Top 5 Kayak Trips in Mexico City

1.Sunrise Kayak Tour in Xochimilco

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 59 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $28Our pick

Set out before sunrise in a single or shared kayak, with a maximum group of 10. You’ll paddle Xochimilco’s canals as birds stir and the sun rises near Mexico’s famous volcanoes. Some options include downtown pickup and breakfast on a chinampa, with a campfire and time to rest. Guides named in recent outings include Luis, Beto, Teo, and René.

“An amazing experience. A sunrise unlike any other I’ve seen before. The kayaking before sunrise was so cool and the breakfast was excellent. Rene is the guy. Thank you!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.3 Hours of Kayaking at the Ancient Canals of Xochimilco

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · 3 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $71Top rated

Set out from Embarcadero Cuemanco for about three hours on calm, narrow canals in Xochimilco’s agricultural zone. Guide Grant shares the area’s history, wildlife and current challenges as you pass pre-Hispanic chinampa farms. The group is capped at seven, and early starts can mean quieter canals, cooler air and better chances to spot birds.

“This is the most beautiful, respectful, and educational experience! Between tapping in to ancient wisdom and appreciating ongoing culture, I was so grateful this experience was possible. Highly recommend!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Kayak at sunrise in Xochimilco: agroecological experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $107

Start before sunrise at Pier Fernando Celada for a guided kayak trip through Xochimilco’s canals and chinampa farms. Guides Laila, Juan, and Diego share local history and farming knowledge; you may spot birds and axolotls. The experience includes kayak rental, a vest, and a meal prepared with chinampa produce.

“Such a wonderful tour, full of new information and unique experiences! Laila is so warm and inviting, providing so much context and translation assistance. The other guides (Juan and Diego) were so knowledgeable about the canals, chinampas, and farming practices. The chef (whose name i unfortunately missed) prepared us an astounding meal with products largely from the chinampa we visited.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Kayak tour in Xochimilco

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 7 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $20Best value

Kayak through Xochimilco’s canals and lagoons with an English- and Spanish-speaking guide. The route passes local trajineras and the original Island of the Dolls, with sunrise views possible when weather allows. Roberto, Miriam, and Daniela have guided tours, sharing local history and nature. Kayaks and life jackets are included; breakfast costs extra.

“Great tour. I attended a 10 am tour and was the only attendee, but still had two tour guides. Both were great, friendly, and well-prepared. They knew lots about the Xochimilco, its biodiversity and history, so I highly recommend you ask any questions that peaks your interest. They also encouraged taking lots of photos and helped with taking some photos of myself. The tour was around 2.5 hours and explores a large portion of the waterways in the area, including seeing local life and lots of wild animals. I highly recommend this tour as a nature getaway from the busyness of Mexico City.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Xochimilco canals private tour with kayaks + boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5 reviews · 5 to 7 hours (approx.) · from $153

Spend five to seven hours exploring Xochimilco by kayak and private trajinera, with spiced coffee and Mexican sweet bread, then visit Cuicuilco’s pyramid. Gabriela, also called Gaby, has guided guests on this personal, family-friendly outing, though guide assignments can vary. An optional temazcal ceremony may be available for an extra fee.

“This is just a small canal path with too many boats. Not worth the money and effort.”

Check availability →Read our full review