Bacalar: Private Catamaran Sailing & Bird Island Swimming

A Catamaran Cuts Through Mangroves While You Float in Cenote Water

You sail a motorless catamaran through Bacalar Lagoon with your group only, stopping to swim in cenote water near stromatolites and at Bird Island, where you watch local and migratory birds and catch the sunset. Bottled water and seasonal fruit are provided, and Captain Sara handles navigation and timing so you just show up at Bertilla Lagoon and step aboard.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private catamaran sailing and bird watching

• Meet at Bertilla Lagoon
• Receive instructions from Captain Sara
• Sail south to Esmeralda and Cocalítos cenote
• Observe crystal clear waters and stromatolites
• Enjoy jungle, mangroves, and wetlands scenery
• Stop at abandoned pier to swim
• Eat seasonal fruit snack prepared by Sara
• Continue to island of birds sanctuary
• Swim in warm waters at island
• Watch sunset at island
• Return to starting point sailing with wind

The experience

Hands grip the rail as the boat tilts into the wind. It's Captain Sara at the helm, and you're the only group on board. The catamaran leaves from Bertilla Lagoon without an engine, just sails catching air over Bacalar's water. You head south toward Esmeralda and Cocalítos cenote, where the lagoon turns so clear you can see the stromatolites on the bottom, those layered rock formations that make the water look almost unreal. The jungle closes in on both sides: mangroves, wetlands, the kind of quiet that makes you stop talking without meaning to.

Around midway through the sail, the boat pulls up to an abandoned pier and you slip into the water while Sara sets out fresh seasonal fruit: mango, papaya, whatever's ripe that week. It's the kind of snack that tastes different when you're floating in a lagoon. After that, you keep moving toward Bird Island, a sanctuary where local and migratory birds nest and hunt. You swim there too, in warm water, and if the timing works, you catch the sunset from the island before heading back. The whole thing (from the moment you step aboard to when you return to the starting point) runs on wind and sail, no motor noise, just the sound of water and whatever birds are calling.

It matters that this is a private tour, meaning it's only your group on the catamaran. No strangers, no schedule rush, no stops engineered for crowds. The boat holds your party and that's it. Bottled water and fruit are included, so you're not hunting for supplies mid-day. The route itself (south to the cenotes, then to the bird island, then back) covers the parts of Bacalar Lagoon that feel furthest from tourism, even though you're moving through one of the Riviera Maya's most visited regions.

What’s included

The tour includes the private catamaran with Captain Sara, all sailing and stops at Esmeralda and Cocalítos cenote, Bird Island, and the abandoned pier, plus bottled water and fresh seasonal fruit prepared during the journey. Swimming at both cenote and island locations is part of the experience.

Information

Lasts 3h, runs every day, 4 start times, from US$ 181 per group, with a live guide in English, Spanish and French, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 11:00, 14:00, 15:00 and 18:00Another time? ›

GroupPrivate3 group tours ›

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

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

Book up to3h before

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 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Bakana Sailing

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Bacalar Lagoon's bird life and remote cenotes without a motor or a crowd: the private catamaran and no-engine approach are what make the quiet and the wildlife possible in a place that can feel crowded elsewhere.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

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 private sailing tour in Bacalar?

The itinerary covers a full route from Bertilla Lagoon south to the cenotes and Bird Island and back, typically a half-day experience. Exact duration depends on wind and water conditions.

What's included in the tour?

Bottled water and fresh seasonal fruit. The catamaran, Captain Sara's guidance, and all stops are included. Entry to the lagoon and cenote areas is covered.

Is the catamaran motorized?

No. It's a sailing catamaran that runs on wind and sails only, which is why it's described as ecological.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. You swim at Cocalítos cenote and again at Bird Island. Both stops are built into the itinerary.

Where do we meet?

At Bertilla Lagoon, where Captain Sara and the catamaran are waiting. This is the starting point for the route south.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Infants must sit on an adult's lap, and specialized infant seats are available. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health.

What if the weather is bad?

Wind is necessary for sailing. The tour depends on weather conditions. Check with the operator about rescheduling options if conditions are unsafe.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?

Bottled water and seasonal fruit are provided. Bringing additional supplies is not mentioned in the tour details. Confirm with the operator.