Tulum: Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve Ancient Maya Canals Tour

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 start early, at approximately 6:50 a.m. (our booking staff will confirm the time upon reservation). 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 astral observatory and 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!