Which Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve Tour?

[chellie99]

We're staying in Tulum for 5 days and would love to go on tour of the Sian Ka'an. There seems to be two tour operators in Sian Ka'an that both get good (but somewhat mixed) reviews, so I wanted to see if anyone had any advice for choosing between the two: Community Tours (http://www.siankaantours.org/) and Cesiak (http://www.cesiak.org/allday.htm) - and which particular tour you recommend.

I've love a tour operate that's concerned about environmental sustainability and giving back to the local community. We'd also want to have fun (we're adventurous types so kayaking and swimming would be great), learn about the environment (although we're not birdwatchers), not spend too much time waiting or traveling.

Thanks!

[letele]

We did the canal float tour with CESiak...loved it. Very fun and informative - we saw birds, fish, iguanas, even a tiny crocodile. The floating/swimming part was my favorite, but the boat ride was great, too. And the lunch at CESiak was delicious. Our boat guide was a biologist and had grown up in the Sian Kaan - it was awesome to get the perspective of someone who had spent his childhood there. I would highly recommend it. The kayaking tour looks fun, too, but the canal tour sounds better - you get to see more.

CESiak will also pick you up at your hotel and there is minimal time spent waiting or traveling. I think both tour operators fulfill your other wishes regarding environmental sustainability and the local community. You will have a great time regardless of who you choose to go with!

[PhyllisB]

I don't know anything about SK Tours - we also went with CeSIAK. Fran (beachreader), Sue, Pat and I did a kayak tour of the lagoon & went through some interesting marshy areas as well as open water. You don't see *tons* of birds (probably depends on the time of year too I imagine), but Miguel (anyone want to post his picture--- Minnie??? :D) did have a lot of great information about the ecosystem of the lagoons and the environment. They're a very good environmentally friendly group. I'd highly recommend them.

[beachreader]

I also recommend them, but I think the tour we did didn't have much wildlife because it was already late morning by the time we got out there. I bet the sunset tour would have more (?), or maybe it was just the time of year or something. Still a very cool tour and we learned a lot about the mangroves, but not much fauna on the mid-morning kayak tour for us.

Except for this one:

http://beachreader.smugmug.com/Travel/Tulum-April-09/Kayak-Miguel2/508282400_C9tfz-L.jpg

[Margoinmexico]

:wave::wave::wave::wave:Great choices, I don't think you can go wrong.

I've had lots of guests do tours with these two companies and all come back wiser and excited.......

:boat::boat::boat:

[Monique]

we did the canal tour with Cesiak and enjoyed it very much.
we did see lots of birds besides the one in the boat.

the floating down the canal was so relaxing!

[minniemex]

Welcome to the forum chellie99!!

I think all has been said and you should just choose which one appeals to you the most. Both tour companies fits your requirements.

Personally, I would take the one Miguel gives.:D

[PhyllisB]

Aaaaaaah, Miguel. That's a good way to start my day!!!! :D

[VWCat]

well hello there Miguel;) yum