Sailing the Jewel of Bacalar Lagoon
If you’re visiting Bacalar, a sailing tour on the Lagoon of Seven Colours is an unforgettable experience. For us, it was one of the absolute highlights of our Yucatán Peninsula road trip.
Lake Bacalar – nicknamed “The Lagoon of Seven Colours”- is a unique gem that has earned Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) status from the Mexican Tourist Board. Taking a lagoon tour is one of the very best things to do here, and it’s easy to see why.
This post is part of my complete Mexico Travel Guide, where I share itineraries, budget tips and DIY planning advice for visiting Mexico’s Riviera Maya and Yucatán Peninsular.
Contents
- Sailing the Jewel of Bacalar Lagoon
- Why Choose a Sailing Trip in Bacalar?
- What’s Included in the Bacalar Sailing Experience
- Our Bacalar Sailing Tour Itinerary & Highlights
- Sailing Tour Lunch and Open Tequila Bar
- Our Personal Experience: A Private Boat & Fantastic Hosts
- Is a Bacalar Sailing Tour Worth It?
- Tips for Booking Your Bacalar Sailing Trip
- Book Your Bacalar Sailing Tour
This content is not sponsored and is my own opinion. It contains an affiliate link for Get Your Guide. If you take action and book a tour using my link, I’ll earn a small amount of pocket money (at no extra cost to you), so I can buy a coffee while creating more helpful content like this.
Why Choose a Sailing Trip in Bacalar?
With so many boat tours available in Bacalar, choosing one can feel overwhelming. We picked this sailing trip because it’s eco-friendly, peaceful, and lets you enjoy the lagoon without the constant hum of an engine.
Another bonus, is that this 5 hour tour is longer than most, which are usually 2-3 hours. We were so immersed in the lagoon’s nature, watching the colours shift with the light, that the time flew past.
| Sustainable Travel It is worth noting that Bacalar has a delicate eco-system. We appreciated how our hosts took care to protect it. Sunscreen and insect repellents aren’t allowed on the tour, and no boat tours run on Wednesdays to give the lagoon a well-earned rest. |
What’s Included in the Bacalar Sailing Experience
Our Bacalar Sailing Tour Itinerary & Highlights
- Visits to Pirates Channel, Bird Island and the abandoned Hotel
- Unlimited drink, fruit and traditional Mexican lunch
- Free time for swimming and relaxation in turquoise waters
The Pirate Channel
We sailed along the Pirate Channel, named after the pirates who used the narrow water way to attack the old forte of San Felipe many centuries ago.
The water here is an unreal shade of turquoise, thanks to the soft, white clay that lies beneath. It feels strangely silky underfoot and has mineral rich qualities that are great for the skin. The colour is so vivid it almost glows.
Isla De los Pajaros (Bird Island) – Birdwatching or Scenic Beauty
Bird Island is a protected wildlife sanctuary, home to a wide variety of bird species. You can see herons and cormorants perching in the mangroves. 🐊 We were told there are also crocodiles here but they are small and shy and not something we should worry about!
Abandoned Hotel
The abandoned hotel is an eerie place. The resort was built by a man who is rumoured to have connections with Pablo Escobar (a Columbian drug lord).
Due to its unsavory political connections, the hotel was consequently abandoned and left desolate. Apparently it has 625 rooms and nowadays it seems to be used for private functions like weddings.
We could swim close enough to get a good look, though stepping onto the private land wasn’t allowed.
Bacalar’s Cenotes and Crystalline Swimming Spots
Bacalar Lagoon hides three cenotes – Cenote Negro, Cocalitos and Esmerelda. The cenotes lie within the lake, contributing to its array of striking, contrasting blue colours – from pale turquoise to midnight blue.
The clarity of the water is crystal clear and the best way to enjoy Bacalar is to swim in the lake.
We swam, floated on our backs and kayaked in the stillness, the sun warming our faces.
Sailing Tour Lunch and Open Tequila Bar
Charlie and Amir, our brilliant hosts, prepared a delicious Mexican lunch that felt like a feast. Warm home-baked tortillas, creamy guacamole, zesty dips and tropical fruits.
An open bar of tequila cocktails, cold beers and soft drinks kept everyone in good spirits.
Eating on deck, with the breeze on our faces and nothing but blue water in every direction, was pure joy.
Our Personal Experience: A Private Boat & Fantastic Hosts
Because we were visiting during the off-season, we were lucky to have the whole boat to ourselves, so it was a private sailing tour of Bacalar.
Our bilingual hosts Amir and Charlie were warm and funny, and knowledgeable about every detail of Bacalar Lagoon.
The sail boat tour was super-relaxed and fun. Amir and Charlie were excellent hosts making sure we were comfortable, our drinks were topped up and our questions answered.
The combination of beautiful scenery, delicious food and a relaxed pace made this one of the best sailing tours we have experienced. Bacalar Lagoon is stunning with its array of colours: blue and turquoise hues.
Is a Bacalar Sailing Tour Worth It?
For us, absolutely. A five-hour, all-inclusive, sailing trip with personalised service beat any crowded motorboat tour we saw.
This Bacalar boat tour is perfect for couples, families, or groups of friends looking for something special and memorable.
Tips for Booking Your Bacalar Sailing Trip
- Bacalar Lake is closed to boats and tours on Wednesdays – plan around it.
- Sunscreen and Insect Repellent is not allowed- bring sun-protective clothing instead.
- Booking an afternoon tour means you’ll see the sunset on your way back.
- Pack sunglasses, sun hat, clothes to cover your skin from the sun, swimwear, towel, waterproof camera or case, waterproof bag, snorkel gear.
Book Your Bacalar Sailing Tour
We booked our trip through Get Your Guide and couldn’t recommend it enough.
👉 Book your sailing tour here and experience the lagoon’s seven shades of blue for yourself – you’ll carry the memory long after your trip is over.
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