Catamaran Adventure: Sailing and Swimming in the Bacalar Lagoon

If you’re considering a way to truly enjoy the beauty of Bacalar, this 3-hour catamaran tour offers an experience that combines scenic sailing, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and relaxed good vibes. While we haven’t personally taken this trip, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it’s an outing worth your time—especially if you’re craving a laid-back day on the water.

What makes this tour stand out are two key features: the breathtaking views of Bacalar’s seven shades of blue and the friendly, knowledgeable guides who share stories about the lagoon’s flora, fauna, and history. On the flip side, if you’re looking for a quick, action-packed adventure or if you prefer smaller, more private tours, this might not be your best fit. But for travelers who want a comfortable, fun-filled cruise with plenty of opportunities to swim and relax, it hits the sweet spot.

This experience suits those who appreciate a relaxed pace, great scenery, and a touch of local storytelling. Families, couples, or solo travelers looking to savor Bacalar from the water will find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• Stunning Scenery: Admire Bacalar’s iconic seven shades of blue from a comfortable catamaran.
• All-Inclusive Experience: Snacks, natural fruit drinks, and three beers per person are included, making it no-fuss.
• Expert Guides: Guides share insights about the lagoon’s flora, fauna, and history, adding educational value.
• Relaxed Pace: The 3-hour duration ensures plenty of time for swimming, picture-taking, and lounging.
• Good Value: For $55, you get a well-rounded experience with drinks, snacks, and beautiful views.
• Group Size: Limited to 20 travelers, ensuring a more personal and intimate atmosphere.

Overview of the Experience

This Bacalar catamaran trip is designed as a leisurely escape into nature’s artwork. The starting point is at Casa China Bacalar, conveniently located in the Col. Costero Sur area, with easy access and a friendly meet-up spot. The duration of around three hours balances enough time to enjoy the lagoon without it feeling rushed.

Once aboard, you’ll sail along the Laguna de Bacalar, famous for its seven distinct shades of blue. The boat itself is described as comfortable and larger than some others, which means you won’t feel cramped, even if the boat reaches its maximum capacity of 20 travelers. You can expect a relaxed atmosphere with refreshing drinks like natural fruit beverages and bottled water, plus three beers per person—great for unwinding and soaking up the views.

What to Expect During the Tour

Sailing and Views

As the catamaran glides across the water, you’ll get unobstructed views of Bacalar’s unique color palette. The lagoon’s calm waters make for an easy and pleasant sailing experience. Several reviews mention how beautiful the waters are, with one traveler noting that “the waters are so worth the trip” and that “the water temperature is perfect”.

The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, sharing interesting tidbits about the lagoon’s ecosystem and history. Expect to learn about the local flora and fauna, which enhances the experience beyond just aesthetics.

Swimming Opportunities

The main highlight is the chance to swim in the warm, crystal-clear waters. The lagoon’s calmness and clarity make it ideal for swimming, taking photos, or simply floating and relaxing. One reviewer loved the switch to a pontoon boat when the wind was light, saying “it was great”. This flexibility allows for a comfortable experience regardless of weather conditions.

Snacking and Drinks

Included are seasonal fruit snacks and a choice of natural fruit drinks, perfect for staying refreshed. The addition of alcoholic beverages, specifically three beers per person, is a popular perk—and a good way to toast to a memorable day in Bacalar.

Atmosphere and Group Dynamics

With a maximum of 20 travelers, the tour feels intimate rather than crowded. Many reviews highlight how friendly and accommodating the crew is, making the experience smooth and enjoyable. One comment even mentions how the staff went out of their way to make the trip special, including trying the vodka with blueberries from the bar.

The Itinerary in Detail

Meeting Point and Start

The adventure begins at Casa China Bacalar, a convenient location with easy access. After a quick check-in, you’re on board, ready to enjoy the three hours of sailing.

Cruising the Lagoon

You’ll spend the majority of your time sailing along the lagoon, admiring the captivating shades of blue. The guides will point out notable spots and share stories about the area’s history and ecology, transforming a simple boat ride into an educational journey.

Swimming and Photo Breaks

Midway or at strategic points, you’ll have opportunities to dive into the lagoon. The reviews suggest that the water is inviting and the experience is soothing. Photographers will love capturing the expansive views and the lagoon’s vibrant hues—perfect for social media or personal memories.

Return and Reflection

As the tour wraps up, you’ll head back to the starting point, feeling relaxed and enriched. Many travelers remark that they left with great photos and new appreciation for Bacalar’s natural beauty.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

At $55 per person, this experience includes a well-rounded package: sailing, swimming, snacks, drinks, and engaging guides. Considering how much of the lagoon you get to see and the quality of the amenities, it’s a reasonable price for a memorable half-day outing.

Compared to other water-based excursions that might focus only on activity, this tour balances educational storytelling, scenic beauty, and relaxation. Plus, the small group size means you’ll enjoy more personalized attention from the crew.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This catamaran adventure is ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed, scenic day on the water. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy nature, photography, and cultural stories. Families, couples, or solo travelers who want a comfortable, social environment will find it a perfect fit.

However, if you prefer a more private or adventure-heavy experience, or if you’re on a tight schedule, you might want to explore other options. But for a balanced, enjoyable day immersed in Bacalar’s stunning environment, this is a solid choice.

The Sum Up

This Bacalar catamaran tour offers a fantastic mix of scenic sailing, swimming, and lighthearted socializing. The knowledgeable guides and the comfort of the boat make for a memorable outing. The inclusion of drinks and snacks adds to the value, making it an easy choice for those wanting to indulge in Bacalar’s natural charm without fuss.

It’s best suited for those who want a relaxed yet engaging experience that combines nature, culture, and a little leisure. If you’re after a beautiful, affordable way to spend a few hours in Bacalar, this tour delivers on all counts.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, offering enough time to enjoy sailing, swimming, and taking photos without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at Casa China Bacalar, a convenient location in the Col. Costero Sur area.

What’s included in the price?
Snacks (seasonal fruit), bottled water, natural fruit drinks, and three beers per person are included, making it a hassle-free experience.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and although not explicitly specified, children who can swim and are comfortable on boats should enjoy it.

How many people are on each boat?
The maximum group size is 20 travelers, helping maintain a friendly, intimate environment.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a camera. Since drinks and snacks are provided, you might want to bring extra if you’re particularly hungry or want additional beverages.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Is this tour good value for money?
Absolutely. Considering the scenery, amenities, and guide insights, $55 is a fair price for a memorable day in Bacalar’s lagoon.

In essence, this catamaran adventure offers a wonderful way to enjoy Bacalar’s famous waters, combining relaxation with a touch of education and plenty of photo opportunities. It’s a great choice for those wanting to experience the lagoon’s beauty without overcomplicating things—just good company, refreshing drinks, and stunning views.