




Riviera Maya: Sian Ka'an Reserve Ancient Maya Canals Tour
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Features
- Free cancellation available
- 8h
- Mobile voucher
- Instant confirmation
- Selective hotel pickup
- Multiple languages
Overview
- Visit a canal made by the ancient Mayans approximately 1000 years ago
- Float down a lazy river in the Chunyaxche Lagoon
- Manatee, crocodiles & birds potential sighting in the Sian Ka'an Reserve
- Ancient Mayan cuisine
- Stopover and free time at the virgin beach “Pez Maya” in the Sian Ka'an Reserve
Activity location
- Tulum
- Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Meeting/Redemption Point
- Tulum
- Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico
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What's included, what's not
Inclusions Pickup and drop-off from Tulum Center or Hotel Zone (if Early Morning Tour selected)Inclusions Pickup and drop-off from Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Akumal, and along the route (if Midday Tour selected)Inclusions Breakfast is included in the Early Morning Tour (traditional Mayan cuisine prepared by native Mayan people)Inclusions Certified local guide specialized in Mayan culture and natureInclusions Purified Water Refills: Available at our Mayan Palapa during breakfast and lunch. Please bring your own reusable bottleInclusions Main lunch (Mayan cuisine prepared by native Mayan people at the end of the activity)Exclusions Tips (suggested to bring cash)Exclusions Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve federal entry fee (approx. MX$225 / approx. US$14 per person). This mandatory fee is collected directly by CONANP (Mexico’s National Commission for Natural Protected Areas) to support conservation efforts. Please note that this fee is currently under adjustment by federal authorities and is subject to variation. It is not retained by the tour operator and must be paid upon arrival at the cooperative’s palapa by card or cash.
Know before you book
- Not allowed: Alcohol and drugs, Alcoholic drinks in the vehicle, Drones, Feeding animals, Intoxication, Littering, Nudity, Pets, Plastic bags, Plastic bottles, Professional cameras, Smoking, Sunscreen, Vaping, Weapons or sharp objects
- Not suitable for: Babies under 1 year, People over 264 lbs (120 kg), People with back problems, Pregnant women
What you can expect
Just minutes away from Tulum, in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sian Ka’an, an exciting and genuine experience awaits you, inviting you to discover an ancient canal that runs through four different ecosystems. As part of a Mayan cooperative dedicated to a sustainable economy, our tours promote local benefits and environmental education for our Mayan partners and the community.
Enjoy breathtaking scenery, cool off in the crystal-clear waters of the canal, and cruise our boats into Boca Paila estuary. Start your day with a delightful breakfast at our restaurant, featuring fresh, local ingredients.
Activities can start early (around 6:00 a.m.) or at midday (around 10:00 a.m.), depending on your preference. We will pick you up at your hotel and take you to our offices in Tulum before continuing to Muyil, where the adventure begins. You'll be welcomed at our Mayan palapa, the heart of our cooperative, dedicated to preserving local culture and traditions. From there, we will take you to the embarkation point, where you will board one of our boats with up to 11 companions (divided into two boats), two captains, and an expert nature guide. Our boats accommodate a maximum of six people, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.
During the tour, you will cross an ancient aquatic route within the Sian Ka'an Reserve, once used by the Mayans in their canoes, connecting the Caribbean Sea with Muyil. You will visit four important lagoons: Muyil, Chunyaxché, Capelchén, and Boca Paila, all linked by channels of fresh, brackish, and salty waters due to their proximity to the Caribbean Sea.
You’ll have the opportunity to observe a remarkable variety of aquatic birds. At the heart of the reserve lies the Mayan temple of Xlapak, an ancient customs base for the Mayan trade route, enriched with incredible stories shared by our guide. Here, you can also dive into the canal from the Xlapak dock and enjoy a 30-to-45-minute contemplative floating experience on a beautiful 950-meter journey surrounded by orchids, bromeliads, and mangroves.
The adventure continues to ‘Chan Muelle,’ where you’ll take the boat again to visit Capelchén lagoon, with chances to observe manatees and crocodiles in their natural habitat. To conclude your experience, we will take you to Boca Paila, where you can appreciate the extraordinary meeting of lagoon waters with the Caribbean Sea and enjoy the pristine beauty of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve.
After an unforgettable journey, we will return to our Mayan palapa, where you’ll enjoy a delicious traditional Mayan meal at our restaurant, prepared with fresh, local ingredients—the perfect way to end your adventure.
By choosing our tour, you not only enjoy a unique experience in paradise but also contribute to the sustainable development of our Mayan community and the conservation of the environment.
We can't wait to welcome you!
Location
Activity location
LOB_ACTIVITIES LOB_ACTIVITIES - Tulum
- Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Meeting/Redemption Point
PEOPLE PEOPLE - Tulum
- Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico