You won’t believe how beautiful Punta Allen is

Punta Allen might be one of the most isolated places in the Riviera Maya, but don’t let that intimidate you: it’s also one of the most beautiful. A place that might give you a pretty good idea of what the Yucatan peninsula looked like before any human set foot here.

Where is Punta Allen?

At the very end of a long, narrow peninsula in the Sian Ka’an natural reserve, south of Tulum, Punta Allen is unusual for sure. Though it takes around 40 minutes to cover the distance between the entrance and Punta Allen, because of how narrow the peninsula is, the road is an attraction in itself. Flanked by water, at times you’ll feel like you’re driving on the ocean itself. Your best bet is to rent a car or book a tour bus, as there is no public transport that goes this far.

It might take you longer if you stop at various spots along the road. It’s almost impossible not to. Nothing but green vegetation and ocean for miles, no hotels, or buildings of any kind.

What is there to do?

Really, the best way to enjoy Punta Allen is the boat ride in which the guides will take only a handful of people per boat throughout the entire site.

See the incredible animals that live here, turtles and dolphins. The latter are not shy and are known to get quite close to the boats. The guides are very good at reminding visitors not to let them be—not to touch or bother them in any way.

Though the guides will take you to a couple of spots you can snorkel in, Blanquisal takes the cake. Described as a natural pool, it’s a specific place away from the coast where an enormous sandbank makes it possible for you to stand on. There are no waves here either, despite being the ocean. It’s no exaggeration—it really is a natural pool.