Private Sailing Tour of Bacalar Lagoon: 7 Colors & Cenotes

Swim three lagoon landmarks without navigating the logistics yourself

A private sailing tour of Bacalar Lagoon in Mexico's Riviera Maya, where you board a sailboat at Marina Wild Wave and spend three hours navigating the lagoon's famous 7 Colors, stopping to swim at Black Cenote (180 meters deep), Pirate Canal and Bird Island. The captain provides instruction and safety briefing; certified guides speak English or Spanish; beer, water and seasonal fruit are served aboard.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private sailing tour of Bacalar Lagoon

• Meet at CASA ÁRABE pier
• Captain introduction and instructions
• Board the sailboat
• Sail through the lagoon of 7 colors
• Visit Black Cenote (Witch's Cenote)
• Stop at Pirate Canal for swimming
• Enjoy fruit cocktail, beer, and water
• Continue to Bird Island for swimming
• Return to the pier

The Experience

Three hours on the water starts at Marina Wild Wave's CASA ÁRABE pier, where the captain meets you 15 minutes before departure and walks through the boat, the route and what to expect. You board one of the private sailboats and head into the lagoon's 7 Colors—the water shifts from turquoise to deep blue as the depth changes beneath you. The route takes you toward Black Cenote (Witch's Cenote), a sinkhole that plunges 180 meters straight down, visible from the surface.

The first swim stop is Pirate Canal, where you descend into the water in a designated area and float in the lagoon. Back aboard, the captain brings out seasonal fruit, beer and bottled water—the moment most people stop thinking about the itinerary and start noticing the light on the water. From there the boat continues to Bird Island, the final stop before heading back to the pier. The water here is warm and clear, and it is the last chance to swim before the return journey.

Rain does not cancel the tour, so the day holds even if weather shifts. The boat accommodates infants (who sit on an adult's lap) and small children in a pram or stroller, and service animals are welcome. Public transportation runs near the pier if you are staying elsewhere in Bacalar without a rental car.

What’s included

• Certified guide in English or Spanish.
• private sailboat.
• beer, bottled water and seasonal fruit served aboard.
• all safety instruction and briefing.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Tours Wild Wave Bacalar - Velero, paddle, pontón.

Is this one for you?The tour departs from Marina Wild Wave pier in central Bacalar, so you do not need a car or a second transfer to reach the boat—if you are staying in town or relying on public transport, the pickup point settles the logistics before you book.

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Top questions

What is the Black Cenote and why does the tour stop there?

Black Cenote, also called Witch's Cenote, is a sinkhole in the lagoon floor that reaches a depth of 180 meters. The tour passes it as a landmark during the sail, giving you a chance to see the geological feature from the boat.

Can I swim at every stop on the private Bacalar sailing tour?

Swimming is permitted at Pirate Canal and Bird Island. The Black Cenote is a viewing stop during the sail rather than a swimming destination.

What food and drinks are included on the three-hour tour?

The captain serves seasonal fruit, beer and bottled water aboard the sailboat during the tour.

Do I need to know how to sail, or does the captain handle the boat?

The certified captain and crew handle all sailing and navigation. Your role is to relax, swim at the stops and enjoy the lagoon—no sailing experience is required.

What language does the guide speak?

Certified guides conduct the tour in English or Spanish, depending on your preference at booking.

Is the tour suitable for young children or infants?

Yes. Infants must sit on an adult's lap during the sail. Small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and the tour is suitable for all fitness levels.