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Things to do in Bacalar

Our most recommended things to do in Bacalar

Bacalar: 3 Hour Boat Trip with Swimming & Drinks

1. Bacalar: 3 Hour Boat Trip with Swimming & Drinks

Discover sights like the Stromatolite Barrier and the Bird Island while sampling inclusive snacks and drinks. Begin at the famous Casa China, perhaps taking a panoramic photo from the observatory tower before boarding the ship. Settle in as your boat takes you through the Cenote Esmeralda. This is the largest cenote in Bacalar, more than 500 meters in diameter and around 70 meters deep. Stop for a swim at the famous Pirate Canal and learn about the history of Bacalar along with its flora and fauna. Experience a relaxing boat journey, taking advantage of the inclusive drinks and snacks provided on board. After reaching a lagoon, jump into the crystal clear turquoise waters, and enjoy a swim surrounded by virgin vegetation. Back on board, see the Stromatolite Barrier, home to the oldest organism on the planet. You boat will also stop at a bird sanctuary, where you can admire different species of local and migratory birds.

Bacalar: Group Sailing Trip with Swimming and Drinks

2. Bacalar: Group Sailing Trip with Swimming and Drinks

Sail the crystal clear waters of the Bacalar lagoon with friends. Glide through the turquoise waters, relax on shallow areas and jump into refreshingly cool water for a swim on this group sailing tour. Enjoy a cold drink and snap some incredible photos of this natural wonderland. Start your adventure at the iconic Casa China Bacalar. Get all the information and equipment necessary for your 3-hour sailing adventure before climbing aboard. Settle in as your boat takes you through the Cenote Esmeralda. Stop at the most relevant spots in the lagoon like Pirate Canal and Bird Island to swim in crystal clear water and learn about the history, flora, and fauna of Bacalar. Return to the dock at Casa China Bacalar and snap some photos from the observatory tower which has panoramic views.

From Chetumal, Bacalar or Xpujil: Group Tour Calakmul

3. From Chetumal, Bacalar or Xpujil: Group Tour Calakmul

Enjoy the scenic two hour transfer in a comfortable vehicle to the entrance of the biosphere of Calakmul. Take in the natural wonders and tropical fauna as you continue to drive through the biosphere for 1 1/2 hours. Next, stop at the entrance to Calakmul to learn more about this kingdom at a small museum. Follow your expert guide on waking tour of the main buildings and be transported to the past. Climb the heights of the famous Estructure II, a 180-foot-tall building where you will have an impressive view of the forest extending to the horizon.

Bacalar: Private Catamaran Sailing Tour

4. Bacalar: Private Catamaran Sailing Tour

After meeting your captain, set sail in a Hobie Cat catamaran with a small group. Visit some notable points of interest including the The Black Cenote, The Birds Island, and The Pirates Channel, where you can learn more about the flora and fauna of each place. Relax and take in the colors and sound of nature, whilst your captain prepares drinks for you to enjoy. 

Bacalar: Group Sailing Tour with Guide

5. Bacalar: Group Sailing Tour with Guide

Create lifelong memories as your experience the unspoiled beauty of Bacalar with a small-group sailing tour which includes live commentary from a knowledgeable guide and incredible views. After meeting your captain, set sail in a catamaran or monohull with a small group. Visit some notable points of interest including The Black Cenote, The Birds Island, and The Pirates Channel, where you can learn more about the flora and fauna of each place. Powered by wind and with no engine noise, you will be able to truly experience the wonders of the Bacalar coastline. Sit back and relax with a few drinks as your guide teaches you about the region.

Bacalar: Sunrise Paddleboard Tour with Floating Picnic

6. Bacalar: Sunrise Paddleboard Tour with Floating Picnic

Embark on a guided paddleboarding tour of Bacalar Lagoon. Watch the sun rise over a freshwater lake with 7 different shades of blue. Paddle from Cenote Esmeralda to Cenote Cocalitos, and swim around Bird Island. Savor a floating picnic with a symphony of birds in the background. Start with some quick stretching and a warm-up session. Get familiar with your paddleboard equipment and get a safety briefing. Begin the tour at Cenote Esmeralda, a piece of paradise in the Mexican Caribbean. Feel like you're rowing on clouds, thanks to the mirror effect of the clear water. Next, paddle to Cenote Cocalitos, a sanctuary of stromatolites and corals. Learn what makes them so special and how to preserve them. Then, see the sunrise while rowing towards Bird Island. Cool off while soaking up the first rays of the sun in the warm, shallow waters. On the island, watch endemic and migratory bird species such as roseate spoonbills, cormorants, and snail kites. Finally, unwind with a floating breakfast that includes a delicious selection of seasonal fruits, snacks, and refreshing juices.

Bacalar: Private Boat Tour

7. Bacalar: Private Boat Tour

Meet your tour guide and board your private boat to begin your relaxing cruise. Take advantage of all the amenities, including a sound system and ice cooler for drinks. Visit and learn about all of the cenotes in the lagoon, including Cenote Negro, Cenote Esmeralda, and Cenote Cocalitos.  Marvel at the natural beauty as you sit back and relax. You'll also visit the famous Pirates Canal and Bird Island. Learn about the flora and fauna and hear fun facts about the lagoon from your bilingual tour guide. Bring your swimwear to take advantage of local swimming spots. Don't forget to take plenty of photos, so you can cherish your memories. Get comfortable and enjoy some snacks and soft drinks that will be provided during the tour.

Bacalar: Pontoon Boat Tour on Bacalar Lagoon

8. Bacalar: Pontoon Boat Tour on Bacalar Lagoon

Go on an exciting lagoon tour from Bacalar. Navigate a route passing by three cenotes inside the lagoon. Enjoy fantastic views from your pontoon boat as you navigate the waters of the lagoon. Pass by the black cenote, emerald cenote, Cocalitos cenote, Bird Island, and the Pirate's Channel. Take a long stop to enjoy a relaxing swim.

Bacalar: Sunrise Stand Up Paddle Tour

9. Bacalar: Sunrise Stand Up Paddle Tour

Live this one-of-a-kind experience through the lagoon of the seven colors and see the majestic views of it's nature and uniqueness. The lagoon has calm waters and it makes it easier to paddle while enjoying the adventure. Paddle through the lagoon and chill in the Black Cenote for a while, also known as The Witch's Cenote. You can swim, snorkel or just listen to the birds sing, but the most gorgeous thing you'll see is the beautiful sunrise; enjoy how the sun comes up to start a new day.

Bacalar: Private Sailboat Tour with Lagoon Swimming

10. Bacalar: Private Sailboat Tour with Lagoon Swimming

Recently awarded #7 worldwide as best sailing and day cruises options by TripAdvisor traveler's choice awards 2022!!! https://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-ThingsToDo-cDay_Cruises Enjoy your own private cruise on Bacalar Lagoon. Sail across the lagoon to visit iconic landmarks, learn local history, and swim in the crystal clear waters. Appreciate a spot undiscovered by tourists and surrounded by mangroves, then try your hand at sailing the boat itself. Meet your captain at the marina. Receive a safety briefing and get all the equipment necessary for your 3-hour sailing adventure. Climb aboard the eco-friendly boat and set sail from Cenote Esmeralda, the largest cenote in the Bacalar Lagoon. Stop at the biggest and fanciest hotel on the beach of Bacalar and discover why it never opened. Enjoy the shallow bright-blue water and breathtaking scenery. Learn about stromatolites, corals' ancestors that date back to the origin of life on the planet. Find out why they are so special and how to preserve them. Next, arrive at the south end of Bacalar Lagoon. Swim in a beautiful area surrounded by mangroves, away from the other tourists. Appreciate the oldest stromatolites in the area dating back over 10,000 years. Climb back on board and enjoy snacks and cold drinks while admiring the mesmerizing surroundings. Learn the basics of sailing and take control of the ship. Feel the force of the wind guide you through the seven colors of the lagoon. Finally, enjoy the breeze while cruising back to the dock.

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What people are saying about Bacalar

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 413 reviews

Edvin was such a nice guide!! He gave a good explanation about the lagoon, cenotes, wildlife and history of the lagoon in Spanish and very good English. He's a very friendly and helpful guide, I could not wish for anything better! Thank you Edvin, we had a great time on your boat and in the lagoon I can just recommend joining this tour!

The driver, Jesus was right outside with a sign as exited the airport. Fast and courteous, with a roomy shuttle bus. My hat had fallen off my bag and they were nice enough to drop it off at my hotel afterwards. Highly recommend

We booked the catamaran private trip with Jesus, it was great. He is really nice and professional ! We shared a really nice moment with him Thanks !

Armando and Vicky were amazing! They took us through the lagoon with expert sailing and all information we wanted. Amazing trip!!!!

Everything fitted. It worked the way it was described