Mexico City: Xochimilco Boat Tour & The Island of the Dolls

Xochimilco, Mexico City’s vibrant water world, beckons adventurers to explore its iconic canals aboard colorful trajinera boats. This captivating tour promises a unique blend of culture, cuisine, and haunting mystery as visitors float past lush greenery and discover the eerie Island of the Dolls, its haunting doll displays a testament to the region’s intriguing folklore. With unlimited food, drinks, and lively activities such as karaoke and Mexican bingo, this 4-hour excursion offers a truly immersive experience, perfect for families, couples, and friends seeking to enjoy the rich tapestry of Mexico City’s enchanting waterways.

This experience made our list of the 16 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Mexico City.

Key Points

• Explore the vibrant canals of Xochimilco, a UNESCO World Heritage site, on a 4-hour guided boat tour with unlimited drinks and food tastings.
• Visit the eerie and captivating Island of the Dolls, known as one of the scariest places in Mexico City, where thousands of weathered dolls are displayed.
• Enjoy engaging activities like Mexican bingo and karaoke, enjoying the local culture during the tour.
• The tour offers convenient hotel pickup and drop-off services, making it accessible for travelers in central Mexico City.
• The Xochimilco Boat Tour is highly rated by customers, with praise for the knowledgeable guides and the memorable experience of the Island of the Dolls.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Xochimilco Boat Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant canals and islands of this historic region, seeing the rich cultural heritage of Mexico City.

This 4-hour tour allows you to take a guided journey on a colorful trajinera (gondola) and visit the infamous Island of the Dolls.

Along the way, you’ll enjoy unlimited drinks, food tastings, and lively entertainment like Mexican bingo and karaoke.

The tour is accessible for wheelchair users, and private group options are available.

With prices starting at just £46.87 per person and free cancellation, this experience is a fantastic value and not to be missed during your time in Mexico City.

Itinerary Highlights

Starting at Canal 237 in Xochimilco, the tour takes visitors on a guided journey through the vibrant canals, where they can explore the ‘party canal’ and the ‘peace canal’.

On the colorful Trajinera boat, they’ll visit the eerie Island of the Dolls, considered the scariest place in Mexico City.

Along the way, they’ll enjoy a food tasting at a floating restaurant and unlimited drinks like margaritas, tequila, mezcal, pulque, and micheladas.

The tour also features lively Mexican bingo and karaoke challenges to immerse guests in the local culture.

After an unforgettable adventure, the tour returns to the starting point at Canal 237.

Inclusions

Included in the tour are the ticket to board the boat, the ticket to the Island of the Dolls, unlimited lunch and drinks, a souvenir gift, a Mexican cocktails tutorial, hotel pickup and drop-off, and tips.

This comprehensive package ensures visitors can fully enjoy the unique Xochimilco experience without worrying about additional costs.

The unlimited food and drinks, which include margaritas, tequila, mezcal, pulque, and michelada, allow guests to indulge in traditional Mexican flavors.

The souvenir gift and cocktails tutorial provide a memento and skill to take home, while the hotel transportation and included tips make the tour seamless and hassle-free.

With all these inclusions, the Xochimilco boat tour offers an exceptional value.

Important Meeting Information

Though the meeting point is Canal 237 in San Jerónimo, Xochimilco, visitors can access it conveniently via Uber.

However, they must arrive within 15 minutes of the scheduled start time, as late arrivals may miss the tour. The journey from central Mexico City to the starting location takes approximately 1.5 hours.

It’s important to note that the tour operates rain or shine, so participants should dress appropriately for the weather. Visitors should also be cautious of any false information regarding pier closures, as the tour will proceed as scheduled unless explicitly stated otherwise.

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Travel Time and Accessibility

The journey from central Mexico City to the starting location takes approximately 1.5 hours, making it an accessible option for visitors.

Xochimilco’s Canal 237, the meeting point for the tour, can be reached conveniently via Uber.

Tour participants are advised to arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time to ensure they don’t miss the boat.

Despite Xochimilco’s remote location, the boat tour operates rain or shine, providing a unique opportunity to explore the picturesque canals and the iconic Island of the Dolls.

The tour’s accessibility and reliability make it an appealing choice for travelers seeking a memorable cultural experience in Mexico City.

Tour Operation Details

The Xochimilco Boat Tour typically runs rain or shine, catering to visitors throughout the year. Participants board the colorful Trajinera boats at Canal 237 in the Xochimilco district, embarking on a 4-hour journey that showcases the area’s iconic canals and the chilling Island of the Dolls.

The tour includes:

1. A guided tour through the ‘party canal’ and ‘peace canal’ with unlimited drinks, such as margaritas, tequila, mezcal, pulque, and micheladas.

2. A visit to the Island of the Dolls, widely considered the scariest place in Mexico City, where visitors can explore the haunting display of dolls.

3. A food tasting experience at a floating restaurant, providing a unique culinary adventure on the canals.

Customer Ratings and Feedback

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the Xochimilco Boat Tour, with an impressive 4.9/5 rating based on 27 reviews.

Guests highlighted the knowledgeable and engaging guides, who provided insightful information about the unique destination.

The experience at the Island of the Dolls was a particular highlight, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.

Reviewers also enjoyed the fun atmosphere, with music, food, and entertaining activities like Mexican bingo and karaoke.

Whether visiting as a couple, family, or group, the Xochimilco Boat Tour is widely recommended as a memorable and unique experience in Mexico City.

Unique Experiences Awaiting

Adventure and enchantment await visitors on the Xochimilco Boat Tour, as they embark on a captivating journey through the historic canals of Mexico City.

The highlight of the tour is the eerie Island of the Dolls, where thousands of creepy, weathered dolls hang from the trees, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.

Guests can also:

1. Explore the vibrant ‘party canal’ and the peaceful ‘peace canal’, soaking up the lively mariachi music and colorful surroundings.

2. Indulge in a delectable lunch and unlimited Mexican cocktails at a floating restaurant, savoring the flavors of traditional cuisine.

3. Participate in lively activities like Mexican bingo and karaoke, seeing the cultural experience.

This tour offers a truly unique and unforgettable adventure in the heart of Mexico City.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the History Behind the Island of the Dolls?

The Island of the Dolls has a chilling history. Legend states a young girl drowned there, and the now-deceased owner hung dolls to honor her memory. It’s said the dolls are haunted by the girl’s spirit.

Are There Any Risks or Safety Concerns for the Tour?

There are some risks and safety concerns to consider. The island can be unsettling, and the boats may involve motion sickness. However, the tour is wheelchair accessible, and the guides prioritize safety. Appropriate caution is advised, but the experience is generally quite safe.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?

Guests are generally not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the boat. The tour package includes unlimited lunch and drinks, so bringing outside items is typically discouraged. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator for their specific policies.

Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?

The tour is generally suitable for young children, as it includes activities like Mexican bingo and a floating restaurant. However, the Island of the Dolls may be too creepy and scary for some younger kids. Parental discretion is advised.

Are There Any Additional Costs Not Included in the Tour Price?

Based on the information provided, the tour price includes all major costs such as boat tickets, entrance fees, food, drinks, and tips. Travelers may encounter any optional or personal expenses not explicitly mentioned in the inclusions.

Recap

The Xochimilco Boat Tour in Mexico City offers a captivating blend of culture, history, and entertainment.

Visitors can glide through the vibrant canals, explore the eerie Island of the Dolls, and indulge in delicious local cuisine while enjoying lively activities.

This unique experience is perfect for families, couples, and friends, providing an unforgettable glimpse into Mexico’s vibrant traditions.

You can check if your dates are available here: