Boat Tour, Open Bar And Snacks

An open bar runs the whole time, covering beer, tequila, soda, juice and water, and seasonal fruit is served on board.

Overview

The route starts and ends at Avenida 5 in Bacalar, with parking included. First stop is Canal de los Piratas for an hour of free time in the water, followed by a short pause at Cenote de la Bruja, a full hour at Cenote Esmeralda, a brief stop at Cenote Cocalitos, and a final hour at Isla de los Pájaros. A certified local guide runs the commentary, and reviews again and again single out the crew's energy and local knowledge as the reason the day works.

This suits swimmers above all. Many reviewers describe getting in the water, often more than once. Families, solo travellers and small friend groups have all written about it warmly. Anyone hoping for a fast, packed itinerary or hotel-to-hotel service should look elsewhere, since pickup and towels are not included.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Avenida 5The meeting point is on Avenida 5, Calle 46, in Bacalar, with parking entrance via Balneario Semarnat. Parking fees are covered by the tour.
2. Canal de los PiratasThe first stop is the Canal de los Piratas, with one hour of free admission and time in the water.
3. Cenote de la BrujaThe boat passes by or makes a short stop at this cenote.
4. Cenote EsmeraldaAn hour here with free admission.
5. Cenote CocalitosAnother pass-by or short stop.
6. Isla de los PájarosThe final stop, an hour at the island with free admission.
7. Return to Avenida 5The tour ends back at the same meeting point where it began.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points worth knowing before booking, drawn from the listing and from what travellers say afterwards.

• Getting in the water. Plan to swim, and swim more than once. Towels are not included.
• Food and drink. The open bar covers beer, tequila, soda, juice and water, and seasonal fruit is served on board. Several travellers praised the fruit spread specifically, and one noted the free drinks were genuinely free. The minimum drinking age is 18.
• Group feel. The boat can take up to 30 travellers, though reviewers describe smaller groups, sometimes as few as seven. One reviewer noted the trip would not have been as good with a packed boat. Solo travellers report meeting people easily. Snorkelling equipment is not included.
• Weather and season. The tour depends on good weather. If it is cancelled for poor conditions, a different date or a full refund is offered, so it is worth keeping a flexible morning or afternoon in your plans.
• Getting there. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You make your own way to Avenida 5, with parking included, and the site is near public transport. Arriving a little early keeps the start relaxed.
• Guides and pace. Reviews very often mention the guides by name and describe them as funny, knowledgeable and attentive with drinks.

Common issues. The tour can be cancelled if not enough travellers book, in which case an alternative or a full refund is offered, so last-minute plans can shift. It is not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. A full refund requires cancelling at least 24 hours before the start time; later cancellations get nothing back. Towels and snorkelling gear are excluded, and children under 18 must be with an adult at all times. One reviewer noted the trip would feel different with a packed boat, since group size varies up to the maximum of 30.

Common Questions