Lake

Gran Cenote was the first proper cenote we visited in Mexico. I don’t really count the cenotes connected to the Seven-Coloured Lagoon in Bacalar as falling into this category. Gran Cenote is a classic cenote with crystal-clear water, limestone caves and the chance to swim beneath a rocky ceiling. Although it is one of the most famous cenotes near Tulum, there were surprisingly few people there during our visit in May. We were able to explore…

Archaeological site, Jungle, Lake

Muyil combines three experiences in a single trip. You’ll walk amongst Mayan ruins hidden in the jungle, cross two lagoons by boat, and finally drift with the current through a narrow Mayan canal. Compared to the coastal part of the reserve at Punta Allen, Muyil is more accessible, cheaper and significantly less time-consuming. If you want to explore the Sian Ka’an Nature Reserve on a half-day trip from Tulum, we reckon Muyil is the best…

Sandy beach, Coast

Punta Allen is a small fishing village tucked away deep within the Sian Ka’an reserve. The village itself is not the main reason to visit. The highlight is a boat trip through the lagoons, mangroves, the sea and the coral reef. During the trip, you can spot dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays and a wide variety of birds. The programme usually also includes snorkelling and swimming in shallow natural pools. Punta Allen is one of the best day…

Natural formation

The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve protects more than 500,000 hectares of tropical forests, wetlands, mangroves, lagoons, beaches and coral reef. It lies immediately south of Tulum and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. In the Mayan language, the name Sian Ka’an means ‘the place where the sky is born’ or ‘the origin of the sky’. The reserve is one of Mexico’s most valuable natural areas, but also one of the least…

Water Park, The Cove

Xel-Há is one of the best-known natural theme parks on the Riviera Maya. At its heart lies a vast natural lagoon where fresh water from underground rivers mixes with the Caribbean Sea. It is not a traditional water park with concrete pools. You’ll spend most of the day in the water, snorkelling, floating on a rubber ring or enjoying the attractions scattered amongst the lagoon, mangroves and jungle. The entrance fee is high, but it operates on…

Lake

Dos Ojos is one of the most famous cenotes in the Tulum area. It consists of two flooded cave domes resembling a pair of eyes, which are connected underwater. The main attractions are the exceptionally clear water, the limestone formations and the opportunity to snorkel and dive in the caves. Compared to Gran Cenote, Dos Ojos feels darker and more adventurous. If you’re just looking for a quick dip, Gran Cenote is much more practical. You’ll…

Lake, Cave, Natural formation

If you don’t just want to visit yet another cenote but are looking for something a bit more varied, Aktun Chen is an excellent choice. This small nature park near Akumal combines a walking tour of a cave, a swim in an underground cenote, an animal rescue centre and, optionally, a zipline. We particularly enjoyed Aktun Chen because of its variety. First, we walked through a beautifully lit dry cave, then we visited a small petting zoo, and…

The Cove, Sandy beach

Akumal Bay is one of the best-known spots on the entire Mayan Riviera. This is not only because of its sandy beach, but above all because of the sea turtles that feed on seagrass in the shallow bay. At first glance, however, a visit seems unnecessarily confusing. The beach is public and you can access it for free, whilst the main entrance is subject to a charge. You can swim in the sea on your own, but you may only enter the protected area…