Kayaking in Bacalar: Lagoon, cenotes and swimming

Paddle into the clearest water you'll see, then drop into a cenote.

A three-hour boat tour on Bacalar lagoon with a bilingual guide, small group and stops for swimming at Witch's Cenote, Pirates Channel and the Island of the Birds. The boat runs on ecological engines and includes seasonal fruit, natural drinks and three beers per adult. After returning to the beach club, you can take a kayak out for more time on the water if you want it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Bacalar boat tour and cenote swim

• Board ecological engine boat
• Visit Stromatolites barrier
• Enjoy seasonal fruit and drinks
• Swim at Island of the Birds
• Swim at Pirates Channel
• Enter and swim in Witch's Cenote

The experience

You board a small boat with an ecological engine and spend the morning crossing Bacalar's lagoon: the water shifts from pale turquoise to deep blue as the depth changes. The guide points out the Stromatolites, the oldest organisms barrier on the planet, while you move between swimming stops. The stops themselves are the draw: you'll enter Witch's Cenote, a freshwater sinkhole ringed by limestone walls, then swim at Pirates Channel and the Island of the Birds. The water is warm and clear enough to see the bottom.

Between swims, the crew serves seasonal fruit and natural drinks. You get three beers per adult included, and the guide speaks English and Spanish, so questions about what you're seeing get answered in real time. The whole rhythm is built around small groups. That's how the crew keeps the stops from feeling crowded and how they can watch the water while you're in it.

When you return to the beach club at the port, the day doesn't have to end. You can use the facilities there or take a kayak out onto the lagoon yourself if you want more time on the water. That's the option if you're not ready to leave.

What’s included

• Safety equipment.
• three beers per adult.
• bilingual guide.
• seasonal fruit and natural drinks.
• beach club access after the tour.
• the option to kayak from the beach club if you want more time on the water.

Options for this experience

2 options

8:00 A.M. SpecialGuide in English or Spanish · 08:00Start time: The 8:00 am tour comes with an early bird rate. Book now to save!

Standard RateGuide in English or Spanish · 11:00 and 15:00

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Information

Lasts 3h, runs every day at 08:00, 11:00 and 15:00, from US$ 29 per person, with a live guide in English and Spanish and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 11:00 and 15:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by DayTour Bacalar

Is this one for you?The small group size and the three-hour pace mean you're not rushed between stops. You actually spend time in the water at each cenote and swimming spot instead of just passing through. If you're arriving with a free afternoon or want a morning activity that doesn't eat the whole day, this tour fits the window.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Witch's Cenote like when you swim in it?

Witch's Cenote is a freshwater sinkhole fed by underground springs, surrounded by limestone walls that drop straight down into the water. You swim in the open part of the cenote, and the water stays cool and clear year-round.

How much of the three hours is actually in the water versus on the boat?

The boat carries you between stops, and you spend the swimming time in the water at three different locations: Witch's Cenote, Pirates Channel and the Island of the Birds. The guide times the stops so you get real time at each one, not just a quick dip.

Do I need to bring my own towel?

Towels are not included, so bring one or plan to air-dry. The beach club has facilities you can use when you return to the port.

Can I kayak after the boat tour ends?

Yes. When you return to the beach club, you have the option to take a kayak out on the lagoon if you want to keep exploring the water on your own.

Is there a morning departure that leaves earlier?

The 8:00 A.M. departure is available as a special option at checkout, which gets you on the water earlier than the standard rate time.