I will try and simplify this. 2 main points of entry. One down Ruta 15 on the coast which eventually takes you to Punta Allen the other is down passed Tulum with an entry at Muyil. The coast road at Ruta 15 is truly awful. Ground clearance is critical to get along this 'track'. It ain't a road. If you are in a rental with 4 people (not SUV) say goodbye to your exhaust. Suspension 'bottoms out' and you could damage your car if you try to go to quickly. Furthermore, if you think you are going to have the coast 'on your shoulder', you aint. It is virtually fenced in most of the way. A couple of areas to 'infil' that's it. Admittedly, I didn't go all the way down. The road came down to a 'cost/benefit analysis'. Good luck if you make it down. Muyil is a bit more straightforward than the coast road. Turn off the highway and you will be at the archaeological site. This is not Chichén Itza. It is a few buildings. Still okay though. The grounds are nice leading to a decent boarded walk with a viewing platform. All-in-all, pretty good. Once you get through the board walk, you are at the laguna. Beautiful and part of the reason for your trip. However, if you want to go on the lake, a 2 hour boat trip will set you back circa 100 USD for 2 adults. I didn't bother although plenty of other reviews will tell you it is a great trip.

The coast road to Punta Allen was not the tropical beach adventure I was hoping for. If you’re already on the beach at a hotel in the district (like we were) the beach is definitely better there. Mostly it’s fenced off with some big houses and a bunch of abandoned trash strewn lots. The very limited beach access points are also covered in trash and piles of seaweed. We first tried to do it in a buggy since we were warned about the roads, but no atvs or buggies are allowed… so we came back with scooters and paid the entry fee. Honestly the only fun part for me was dogging pot holes with the little 125 d they rented us. Going via the Ruins with a tour, the boat ride/float was pretty cool.. the float is by far the best part, I’d do just that part over and over. This side of the reserve wasn’t trash strewn like beach side.. well except the entrance. I’d be cautious if you’re not in decent shape, lots of walking and heat, no shade for quite sometime.

Just a fantastic day out. Brilliant to see and understand a Mayan site, brought to us by the people who’s ancestors created it. Memo was our guide and was engaging, fun and very informative. We were 2 couples and joined up with 2 more. Great number for sharing the fun and experience but not too many to feel you were a crocodile of tourists. Boat trip, floating down the canal, walk through the forest with Memo explaining the Mayan culture and history so well, followed by a great lunch made by some local Mayan ladies. Just the best day all round.

My husband and i are currently in mexico, staying at the riu yucatan, we booked this excursion through tui and yes it is expensive but so glad we did it. all i can say is paradise springs to mind and it has the wow factor. The rep was very nice and friendly and very knowledgeable about everything, we couldn’t ask for more from her. The speed boats were brilliant and luckily we did manage to see dolphins and turtles, however we didnt manage to see any crocodiles.

The best birding in Mexico. But don't take the $150 tour from Playa del Carmen. Do it on your own for $20 by taking the ADO bus from Playa del Carmen heading for Chetumal and get dropped off at Muyil archeological site which is only 15 km south of Tulum. Enter at the parking lot that leads to the boat landing about 10 minutes walk south from the Muyil entrance to avoid paying the entrance fee. Then its only 50 pesos to access the Sian kaan trail. Stay as long as you like. The trail is short and easy. Lots of bird species esp. in the morning. Return to Tulum 40 pesos or half hour from the main road. Frequent colectivos, mini vans. At Tulum take another colectivo to Playa del Carmen for 50 pesos. The earliest ADO bus from Playa del Carmen, 70 pesos is at 730 am. Pay when boarding the Mayab bus.

We had a wonderful tour company and guide, saw dolphins, a crocodile, a sea turtle, enjoyed snorkeling, a delicious lunch in Punta Allen, and the magical island of birds. BUT our fee partly goes to pay admission to the biosphere. What are they doing with this money? No restrooms at park entrance, just the dilapidated remains of some, trash strewn for miles, and a terrible pothole-filled road. The park itself needs to step up. It should do better for wildlife, guide companies and tourists.

No matter which side of the Reserve you choose to access the experience, it will be worth it. You can go with a tour company, or do it yourself. The road to Punta Allen is rough, and a 4 wheel drive may be needed some days, but, well worth it. You can go at your own pace, make as many stops as you wish along the way. Enjoy a meal at Punta Allen and if f you want, it is possible to arrange tours with the locals. Same can be said if you choose to visit the Muyil Ruins then go on to where the boats can be found and arrange to explore via boat and/or enjoy a float down the canal. It is so very diverse in flora, fauna and culture, I never get tired of seeing it.

Very far away from the tourist traps in Tulum and the riviera Maya, this biosphere / reserve is very peaceful and also very pretty. You can go there by boat for many hours and discover always very interesting wildlife. I saw dolphins, crocodiles and may birds. Be aware the boats going there are quite simple. And also go there early as it can get a bit busy in the afternoon. Definitely worth the trip for a nice day in the nature, far away from the party crowd.

Everything about this experience was simply amazing! Our tour guide, Eduardo, picked us up from the hotel right on time so we could get to the nature preserve early enough to see the spectacular birds, manatees and the alligators. Then we floated down the lazy river and saw so many cool fish and enjoyed the much needed cool off the water provided. Afterwards, we got lunch at a restaurant with an unbelievable beach view (and a few puppies too)! The experience was unforgettable, and so was Eduardo. I doubt we would have had such an amazing time without his knowledge and expertise. If you're an animal and nature lover, this trip is seriously for you.