Bacalar Lagoon: Boat Tour with Open Bar & Cenotes Swim

Summary

Swim Bacalar’s cenotes float Pirate’s Channel open bar snacks

You’ll ride a small boat across Bacalar Lagoon’s shifting blues, swim in cenotes from bright emerald to deep black, snack on fresh fruit under the sun, and float through Pirate’s Channel with an open bar close by. With a local guide sharing stories and space to just soak it all in, it’s more than just sightseeing—it feels like being let in on a secret.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely stepped onto the boat at Bacalar Lagoon when the water hit me — not literally, but that color, you know? Like someone spilled all the blues they had left in the world. Our guide, Diego, grinned and handed out cold beers (open bar starts early here), and then we were off toward the Pirate’s Channel. There was music playing — not too loud — and I could hear birds somewhere in the mangroves. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to jump in or just stare for a while. Eventually I did both.

The Black Cenote came next. It’s called that for a reason — almost spooky how dark it gets compared to the rest of the lagoon. Diego told us about some old stories from his childhood around here, something about spirits (he winked, so who knows). The water felt colder there, like silk but with a bite. Someone tried to pronounce “Cenote de la Bruja” right and everyone laughed, even Diego.

At Emerald Cenote we stopped for fruit — mangoes and pineapple mostly, sticky sweet on my fingers. The sun was out but not burning yet; I liked that. We floated near these weird round rocks called stromatolites at Cocalitos Cenote — apparently they’re older than dinosaurs? Didn’t expect to be swimming next to something that ancient. The guide explained how important they are for oxygen and keeping the lagoon healthy. It made me want to be careful where I put my feet.

Bird Island was last. If you pick the afternoon slot, you get this wild sunset with birds gliding low over the water — we didn’t talk much then, just watched and listened to wings flapping and someone’s quiet “wow.” It felt like time slowed down for a minute there. I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bacalar Lagoon boat tour highlights

• Depart at chosen time
• Swim and snorkel at Pirates Channel
• Explore the Black Cenote
• Swim and picnic at Emerald Cenote
• Learn about stromatolites at Cocalitos Cenote
• Swim and enjoy sunset at Bird Island

Top questions

How long is the Bacalar Lagoon boat tour?

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours.

What is included in the Bacalar Lagoon sightseeing boat tour?

The tour includes an open bar (beer, tequila, soda, juice, water), snacks with seasonal fruits, safety equipment, parking fees, and a certified local guide.

Which cenotes do you visit during the Bacalar Lagoon tour?

You’ll visit Black Cenote (Cenote de la Bruja), Emerald Cenote, and Cocalitos Cenote.

Is swimming allowed during the Bacalar Lagoon boat trip?

Yes, there are several stops for swimming including Pirate’s Channel and multiple cenotes.

Are drinks provided on board during the Bacalar Lagoon tour?

Yes, there is an open bar with beer, tequila, soda, juice, and water included.

Is this Bacalar Lagoon tour suitable for children?

Yes, it is suitable for all fitness levels but children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Does this Bacalar day trip include hotel pickup?

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

What happens if there is bad weather on tour day?

If weather conditions are unfavorable and the tour is canceled, you can choose another date or get a full refund.

What’s included

Your day covers four hours on a manual-powered boat exploring Bacalar Lagoon’s cenotes—Black Cenote (Cenote de la Bruja), Emerald Cenote and Cocalitos—with plenty of time for swimming at Pirate's Channel and Bird Island. You’ll have an open bar stocked with beer and tequila plus soft drinks and juices; fresh seasonal fruits for snacking; all safety equipment provided; parking fees covered; and stories from your certified local guide along every stop before heading back ashore.