Slow Sailing, Snack And Drinks

Three hours on a sailboat rather than a motorboat is the whole idea here.

Overview

Laska Sailing Tours runs this trip from a marina behind Restaurant Noru in central Bacalar, and once aboard the captain handles the sails while passengers watch the lagoon change colour. One reviewer described the sailboat as a big plus because it is much calmer than the motorboats, and another guest noted the boat has six seats.

The sailing is slow and unhurried. Snacks of fresh fruit and bottled water are provided, and the listing includes two beers per person. Reviewers described the fruit as tasty and mentioned that guides share information about the lake, the history of the area and the cenotes. One reviewer said the assistant even offered a taste of her maté.

With a maximum of eight travellers, the group stays small enough for conversation with the crew. Guests repeatedly praised the captains' knowledge, including answers to birding questions, and their friendly manner. The trip suits people who want a calm, social few hours on the water rather than a fast circuit of the lagoon. Infants can join but must sit on laps, and the boat is not wheelchair accessible.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Restaurant NoruHead to Villa Corsario, Costera 701, in Bacalar, a short walk from the town centre. Enter the restaurant, walk through and down the stairs to the marina, where the captain is waiting.
2. Board the sailboatMeet the crew at the marina and climb aboard. Lifejackets are provided.
3. Sail the lagoon, 3 hoursThe full experience lasts 3 hours, with the captain handling the sails while passengers swim, snack and take in the colours of the water.
4. Return to the marinaThe tour ends back at the same meeting point at Restaurant Noru.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the trip smoother, from the sunscreen rule to the meeting spot.

• No sunscreen in the water. Sunscreen is prohibited while swimming in the lagoon. One reviewer specifically reminded future guests to dress accordingly, so bring a hat, a rash guard or cover-up for sun protection instead.
• Getting to the dock. There is no hotel pickup. The meeting point is behind Restaurant Noru on Costera 701, a short walk from the centre of Bacalar, and the spot is near public transportation. Arrive early enough to walk through the restaurant and down the stairs to the marina.
• Food and drink. Snacks, bottled water and two beers per person are included. Reviewers described the fruit served on board as very tasty, and one guest called it a wonderful lunch.
• Group feel. The tour caps at eight travellers, and one reviewer's boat had six seats. Travellers repeatedly mentioned friendly crews who shared history and answered questions, and one noted the crew spoke good English.
• Pace and swimming. This is a sailing trip, not a fast tour, and one reviewer valued it as calmer than the motorboats. There is time to swim, and reviewers mentioned bathing and feeling safe on board. Lifejackets are provided.
• Weather and minimums. The experience requires good weather and a minimum number of travellers. If it is cancelled for either reason, guests are offered a different date, a different experience or a full refund.

Common issues. The main friction points are practical rather than about the tour itself. There is no hotel pickup, the boat is not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. Sunscreen cannot be worn while swimming, which catches some visitors off guard. Weather and minimum traveller numbers can also lead to cancellation, in which case the operator offers a different date or a full refund. Anyone needing a refund for their own change of plans must cancel at least 24 hours before the start time, in the local time zone.

Common Questions