Muyil Lagoons & Canal Float
Drift through ancient Mayan canals in the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a serene escape surrounded by lush mangroves and crystal-clear waters.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Muyil Lagoons & Canal Float
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Drift through ancient Mayan canals in the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a serene escape surrounded by lush mangroves and crystal-clear waters.
"It was a really unique, peaceful experience. Worth every penny!"
🚗 Drive Yourself & Ask Locals
Driving to Muyil and asking locals for tour options can be more spontaneous and potentially cheaper than pre-booked tours.
💰 Bring Cash for Fees
Parking and excursion fees are typically cash-only. Have Mexican Pesos ready to go!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Serene Canal Float
Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve
Drift peacefully down a crystal-clear Mayan canal, surrounded by lush mangroves and the sounds of nature. A truly tranquil experience.

Lagoon Boat Tour
Muyil Lagoons
Explore the stunning lagoons by boat, spotting diverse birdlife and fish amidst the vibrant mangrove ecosystem.
Mayan Canal Passage
Connecting Lagoons
Journey through ancient Mayan canals, a unique historical and natural pathway offering breathtaking views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Arrive Early for the Best Experience
Cash is King for Excursions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
worth visiting Muyil for the laguna boat tours even if the ruins are closed?
🚗 Drive Yourself & Ask Locals
Driving to Muyil and asking locals for tour options can be more spontaneous and potentially cheaper than pre-booked tours.
💰 Bring Cash for Fees
Parking and excursion fees are typically cash-only. Have Mexican Pesos ready to go!
Muyil River Float
Muyil vs Chichen-Itza
🦟 Bug Spray is Your Friend
Be prepared for insects, especially when you get out of the canal. Pack repellent!
💧 Life Jackets Provided
Life jackets are provided for the canal float, ensuring a safe and relaxing experience.
If you saw these places was it actually worth it? 1: Muyil River Float, 2: Coba Ruins 3: Siaan Kaan (Punta Allen) to see the Dolphins. Please be honest.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Yourself & Ask Locals
Driving to Muyil and asking locals for tour options can be more spontaneous and potentially cheaper than pre-booked tours.
💰 Bring Cash for Fees
Parking and excursion fees are typically cash-only. Have Mexican Pesos ready to go!
🦟 Bug Spray is Your Friend
Be prepared for insects, especially when you get out of the canal. Pack repellent!
💧 Life Jackets Provided
Life jackets are provided for the canal float, ensuring a safe and relaxing experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Muyil Lagoons & Canal Float for its unique, peaceful, and relaxing experience, particularly the serene drift down the Mayan canals. The boat tour offers beautiful views of the mangroves and wildlife. While some find it a bit pricey, the overall consensus is that it's a highly recommended adventure for its natural beauty and tranquility.
"We really enjoyed the boat ride by ‘lancha’ and then floating down the lazy river. It was a really unique, peaceful experience. Aaron was a great guide! We simply drove a hire car to Muyil and then turned left just after the Oxxo (when driving from Tulum. We paid 50 pesos to park and 1000 pesos (cash) each for the excursion. We did not book and just turned up. They told me that only 30 trips go per day in 15 boats but we arrived early afternoon and were able to go no problem. Such a lovely adventure!"
Mhairi Flood-McCaw
"I did the tour they offer and it was amazing. It’s a bit expensive but it’s honestly worth every penny. We crossed the lagoon by boat, went through a Mayan canal to the other bigger lagoon and they left us to float down a natural canal with life jackets. The water is crystal clear and the current takes you slowly up to the place where you get out and walk back to where the boat left you. Really recommend"
Martina Donzelli
"Lovely experience viewing birds and fish in the mangroves. Floating down the canal to the other lagoon was very relaxing."
kevin smith
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is to drive your rental car. Turn left just after the Oxxo convenience store when heading south from Tulum. Parking is available for a small fee. Taxis or colectivos might also be options, but driving offers the most flexibility.
Yes, it's often possible to show up and arrange a tour, especially if you arrive earlier in the day. Some travelers have had success by asking locals on the side of the road.
There is a parking area available, typically costing around 50 Mexican Pesos. It's a good idea to have cash ready for this fee.
While possible, taxis might be more expensive than driving yourself. Negotiate the fare beforehand if you opt for a taxi.
Colectivos that run along the main highway might stop near Muyil, but you would likely need to walk or arrange local transport from the highway to the lagoon entrance. Driving is generally recommended for ease.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The excursion typically costs around 1000 Mexican Pesos per person. This price includes the boat ride across the lagoons and the guided float down the canal.
While booking in advance is an option, many visitors successfully arrange tours upon arrival, especially if they arrive early.
The tour generally includes a boat ride across the lagoons, passage through Mayan canals, and a guided float down a natural canal with life jackets.
Yes, the canal float is a gentle and relaxing experience, making it suitable for families. Life jackets are provided.
While the Muyil tour itself has a fee, access to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve may involve separate entrance fees depending on the specific entry point and tour operator. Confirm this when booking or upon arrival.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll be given a life jacket and gently float down a clear, natural canal. The current is slow and relaxing, allowing you to soak in the surrounding mangrove scenery.
The area is known for its diverse birdlife and fish, especially within the mangrove ecosystems. Keep an eye out for various species during your boat ride and float.
The entire experience, including the boat ride and the float, typically takes a few hours. The float itself is about 30 minutes.
Wear comfortable, quick-drying clothing and swimwear. Water shoes are also recommended as you'll be getting in and out of the water.
Basic facilities are usually available near the tour departure points. It's advisable to use restrooms before you begin the boat tour.
📸 📸 Photography
The lush mangrove scenery, the clear turquoise waters of the canal, and the unique Mayan ruins (if accessible) offer fantastic photo opportunities. The boat ride itself provides scenic vistas.
It's generally safe if you take precautions. Consider a waterproof case or a floating strap for your phone or camera to prevent accidental drops in the water.
Absolutely! The boat tour offers excellent vantage points for capturing the expansive lagoon views and the surrounding natural beauty.
Generally, photography is allowed. However, always be respectful of the natural environment and other visitors.
Morning light is often ideal for photography, providing soft illumination and fewer harsh shadows. The calm waters in the morning also make for beautiful reflections.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Practical tips for families: Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen. Bug spray is a must, especially for the little ones. Consider visiting in the morning to avoid the midday heat and potential crowds. The experience is relatively short, making it manageable for younger attention spans.
💰 Budget Travelers
Be prepared with cash, as most transactions are cash-based. While there isn't much in the way of dining directly at the lagoons, packing your own snacks and water can help manage expenses. The beauty of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is its natural splendor, which is free to appreciate once you've paid for the excursion.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve Experience
The tranquility of the canal float is a highlight, providing a meditative experience as you drift through the clear waters. This journey is not just about sightseeing; it's an immersion into a vital natural habitat. The ancient Mayan canals themselves are a testament to the historical significance of the region, hinting at the advanced civilizations that once thrived here.
When visiting Muyil, you're not just enjoying a scenic float; you're contributing to the preservation of this important biosphere. Many tours emphasize eco-tourism principles, aiming to minimize impact while maximizing appreciation for the natural world. It’s a chance to connect with nature in a profound and peaceful way.
Navigating the Muyil Excursion: Tips from Travelers
The excursion usually involves a boat ride across the lagoons, followed by a guided float down a natural canal. The float is the star attraction for many, offering a deeply relaxing experience. However, be prepared for insects, especially after exiting the canal, so packing insect repellent is highly recommended.
While the experience is widely praised for its uniqueness and peacefulness, some reviews mention it can be slightly overpriced for the duration. However, the consensus is that the serene beauty and the distinct nature of the canal float make it a worthwhile adventure.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit