Bacalar Lagoon: Boat Tour & Cenotes with Fruit & Beers

Summary

Swim cenotes & cruise Bacalar’s 7 colors with local crew

You’ll float through Bacalar’s shifting blue lagoon with a small group, swim in cenotes like La Bruja, taste fresh fruit and cold drinks right on the boat, and hear stories from your local guide. Jump in where pirates once sailed or just listen to birds as you drift past ancient stromatolites — it’s easygoing but leaves its mark.

What’s the experience like?

“Is that really seven colors?” I asked our guide, grinning at the water — it actually does shift from pale green to this wild blue, depending where you look. We’d barely left the dock in Bacalar when someone handed me a cold beer and a slice of pineapple, still sticky from being cut up right there. The boat had these soft humming engines (eco-friendly, apparently), so you could actually hear the birds arguing overhead instead of just the usual motor noise. It was humid but not heavy — just that warm breeze you get near water in Mexico.

Our guide, Luis, steered us toward these ancient stromatolites — he called them “living rocks,” which sounded strange until you see them up close. He told us they’re older than dinosaurs (I googled later: true). We drifted past Isla de los Pájaros and then stopped at the Pirates Channel. There were two kids splashing each other nearby and an older woman sunbathing on the deck of another boat — she waved at us like we were old friends. I jumped in after hesitating for way too long; it’s colder than it looks but honestly worth it for that feeling when you come up for air and everything smells like lake water and sunscreen.

The best part was Cenote de la Bruja — Luis said locals call it “Witch’s Cenote” because of some old story he half-remembered (he laughed and shrugged, so who knows). The water goes dark suddenly under your feet; I tried not to think about what might be down there but ended up floating quietly for a while anyway. Afterward we snacked on more fruit and drank something sweet made from local limes. I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed by the end — or to want to stay longer at the little beach club back at port. But yeah, I still think about that view sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bacalar boat tour and swimming

• Board ecological engine boat
• Visit Stromatolites barrier
• Enjoy seasonal fruit and drinks
• Swim at Island of the Birds
• Swim at Pirates Channel
• Enter Cenote de la Bruja

Top questions

How long does the Bacalar boat tour last?

The tour typically lasts around 3 hours including stops for swimming and snacks.

Are drinks included on the Bacalar boat tour?

Yes, each adult gets three beers plus natural fruit drinks during the tour.

Is swimming allowed during the Bacalar lagoon tour?

Yes, there are stops for swimming at places like Pirates Channel and Cenote de la Bruja.

What is included in the Bacalar cenote boat trip?

The trip includes safety equipment, bilingual guide, beers for adults, healthy snacks, and natural fruit drinks.

Is hotel pickup available for this Bacalar boat tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are nearby.

Are children allowed on this Bacalar cenote tour?

Yes, but infants must sit on an adult’s lap during the boat ride.

Can I use beach club facilities after the tour?

Yes, after returning to port you can enjoy beach club facilities or take a kayak out.

What’s included

Your day includes a small-group cruise on eco-friendly boats with safety equipment provided; three beers per adult plus fresh seasonal fruit and natural drinks served onboard; guided visits to stromatolites, Isla de los Pájaros, Pirates Channel, and Cenote de la Bruja; plus access to beach club facilities or kayaks when you return to port.