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Climate and Weather in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere

There are so many wonderful reasons to visit the Sian Ka’an Biosphere: the untouched ecosystems, stunning beaches, cultural sites, historic ruins, and many outdoor activities all come together to make it a great vacation spot. However, it is the weather and climate which the Sian Ka’an Biosphere enjoys that really makes this a top notch vacation spot.

Climate and Weather in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere

The Sian Ka’an Biosphere lies in one of the most stunning and temperate coastal regions of Mexico, and so can generally expect good weather (even in the rainy season). The benefit of this, of course, is that you don’t need to stress about whether or not the weather will foil your vacation plans!

Here’s a more in-depth look at the implications of Sian Ka’an’s climate and weather patterns;

The Seasons in Sian Ka’an

The Sian Ka’an Biosphere, for those who don’t know, is a nature reserve in Quintana Roo, Mexico (on the Yucatan Peninsula) whose isolated location and great climate nurture and protect many endangered and at risk animals, birds, and ecosystems. Seasonally speaking, it’s much like the rest of the Yucatan; the winter high season is cooler than the summer months, and the rainy season sees night-time thunderstorms. The temperate climate here means that visitors to the biosphere can get out and about most days, almost without fail, to bask in the glory of nature.

Land Temperatures in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere

The temperatures in Sian Ka’an Biosphere are a little lower than they would be inland due to the sea breezes which roll off the Caribbean waves, but you can generally expect that temperatures will range between the low 70’s and mid to high 80’s depending upon the season. This is why so many snowbirds (both the featured and the human type) come here during the winter months; they can escape the deep freeze that occurs in northern America.

Water Temperatures

The waters off the coast of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere are host to a current which runs along the peninsula, bringing nutrient rich, warm waters from the south. This not only contributes to the amazing marine biodiversity here, but means that water temperatures range between 78°F-80°F during the winter and 82°F-84°F during the summer months. Visibility is good, too, and generally ranges between 50 and 100 feet in the ocean, and can hit up to 300 feet in the cenotes which dot the land.

This means that these waters are perfect for snorkeling, scuba diving, paddle boarding, and swimming!

So, if you’re looking for a sunshine soaked getaway you should definitely put the Sian Ka’an Biosphere on your list of possible destinations.

Discover What Kids Really Want on Vacation

Family vacations are great; they’re a time when you can kick back and bond with the people that you love most in this world. If you have kids, you will definitely want to make sure that these times are extra special; you only get so many when they’re young after all! Depending on your ideal view of a vacation, you may be drawn to the idea of staying at an all-inclusive resort somewhere, or even taking an active and adventurous vacation. But, did you ever wonder what your children think would be a dream vacation?

It’s not surprising, really, that children have strong opinions about vacations and what makes them great; this is the highlight of their year, too! Travel company Booking.com has come to the aid of parents everywhere by conducting research into the things that children prioritize when it comes to vacations, and the experts at Lonely Planet recently published an article which discusses their findings.

If you want a quick summary, however, you can read on:

What young kids really want on vacation (Ages 5-11)

Young kids are pretty easy to please, all things considered (if we were all as happy with ice cream and a paddling pool the world would be a much happier place!) but they do rate certain things higher than others! A huge 73% of kids under 11 wanted to spend some time at water parks or swimming pools during their vacation, and 58% would prefer some time at the beach to enjoy the sand and water in one go! Over half of kids were savvy enough to prioritize the kinds of experiences they couldn’t have at home, and 42% wanted to meet new friends while on vacation.

When it comes to the hotel itself, there were two concerns; the room and the food. 34% of kids wanted to eat all the ice cream they could, and 32% wanted access to treats that they wouldn’t usually be allowed; 22% wanted bouncy beds, and one in five wanted rooms bigger than their own back home.

What older kids want on vacation (Ages 12-15)

Older kids, teenagers really, have their own set of priorities, and it probably won’t surprise you to learn that they differ vastly from yours and your younger kids. It seems that at this age kids are most concerned with staying in touch with the life they have at home; 89% wanted a good WiFi connection, and 44% were thinking about how to update their social media while on vacation. For this reason, good photo opportunities were up there too! Only 25% of older kids displayed an interest in making new friends whilst on vacation, however.

So, why not talk your next family vacation over with the kids? Make them a part of the planning process as well as the overall experience and you might find that the vacation is all the better for it.

Fly Fishing at Punta Allen

Thanks to an incredible abundance of fish in the surrounding waters, Punta Allen, Mexico has become a very popular destination in which to enjoy the challenging sport of fly fishing. This awe-inspiring area, found within the protection of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve on the Yucatan Peninsula, is a haven for nature lovers, especially when it comes to fly fishermen. Located just 110 miles from the major tourist hotspot of Cancun and close to the Sian Ka’an Village, the charming fishing village of Punta Allen draws fishing fanatics from all over the world to test their skills. Find out more about what makes fly fishing at Punta Allen such a magical experience:

The Ancient Practice of Fly Fishing

The Yucatan Peninsula is home to a rich culture and history related to the ancient Mayan civilization that once thrived in the area. This local cultural legacy has strongly influenced the development of the region, which focuses a great deal on sustainable eco-tourism. Fly fishing certainly fits within that category, and what’s more is that the sport of fishing with flies is a local cultural tradition that has been practiced for centuries, especially by the Mayan peoples. Based on ecological principles including catching fish and releasing them back to the water, fly fishing is a challenging sport that is based on skill and technique because good control of the fishing rod while casting for fish has a great impact on the success of each fisherman. Whether the lures are baited with real or imitation flies, they are used to confuse and attract the fish in the hopes that they will take a bite!

Brushes with Nature in the Biosphere Reserve

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve plays an important part in protecting the delicate natural habitat of countless species of flora and fauna. Eco-tourism has provided the region with sustainable ways of making money while safeguarding the land from development that would cause irreversible damage to the stunning natural environment. Fly fishing remains a favorite activity in the area, although there are plenty of other ways to explore the surroundings such as kayaking, paddle boarding and snorkeling.

As home to an astounding number of animal species, encountering some wild critters is something you can expect when visiting the area. From sweet, curious manatees to colonies of herons, the wildlife sightings here are exceptional! The marine species are particularly impressive thanks in large part to the expansive local reef. There are many ongoing conservation projects in effect that aim to protect the ecology of the reserve and help the natural diversity to thrive.

When you are feeling the need for a vacation that includes fly fishing, look no further than a trip to Punta Allen from Sian Ka’an Village for your fill of time with the rod, reel and line!

Endangered Species – Protecting Turtles in Sian Ka’an

By far one of the most beloved and enchanting animals to roam the open waters is the sea turtle. The awe-inspiring beaches along Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, and those within the protected Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve in particular, are important nesting areas for sea turtles including green turtles, hawksbill turtles and loggerheads.

Nesting Turtles in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere

The ancient ritual of female turtles returning to the very beaches where they were born (sometimes migrating more than 1,000 arduous miles in order to arrive there from their feeding grounds) is not only fascinating, it is an essential part of the survival of their species. The mothers are driven by pure natural instinct to nest upon the shores where they hatched, dragging their heavy bodies ashore and carefully digging a nest, laying their eggs and then returning to the sea.

How Turtles are Being Protected in Sian Ka’an

Sadly, all sea turtle species are now endangered; however there are measures being taken to ensure that the next generations will thrive. It is illegal in Mexico to disrupt or hunt sea turtles or their eggs. During the summer nesting season, a dedicated group of individuals including biologists and countless volunteers do whatever they can to keep the nesting mothers and their fragile turtle eggs safe. The region is home to a turtle conservation campaign that includes patrolling along the beaches in areas like the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve at night to keep watch for mother turtles emerging from the water to dig their nests. These efforts help keep the eggs safe from poachers as well as predators that include crabs, dogs, racoons and seabirds.

When mother turtles are spotted, they are left alone to dig their nests; when they begin laying eggs, they are sometimes tagged and measured before returning to the sea. The collection of eggs, called a clutch, can contain between 80 and 200 eggs which are collected and transferred to a special protected area where a new nest is built to resemble the original one. These nests are carefully guarded until the eggs begin to hatch, which is typically between 45 and 60 days after being laid. The individuals in charge of these guarded areas, as well as lucky volunteers and tourists, help ensure the baby turtles make it safely down the beach to the water where they will begin their journey through life. With so many potential threats and hazards, most baby turtles unfortunately do not reach adulthood; those that do will hopefully return in 12 to 15 years to the Yucatan Peninsula to lay their own eggs.

How You Can Help

If you are visiting the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve during turtle season, you can follow some simple rules to make sure you help keep them safe. When you encounter a turtle on the beach, let local authorities know as soon as possible. Remain as still and quiet as you can and maintain a safe distance so the turtle does not feel threatened. Do not approach the turtle or try to touch it, and refrain from shining any light in its direction; likewise, do not use a flash if you take any pictures. Sea turtles are extremely sensitive to noise, movement, artificial light and objects such as beach furniture that do not belong in their natural environment. They will often return to the water out of instinct and fear, laying their eggs at sea, so do what you can to make coming ashore a pleasant experience for them.

Planning your Vacation in Sian Ka’an

Meaning “Origin of the Sky” in the Mayan language, there is no doubt that Sian Ka’an is a special place judging by its name alone. Situated along the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatán peninsula, this gorgeous slice of paradise is home to a remarkably diverse ecosystem with thousands of species of flora and fauna.

Vacation in Sian Ka’an

Taking a vacation in the Sian Ka’an biosphere provides fantastic opportunities to explore the tropical forests, mangroves and marshes onsite as well as miles of pristine beaches that overlook the crystalline turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. What’s more, you are bound to encounter wildlife at every turn, making each day a thrilling adventure that you will never forget.

Here are some of the top activities to consider when planning your vacation in Sian Ka’an:

Go on an Eco-tour

Visit the local lagoons on a boat tour that travels through the natural mangrove canals and glimpse a splendid Mayan temple. Snorkel around the incredible Mesoamerican Barrier Reef where sea life such as dolphins, marine turtles and seemingly countless species of fish gather. View a variety of Mayan ruins as you take a boat tour through the Sian Ka’an canal which was built by the native peoples more than 1,000 years ago. Witness the magic of a local sunset when you embark on an early evening boat tour that takes you through the most breathtaking lagoons in the reserve. Test your skills at fly fishing in the saltwater lagoons that boast top-quality fish and splendid scenery. Go on an excursion to Tulum, where you will encounter jaw-dropping architecture and learn more about this fascinating city and its ancient culture.

Explore its Natural Beauty

As one of the largest protected areas in Mexico (it is a designated biosphere reserve), Sian Ka’an is home to a range of environments within 528,148 hectares including tropical forests, palm savannah, lagoons, mangrove stands, beaches, dunes and unspoiled wetlands. The vivid colors found throughout the lush foliage and coastal waters are a feast for the eyes.

Encounter Mesmerizing Wildlife

Sian Ka’an is home to a dizzying array of animals that are sure to delight you. The reserve has more than 300 bird species in residence including standouts like toucans and pink flamingos. Although they are typically elusive, spotting a magnificent wild cat such as a jaguar, ocelot or puma is not out of the question. Spider monkeys and howler monkeys will definitely keep you entertained, while the beloved local manatees enjoy the safety of the protected waters along the coast. More than 40 species of amphibians and reptiles are present including crocodiles and four turtle species.

Cenotes

Without a doubt, one of the can’t miss experiences in Sian Ka’an is visiting its famous cenotes, which are deep freshwater pools that have been naturally formed by the collapse of limestone. They are interconnected via a maze of underground freshwater rivers. Take a dip in the refreshing water and appreciate this magnificent phenomenon which occurs only on the Yucatan peninsula.

Save your Romantic Relationship with a Vacation

It is often said that family vacations are the best times of childhood, and it’s certainly true that they build friendship within families, and make some great memories, but often they focus almost entirely upon the kids. This is not a terrible thing, of course; family vacations should be about the kids… but they should also be about you and your partner. Down time together is so important to maintaining your relationship in the long term, and this is why some experts recommend you take the time to travel without the kids, even if it’s just for a weekend. Here are a list of reasons as to why you might consider acting on this advice:

1. Prioritize your alone time

Being alone on vacation with your other half, even if it’s only for a few days, affords you the freedom to remember what makes you happy and do it. Parents tend to, quite naturally, prioritize their kids over themselves, but your happiness is actually important to your kids, too. We don’t just mean this in the sense that your kids want you to be happy (they do), but also in the sense that prioritizing your own happiness and the health of your relationship is a good example to set for your children. When you take small vacations together as a couple you are helping your relationship, and you’re showing your children that it is ok to do just that.

2. Find new aspects to love

When parents show outward expressions of love to one another, children often act embarrassed; but it’s a good kind of embarrassing. Often these children will want to emulate this in their own relationships later in life. Time alone while you travel will enable you to show each other the sides of you that are often hidden when you’re being “mom” or “dad”. Such experiences renew the love you feel for each other; you might even find new things to love about each other.

3. Laughter

Fun isn’t something restricted to youth; it’s an essential element of a full and healthy life. You should have fun with your kids, and make time to do so often, right? So why does this not apply to your romantic relationships? Taking vacations alone gives you the chance to redefine “fun” for a few days; laughing together is the best aphrodisiac.

4. Sleep in

A good night’s sleep with your lover by your side is one of life’s truly underappreciated joys, and when you are a parent to young children it’s one that you might not get often (if ever) for a good few years. Vacationing alone lets you do just that, however; you can cat nap, spoon, and snore all you want without three kids, a doll or two, and most likely a dog to contend with. Banishing restless or sleepless nights for a few days will refresh you physically and emotionally, leaving you able and ready to pursue romantic interactions.

5. Intimacy

Finding time to be intimate when you have kids is a herculean task, we know, but when you vacation alone you can get into the habit of displaying small intimacies at every opportunity. Hold hands, kiss, hug, and touch each other without reason; this is the perfect time to show each other that you love each other, rather than just saying it. If you can carry these little gestures over to your home-life you will find that day to day life will be easier to handle because you feel that you have support and back up in each other.

Putting on Weight While Vacationing

The dreaded “vacation spread” is something that we all know, and something which magazines love to preach about: How to avoid it, reverse it, and deal with it. The media gives us all kinds of advice, but very rarely touch on the actualities of how our bodies change on vacation.

Yet, why shouldn’t we indulge a little while on vacation? This is hard-earned time off in which we should be allowed to relax and have a little fun without feeling guilty about it. After all, a little weight gain is only as permanent as you allow it to be, but how much weight will you really gain? Is there any real chance of you struggling to get into your wardrobe when you return home?

What is Normal Weight Gain?

If you indulge a little, but don’t overdo it, you’re really only looking at a pound or two of weight gain across the average vacation; this is not earth-shaking. This small amount of weight gain will have little effect on your body mass or shape, and will, furthermore, be fairly easy to shift when you return to your usual routine, diet, and exercise regime.

In fact, studies have shown that stressing about vacation weight is worse for you than the actual gain itself, so just chill out and enjoy your vacation!

Water Retention Woes

If you find that you bloat, rather than gain weight, especially in your hands and feet it’s very possible that you’re one of the many people who suffer from water retention while on vacation. This is a temporary, benign, and yet very frustrating, and sometimes uncomfortable, condition which can be caused by a number of factors.

What you eat, for example, has a big say in whether or not you suffer from increased water retention. If your intake of sodium increases while on vacation this can have an effect on water retention; so too can an increased intake of carbohydrates, especially if you were inhibiting your consumption before vacation. Eating the right foods, however, can help; keep your intake of protein, fibre, healthy fats, and fruits up; watermelon, strawberries, and other soft fruits which are naturally rich in water are a good way to avoid water retention. They’re also a good way to indulge your sweet tooth while avoiding weight gain.

Find a Healthy Balance

Both weight gain and water retention are temporary if you return to your usual schedule when you return it’s very likely that your body will find its own balance again without the need for hours of gym sessions and restrictive dieting.

Just pay attention to your body, it’ll tell you what it needs. Eat, drink, and be merry; this is your vacation, after all, and you deserve to kick back and enjoy it without guilt.

Mayan New Year

According to the Mayan Calendar (known as the Haab), which follows the cycle of the earth in relation to the movement of the Sun, the New Year begins not on January 1st, but July 26th. Unlike our Gregorian calendar, which dominates the way the majority of the world calculates its progression through the year in time with a Roman system used to calculate when taxes were due, the Mayan calendar is made up of 17 cycles. Each of the series of 17 cycles was linked to the movements of the Sun and Moon, as well as the transitions of planets or even constellations like Pleiades.

For the Mayan people, the start of each New Year on the 26th of July marked the beginning of a new cycle, and a new “personality” for the year ahead. These essences would be signalled by their own glyph or sign, such as Storm, Seed, and Monkey. For the Maya, however, July 25th was El Día Fuera del Tiempo (Day out of time), and was much more important than 26th; it was a day to give thanks and reflect on the year that had passed, and what could be learned from its events.

So, if you’re visiting the Yucatan Peninsula at this time of year you should definitely take a trip to one of the Mayan Archaeological sites to witness one of the commemorative rituals which mark this special date. We would highly recommend Tulum, Chichen Itza, and Uxmal at this time of year!

Honeymoon in Mexico

The stress of planning a wedding can be all but crippling, though the results of this hard labor are satisfying to be sure. Your honeymoon is really the best way that you and your spouse can unwind, relax, and celebrate this most important period of your life together. When it comes to honeymooning from the US, there are quite a few contenders as honeymoon destinations: Brazil, Cuba and, of course, Mexico. Everywhere south of Mexico you will find sun, sea, and sand to enjoy, but we have some reasons as to why Mexico should stand out from the crowd for you! Take a look at why you should honeymoon in Mexico….

Honeymoon in Mexico – Breathtaking Beaches

The beaches found in Mexico are some of the most beautiful and pristine in the world, and they range from bustling tourist spots to idyllic, secluded havens. No matter where you land on your honeymoon in Mexico, you will find the beaches of Mexico a romantic paradise for newlyweds of all descriptions. Nothing is quite so romantic as strolling down the beach hand in hand with your spouse as the sun sets or rises, but this is not all you can do here. On Mexican beaches you can party, swim, play volleyball, snorkel, dive, and take surfing lessons. Better yet, the stunning backdrops which these beaches provide make for some of the most lovely honeymoon photos for your albums.

More Bang for your Buck on a honeymoon in Mexico

Honeymooners from the USA who are looking to stretch their dollars as far as they can go will find a honeymoon in Mexico to be a God-send. The exchange rate for Dollars to Pesos is phenomenal right now, and so you can expect to get that little bit more bang for every buck. This means that even those on a strict budget can expect to be able to afford some of the little luxuries that might otherwise have been a stretch. Right now couples spa treatments, gourmet meals, adventure tours, and beauty treatments, for example, are more affordable in Mexico right now than they have been for a while. A honeymoon in Mexico could be bank account friendly as well as romantic and memorable.

A Great Range of Hotel & Flight Options

Mexico has experienced a boom in popularity in the last few decades, especially in beach locations like the Yucatan (Sian Ka’an Biosphere), Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta, that resorts and hotels have spread quickly. The accommodations on offer now are diverse in terms of style, price, and location so no matter what kind of honeymoon nest you fancy, or where you would like to stay we’re confident that you’ll get just what you need and want for your Mexican honeymoon.

Sian Ka’an Honeymoons in Mexico

Have you thought about the Sian Ka’an Biosphere for your honeymoon in Mexico? For those honeymooners seeking total seclusion and a unique experience in Mexico, the Sian Ka’an Village is a haven of exclusivity surrounded by nature. Imagine what it would be like to honeymoon on a desert island and that is what you can experience at Sian Ka’an Village.

Is Mexico Safe for Vacations?

The short answer? Yes! Mexico is a safe vacation destination. The cautious answer? No place on earth is 100% safe, as we have seen in recent years with the ever-increasing incidents of terrorism in countries that are considered among the safest in the world. Nevertheless, when it comes to Mexico, there are very real reasons why you might be asking yourself this question: Is Mexico safe for vacations?

Is Mexico safe for vacations?

When it comes to safety in Mexico as a whole, the media likes to draw attention to the scandalous, shocking, and sensational goings on that sometimes occur (most often in border towns and states). Nonetheless, these stories do not represent the whole country, and even exaggerate the frequency of such issues in the more dangerous areas of the country. When visiting the major tourist destinations, you chances of being involved in any violent crime is greatly reduced. In fact, the tourists hotspots in the south and along the coasts of Mexico are, by and large, beautiful, vibrant, luxurious, and very safe, often much safer than any city in North America.

Keeping yourself safe in Mexico

Of course, there are certain things you should do in any foreign country that will help to keep you safe. Take a look at our tips below that will make sure that Mexico is a pleasant experience for you.

Use Common Sense!

This is so simple, so obvious, and yet so often overlooked. If you don’t look for trouble, e.g. don’t try to buy drugs or start altercations, you’re unlikely to run into any problems. In fact, the rate of random violence in most areas of Mexico is actually lower than you would find in many cities and regions in the USA! Act the way you would at home, observing the same etiquette and safety protocols, and you are not likely to experience any trouble when you vacation in Mexico.

Stick Together

Stick with your traveling companions when you are out and about; some of the best sights in Mexico are off the beaten track, and it never hurts to have familiar faces around in case you get sick or have an accident. Likewise, when you’re partying make sure your group stays together and leaves the club together (just as you would when going out at home). After all, getting lost in a foreign country while drunk is no-ones idea of a safe, fun vacation experience!

Understand You Aren’t Above the Law

This is a bigger issue than you might realize, especially amongst younger people; spring breakers and mardi-gras revelers come to Mexico to have a good time and behave in ways they might never at home. The result, of course, is that they fall afoul of local law enforcement, and they are often surprised that they get no leniency. Understanding that the laws of the country you’re in apply to you in the same way as they do to everyone else is fundamental to ensuring your vacation goes off without a hitch.

Mexico is a truly amazing country, and we urge you to not let bad press convince you to stay away; this is a place where history lives and breathes alongside the majesty of nature.