Float down Ancient Mayan Canals in Sian Ka'an Reserve

Tulum, Mexico

Float down Ancient Mayan Canals in Sian Ka'an Reserve

Are you looking for an unforgettable adventure in Tulum? Look no further than the Sian Ka'an biosphere reserve! Just a short distance from Tulum, this reserve offers the chance to explore ancient Mayan canals and float down the refreshing waters.

Your expert local guide will take you on a boat trip through the reserve, passing through four different ecosystems including mangroves, lagoons, natural canals, and tropical jungles. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to spot a wide variety of incredible wildlife, including manatees! After your boat ride, you'll have the chance to float down a 900-meter-long canal, surrounded by the beauty of the natural world.

To end your day on a high note, you'll enjoy a delicious meal of traditional Mayan food at the local community center. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the Sian Ka'an biosphere reserve. Book your adventure today!

Right for You?

Duration

Full Day

Travel Style

Active Adventure and Connect with Nature

Languages

English and Spanish

Physical Activity

Moderate activity

Location

Wetlands and Rural Communities

Connect

Wifi: None
Cell: Limited
Boat ride across the channel
Starts at:

$120/person

View Pricing & BookAsk a question

Speaks: English and Spanish

Highlights

  • Float in a 1,000 year old Mayan canals
  • Spot manatees and other wildlife during a boat tour of the Sian Ka'an reserve
  • Get some culture in with a visit to the Community Museum.
  • Eat a delicious traditional Mayan meal
  • Pick up and drop off at your hotel in Tulum and surrounding area

Details

Schedule

Tours every day, 7am to 2:30pm or 2pm to 7pm.

Availability

Flexible Departure Date
All year

Itinerary

What's Included

Guide

Bilingual guide

Food

Lunch

Transport

Boat and Private van

Traveler Reviews

Madeleine

Wonderful time with lots of wildlife

We had a wonderful time with Memo and the rest of the staff! We felt incredibly lucky to see manatees, a crocodile, and so many birds and fish. Memo was so knowledgeable and I really enjoyed the opportunity to ask him questions and learn from him about this beautiful area. Also, the breakfast and lunch that were included were delicious. Bring a towel and sun protection (but not sunscreen) and enjoy!
October 2024
Greg

Excellent guides and one of the highlights of our trip

Both of the guides who worked with us, Jenny and Habner, were outstanding. They are both locals of Mayan descent, and spoke perfect English, in addition to Spanish and Mayan. Jenny was also fluent in French. The boats hold about 6 people—our family was 4, and we had another English speaking couple with us in the boat. We saw several manatees, as well as a baby crocodile and a number of beautiful birds. The beach stop was gorgeous and we swam a bit there in addition to swimming down the 1km canal. The water was a bit chilly for the wimpier among us but it wasn't too bad as long as we kept moving. The lunch—a traditional fish dish (there were also chicken and vegetarian options)—was personally my favorite meal of our entire week in Mexico. We also enjoyed getting to know some of the other guests during lunch. I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the Tulum area.
March 2024
Katie Jane

Nice day, not spectacular

We were served breakfast and lunch along with several hours in a 6 person boat in the shallow lakes and canals of Sian Kaan reserve. The canal float was fun. The English speaking guide was in another boat, so we didn't get the full advantage of the guide. We saw fewer birds than hoped, and didn't see manatees. Nice day but not spectacular.
February 2024


If you've been here, please tell us about it!  

Your Local Host

Sian Ka'an Community Tours

Sian Ka'an Community Tours

Locally Owned Tour Operator

Community Tours Sian Ka'an is a cooperative of locals who are passionate about sharing their culture and preserving Mayan heritage. The cooperative offers unique ways to experience the nature and history of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, one of the largest

Read the Full Story

Getting There

Transport options

Get picked up (included) and Drive
Pick up from all hotels in Tulum is included in the price. If you are staying elsewhere in the Riviera Maya, pick up can be arranged for a small extra price.
map marker

Keep Exploring