Boca Paila and Punta Allen Boca Paila is where the ocean meets the lagoons of Chumkopo and Muyil, located approximately 25 km south of Tulum within the boundaries of the Sian Ka’an Biophere Reserve on a 20 meter-wide peninsula, which then stretches for another 25 km towards Punta Allen at Ascension Bay. Nature lovers may enjoy the tropical vegetation and wildlife; bird-watchers are in for a treat, as they may find some very rare feathered creatures among the 339 species that live in the area. Fishing enthusiasts will find themselves in a true paradise at both the Caribbean Sea an the extensive protected lagoon; after the 1986 creation of the Sian Ka’an reserve, the local restrictions and regulations implemented to protect the area, have kept the environment virtually untouched; with the banning of the commercial fishing, the area became 5000 square km of pure sport fishing pleasure. Boca Paila has staked its reputation as one of the premier permit fisheries, and its success rates for bonefish, nook, barracuda, yellow tail jack and tarpon are nothing to scoff at. Other attraction offers the first in the area include the authentic jungle tours abroad small boats or kayaks, which sail through the ancient canals that were once used by the Mayans; this magnificent tours offer a first hand experience of watching birds, crocodiles and other types of wildlife in they natural habitat; a small Mayan temple can also be spotted. Punta Allen is a quaint fishing village where you can spend the night at one of its rustic lodging options and enjoy a magnificent meal including freshly-caught fish and scrumptious home-style lobster; the latter is the cornerstone of the local economy.
