Bacalar Lagoon: 3-Hour Catamaran Sailing & Swimming

Three hours on water where the Caribbean actually feels calm

You sail a comfortable catamaran for three hours across the Bacalar Lagoon's seven shades of blue, stopping to swim in warm, clear water. The tour includes fruit drinks, snacks, and three beers per person, plus a guide who shares the history and ecology of the lagoon. You're back by early afternoon, having seen the place without arranging transport or timing it yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sail and swim in Bacalar Lagoon

• Board comfortable catamaran
• Sail for 3 hours on lagoon
• Admire seven shades of blue
• Enjoy refreshing drinks onboard
• Listen to musical selection
• Take photographs of landscapes
• Swim in warm, clear waters
• Learn about Bacalar history and nature

The experience

You're standing on a catamaran in Bacalar, and the water beneath you shifts through colors you didn't know existed: pale green near the shore, then turquoise, then a blue so deep it stops conversation. The boat moves slowly enough that you can actually see what's happening: the way light hits the bottom, the way the lagoon changes as you sail deeper. Our guide points out the mangrove edges and explains what lives there, the history of the place, why this particular stretch of the Riviera Maya stays so still when everywhere else feels crowded.

The catamaran itself is comfortable. There's shade, there's music playing softly, and the crew brings around fresh fruit drinks and seasonal snacks without you having to ask. You get three beers included, which means you're not doing the math on what everything costs. The sailing lasts about three hours total, and you stop at the places where the water is warm enough and clear enough that you actually want to get in. No rushing between five different spots. Just time to swim, float, take photos that don't need a filter, and let the lagoon do what it does.

What makes this different from other catamaran tours in the region is the water itself: Bacalar's lagoon is genuinely the calmest part of the Caribbean, which means the boat doesn't pitch, the swimming feels safe even if you're not confident, and you can actually hear what the guide is saying instead of gripping the rail. Groups stay small, so it doesn't feel like you're on a party boat. The whole thing is built around the fact that some people just want to be on the water without drama.

What’s included

Your day includes a 3-hour catamaran sail across the Bacalar Lagoon with swimming stops in the warm, clear water, a selection of natural fruit drinks and seasonal fruit snacks throughout the tour, and three beers per person. The guide shares information about the history, flora and fauna of the region as you sail past the seven shades of blue the lagoon is known for.

Before you book

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

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 20

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 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by DayTour Bacalar

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see the calmest part of the Caribbean without renting a boat or arranging your own transport: the fixed schedule and included drinks mean you show up and the rest is handled.

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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 (5 to 11 years); Infant (under 5): 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.

How long is the catamaran tour?

The sailing experience lasts approximately 3 hours on the water, including swimming stops.

What's included in the price?

Natural fruit drinks, seasonal fruit snacks, and 3 beers per person are included. Entry to the lagoon and the catamaran ride are covered.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes, the tour includes swimming stops in the warm, clear waters of the Bacalar Lagoon.

Is this suitable for people who aren't strong swimmers?

Yes, the tour is suitable for all fitness levels. The water is calm and warm, and infants can sit on an adult's lap if needed.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen, a swimsuit, a towel, and a camera. The tour includes drinks and snacks, so you don't need to pack food.

Are minors allowed to drink the beers included?

No, alcoholic beverages are not available to minors. They receive the same fruit drinks and snacks as adults.

How do I get to the catamaran departure point?

Public transportation options are available nearby. Confirm the exact pickup location when you book.

What time does the tour depart?

Specific departure times are confirmed at booking. The tour operates during daylight hours to maximize the view of the lagoon's colors.