Top Mexico City Cruises: Tours, Prices & What to Expect

Mexico City, known for its sprawling size and culture, actually gives you a chance to discover its beauty from the water. So, while it may not spring to mind at the thought of a “cruise,” surprisingly it does offer a few really cool options. From historic canals to relaxing lake trips, here are what someone might consider the best “Mexico City cruises” if you are looking for a scenic escape right in the city. Ready? Let’s get started.

1. Xochimilco Trajinera Ride: A Floating Fiesta

Is that something that grabs your attention? Xochimilco should be, then! And why? Well, these vibrant, painted boats take you on a trip back in time through ancient canals. Really a party on water, with music, food, and good company. Okay, okay, the only way you’ll get to really savor what Mexico is about is if you plan a visit to the must-see destination on the outskirts of Mexico City.

The vibrant colors of the trajineras are, more or less, like moving pieces of art. The experience feels very much like being swept away into another realm when you begin gliding down the water. As a matter of fact, it’s all so pretty! Then, Mariachi bands come on board to play live music and that does make things even more festive. As I was saying, families selling traditional meals, like elotes and quesadillas, also pass by. Anyway, these canals are what is left of the big lake system that was here back when the Aztecs ruled.

Things to expect: Prepare yourself for a festive, a bit loud, and joyful time. So, most tours usually run from two to three hours, which seems fairly right. Also, you may find the urge to bargain on prices – always okay! Very well, depending on the size of your group, a private trajinera can be just a bit more economical compared to hopping on a group tour. So, for a quite complete experience, plan on spending around $20 to $40 per person. This should cover the cost of the boat, some food, and, arguably, a song or two from the musicians.

Read our full review: Xochimilco Trajinera Ride Full Review and Details

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2. Chapultepec Lake: Pedal Boats & Peaceful Paddling

You see, if you want a calm, relaxed break from all the action, try the boat rides on Chapultepec Lake, alright? In the heart of Mexico City’s biggest park is this gorgeous, human-made lake and, in that case, it makes a really good way to get some rest for your soul.

But, as I was saying, renting a pedal boat can, more or less, give you a good work out while also providing really wonderful views of the park’s gardens and even the Castillo de Chapultepec on a small hill. So, it’s almost as if being in a scene from a movie when the sun is gleaming off the water, Alright?

Things to anticipate: A calm time is quite a thing that awaits! So, usually the rental fees for boats are cheap. In other words, about $5 to $10 per hour, right? Anyway, this makes it super-reasonable if you just need a short escape. But as a matter of fact, plan your visit around the times the park isn’t as busy; on weekends the lake gets rather crowded and really kind of changes the laid-back atmosphere just a bit, you understand.

Read our full review: Chapultepec Lake Boat Full Review and Details

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3. Day Trip to Valle de Bravo: Sailing & Lakeside Views

Valle de Bravo, near Mexico City, offers a nice getaway if you want more than just small lakes or canal cruises, okay? What with its stunning lake and views, it’s popular for sailing and water activities.

If, seemingly, being a bit outside of the city is okay, Valle de Bravo provides really cool sailing tours, too. With that said, gliding on the lake gives amazing views of the town, the hills around, and just a bit of that feeling of pure escape. Basically, there’s just a peaceful, yet inspiring sensation. So, too it’s almost the perfect way to change your point of view and just feel peaceful again.

Things to consider: Tour prices can be rather different, like $50 to $150 per person, depending on tour length, what is all included, and also boat type. Arguably, the best time for sailing would be in the months when the weather’s pretty calm and the winds are nice, right? Moreover, that would be from late autumn to early spring, really.

Read our full review: Valle de Bravo Sailing Full Review and Details

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4. Iztaccihuatl-Popocatépetl National Park Boat Ride: Nature and Volcanic Views

If, that is, you wish to merge the appeal of boating with the impressive views of nature, take a boat ride in Iztaccihuatl-Popocatépetl National Park. By the way, although maybe not so common, it could prove very satisfying.

Anyway, encircled by pine forests and views of the famed volcanoes, this spot offers that out-of-the-way, serene escape. Anyway, the boat trip on one of the lakes, it’s true, let’s you be wowed by the local wild animals and take photos that do great honor to the views around. Now, the lakes there have calm waters that give amazing views of Iztaccihuatl and Popocatépetl Volcanoes.

Things to bear in mind: As a matter of fact, it might prove wise to plan with local operators to learn the details concerning weather limits, availability, and prices that can really be affected by the period and any official permission or conservation endeavors.

Read our full review: Iztaccihuatl-Popocatépetl National Park Boat Ride Full Review and Details

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5. Floating Gardens of Nativitas: Serenity on the Water

Nativitas is a calmer and more authentic substitute to Xochimilco, is that clear? Now, what makes it special, is that it delivers a quiet look into ancient ways of life along old waterways and calm “floating gardens”.

When you glide across its waters, the peace and quiet are all too real, right? This location does well at offering, not a wild fiesta, but rather a deep and immersive tour past ancient farming systems called chinampas, where food crops still sprout even to this day. As a matter of fact, local gardeners and little wild creatures share these little patches, thus displaying Mexico’s devotion to living in unison with Mother Earth.

What to prepare for: Prepare to be in awe of how long many gardeners have worked this land and how committed they seem to protecting their practices. I mean, most boat trips are about one to two hours long and commonly cost $15 – $30 for a full boat, right? Moreover, a thing to think over could very well be using local tour people, really. Since they commonly reside there and you could receive great insights.

Read our full review: Floating Gardens of Nativitas Full Review and Details

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