3-Hour Pontoon, Swimming And Drinks

This three-hour shared pontoon trip covers the main sights of Bacalar Lagoon in one loop, starting and ending at Carmelita Lagoon Club on Calle 5, Boulevard Costera Norte.

Overview

The boat runs to Pirate Canal, three cenotes including Emerald Cenote and Black Cenote, and Bird Island, with two proper swimming breaks built into the route rather than a single long stop.

The pace is relaxed. There is a shaded deck, a Bluetooth sound system, cold drinks and tropical fruit snacks on board, and each adult gets three beers plus water. Safety equipment is provided. Along the way the guide points out the lagoon's features and history, and reviewers often mention guides who share local knowledge in English and Spanish with clear, easy-to-follow explanations.

It suits solo travellers, couples, families and groups who want a mix of cruising and swimming without organising a private boat. Hotel pickup is not included, so travellers make their own way to the meeting point. One reviewer also noted that kayaks at the lagoon club are free after the tour, with a discount at the on-site restaurant and bar, which makes it easy to extend the day.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Carmelita Lagoon ClubThe tour starts at Carmelita Lagoon Club, Calle 5, Boulevard Costera Norte 1255, Bacalar. Hotel pickup is not included.
2. Cenote EsmeraldaA guided pass by Emerald Cenote lasting 10 minutes, with commentary from the boat.
3. Pirate CanalA photo stop and swimming at El Canal de los Piratas for 40 minutes, the longest in-water stop of the trip.
4. Canal beer and picnicAn optional 10-minute beer and picnic break at the canal.
5. Cruise and Cenote NegroA 15-minute sightseeing cruise, then a 10-minute pass by Black Cenote, also called the Witch's Cenote.
6. Bird IslandA 25-minute stop at Isla de los Pájaros for photos, swimming and wildlife viewing of endemic and migratory birds.
7. Return cruiseA further sightseeing cruise back to Carmelita Lagoon Club, with cruise segments of 15 minutes and 10 minutes after Bird Island, where the tour ends.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points help the day go smoothly, from what to wear to how the stops are spaced.

• Getting there. There is no hotel pickup and ground transportation is not included. Travellers arrange their own way to Carmelita Lagoon Club on the Costera Norte in Bacalar.
• Swimming and pace. Two swimming breaks sit at the heart of the route, with the longest at Pirate Canal. One reviewer said there was enough time in the water, and the rest of the trip is spent cruising and sightseeing from the shaded boat.
• Drinks and snacks. Each adult gets three beers, plus water and healthy snacks such as tropical fruit. An optional picnic and beer stop at the canal is also on the itinerary. Gratuities are not included.
• Sunscreen rule. Sunscreen is not allowed on the tour. A hat, cover-up or shade from the boat's roof is the practical alternative.
• Guides and languages. Tours run in English and Spanish. Several travellers praised guides who gave historical context and local stories clearly, in some cases for visitors speaking neither language natively.
• After the tour. One reviewer reported free access to kayaks at the most scenic part of the lake after the activity, apparently valid the next day too, plus a discount at the on-site restaurant and bar. Treat these as perks offered at the club rather than formal tour inclusions.

Common issues. The tour runs rain or shine, so weather is not grounds for a change of plan on the day. Sunscreen is banned and anyone who burns easily needs another form of sun protection. Hotel pickup, ground transport and gratuities are all excluded, so budget for the taxi ride to the lagoon club. Intoxication is not permitted on board. One reviewer mentioned the kayaks and restaurant discount as bonuses, but these sit outside the booked tour and could change.

Common Questions