BACALAR! Tour en Velero Privado con bebidas incluidas

Bacalar, often called the “Lake of Seven Colors,” is a standout spot in Quintana Roo, Mexico, renowned for its stunning turquoise waters and intriguing history. While many visitors explore it via boat, few get the chance to enjoy this lagoon aboard a private sailboat with the comforts of drinks included. This review explores what makes the BACALAR! Tour en Velero Privado a fantastic choice for travelers seeking a personalized, scenic, and relaxed day on the water.

What we love about this experience? First, the intimate setting with a private group (up to three people) offers a relaxed, personalized vibe you won’t get with larger tours. Second, the variety of stops, including cenotes and swimming spots like Pirates Channel and Bird Island, provides both sightseeing and water fun. Third, the flexibility to take the helm a bit, with a captain guiding but allowing you to steer — perfect for adventurous spirits. The only caveat? As it’s a shorter, three-hour tour, it may feel a little rushed if you’re eager to explore every nook of the lagoon in detail.

This tour suits those who want a comfortable, immersive experience with a small group, especially if you’re looking to blend sightseeing, swimming, and a touch of adventure on a pristine Caribbean-like lagoon.

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Key Points

Private, intimate experience for up to three people, ensuring personalized service
Includes drinks and snacks, with the option to bring your own food for added flexibility
Stops at several key sites, such as cenotes and Pirates Channel, blending natural beauty with fun water activities
Hands-on sailing experience that allows guests to take command with guidance from the captain
Flexible itinerary based on your preferences, with multiple swimming opportunities
Timely and convenient 3-hour duration, perfect for a half-day escape

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Setting Sail in Bacalar: What You Can Expect

The experience kicks off at Casa China Bacalar, a charming spot with a distinctive white facade and red pagoda-shaped roofs. From there, you’ll board a comfortably appointed sailboat designed to host up to six guests but ideally suited for a small group of three, ensuring everyone gets a chance to enjoy the scenery and participate.

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The Itinerary Breakdown

First stop: Bacalar Lagoon
After departing, the captain will give a brief orientation, including some basics about sailing if you want to take the wheel. We loved the way the captain, who is bilingual, explained the lagoon’s history and features — making the voyage both educational and relaxing. Expect a 40-minute sail, where you’ll be surrounded by shimmering waters that showcase the lagoon’s famous seven shades of blue, creating a peaceful and photogenic setting.

Second stop: El Canal De Los Piratas
Here, you’ll spend about 40 minutes swimming and taking photos. This spot is iconic for its historical significance and scenic views. Reviewers like David highlighted the calm navigation and appreciated the stops for swimming, describing it as a “great experience.” It’s a perfect place for a quick dip, with tranquil waters and plenty of space to relax.

Third stop: Cenote Negro
A highlight among the stops, Cenote Negro offers a unique opportunity to snap photos and explore the clear waters. The cenote’s dark, mysterious appearance contrasts beautifully with the surrounding turquoise, making for memorable pictures. You’ll spend around 35 minutes here, enough to snorkel or simply enjoy the cool water.

Return: Casa China Bacalar
After the cenote visit, the boat heads back, completing the loop. The overall journey lasts roughly three hours, giving enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

The Water and Food Experience

What sets this tour apart is the inclusive drinks and snacks. You’ll be provided with three beers per person, fresh seasonal fruit water, and natural seasonal snacks. These little touches elevate the experience, making it less about just sightseeing and more about savoring the moment. Plus, you’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks — ideal for those with specific preferences or dietary needs.

Reviewers like David appreciated the relaxed vibe, noting that the crew, especially Hugo, was informative and friendly. His insights about the lagoon’s ecology and history added depth to the trip. The drinks, along with the chance to swim at multiple stops, create a laid-back, enjoyable atmosphere.

The Sailing & Crew

The captain and guide are bilingual, fluent in both Spanish and English, making the tour accessible to a diverse group of travelers. The captain is approachable, offering a quick guide if you’re interested in sailing, or simply letting you relax and enjoy the scenery. Guests can take the wheel if they wish, which adds a playful, interactive element to the voyage.

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Practical Details & Tips

Price is around $174 for the entire group, which averages out to about $58 per person — a reasonable rate considering the inclusions and personalized experience. The tour’s duration is three hours, a good half-day activity that balances sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing on the water.

The meeting point is at Casa China Bacalar, a landmark with a distinctive white facade and red roofs that’s easy to find. The tour ends back at the same location, making logistics straightforward.

What should you bring? Pack swimwear, a towel, and beachwear to comfortably enjoy the stops. Remember, sunscreen is not allowed during the swim stops (presumably to protect the delicate aquatic environment), so consider wearing protective clothing or using eco-friendly options before boarding.

The tour is not suitable for people with mobility issues, heart problems, or seasickness, and it’s not recommended for babies under one year old. Still, for most healthy travelers, it offers a safe and enjoyable experience.

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Authentic Experiences & Feedback from Reviewers

The most valuable insights come from past guests. David’s comment that Hugo provided lots of information about the lagoon and its sites shows the tour’s educational value. He also praised the calm navigation, which is comforting for those wary of choppy waters.

Another review mentions the option to swim at multiple stops, which truly enhances the experience: “We visited a great part of the lagoon, had calm navigation, and made stops to swim. It was a great experience,” highlighting how the tour balances sightseeing with water fun.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

This private sailboat experience offers a well-rounded, authentic taste of Bacalar’s natural beauty, with the added comfort of drinks and snacks. It’s perfect for small groups or couples who want a personalized, relaxed day on the water without the hassle of large tour groups.

The inclusion of stops at cenotes and the chance to take the wheel make it engaging, while the serene waters and friendly guides create a memorable, laid-back atmosphere. Price-wise, it offers good value, especially considering the personalized service and all the inclusions.

If you’re after a tranquil, scenic adventure that combines history, nature, and water fun, this tour is an excellent pick. It’s especially ideal for travelers who appreciate small group experiences and want to avoid crowded boat trips.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Since it’s not suitable for babies under 1 year and involves water activities, it’s best for children who are comfortable in the water and can sit still for the duration.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Yes, you’re welcome to bring any food and drinks at no extra charge, allowing you to customize your snacks or add special items.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, including sailing, swimming, and sightseeing stops.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts and ends at Casa China Bacalar, making logistics easy to plan.

Are the guides bilingual?
Yes, the captain and guide speak both Spanish and English, facilitating better communication and understanding.

Is this a private experience?
Yes, the tour is designed for private groups up to 3 people, ensuring a more personalized adventure.

This private Bacalar sailboat tour offers a delightful blend of scenic beauty, water activities, and educational insight—all within a relaxed, small-group setting. It’s particularly suited for travelers seeking a cozy, authentic experience with the flexibility to enjoy swimming, photos, and even a bit of sailing. With friendly guides, inclusions like drinks and snacks, and stops at some of Bacalar’s most charming sites, it’s a wonderful way to spend a few hours soaking in one of Mexico’s most stunning lagoons.