Bacalar Lagoon Sailing Tour with Open Bar and Mexican Lunch: A Deep Dive
Imagine gliding across the Lagoon of Seven Colors, a place renowned for its vibrant, crystalline waters, with the gentle breeze in your hair and a cold drink in hand. For $73 per person, you can enjoy five hours of relaxing sailing, delicious food, and fascinating sights around Bacalar, in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. Led by friendly guides like Amir, Charlie, Omar, and others, this tour promises a blend of natural beauty, cultural charm, and laid-back fun.
What we love about this experience is how it combines unmatched scenery with comfortable amenities. The open bar, featuring tequila, national beer, and soft drinks, keeps the mood lively, while the swimming stops at spots like Bird Island and the Pirates Channel give you a chance to cool off and learn about nature. Another highlight is the Mexican lunch served onboard—tasty, plentiful, and well-organized, making the trip feel like a true feast.
A potential consideration? The tour doesn’t include snorkeling gear or transportation to the meeting point, so you’ll want to plan accordingly. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy gentle sailing, beautiful views, and relaxed social atmospheres—perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone seeking a scenic escape from the hustle.
Key Points
- Stunning Locations: Visits to Pirates Channel, Bird Island, and the Abandoned Hotel offer diverse sights.
- Inclusive Refreshments & Food: Enjoy unlimited drinks, seasonal fruit, guacamole, and Mexican snacks.
- Relaxing Swim Opportunities: Free time in crystal-clear waters allows for swimming and lounging.
- Natural Soundtrack: The absence of engine noise means you’ll hear only the sounds of nature.
- Guided Experience: Bilingual guides provide insightful commentary about the lagoon’s highlights.
- Value for Money: Five hours of sailing, food, drinks, and stunning scenery for $73 per person is quite a good deal.
Exploring the Experience in Detail
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The Itinerary and Sights
Once you arrive at the meeting point — the entrance by Balneario Sindicato Semarnat — you’ll be welcomed aboard a sailing vessel, ready for your five-hour adventure. The lack of engine noise means the only soundtrack is the gentle hum of water and wind — a soothing reminder of how peaceful and unspoiled Bacalar is.
One of the trip’s standout features is the visit to Pirates Channel, an iconic stretch of water filled with stories and legend. It’s a favorite among visitors, thanks to its narrow passageways and dramatic scenery. Next, you’ll explore Bird Island, a haven for local fauna and birdwatchers alike. The crew often shares interesting tidbits about the flora and fauna here, adding an educational touch to the trip.
The Abandoned Hotel is another stop that sparks curiosity. Though its history isn’t elaborated on in the reviews, its picturesque ruins offer great photo opportunities. Along the way, you’ll admire the colorful cenotes—natural sinkholes filled with clear, inviting water—perfect for swimming during designated free time.
Water and Swimming
Those who love to swim will find plenty to enjoy. The tour offers ample free time to jump into the turquoise waters and soak up the sunshine. The waters are calm, making for safe swimming even for kids, as confirmed by families who appreciated the well-organized stops and safety measures, such as provided life jackets.
Food and Drinks
The onboard open bar is not just a gimmick; it’s a well-received feature, with reviewers praising the unlimited tequila, beer, soda, and water. The seasonal fruit and guacamole are refreshing snacks, perfect for re-energizing after a swim. The Mexican lunch is described as delicious, with many reviewers commenting on how well the food is prepared and served.
More Great Tours NearbyGuides and Atmosphere
Guide expertise is a major plus. Many reviews mention guides like Amir, Charlie, Omar, and Rommel, emphasizing their friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive nature. They make the experience educational without being overbearing, sharing stories and answering questions. Their warm attitude helps create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere onboard.
Group Size and Overall Comfort
With reviews indicating groups of around 12 to larger groups, you can expect a comfortable environment that isn’t too crowded but lively enough to feel like a genuine shared adventure. The boat’s layout allows for socializing but also space to relax peacefully.
Value and Practicalities
Considering the price of $73, this tour offers excellent value when you factor in the five hours of sailing, food, unlimited drinks, entrance fees, and guidance. Keep in mind that transportation to the meeting point is not included, so you’ll need to arrange that yourself. Also, snorkel gear isn’t provided, so if swimming with gear is your thing, plan to bring your own.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience is ideal for travelers seeking a laid-back day in nature with good company and good eats. If you value authentic, scenic spots like the Pirates Channel and Bird Island and enjoy refreshing drinks and delicious Mexican food, you’ll find plenty to smile about. Families with kids, groups of friends, or even solo travelers wanting a social yet relaxed outing will appreciate the friendly guides and natural beauty.
However, if you prefer adventurous snorkeling or need accessible facilities, you might find this tour somewhat limited, given the focus on sailing and swimming without snorkeling gear.
The Sum Up
The Bacalar Lagoon Sailing Tour with Open Bar and Mexican Lunch offers a relaxing, scenic, and tasty way to explore one of Mexico’s most beautiful lagoons. The combination of stunning views, delicious food, and friendly guides creates a memorable outing that balances fun with relaxation. It’s a particularly good choice for those who enjoy a slow pace, beautiful scenery, and a laid-back social atmosphere.
For travelers who want to enjoy nature without strenuous activity, and love sharing good food and drinks with new friends, this tour delivers real value. It’s perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends seeking a well-organized, authentic experience that showcases Bacalar’s natural charm.
FAQ
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately five hours, usually scheduled in the afternoon.
What is included in the price?
You get an open bar with tequila, beer, juice, soda, and water; seasonal fruit, guacamole, Mexican snacks, a Mexican lunch, life jackets, a bilingual guide, and parking fees.
Are snorkeling gear and towels included?
No, snorkeling gear and towels are not included, so if you want to snorkel, you’ll need to bring your own.
Is transportation to the meeting point provided?
No, transportation to the starting location (Balneario Sindicato Semarnat) is not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Is this suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It’s suitable for children and those comfortable in water but not recommended for wheelchair users or anyone needing special accessibility accommodations.
What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, waterproof camera, comfortable clothes, waterproof bag, and snorkeling gear if desired. Sunscreen, insect repellent, pets, smoking, and vaping are not allowed onboard.
In sum, this Bacalar lagoon sailing tour is a well-rounded, enjoyable way to experience the lagoon’s beauty, taste some delicious Mexican food, and meet fellow travelers. Whether it’s your first visit to Bacalar or a return trip, it’s a trip worth considering for a relaxed, scenic day on the water.
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