Bacalar Boat Cruise with On-Board BBQ and Swimming

Grill and swim without anchoring to shore

A private boat cruise in Bacalar where you swim at the Pirate Canal and Cenote de la Bruja, then eat a barbecue cooked on board while floating in the lagoon. The 4.5-hour activity includes six beers per adult, skewers with vegetarian options, natural fruit beverages, snorkeling gear and a bilingual guide; departure is from the DayTour Bacalar dock at Casa China Bacalar hotel.

The Experience

The boat leaves from the DayTour Bacalar dock inside Casa China Bacalar hotel, where you get a safety briefing and snorkeling equipment before the 4.5-hour cruise begins. You'll head first to the Pirate Canal to swim in warm, clear water, then navigate into the Cenote de la Bruja—a sinkhole over 100 meters deep where the water stays calm and the walls rise around you. The guide speaks English and Spanish and points out the flora and fauna as you move through the lagoon.

Once you're south of the crowds, the crew fires up the barbecue on board. You float in pristine water while they grill surf and turf skewers (vegetarian options are available), and you drink from a supply of six beers per adult or natural fruit water. There's no getting back to shore to eat; the meal happens where you're swimming. Before returning to the dock, you stop at Bird Island, where migratory and endemic birds appear depending on the season.

The boat is private, so the pace and stops are yours. Safety equipment and a bilingual guide are included; towels and ground transportation are not. If you want to extend the day on the water after you return, kayaks are available for rent throughout your stay in Bacalar.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment and safety gear.
• six beers per adult.
• surf and turf skewers with vegetarian options.
• guacamole.
• natural fruit beverages.
• bilingual guide.
• private boat for your group.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by DayTour Bacalar

Is this one for you?This is a private boat, so you set the pace and the crew cooks while you float—ideal if you want to eat and drink without returning to land or dealing with a shared schedule. The barbecue happens on board, which means no restaurant stop and no time lost to getting back ashore.

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Top questions

What's the Cenote de la Bruja like when you swim in it?

The Cenote de la Bruja is a sinkhole over 100 meters deep where the water stays calm and the limestone walls rise around you as you float and snorkel.

How much beer is included in the cruise?

Six beers per adult are included on board; natural fruit beverages are also available if you prefer not to drink alcohol.

Can I get vegetarian food on the barbecue?

Yes, vegetarian skewer options are available alongside the surf and turf skewers cooked on board.

What time does the boat leave and how long does the whole thing take?

The boat departs from the DayTour Bacalar dock at Casa China Bacalar hotel and the cruise lasts 4.5 hours total.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No, snorkeling equipment and all safety gear are provided; the guide gives instructions before you depart.

What happens at Bird Island?

Bird Island is the final stop before returning to the dock, where you can see migratory and endemic birds depending on the season.