Mexico City The island of dolls, games and drinks

If you’re looking for a tour that combines a touch of the eerie with lively Mexican culture, this experience might just be what you need. From what we’ve seen, it promises a scenic boat ride through Xochimilco’s canals, a visit to the infamous Island of the Dolls, and some fun activities like traditional Mexican games — plus plenty of food and drinks. It sounds like a quirky mix, right? Well, it is, but there’s quite a bit to love here.

Two things that really stand out are the guides’ knowledge and friendliness and the unique setting of the island itself. The guides seem to genuinely enhance the experience with their storytelling, making the spooky legend of the island engaging rather than just creepy. The setting — a small island filled with hanging dolls — is undeniably atmospherically unsettling, especially at night.

One thing to keep in mind is that the cost, around $105 per person, might seem steep if you’re not into the details or extra activities included. But considering the boat rides, food, drinks, and access to the island, most reviews suggest it offers good value for a unique adventure.

This tour is best suited for those who enjoy a bit of spooky fun, cultural activities, and scenic boat rides. It’s particularly appealing if you’re into ghost stories, quirky sights, or just want a different way to experience Mexico’s lively traditions.

Key Points

• Scenic Canal Ride: Enjoy a peaceful, picturesque journey through Xochimilco’s canals, which are a vibrant, lively part of Mexico City’s charm.
• Unique Visit to Doll Island: Get close to the legendary Island of the Dolls, enhanced by guides who share intriguing stories about its spooky history.
• Fun Activities & Food: Participate in traditional Mexican games and savor included snacks and drinks for a well-rounded experience.
• Expert Guides: Guides are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making the tour informative and engaging.
• Comfort & Convenience: The tour offers a flexible, 3-hour format with a mobile ticket option, making it easy to join.
• Good Value: With boat rides, food, drinks, and entry included, many reviewers feel this experience is worth the price.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Parque Ecológico de Xochimilco

Your adventure kicks off at the Parque Ecológico de Xochimilco, where you’ll board a boat to explore the canals. This part of the tour is about an hour, during which you’ll enjoy the vibrant scenery — lush vegetation, colorful boats, and lively local culture. It’s a relaxing way to start and sets a wonderfully scenic tone for the rest of your journey. As one reviewer, John_R, mentioned, “Alan was a great host and the boat trip to the island was great, as was the return trip with the games.” It’s a peaceful, almost nostalgic experience, especially if you love waterways and scenic views.

Stop 2: La Isla de las Muñecas (The Island of the Dolls)

The highlight (or the spookiest part) is your visit to the infamous Island of the Dolls. As your guides share stories and legends, you’ll get a sense of why this little island is so captivating and unsettling. The dolls hanging from trees and buildings create a surreal, slightly disturbing atmosphere, especially if you opt for a nighttime visit, which is widely considered the most terrifying experience.

Once there, you’ll have about an hour to explore on your own. Many travelers find the stories behind the dolls fascinating — a haunting reminder of local traditions and myths. Johnetta_O shared, “The food, drinks, and games were so fun and engaging,” but also noted the significance of the island as a spooky, cultural sight.

Stop 3: Reserva Ecológica Cuemanco-Xochimilco

Back on the water, the tour continues in the ecological reserve, where you’ll participate in Mexican games and activities prepared for you throughout the trip. This part lasts about an hour and is designed to be interactive and fun, allowing you to relax and enjoy Mexican culture in a lively setting. Many reviews highlight how engaging and enjoyable these activities are, with Erik_G mentioning, “Alan and his team were absolute magic. We didn’t know quite what we were signing up for but what it was was a lovely boat ride, terrific drinks, and a spooky island.”

What’s Included and What Not

The tour provides quite a bit for the price — around $105 — including:

• Alcoholic beverages: Expect beers, soda, and traditional drinks, all included, which help keep the mood lively.
• Snacks and food: Tasty Mexican snacks are part of the package, perfect for fueling your adventure.
• Guided experience: Bilingual guides ensure you get the full story, whether in Spanish or English.
• Boat entrance tickets: Your boat and island access are included, so no hidden costs here.

What’s not included are tips, so if you love your guide’s storytelling and service, it’s customary to tip accordingly.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

The pros are clear: a well-organized, engaging tour with friendly guides, stunning canal views, and a spooky, iconic site that’s hard to find elsewhere. Many reviews emphasize how knowledgeable and fun guides like Alan and Paola are, making the experience memorable. You’ll love the views during the boat rides, the opportunity to try traditional games, and the included food and drinks that keep everyone energized.

On the flip side, the main drawback is that the tour can be a bit on the pricier side, especially if you’re not into spooky legends or cultural activities. Also, visiting the island, especially at night, can be unsettling for some. The island itself is quite small, and some may find the overall vibe a little kitschy or eerie without knowing the stories behind it.

Plus, access to the island can sometimes be a challenge, but this tour offers a dedicated option for those who want to go straight to the island and return comfortably, which is a smart choice for travelers who prefer a more streamlined experience.

The Real Reviews: Authentic Perspectives

Multiple reviewers mention how much they enjoyed the guides’ storytelling and the overall vibe. Johnetta_O notes that “Alan was so friendly and knowledgeable,” and others say the “games and local food” made the experience especially fun and authentic. Erik_G highlights “the terrific drinks and the spooky island,” emphasizing the mix of culture and thrill.

A recurring theme is that many found the combination of boat rides, food, drinks, and the spooky island a perfect way to break the typical tourist trail. The reviews also suggest that this experience fits well for solo travelers, couples, or small groups looking for something different.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys quirky, offbeat sights and isn’t squeamish about creepy legends, this tour will probably be a highlight of your Mexico City trip. It’s also ideal if you want a mix of scenic beauty, cultural fun, and a splash of the supernatural — all within a manageable 3-hour window.

Travelers interested in local traditions, Mexican cuisine, or simply seeking a memorable story to tell will appreciate the storytelling and atmosphere. Families with older children might find it interesting, especially if they’re fans of spooky stories, but the eerie vibe might be a bit intense for very young kids.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a genuinely entertaining and unique slice of Mexico City’s rich and quirky culture. The combination of a peaceful canal cruise, a visit to a famously spooky site, and lively activities along the way makes for a well-rounded experience. The guides are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, helping to bring the stories and legends to life in a way that’s engaging and respectful.

For those who love a bit of the eerie, enjoy culture, or just want to experience something different, this trip offers good value — especially with drinks, snacks, and the opportunity to explore one of Mexico’s most infamous sites. Keep in mind that the spooky element isn’t for everyone, but if you’re curious and open-minded, it’s likely to be a memorable highlight.

This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers, culture vultures, and those looking for a story worth telling. It’s a fun, atmospheric, and culturally rich outing that captures a side of Mexico City that’s both weird and wonderful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly mentioned, the tour includes fun activities and cultural sights that older children might enjoy. However, the spooky aspect of the Doll Island could be unsettling for very young kids.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 3 hours, with stops at the ecological park, Doll Island, and the ecological reserve for activities.

Are drinks and food included?
Yes, alcoholic beverages, soda, snacks, and Mexican food are included, making it easy to stay energized and hydrated.

Is the tour accessible for people with service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed, which is great for travelers with specific needs.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Liga de Veteranos de Futbol Xochimilco and ends back at the same point, offering convenience and ease of planning.

What is the group size?
The tour is small, with a maximum of 14 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

If you’re craving a fun, spooky, and culturally rich adventure in Mexico City, this tour hits a lot of the right notes. Just be ready for some eerie sights and lively stories — and hopefully, a good dose of Mexican hospitality along the way.