Two lagoons, joined by a channel, feeding a canal that reaches the sea. Laguna Muyil and Laguna Chunyaxché are the freshwater heart of Sian Ka’an — the reason the Maya built a city here, and the reason the water you float in is clear.
Two Lagoons, One System
Muyil is the smaller, closer to the archaeological zone and the cooperative’s dock. Chunyaxché is the larger, roughly 5 km across at its widest. A natural channel links them, and from Chunyaxché the hand-dug Maya canal runs on toward Boca Paila and the Caribbean. Water moves through the whole chain — slowly, but constantly.
Where the Water Comes From
Not from rivers. There are almost no surface rivers in the Yucatán: rain filters straight through porous limestone into an underground aquifer, then surfaces here. That is why the lagoons are clear rather than muddy, and why anything spilled kilometres inland eventually arrives. The whole system is explained in the Sian Ka’an guide.
Why the Maya Built Here
Fresh water, protein, and a route. From these lagoons, canoes could reach the sea without rounding the exposed coast — which turned Muyil into a functioning port for cacao, jade, obsidian, salt and honey. The city ruins sit a short walk from the water for exactly that reason.
What Lives in Them
Snook, tarpon, mojarra and cichlids in the water; herons, egrets, cormorants, ospreys and kingfishers above it; crocodiles in the quiet mangrove edges; turtles on the logs. Reeds and water lilies in the shallows, mangrove at the margins. The full cast is in our wildlife guide.
How to Experience Them
By boat on the Ancient Canal tour — the crossing that begins every full day.
By kayak at sunrise, when the surface is glass: the kayak guide explains routes and difficulty.
Slowly, in the afternoon, on the shorter Sacred Caribbean Paradise.
The Name
Chunyaxché comes from Maya roots meaning, roughly, “at the trunk of the ceiba” — the tree that holds up the Maya universe. Places here are named for what matters, not for who owned them.
Meet the Community Behind the Tour
In just two minutes, discover who we are — the Maya families and cooperative members who make every experience authentic and regenerative:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim in Muyil lagoon?
Swimming happens in designated areas that guides indicate, including the canal float. The water is fresh, clear and shallow, and life vests are provided.
How big is Laguna Chunyaxché?
It is the larger of the two lagoons, roughly 5 km across at its widest point, connected to Laguna Muyil by a natural channel.
Are there crocodiles in the Muyil lagoons?
Yes, in the quieter mangrove edges — they avoid the busy boat routes and the shallow moving water where visitors float.
Cross the Water That Built a City
Book your lagoon crossing with the Maya cooperative.
Questions? Contact us at reservacionesctsk@siankaantours.com.mx or WhatsApp +52 984 114 0750