Canoes & Tubes on the Macal
Tubing from the Lodge
Just walk down the entrance road for about 5 minutes until you reach the "Tube Palapa." Grab an inner tube and take a short walk down to the Macal River. Start your journey floating down the river. Towering cliffs, large rock formations along the waters edge, massive stands of bamboo, cormorants, kingfishers and turtles are just some of the interesting sites you will see on this 20-30 minute float to Sweet Songs' beach. Its a great way to relax after returning from your days activity and you're sure to enjoy the sites and sounds you encounter along the Macal River, so make sure you allow time in your itinerary for some some relaxing moments on the beach and for swimming, canoeing & tubing.
Canoeing & Tubing Tours
Canoeing or Tubing To Natural History Center & Butterfly Farm
A fun and informative half-day canoe trip, best of all - no driving. The Natural History Center and Butterfly Farm are located about 20 minutes downstream from Sweet Songs. Look for a large concrete landing. Tie up and follow the path up to the Lodge at Chaa Creek. Canoe back up when you're ready or call for a ride back.
Departure: Anytime from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
Canoe time: 20 minutes down and 45 minutes to an hour back
San Ignacio Town by Canoe
You can do this either combined with a visit to a nearby archaeological site, such as Cahal Pech, Xunantunich, or El Pilar, or on your way out to the airport on your last day, (departure flight-time permitting). Depending on the season (dry or rainy) and your canoeing skills this will take you about 1.5 - 3 hours to reach San Ignacio Town.
It's downstream so it's a nice way to spend the day if you are tired of driving around bumpy roads. The lower Macal is relatively slow moving (except after heavy rains) and there are only a couple of very light rapids, so even those without canoe experience can relax and enjoy this trip.
Departure: by 9:00am if you're going to a Maya site; before noon if you're only canoeing.
Canoeing or Tubing combined with Horseback Riding
Ride on horseback to Negro Man Farm and then tube or canoe downstream to Sweet Songs. The horseback ride is very scenic through field and forest. When you arrive at the farm, just hop into your canoe or onto your tube and float your way back downstream to Sweet Songs.
Departure: 8:00am
Riding time: 1.5 hours, Canoeing or Tubing time: 1.5 - 2.5 hours