Everything you need for a day in Sian Ka’an fits in a small dry bag — and two things you might normally pack will actively damage the place. Here is what to bring to Sian Ka’an, and what to leave in the hotel.
Bring
Swimsuit, worn under your clothes. Changing facilities are basic.
Water shoes or sandals with a strap. You will walk on wet wood and limestone.
Quick-dry shirt, long sleeves. Sun and mosquitoes, and it replaces sunscreen.
Hat and polarised sunglasses. Glare off the lagoon is serious.
Cash in pesos. For the federal entry fee, about $225 MXN per person. No card terminal, no ATM.
Refillable water bottle.
Dry bag or waterproof phone pouch if you want photos on the water.
Binoculars if birds matter to you — see the birding guide.
Leave Behind
Conventional sunscreen. Oxybenzone and octinoxate damage coral and lagoon organisms. Biodegradable only, applied early, or better: a shirt.
Insect repellent with DEET for the water. Same reason. Apply before you leave, not at the dock.
Single-use plastic. Everything you bring in comes back out with you, including fruit peels.
Drones without a permit — they disturb nesting birds.
Valuables and heavy bags. You will be on and off a boat.
What We Provide
Life vests, drinking water, the boat and equipment, your guide, and on full-day tours the traditional lunch cooked by cooperative families.
The Sunscreen Question, Properly Answered
“Reef-safe” is an unregulated marketing term. Look for mineral formulas with non-nano zinc oxide, and no oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene or homosalate. Apply 20 minutes before and rinse off before entering water. Everything in this watershed reaches the reef — the reason is in how the aquifer works.
Meet the Community Behind the Tour
In just two minutes, discover who we are — the Maya families and cooperative members who make every experience authentic and regenerative:
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear to Sian Ka’an?
Swimsuit under quick-dry clothes, a long-sleeved shirt, hat, sunglasses and water shoes or strapped sandals.
Do I need cash for Sian Ka’an?
Yes — the federal entry fee of roughly $225 MXN per person is paid in cash at the entrance and is not included in tour prices.
Can I use my phone for photos on the tour?
Yes, ideally in a waterproof pouch. Guides also carry valuables in the boat during the float.
Pack Light, Come Early
Book your day in the reserve with the Maya cooperative.
Questions? Contact us at reservacionesctsk@siankaantours.com.mx or WhatsApp +52 984 114 0750