Bacalar Lagoon: Sailing Catamaran Tour with Cenote Swims & Drinks

Sail Bacalar’s seven colors lagoon with cenote stops and local stories

You’ll sail across Bacalar’s famous lagoon on a catamaran with a small group and local crew, stopping for swims in cenotes like Cenote Negro and Canal de los Piratas. Enjoy fresh fruit and cold drinks as your guide shares stories about the lagoon’s history and ecosystem. Expect laughter, new friends, and moments that linger long after you leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sail and explore Bacalar lagoon

• Board sailing catamaran
• Visit Cenote Negro
• Visit Cenote Cocalitos
• Visit Cenote Esmeralda
• Explore Isla de los Pajaros
• Explore Canal de los Piras
• Stop to swim and relax
• Learn about lagoon preservation
• Return to departure point

The Experience

We were already drifting when I realized just how quiet Bacalar’s lagoon can be — no motors, just the soft slap of water against the catamaran. Our guide, Diego, was handing out life jackets and laughing about his first time steering here (apparently he nearly crashed into Isla de los Pájaros — “don’t tell my boss,” he grinned). The sky kept shifting between pale blue and that heavy gray you get before rain, but nobody seemed to mind. There’s something about being out there that makes you forget what time it is.

I’d never seen water like this: seven shades of turquoise and jade all bleeding together. We stopped near Cenote Negro first — Diego pointed at the dark patch in the water where it drops off deep. He told us a bit about how these cenotes feed the whole lagoon, and then we jumped in. The water was colder than I expected, almost sharp at first, but after a minute I didn’t want to get out. Someone passed me a slice of pineapple from the fruit platter (sticky fingers, sweet juice) while we floated around. It’s funny how quickly strangers start talking when you’re bobbing side by side like that.

Next stop was Canal de los Piratas — Diego said pirates used to hide here centuries ago. He kept telling us little stories between sips from his bottle of agua fresca (I tried saying “gracias” with my mouth full; pretty sure I sounded ridiculous). At one point, a couple of us tried to spot birds on Isla de los Pájaros but mostly ended up squinting at sunlight bouncing off feathers. The drinks were cold thanks to the cooler packed with ice — small detail but honestly so good after swimming.

By the time we sailed back toward shore, my skin felt salty and warm under my shirt. I caught myself thinking how rare it is to feel this relaxed with people you just met — maybe it’s something about Bacalar or maybe just being on the water for three hours does that to you. Either way, I still think about those colors sometimes when I close my eyes at home.

Top questions

How long does the Bacalar sailing catamaran tour last?

The tour lasts approximately three hours from start to finish.

What places do you visit during the Bacalar sailing tour?

The route usually includes Cenote Negro, Cenote Cocalitos, Cenote Esmeralda, Isla de los Pájaros, and Canal de los Piratas.

Are drinks included on the Bacalar catamaran tour?

Yes, two drinks per person are included along with a fruit platter and cooler with ice.

Is swimming part of the Bacalar sailing experience?

Yes, there are two stops for swimming in crystal-clear waters during the tour.

Is there a local guide on board?

A bilingual local guide (captain) leads every sailing trip and shares information about Bacalar Lagoon.

Are life jackets provided during the catamaran tour?

Yes, life jackets are provided for all participants as part of your safety equipment.

Can travelers with health conditions join this tour?

The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

Does the route change based on weather?

The exact route may vary depending on weather conditions and captain’s judgment for safety.

What’s included

Your day includes a bilingual captain and deckhand guiding your group across Bacalar Lagoon by sailing catamaran for three hours; two drinks per person plus fresh fruit served onboard; all necessary safety gear including life jackets; insurance coverage throughout; and plenty of chances to swim in cenotes or relax under open skies before returning to shore together.