Mayan Bee Sanctuary
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COZUMEL, QUINTANA ROO, MEXICO
The Mayan Bee Sanctuary is a great day excursion when cruising Cozumel or Playa del Carmen, Mexico. The sanctuary was born in 2019 and is known for its stingless bees, also known as Meliponas or “Xunan Cab” in the Maya language. They are native to the Yucatan and have reproduced in endemic areas where the ancient Maya lived like Southern Mexico, central Belize and the lowlands of Guatemala. |
The Xunan Cab, “the Royal Lady” is extremely important to the Mayan people. They put great value on them for religious, medicinal, commerce, and food purposes.
The Maya created colorful rituals to celebrate their relationship and to honor the caretaker of the bees over the years. There are more than 600 different species of stingless bees in the world and 16 of those are located in the Yucatan Peninsula.
The Melipona Bees are responsible for 80% of the pollination in the forest of the Yucatan Peninsula. The Maya believe the Meliponarios must be cared for with a great deal of care and affection to produce great honey. Each jabon will produce about one or two liters of honey a year. The production is much slower in comparison to the European or African Bees which produce close to 30 liters a year.
The Melipona honey has great medicinal properties which is far more helpful than most honeys. It is used for everything from wounds to burns, diseases, lotions and soaps. The pollen from the Melipona has 50% more protein value than most bees. The healing power of the honey is effective for snake bites, reducing fevers, respiratory systems, digestive disorders, to circulatory issues. The honey can be lighter to darker in color. The flavor of the honey is dependent on its nectar source so it can have a sweet, spicy, nutty or earthy taste. In warmer climates, honey will stay runny much longer than with cold temperatures. Be sure and stop by for a taste test while you’re there!
The Maya created colorful rituals to celebrate their relationship and to honor the caretaker of the bees over the years. There are more than 600 different species of stingless bees in the world and 16 of those are located in the Yucatan Peninsula.
The Melipona Bees are responsible for 80% of the pollination in the forest of the Yucatan Peninsula. The Maya believe the Meliponarios must be cared for with a great deal of care and affection to produce great honey. Each jabon will produce about one or two liters of honey a year. The production is much slower in comparison to the European or African Bees which produce close to 30 liters a year.
The Melipona honey has great medicinal properties which is far more helpful than most honeys. It is used for everything from wounds to burns, diseases, lotions and soaps. The pollen from the Melipona has 50% more protein value than most bees. The healing power of the honey is effective for snake bites, reducing fevers, respiratory systems, digestive disorders, to circulatory issues. The honey can be lighter to darker in color. The flavor of the honey is dependent on its nectar source so it can have a sweet, spicy, nutty or earthy taste. In warmer climates, honey will stay runny much longer than with cold temperatures. Be sure and stop by for a taste test while you’re there!
- TOUR HOURS -
- Monday-Saturday | 9:00 AM - 4:00PM | Closed Sunday -
- Advance Reservations Suggested -
- Please check website for specific information and ticket pricing -
- Monday-Saturday | 9:00 AM - 4:00PM | Closed Sunday -
- Advance Reservations Suggested -
- Please check website for specific information and ticket pricing -
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Learn more about Mayan Bee Sanctuary by visiting their website.
Address: Carretera Transversal KM 10 San Miguel de Cozumel
Phone: 998 155 0068
Address: Carretera Transversal KM 10 San Miguel de Cozumel
Phone: 998 155 0068
Updated 10/23/20 - lls