Photo courtesy of Cesiak
To the south of Casa de Las Olas, is one of the larger biospheres in the world. Sian Ka’an biosphere is just to the south of our beach villa and has become a favorite activity site for many of our guests and for us! You can feel like the only person on the planet when you enter the 1.3 million acre biosphere but thanks to Cameron Boyd and the employees of Cesiak, you are not alone. Cesiak is an educational center located just 11 kms into the Sian Ka’an biosphere and has one of the best views of the area. Built over 7 years ago, Cameron’s idea to build a sustainable center in the Sian Ka’an that employs the 4 pillars of sustainability is a great success and interesting visit.
Facts about the Sian Ka’an biosphere in Tulum
The Biosphere Reserve covers 652,000 hectares – or 1.3 million acres – making it the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean and the largest coastal protected area in Mexico. It is the third largest protected area in Mexico.
- By 1995, 350 species of bird had been identified in the Reserve
- The area has 103 species of mammals, 90 species of native bees, 47 species of dragonflies, 74 species of beetles, 276 species of crustaceans, 310 species of mosquitoes and 318 species of butterflies
- The barrier reef is made up of more than 84 species of coral, including “brain coral” that has been seen as large as seven meters in diameter
- It is visited by hundreds of species of fish, including macabí, sharks, shad, bass, and palometa. the biosphere has both fresh water fish and salt water fish due to its natural state of fresh water cenotes and salt water oceans
- There 1048 species of flora, including the chit palm, kuka, despeinada, siricote de playa, uva de mar, chacá or palo mulato, riñonina and water lily, as well as mahogany, cedar, rosewood, jícaro and pucté
- Visitors can expect to see manatees, four species of marine turtle, howler and spider monkeys, crocodiles, the rare Jabiru stork, jaguars, pumas, ocelots, pink flamingos, toucans and tapirs. Don’t worry they are more scared of you than you are of them
- There is over 150,000 hectares of deciduous and semi-evergreen forest
- There are 23 Mayan sites in the reserve, while the Chunyaxché ruins, Vigia Del Lago and Xamach, are just to the north. Recently, a 24 km Mayan artificial canal was discovered.
Casa de las Olas is committed to sustainable tourism
Now you can see why we are so committed to sustainable tourism on our little piece of paradise. Our beach villa is neighbouring one of the most delicate ecosystems in Mexico. Every move we make, we are effecting the list of species, flowers, coral, flowers and animals that live in the Sian Kaan.
The video below is a quick look at the area close to the Cesiak educational facility. Special, yes. Delicate yes. Are we feeling lucky. You betcha!
