Bacalar Lagoon: Sailing Tour with Swim Stops & Seasonal Fruit

Summary

Sail Bacalar’s seven colors, swim cenotes, snack on fresh fruit

You’ll set sail from Wild Wave Bacalar marina with a local captain guiding you through Laguna de los Siete Colores. Swim in the deep blue of Cenote Negro, float at Pirate Canal, snack on fresh fruit with cold beer or water, and end near Bird Island surrounded by calm water and bird calls—leaving you with that sun-warmed feeling long after.

What’s the experience like?

You know that first moment when you step onto the dock at Wild Wave Bacalar? The wood felt warm under my feet and there was this faint smell of sunscreen and lake water in the air. Our captain — I think his name was Jorge — greeted us with a grin and a quick rundown (in Spanish and English, which helped). I still had sunscreen on my hands when we climbed onto the sailboat. No engine noise, just the flap of canvas and that weirdly satisfying creak as we pushed off into Bacalar Lagoon. The water really does have all these different shades — turquoise, jade, almost milky blue in places. It’s not just a thing for Instagram.

We drifted past mangroves and Jorge pointed out some birds I’d never heard of (I forgot the names instantly). The main keyword here is “sailing tour Bacalar” — because you’re actually sailing, not just motoring around. When we reached Cenote Negro, it got deep fast — you could see where the color changed suddenly. Some people jumped in right away; I hesitated but eventually slid in too. It was colder than I expected but kind of electric on your skin. Later at Pirate Canal, everyone floated around laughing while Jorge sliced up watermelon and pineapple for us back on board. He handed me a beer with a wink — apparently “hydration.”

Our last stop was Bird Island. The water felt warmer here somehow, or maybe it was just the sun finally coming out from behind a cloud. There were these tiny fish nibbling at my toes (not painful, just ticklish). We didn’t talk much on the way back; everyone seemed quietly happy or maybe just tired in that good way after swimming all afternoon. I keep thinking about how quiet it was without an engine — just wind and soft voices. If you’re looking for a day trip to Bacalar Lagoon that doesn’t feel rushed or loud, this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sail and swim in Bacalar lagoon

• Meet at CASA SIRENA marina
• Receive 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 snacks, fruits, beers, and water
• Continue to Bird Island for swimming
• Return to the dock

Top questions

Where does the sailing tour in Bacalar start?

The tour starts at CASA SIRENA, marina Wild Wave Bacalar.

Is swimming included during the sailing tour?

Yes, there are swim stops at Cenote Negro and Pirate Canal.

Are snacks or drinks provided on board?

Yes, you get seasonal fruit snacks plus beer and bottled water.

What if it rains during my sailing tour?

The experience is not cancelled by rain; tours run regardless of weather.

How long do we spend at each stop?

You have enough time to swim at Pirate Canal; other stops vary but aren’t rushed.

Is this sailing tour suitable for kids or infants?

Yes, infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap; all fitness levels are welcome.

Will there be a guide or captain on board?

A local captain guides every sailing tour through Bacalar Lagoon.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed during the sailing trip.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting your group at Wild Wave Bacalar marina before setting off by sailboat with a local captain; along the way you'll enjoy seasonal fruit snacks, bottled water and cold beers between swims at Cenote Negro and Pirate Canal before returning to shore near Bird Island.