Wild Wave Sailing, 3 Hours

The whole trip takes place on the water, with no pickup transport: everyone meets at the Casa Árabe pier on the Costera, fifteen minutes before departure.

Overview

This is a three-hour sail across Bacalar's lagoon, run by Wild Wave Bacalar. Parking is across the street or on the street itself, since the Casa Árabe does not allow tour parking inside.

Once underway, the trip moves at a slow, relaxed pace that reviewers describe as its main appeal. Swimming stops are part of the trip, and reviewers mention stops such as the pirates canal and bird island. Crew talk about the lake, the cenotes and local efforts to protect the water along the way.

Snacks of seasonal fruit, bottled water and beer are included, served on board. The trip suits travellers who prefer a slower pace to a fast motorboat, including families with children or older relatives, and it ends back at the same pier. The listing caps the tour at thirty travellers.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Casa Árabe pierArrive at Casa Árabe Costera 505, Bacalar, fifteen minutes early. Park across the street or on the street, not inside the Casa Árabe.
2. Board the sailboatMeet the Wild Wave crew at the marina pier and set out onto the lagoon.
3. Sail Lake BacalarSpend the full 3 hours on the lagoon. Admission to the lake is free.
4. Swim stops and snacksSwim at a couple of clear spots while the crew serves seasonal fruit, bottled water and beer.
5. Return to the pierThe activity ends back at the Casa Árabe meeting point.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points come up again and again in reviews of this tour, especially around sun protection and what the pace feels like.

• No sunscreen. Sunscreen is not allowed in the lagoon, and reviewers say you may be asked to shower on arrival if you are wearing it. One traveller recommends a long-sleeve top, a shawl and a hat instead. Several reviewers report getting sunburnt or advise covering up.
• Slow sailing pace. When the wind is good the sails do the work, and one reviewer described a windy day when the motor was not needed at all. Reviewers who enjoy the tour describe the slow pace as its main appeal, though one wished for stronger wind to move faster.
• Small group feel. Reviewers often mention small groups, sometimes just a few people or two couples on board, with separate boats leaving when numbers grow. The listing caps the tour at thirty travellers. Either way, the setting is relaxed rather than packed.
• Food and drink. Seasonal fruit, bottled water and beer are included, and reviewers praise the fruit repeatedly. Nothing else is provided, so eat beforehand if you want more.
• Sun exposure. Since sunscreen cannot be worn, protective clothing is the practical answer, especially on hot days. One reviewer reported getting quite sunburnt, and others advise covering up with a hat and long sleeves. The swimming stops are a welcome cool-off.
• Weather matters. The experience requires good weather, and the operator offers a different date or a full refund if it is cancelled for poor conditions. One reviewer described a trip that continued through drizzle without issue. Wind strength varies and shapes how much actual sailing happens.

Common issues. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to make your own way to the Casa Árabe pier. Sunscreen cannot be worn in the lagoon, and one reviewer was not aware of this rule beforehand, so bring the right clothing to avoid sunburn. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. Sailing depends on the wind, and one reviewer wished for more wind to sail faster. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before start time are not refunded.

Common Questions