Bacalar Lagoon: Seven Colors Boat Tour & Cenotes Swim

Summary

Boat through Bacalar’s shifting colors, swim cenotes, hear pirate tales

You’ll drift across Bacalar’s seven-color lagoon by boat, stopping to swim in cenotes like Black Cenote and Cocalitos while hearing pirate legends from your local guide. Watch birds on their island, feel cool water on sun-warm skin, and notice how each patch of blue is different. This is for travelers who want more than just a view.

What’s the experience like?

There was this quiet moment when our boat drifted into the Pirates Channel — just the slap of water against the hull and that weirdly sweet, earthy smell you only get in Bacalar. Our guide, Carlos, pointed out how the sunlight made the lagoon look like someone spilled a box of blue crayons. He laughed when I tried to say “Cenote de la Bruja” right (I definitely didn’t), and then told us how pirates used to sneak through here. I half expected someone in a tricorn hat to pop up behind a mangrove.

We stopped at Bird Island next. The air felt heavy with heat and bird chatter — these little white egrets everywhere, squabbling over who got which branch. There’s something about watching birds argue that makes you forget your phone exists. After that came the Black Cenote; honestly, it looked bottomless and kind of spooky but also inviting? The water was cold enough to make me yelp when I jumped in. Carlos said locals believe there are stories hidden down there. I floated for a bit, just listening.

The last swim was at Cocalitos Cenote where stromatolites (Carlos called them “living rocks”) poke up underfoot — they’re weirdly soft if you step gently. We got bottled water on board but I wish I’d brought some fruit or something salty; swimming makes you hungry out here. By the time we headed back across the lagoon, my skin felt tight from sun and salt, but I still think about those wild shades of blue under the sky. Hard to explain unless you see it yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour of Bacalar lagoon

• Board comfortable boat
• Visit Pirates Channel
• Explore Bird Island
• Swim in Black Cenote
• Swim in Emerald Cenote
• Swim in Cocalitos Cenote
• Listen to Bacalar stories

Top questions

How long does the Bacalar Lagoon boat tour last?

The exact duration isn’t specified, but expect several hours with stops for swimming at multiple cenotes and islands.

Which cenotes are visited during this Bacalar tour?

The tour visits Black Cenote (Cenote Negro), Emerald Cenote, Cocalitos Cenote, and Witch’s Cenote (Cenote de la Bruja).

Is swimming included on this Bacalar day trip?

Yes, there are several stops for swimming in the lagoon’s crystal-clear waters and cenotes.

Are drinks or food provided during the tour?

Bottled water is included; bringing snacks is recommended as no meals are provided.

Is pickup included for this Bacalar Lagoon tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are available nearby.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers due to physical activity involved.

Can people with spinal injuries join this Bacalar boat tour?

No, it’s not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water on board as you travel by comfortable boat between Bacalar’s famous Pirate Channel, Bird Island, Black Cenote, Emerald Cenote and Cocalitos Cenote—plus plenty of time for swimming in clear lagoon waters before returning ashore.