Bacalar: Pontoon Lagoon Tour with Pirate Channel & Cenotes

Summary

Float Bacalar’s colors swim cenotes drift Pirate Channel snack fruit sip beer relax

You’ll drift through Bacalar’s wild colors by pontoon, swimming in clear cenotes and floating down the Pirate Channel while your guide shares stories. Snack on seasonal fruit and sip cold beer as you soak up the calm—and maybe laugh at your own Spanish along the way.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the water to look quite like that—like someone spilled turquoise paint everywhere. We met at the CASA SIRENA pier, which was already buzzing with a few families and some sleepy dogs. Our captain, Jorge, handed out life jackets and grinned when I tried to say “cenote” properly (I’m still not sure I nailed it). He gave us a quick rundown—where we’d go, what to watch for—and then we just pushed off into this glassy, endless blue.

The pontoon felt almost too comfortable for such wild scenery. There was this breeze that smelled faintly of wet grass and sunscreen. As we glided past the Black Cenote, Jorge pointed out how deep it dropped—honestly, it looked bottomless. My friend dipped her toes in and shrieked; apparently it’s colder than it looks. Then came Bird Island—a sudden hush except for wings flapping and some distant chatter from another boat. The lagoon really does have seven shades if you squint right.

We stopped at the Pirate Channel, which has this funny history of old smugglers sneaking through (Jorge told us a story but I only caught half—I blame my Spanish). Swimming there felt weirdly peaceful, like floating in a giant pool nobody else knew about. Back on board, there was fresh pineapple and icy beer waiting. The fruit tasted extra sweet after all that sun. I still think about that view from the middle of the lagoon—just sky and water, nothing else for a minute or two.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bacalar Lagoon Pontoon Tour

• Meet at CASA SIRENA Pier
• Receive tour information and instructions
• Sail through Black, Emerald, and Cocalitos cenotes
• Swim in Pirate Channel's clear waters
• Visit Bird Island and observe birds
• Enjoy snacks, seasonal fruits, water, and iced beer

Top questions

Where does the Bacalar pontoon tour start?

The tour starts at CASA SIRENA Pier in Bacalar.

Does the tour include swimming in cenotes?

Yes, you can swim in several cenotes during the tour.

Is food or drink included on this Bacalar lagoon tour?

Seasonal fruit, bottled water, and beer (for adults) are included.

How long is the boat tour around Bacalar lagoon?

The exact duration isn’t listed but covers main sites like cenotes and islands.

Are guides certified for this Bacalar pontoon trip?

Yes, certified guides lead the experience throughout the day.

What happens if it rains during my Bacalar pontoon tour?

Tours run rain or shine unless there’s a hurricane warning or port closure.

Can infants join the Bacalar lagoon boat tour?

Yes, infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap or use a stroller/pram.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup at CASA SIRENA Pier with a certified local guide steering you across Bacalar’s lagoon by comfortable motor boat, stops for swimming at cenotes and islands like Bird Island and Pirate Channel, plus seasonal fruits to snack on, bottled water throughout, and complimentary iced beer for adults before heading back to shore.