Slow Sailing Bacalar – 3-hours of Nature and crystal waters

Travelers looking for a peaceful escape often find themselves drawn to Bacalar, known as the “Lake of Seven Colors” for its striking shades of turquoise and blue. If you’re after a tour that emphasizes relaxation, natural beauty, and authentic local scenery, Slow Sailing Bacalar offers an experience that’s hard to forget. While it’s a short trip—just three hours—it promises an intimate connection with the lagoon’s tranquility and vibrant surroundings.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its slow, wind-guided sail—perfect for those who want to enjoy the scenery without rushing. Plus, the small-group setup ensures a more personal, relaxed atmosphere. A potential consideration for travelers is that the tour doesn’t include ground transportation, so you’ll want to plan your arrival at the meeting point accordingly. This tour suits travelers who value quiet moments, stunning views, and a touch of local history, making it ideal for couples, solo travelers, or anyone craving a calm escape into nature.

Key Points

• Relaxed, slow-paced sailing for full connection with nature
• Visits to famous spots like Bird Island, Pirate’s Channel, and Cenotes
• Swim stops in shallow, crystal-clear waters
• Seasonal fruit and drinks onboard for refreshment
• Small, intimate groups for personalized experience
• No ground transportation included, plan accordingly

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Experience

This 3-hour excursion is designed to let you savor Bacalar’s natural beauty without the rush of larger tours. After a brief safety briefing from your experienced captain, you’ll board a sailboat and gently set off across the lagoon of seven colors. Unlike more bustling boat trips, this one emphasizes a slow, wind-powered voyage, allowing you to truly absorb the sights and sounds of the lagoon.

The itinerary includes several highlights:

Stop at the Channel of the Pirates

Your journey begins at the Pirates’ Channel, a site steeped in local stories of smuggling and pirates. The guide shares insights into its history, adding a layer of intrigue to your scenic sail. This stop is perfect for history buffs or anyone curious about the area’s past. The calm waters here make for a peaceful viewing spot, and it’s an excellent place to snap photos of the vibrant surroundings.

Visit to Bird Island

Next, you’ll cruise to Bird Island, a protected sanctuary that’s home to migratory and local birds. This part of the tour is particularly rewarding for nature lovers. Bird-watching can be surprisingly lively here, with the chance to see various species thriving in their habitat. It’s a gentle reminder of the ecological richness of the region, making it more than just a pretty view.

Cenote Visits

The tour includes stops at Cenote Negro and Cenote Esmeralda, where the contrasting depths and colors of the water create striking visuals. Bilateral to the famous “seven-color” feature, these cenotes offer a glimpse into the underwater geology of the area. You can take a refreshing swim in the clear, shallow waters, surrounded by lush greenery and quiet solitude. The shallow waters are perfect for relaxing swims or wading, giving everyone a chance to cool off in nature’s own pool.

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Swimming and Relaxing

Throughout the tour, there are opportunities to stop for swimming in the serene lagoon. The water’s calmness makes it ideal for a relaxed dip, and the shallow depths mean even less confident swimmers can enjoy it comfortably. The experience is amplified by the natural beauty, with the lagoon’s layers of blues providing a stunning backdrop for your swim.

Onboard Refreshments

Adding to the laid-back vibe, the tour includes seasonal fruit and drinks, with two beers per adult. These little touches make the experience more enjoyable, especially after a swim or while soaking in the sunshine. The inclusion of water ensures you stay hydrated, and the seasonal fruit helps you appreciate local flavors.

Practical Aspects and What to Expect

One of the best features of this tour is its small group size—limited to just 8 participants—which means fewer crowds and more personalized attention from your bilingual guide, who speaks English, Spanish, and Slovak. The personalized service helps ensure you get the most out of the experience, whether it’s learning about local history or spotting wildlife.

The meeting point is conveniently located at the Noru restaurant, accessible after walking down to the marina. Since ground transportation isn’t included, you’ll want to arrange your own way there. This setup is ideal for travelers staying nearby or those who prefer a more flexible schedule.

The tour’s duration of three hours typically takes place in the morning or evening, allowing you to choose a time that suits your itinerary. With a flexible cancellation policy—full refunds available if canceled 24 hours in advance—you can book with confidence, knowing plans are adaptable.

The Value of the Experience

At $35 per person, this tour offers great value for travelers seeking a peaceful, authentic experience in Bacalar. The price includes boat fees, insurance, life jackets, guide services, and onboard refreshments. While it doesn’t include ground transportation, the overall package offers a relaxed, scenic outing that emphasizes quality over quantity.

Compared to larger, more commercial tours, this experience feels more genuine—without the loud music or overly crowded boats. Instead, it offers peaceful vistas, meaningful storytelling, and the chance to really connect with the natural surroundings. Travelers who want to avoid large groups and enjoy a slower pace will find this tour particularly appealing.

What We Loved and What to Consider

Many reviews highlight the stunning views as a major perk, with one reviewer praising the “nice souvenir” and feeling well taken care of by the professional team. The calm, scenic sails and the opportunity to swim in pristine waters make this a memorable outing.

A point to keep in mind is the lack of ground transportation, which might require some planning ahead. Also, since the tour is limited to small groups, it’s best to book early to secure your spot.

To sum it up, Slow Sailing Bacalar is a fantastic choice for travelers wanting a gentle, scenic experience on one of Mexico’s most beautiful lakes. It’s perfect for those who cherish tranquility, natural beauty, and a touch of local history. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or part of a small group, you’ll leave feeling refreshed and connected with the lagoon’s peaceful waters and vibrant surroundings.

This tour isn’t for those seeking a high-energy adventure or extensive snorkeling. Instead, it offers a chance to truly slow down and enjoy the moment—something increasingly rare in today’s fast-paced travel world. If you’re after an authentic, intimate taste of Bacalar’s natural charm, this is well worth considering.

Is ground transportation included?
No, the tour meeting point is at the Noru restaurant, so you will need to arrange your own transportation to reach the marina.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, typically available in the morning or at night, giving you flexibility in planning your day.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen (though it isn’t allowed during swimming), sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and a long-sleeved shirt for sun protection.

Will I get to swim?
Yes, there are stops for swimming in shallow, calm waters, perfect for relaxing dips or wading.

Are drinks and snacks included?
Yes, seasonal fruit, water, and two beers per adult are provided onboard, making the experience even more enjoyable.

Is this suitable for everyone?
It’s best suited for those who can easily handle boat seats and are comfortable in water. The tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or those over 254 lbs (115 kg).

In all, Slow Sailing Bacalar offers a genuine chance to enjoy the lagoon’s beauty at a relaxed pace, emphasizing tranquility, natural sights, and small-group intimacy. It’s a quiet, authentic way to savor the Lake of Seven Colors without the crowds, perfect for travelers seeking serenity and scenic pleasure.

You can check availability for your dates here: