307 just south of the Tulum ruins turnoff, tel. 984/871-2499, www.cesiak.org [6], 9 a.m.–2 p.m. and 4–8 p.m. daily); Community Tours Sian Ka’an (Av. Tulum btwn Calles Orion and Centauro, tel. 984/871-2202, www.siankaantours.org [7], 7 a.m.–9 p.m. daily); and, if your budget permits, Visit Sian Ka’an (Visitor Center, Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, cell. tel. 984/118-2555, www.visitsiankaan.com [8]), which offers private tours.

Kayaking

The tangled mangrove forests, interconnected lagoons, and scenic bays make Sian Ka’an [1] ideal for kayaking. CESiaK (Hwy. 307 just south of the Tulum ruins turnoff, tel. 984/871-2499, www.cesiak.org [6], 9 a.m.–2 p.m. and 4–8 p.m. daily) offers kayak tours (US$50, 3 hours) and rentals for do-it-yourself exploration (US$25/35 s/d, 3 hours). Community Tours Sian Ka’an (Av. Tulum btwn Calles Orion and Centauro, tel. 984/871-2202, www.siankaantours.org [7], 7 a.m.–9 p.m. daily) is another good option.