Embarcadero Fernando Celada: Ecological Tours of Xochimilco

The Embarcadero Fernando Celada is one of the easiest “ecological” boat launches to get to. With a variety of packages, the tours from here can range from the generally more sedate to the full-on guided environmental tour. There’s a lot to look at. As Xochimilco is quickly growing into one of the greenest and most environmentally conscious parts of the city, there’s a lot to learn about nature, too.

Originally opened in 1968 in preparation for the Olympics, today it’s one of the better boat launches for receiving buses and large tour groups. You can also get to the boat launch from both the Xochimilco light-rail station, or from the station before that, Francisco Goitia. It’s about a ten-minutes walk from either station. It’s geographically on the northern edge of downtown Xochimilco. The result is a slightly more open and public-feeling boat landing. It’s also one with a lot of the land-side services, like bathrooms and ample parking.

Named for a poet originally from Xochimilco, the Embarcadero Fernando Celada is home base for about 140 boats. These will set out for a variety of trips. There are traditional and historical routes, or slightly longer, tours to the ecological reserve to the north.

• Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Special “Lunadas” night-tours are announced on an as-available basis and run those nights from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

See the complete list of Xochimilco boat launches here, and review the rules and regulations too.