3 Hours of Kayaking at the Ancient Canals of Xochimilco
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 15 minutes
Mobile ticket
We follow canals through the 800-900 year old chinampa system of agriculture, the last remnant of the original lake from prehispanic times. These lush water trails form a green maze of wildlife, mountain views, and still-functioning island farms unlike anywhere in the world. It is a calm paddle with plenty of time for pictures, birdwatching, and exploration.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
We'll leave from Embarcadero Cuemanco for a 3 hour calm kayak trip into the beautiful agricultural section of Xochimilco, taking lesser-known small canals full of bird and fish life and passing the still working island farms (chinampas) that have been here since the prehispanic period.
What‘s Included
Kayaks
Lifejacket
Dry Bag
Options
3 Hours of Kayaking at the Ancient Canals of Xochimilco
Reviews
15 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Beautiful Landscape, Informative Tour!
Stuart M,,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was a fun, peaceful, educational, and fascinating look at the natural world around Mexico City. Grant was an excellent guide, tailoring the tour to the interests and desires of our group. He shared abundant information about the history surrounding the canals, the use of the land for farming, and the past and present dynamics impacting the ways that the Mexican people interact with the waterways. We arrived early to begin our tour before the larger boats and groups of tourists entered the water. This early start was well worth it, as the canals were serene, wildlife (especially Herons) was abundant, and the temperature was comfortable throughout. Wear layers, and with care you will be comfortable and stay dry!
Greg Grant Gig
Jennifer H,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Grant is your guide. His love for the area and personal enjoyment of kayaking the waters shows, while he takes you through background and current issues affecting the islands and canals. Highly recommend.
Xochimilco October 31
24zacharyz,,Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really magical experience! Grant is an excellent guide and kayaks are the best way to experience the canals. Would recommend highly!
Excellent way to explore the canals of Xochimilco!
Julia A,,Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a gorgeous morning exploring the canals! We saw tons of birds and learned a lot about the local culture and agriculture. Grant us a terrific guide. He let us set the tone of the experience which was highly appreciated. If you want a quiet (non-touristy) experience without all the extras (we opted out of the creepy doll island!) this tour is for you.
DON'T pass this getaway opportunity~~~ Must do
hong c,,Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Top-notch experience. I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Mexico City. The scenery was beautiful, peaceful, and quiet. We got lucky to catch the sunrise, and Grant's explanation was very insightful. It was like an intriguing Mexican historical lesson combined with ecology, it was not boring it was really interesting.
Awesome experience
S6186CGcatalinam,,Sep 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00No one else had booked on the date I chose, so it ended up being just Grant and me. He knows the area, culture, and history extremely well, and I learned a lot. He’s also very mindful and gave clear, helpful instructions throughout. Communication was perfect—fast, efficient, and always on time. I highly recommend it — you’ll be in great hands with him.
Great back-to-nature excursion
Elizaread,,Aug 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was such a great way to experience natural Mexico City! Grant was engaging and intelligent in his information sharing, as well as being flat-out nice. We had a great time and recommend this to anyone who wants to see Mexico City outside the city.
Perfect outdoor activity
Elizabeth L,,Aug 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a fantastic way to learn about Mexico and be in nature! Grant was a fabulous guide, full of engaging and informative stories, and we felt welcomed and appreciated.
Kayaking rocks and Grant rules
ProfessorSnaples,,Jun 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Just beautiful. THIS is the way to experience Xochimilco. Firstly, being there at dawn before it becomes a Mardi Gras vibe is so refreshing and deeply soothing if you’ve been staying in the busy parts of the city. You’ll see more wildlife this way too. Kayaking is easy but engaging and you’ll feel really independent and intrepid paddling your own boat! And finally, Grant is a terrific guide. He is incredibly knowledgeable because of a deep curiosity he has. He shares a sense of wonder with his guests and it’s contagious. And he is just charming, honest, down to earth, and really capable. Terrific tour, absolutely the highlight of our whole CDMX visit!
Great Fun in the canals
eliotz2023,,Apr 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing experience - Grant was a knowledgeable and fun guide who took us on four hours of touring the canals. Saw all sorts of birds.
From MX$1,200.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
![Frida Kahlo VIP [Museum Tickets Included] Walk, Markets & Churros](https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/attractions-splice-spp-720x480/10/9e/eb/fb.jpg)
Operated by Grant