Private Sailboat With Swim

This is a private sailing trip on Bacalar Lagoon, run by DayTour Bacalar and lasting three to four hours.

Overview

You board an eco-boat with your own captain at Carmelita Lagoon Club, get a short safety briefing, and set off across the water from Cenote Esmeralda, the largest cenote in the lagoon. From there the route threads past several well known spots, with stops for swimming, photos and commentary along the way.

The sailing covers Pirate Channel, Cenote Negro and Isla de los Pájaros, where you can swim and watch birdlife. At the south end of the lagoon you reach a quieter mangrove-lined area where you can swim away from the other tourists and see stromatolites, corals' ancestors that date back to the origin of life on the planet. There is also an optional sailing lesson, on request, if you want to take the helm yourself. Fruit, natural fruit drinks, water and a few beers per person come with the trip.

It suits anyone who wants the boat to themselves, with swimming away from the crowds and commentary on local history and nature along the way. Reviews from past guests describe friendly crews and a relaxed, informative time on the water. Hotel pickup is not included, so you make your own way to the meeting point.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Carmelita Lagoon ClubCheck in at the club on Boulevard Costera Norte in Bacalar for a 10-minute safety briefing and equipment handout before boarding.
2. Sail Cenote EsmeraldaDepart from the largest cenote in the lagoon, with sightseeing and sailing for around 20 minutes.
3. Coastal guided passA 30-minute guided pass along the shore with sailing and commentary on the scenery.
4. El Canal de los PiratasA 30-minute stop for photos, a guided talk and swimming at the Pirate Channel.
5. Cenote Negro and Isla de los PájarosPass by Cenote Negro for photos and commentary over about 20 minutes, then roughly 30 minutes at Bird Island for swimming and wildlife viewing.
6. Optional kayaking at Cenote EsmeraldaOptional add-on, one hour of kayaking back at Cenote Esmeralda if requested.
7. Return to the dockCruise back to Carmelita Lagoon Club with snacks and cold drinks on board.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this sail.

• Getting there. Hotel pickup is not included. You meet at Carmelita Lagoon Club on Calle 5, Boulevard Costera Norte in Bacalar, so plan your own transport to the marina.
• Bring swimwear. Swimwear is essential, since the itinerary includes swimming stops at the Pirate Channel and Bird Island, plus the mangrove area at the south end of the lagoon.
• Sunscreen rules. Sunscreen is not allowed on board.
• Food and drink. Seasonal fruit, natural fruit drinks, water and three beers per person are included, along with safety gear. One review mentions watermelon and drinks served between swim stops.
• Pace and crew. The tone is relaxed and informative. Reviews describe friendly, helpful crews, with swim time balanced against local history and nature commentary.
• Weather. The tour runs rain or shine. One reviewer described guides adjusting the route in bad weather and still swimming among the stromatolites in the southern part of the lagoon.

Common issues. The main limitation is transport: hotel pickup is not included, so you must reach Carmelita Lagoon Club yourself. Sunscreen is banned and intoxication is not allowed on board. The tour goes ahead rain or shine. The sailing lesson and the kayaking hour are optional extras on request rather than automatic parts of the trip.

Common Questions