Your Ultimate Guide to Bacalar Boat Tours

One of the best ways to experience the Lagoon of Seven Colors is by booking one of the many Bacalar boat tours available. Whether you want to sail across the lagoon, explore hidden cenotes, or cruise to Pirate’s Channel, there’s a boat tour for every travel style. From eco-friendly sailboats and adventurous Hobie Cats to comfortable pontoon rides and high-speed boats, each tour offers a unique way to see Bacalar’s crystal-clear waters.

Unlike the beaches of Tulum or Cancun, Bacalar is known for its calm, freshwater lagoon, making it the perfect place to relax and explore by boat. Some tours focus on a slow, scenic experience, while others allow you to visit multiple swimming spots in a short amount of time. Knowing the differences between sailboats, speedboats, pontoons, and Hobie Cats will help you find the best tour for your trip.

This guide breaks down the best Bacalar boat tours, what’s included, costs, and how to choose the right experience for you. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious private tour or a budget-friendly group option, you’ll find everything you need to know before hitting the water.

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Types of Bacalar Boat Tours: Which is Right for You?

Choosing the right Bacalar boat tour depends on a few key factors: group size, pace, and inclusions. Some tours, like sailboat and Hobie Cat tours, offer a more intimate small-group setting, while others, such as pontoon tours, accommodate larger groups, making them a better fit for social travelers or families.

Next, consider your preferred pace. Motorized tours on pontoons and speedboats allow you to cover more ground and visit multiple spots in less time, but they come with more noise and a faster-moving itinerary. In contrast, sailboat tours provide a quieter, more relaxed experience, but you’ll see fewer locations since your journey depends on the wind.

>> Check out my complete 3-day Bacalar itinerary for more ideas of things to do, places to eat, and more!

Finally, think about what’s included. Some tours come with unlimited drinks, snacks, or even full meals, which can add value and make the experience more enjoyable. If you prefer a laid-back, scenic experience, a sailboat or Hobie Cat tour may be ideal. But if you’d rather see as much of the lagoon as possible, a pontoon tour could be the better choice.

Sailboat Tours (My Top Choice!)

Sailing on Bacalar Lagoon is a peaceful, eco-friendly experience, offering a quiet ride with no motor noise—just the sound of the wind and water. While these tours cost more than other options, they provide a more intimate setting, usually capped at 8–10 people for a relaxed and uncrowded experience.

Most sailboat tours last around 5 hours, making them one of the longer tour options, and they typically include unlimited drinks and a light meal or snacks. With a slower pace and smooth ride, this is the best choice for those wanting to fully soak in the beauty of the Lagoon of Seven Colors without the rush.

Pontoon boat Tours

Pontoon boat tours are a popular choice for those looking to cover more ground in less time, making them a great balance between comfort and adventure. Unlike sailboats, pontoons use a motor, so they’re louder but faster, allowing you to visit more areas of the lagoon in just a few hours. These tours typically last 2.5 to 3.5 hours.

While not as serene as a sailboat, pontoons offer shaded seating, a relaxed ride, and the chance to explore more of Bacalar Lagoon’s highlights. If you’re looking for a faster-paced tour with more sightseeing, a pontoon boat is a great option for getting the most out of your time on the water.

Hobie Cat Tours

For a small-group, eco-friendly adventure, a Hobie Cat tour offers a unique way to explore Bacalar Lagoon. These small, wind-powered catamarans have no engine, meaning you’re completely at the mercy of the wind, like a sailboat. However, they’re faster and more agile, allowing for a bit more excitement while still keeping a peaceful, motor-free experience.

With a maximum of six passengers, Hobie Cat tours provide an intimate setting, making them a great option for couples, solo travelers, or small groups looking for something different.

Most Hobie Cat tours last around 3 hours and often include a drink and light snack, but they generally don’t have the same level of inclusions as sailboat tours. They’re typically cheaper than sailboat experiences, making them a budget-friendly alternative while still offering a serene, immersive experience on the lagoon.

Speedboat Tours

For travelers who want to see as much of Bacalar Lagoon as possible in a short time, a speedboat tour is the way to go. These tours are fast-paced, covering more ground than any other option. Unlike sailboats or Hobie Cats, speedboats aren’t dependent on the wind, so they offer a reliable itinerary and efficient travel between key locations.

However, they do come with more noise and movement, making them less of a slow, relaxing experience. Additionally, there are environmental concerns with speedboats, as motorized vessels can contribute to water pollution, disturb wildlife, and cause erosion along the lagoon’s edges. Some tours operate with more eco-conscious practices, but it’s important to choose a company that follows sustainable guidelines to minimize impact.

Many tours include snorkeling gear, life jackets, and drinks, though they generally don’t provide full meals like some sailboat experiences. Because speedboats move quickly between destinations, you’ll get less time to lounge and enjoy the water, but you’ll see more locations in a shorter period. If you’re looking for an efficient, high-energy way to explore Bacalar Lagoon, a speedboat tour is an excellent choice.

Best Bacalar Boat Trips to Book

MY TOP CHOICE: Bacalar Lagoon Sail with Open Bar

I absolutely cannot say enough great things about my lagoon sail with AmirAdventours. The staff was incredibly friendly, their communication was seamless, and the entire experience felt well-organized and stress-free. More than anything, you feel like everything is taken care of, allowing you to sit back, relax, and take in the breathtaking views of the Lagoon of Seven Colors.

This small-group sailboat tour offers an intimate, eco-friendly way to explore Bacalar, with stops at Pirate’s Channel, Cenote Negro, and Bird Island. The open bar with unlimited drinks is a fantastic perk (and trust me- they truly were endless), and the meal provided during sunset was the perfect way to end the sail.

If you’re looking for the best way to experience Bacalar Lagoon, I highly recommend this tour. Be sure to book in advance, as spots fill up quickly—especially for the sunset sail, which offers some of the most stunning views over the water.

Best Boat Tours on a Budget

Exploring Bacalar Lagoon doesn’t have to break the bank—there are plenty of affordable boat tours that still offer an amazing experience. Whether you choose a group pontoon, a shorter sail, or a no-frills speedboat tour, these budget-friendly options allow you to see the lagoon’s highlights without overspending.

Sail on a Budget: 3 Hours with Drinks

This 3-hour sail offers a budget-friendly way to experience Bacalar Lagoon, with a few beers per person, fresh fruit, and stops at the lagoon’s top spots—all at a great price. With almost 500 five-star reviews, it’s no surprise that this tour sells out quickly. If you’re looking for a shorter sailing experience without a full meal or unlimited drinks, this is the perfect option.

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Hobie Cat on a Budget: Margaritas Included

If you’re looking for a unique experience aboard a Hobie cat then this tour might be the right one for you. Not only is the price right it still includes a margarita on the 3-hour sail. You’ll get to enjoy the highlights of the lagoon on one of the most unique sail experiences you can have in Bacalar.

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Pontoon on a Budget: Beach Club Access Included

This affordable 3-hour pontoon tour is a great way to explore Bacalar Lagoon while enjoying a mix of relaxation and adventure. With plenty of space to lounge, you’ll cruise across the crystal-clear waters. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to swim, soak in the views, and experience Bacalar’s natural beauty up close. The tour includes refreshing drinks- including a few beers per person- and light snacks.

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What’s Included in a Boat tour?

There’s a wide range of inclusions across Bacalar boat tours, so it’s important to read through the itinerary carefully before booking. While some items are always provided, others are perks that vary by tour, and a few key essentials are never included.

First, life jackets are mandatory while the boat is moving, and these are always provided by the tour operator. Most tours include non-alcoholic drinks like water and soda, while higher-end tours often provide alcoholic beverages as well. Every boat tour will stop at swimming spots and ecological sites, but the number of stops and the areas covered depend on the type of tour you choose. Additionally, most tours are bilingual, with instructions and guiding available in English.

Beyond these basics, tour packages differ in length and amenities. Some tours provide light snacks like fresh fruit, while others include a full meal, especially on longer excursions. Certain tours even offer add-ons like professional photoshoots or drone footage for an additional fee.

A few things are almost never included, such as towels, hotel pickup and drop-off, and gratuity for your guides, so plan accordingly to ensure you have everything you need for the experience.

More Bacalar Tips + Inspiration

• Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Bacalar in this complete 3-day itinerary
• And don’t miss this complete list of things to do in Bacalar