Bacalar Lagoon: Sailing Tour with Beers, Guacamole & Cenotes

Summary

Sail Bacalar’s blue lagoon, swim cenotes, snack guacamole, relax with beers

You’ll sail Bacalar’s famous Lagoon of Seven Colors with a local crew, stopping to swim in crystal cenotes and snack on fresh guacamole with cold beers. Listen to stories from your trilingual guide as you drift past Bird Island and the Pirate Channel. There’s something quietly joyful about letting the wind carry you across that blue water — you might not want to leave.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — we almost missed the van for our Bacalar sailing tour because I was still hunting for sunscreen in the hotel lobby. The driver just grinned and waved us in anyway (I guess we weren’t the first). By the time we reached the lagoon, it was already warm but not too hot — that kind of soft morning light where everything looks washed in blue. Our captain, Luisa, had this way of talking about the water like it was an old friend. She switched between Spanish and English so easily that even my rusty French felt left out.

The boat itself was smaller than I pictured, but in a good way. No engine noise — just sails and that gentle slap of water against the hull. We drifted past mangroves while Luisa pointed out birds I’d never have noticed (one looked like a tiny heron wearing eyeliner). At Cenote Negro, she handed me a mask and said “Jump!” so I did — straight into water colder than I expected. It tasted faintly mineral, almost sweet. There were stories about pirates here but honestly all I could think about was how quiet it felt under the surface.

Someone passed around beers and a bowl of guacamole that tasted like lime and cilantro (maybe too much onion? But still good). We stopped at Bird Island where flocks circled overhead — apparently if you come during migration season it’s even wilder. My partner tried to say “Esmeralda” with a rolling ‘r’ and Luisa laughed so hard she nearly dropped her fruit platter. The Pirate Channel was shallow enough to stand in; sand soft between my toes. I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed doing nothing at all — just floating there with strangers who suddenly felt like friends.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sailing tour and lagoon exploration

• Hotel pickup and boarding
• Sail across Bacalar Lagoon
• Visit Cenote Negro and enjoy drinks
• Jump and snorkel at Cenote Esmeralda
• Explore Bird Island and watch birds
• Swim and snorkel at Pirate Channel
• Enjoy open bar and local snacks

Top questions

How long is the Bacalar sailing tour?

The sailing tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

Is hotel pickup included for this Bacalar day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup is included in your booking.

What food and drinks are provided on board?

The tour includes an open bar with beers, tropical fruits, bottled water, and fresh guacamole.

Can I swim or snorkel during this Bacalar sailing trip?

Yes, you can swim and snorkel at several stops including cenotes and shallow waters.

Is there a guide who speaks English or French?

Yes, your guide speaks Spanish, English, and French fluently.

Are children allowed on this tour?

The open bar is only for ages 18+, but all fitness levels are welcome; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

What are some highlights of this Bacalar sailing experience?

You’ll visit Cenote Negro, Cenote Esmeralda, Bird Island, and the Pirate Channel during your trip.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Bacalar accommodations, a spot aboard a sailboat (with no engine noise), all snorkeling gear needed for cenote swims, an open bar with beer for adults 18+, bottled water throughout the journey, fresh tropical fruit platters and homemade guacamole served by your trilingual local guide before returning after three hours on the lagoon.