Bacalar Lagoon: Private Sailing Tour & Fruit Snack with Captain

Summary

Sail Bacalar’s lagoon, swim cenotes, snack on fruit & relax

You’ll board your private sailboat from Bacalar’s dock with a local captain guiding you across the lagoon’s shifting blues. Swim at Cenote Negro and Pirate Canal, snack on fresh fruit with cold beer or water, and drift near Bird Island where silence feels special. Expect laughter, sticky mango fingers, and small surprises along the way.

What’s the experience like?

We almost missed the dock at Casa Sirena because I got distracted by a dog chasing a lizard in the street — which made us laugh, but also meant we arrived a little out of breath. The captain was already waiting, leaning against the rail and waving like he’d seen this before. He gave us a quick rundown (in Spanish first, then in English for me — I nodded along but probably missed half) and then we stepped onto the sailboat. The wood felt warm under my feet, and there was that faint smell of sunscreen mixed with lake water that always reminds me of summer trips as a kid.

As we glided out onto Bacalar Lagoon — they call it the lagoon of seven colors, but honestly I lost count after four — our guide pointed out Cenote Negro. It looked almost black compared to the turquoise around it, which was kind of eerie and beautiful at the same time. We stopped for a swim near the Pirate Canal; I was nervous about jumping in (the water’s so clear you can see your toes wiggle), but everyone else just laughed and splashed around so I followed. There was this weird quiet when you float on your back there, broken only by someone’s shout or the wind catching in the sails.

The captain had set out cut-up mangoes and pineapple for us when we climbed back aboard — sticky fingers and all — plus cold beer and water. He joked that if we wanted tequila next time, we’d have to bring it ourselves. On our way to Bird Island, I tried asking him how many years he’d been sailing here; he answered with a shrug and “muchos,” then told a story about pirates that may or may not have been true (I still think about that). Swimming near Bird Island felt different somehow — warmer maybe? Or maybe just because everyone was quieter by then. We didn’t really want to head back yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private sailing tour of Bacalar Lagoon

• Meet at CASA SIRENA dock
• Receive tour instructions from captain
• Board the sailboat
• Sail through the lagoon of 7 colors
• Visit Cenote Negro (Cenote de la Bruja)
• Stop at Pirate Canal for swimming
• Enjoy fruit cocktail, beer, and water on board
• Continue to Bird Island for swimming
• Return to the dock

Top questions

Where does the Bacalar private sailing tour start?

The tour starts at CASA SIRENA dock at Marina Wild Wave Bacalar.

Is swimming included during this Bacalar Lagoon sailing tour?

Yes, there are stops for swimming at Pirate Canal and near Bird Island.

What snacks or drinks are provided on this private sailing trip?

Seasonal fruit snacks, bottled water, and beer are included during the tour.

Are tours cancelled if it rains in Bacalar?

No, experiences are not cancelled due to rain.

Can infants or small children join this Bacalar sailing experience?

Yes, infants can join; prams/strollers are allowed and infants sit on an adult’s lap.

How deep is Cenote Negro on this day trip?

Cenote Negro is 180 meters deep.

Is public transportation available nearby for this tour?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the meeting point.

What’s included

Your day includes boarding at Casa Sirena dock with a local captain guiding your private sailboat across Bacalar Lagoon. Along the way you’ll get seasonal fruits—think fresh mango or pineapple—plus cold beer and bottled water after swimming stops at Pirate Canal or Bird Island before returning to shore together.