Bacalar: Sunrise Paddleboard Tour with Breakfast & GoPro Photos

Summary

Sunrise paddleboarding Bacalar lagoon colors breakfast swim photos

You’ll start before sunrise on Bacalar’s famous lagoon, learning to paddleboard with a local guide as dawn colors spread across calm water. Swim in clear shallows among mangroves while your guide prepares fresh fruit and coffee for breakfast. GoPro photos capture those sleepy smiles and bright colors so you can relive them later—there’s something quietly joyful about starting your day this way.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll feel the water wake up before you see the sun,” our guide Luis said as we shuffled down to the edge of Bacalar’s Lagoon of Seven Colors. He was right — there was this hush over everything except a few birds and the sound of boards scraping sand. I fumbled a bit getting my paddle right (Luis grinned, didn’t judge), but honestly, it felt good to be clumsy that early. The air had that wet, sweet smell you only get before sunrise near water — like grass and something almost sugary.

Paddling out, the sky started bleeding orange behind us. I could see little ripples chasing my board and for a second I forgot to keep paddling because I was just watching the colors change on the lagoon. It’s called “Lagoon of Seven Colors” but it looked like more than that — greens sliding into blue, then back again. We reached this mangrove area where Luis let us float for a while. He handed out dry bags (I stuffed my phone inside) and said we could swim if we wanted. I did — the water was cool but not cold, and there was this soft crunch underfoot from shells or maybe tiny stones? Hard to tell.

While we splashed around, Luis set up breakfast on his board: coffee in these mismatched mugs, toast he toasted over a little burner (it tasted smoky), and fruit that dripped juice down my wrist. Someone tried to say “gracias” with their mouth full; everyone laughed. There were GoPro photos too — I’m not usually one for group shots but now I’m glad he insisted because you can actually see how sleepy-happy we look.

We paddled again toward Cocos Island after eating, passing more birds than people. The sun was higher by then so everything looked sharper — even the shadows under the mangroves seemed bluer somehow. My arms were tired but in a good way. I don’t remember what anyone talked about on the way back; it felt like nobody wanted to break whatever spell that morning had cast. Sometimes I still think about that first light hitting the water — weird how quiet it made me feel inside.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunrise paddleboarding and breakfast

• Meet guide and learn paddleboarding
• Paddle to Mangrooves and watch sunrise
• Swim and explore shallow waters
• Enjoy breakfast with fruit, coffee, toast
• Paddle to Cocos Island
• Swim and observe mangroves and birds

Top questions

Do I need experience for this Bacalar sunrise paddleboard tour?

No previous experience is needed; guides teach basics at the start.

Is breakfast included during the day trip?

Yes, breakfast includes fresh fruit, toast, coffee, and water prepared by your guide.

Are GoPro photos part of the tour?

Yes, GoPro photos and videos are included at no extra charge.

What should I bring for paddleboarding in Bacalar?

You’ll get a dry bag for belongings; bring swimwear and maybe a towel.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; free parking is available at the meeting point.

How long does this sunrise paddleboard tour last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but expect several hours including paddling and breakfast stops.

Can children join this tour?

The minimum age is 10 years old for participants.

What happens if there’s bad weather?

If weather is poor, you can reschedule or get a full refund.

What’s included

Your morning includes all paddleboarding gear and safety equipment, GoPro photos and videos of your adventure on Bacalar’s lagoon, fresh seasonal fruit with toast and coffee served by your guide after swimming among mangroves, plus free parking at the meeting point and a dry bag to keep your things safe while you’re on the water.