Reviewed · BOAT TRIPS IN BACALAR

Bacalar: 4hr Private Sailing Tour with Guacamole & Drinks

★ 5.0 · 105 reviews 4 hours (approx.) From $256 / group Operated by Sailing Colibri · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

What makes this tour interesting is the mix of private sailboat time and easygoing food on board, all built around Bacalar Lagoon. You are not bouncing between crowd zones. You’re cruising, stopping where the captain thinks it fits, and sharing the moment with just your group.

Two things I really like: the homemade guacamole and drinks that turn the trip into more than just sightseeing, and the fact that you can hit big, well-known lagoon spots like Cenote Negro while still getting time in quieter areas. People also call out the crew by name, with sailors such as Hector and Franco, plus a guide like Miquel who gets credit for the guacamole experience.

One consideration: this is weather-dependent. If the conditions are rough, the tour can be rescheduled or refunded, so you want a little flexibility in your plans.

Key things to know before you go

Bacalar: 4hr Private Sailing Tour with Guacamole & Drinks - Key things to know before you go

  • Private for your group: you won’t share the boat with strangers.
  • Classic Catalina 25 sailing vibe: a proper sailboat feel, not a big motor-boat herd.
  • Famous lagoon stops: Canal de los Piratas, Cenote Negro, and Isla de los Pájaros are part of the plan.
  • Homemade guacamole on board: paired with cold beer and seasonal fruit.
  • Small-group pacing: 4 hours is long enough for meaningful sailing, short enough to stay relaxed.
  • Bilingual, experienced crew: you should feel comfortable asking questions along the way.

Why Bacalar Lagoon on a sailboat is the right kind of slow

Bacalar: 4hr Private Sailing Tour with Guacamole & Drinks - Why Bacalar Lagoon on a sailboat is the right kind of slow
Bacalar is one of those places where the water does a lot of the work for you. But when you see it from the deck of a sailboat, it lands differently. The pace feels human. The views don’t just pass by, they stay in front of you while the boat glides.

That matters because most visits to Bacalar can be either rushed or crowded. This tour flips that script. You get a boat that is yours for about four hours, and the crew can tailor the day to how you are doing, not how a schedule looks for the next group.

More Boat Trips in Bacalar

The Catalina 25 private tour, in plain terms

This runs as a private excursion on a classic Catalina 25 sailboat. The tour is about 4 hours, so you get a full chunk of time on the water without needing your whole day tied up.

Because it is private, you also avoid the “line up, listen, hurry, repeat” rhythm that can take the joy out of a lagoon cruise. I like that the tour is positioned for couples, families, and small groups of friends. If you want a shared experience that still feels low-key, this fits.

And yes, there are practical comfort details baked in: water and snacks are included, and there is a food component that is more than a token bite. That turns the tour into something you can actually look forward to, not just something you check off.

Your route around Bacalar Lagoon: Canal de los Piratas to Cenote Negro

Bacalar: 4hr Private Sailing Tour with Guacamole & Drinks - Your route around Bacalar Lagoon: Canal de los Piratas to Cenote Negro
You’ll spend the tour in and around Lake Bacalar, with the option to visit several famous points: Canal de los Piratas, Cenote Negro, and Isla de los Pájaros.

Here’s how to think about those stops, and what to watch for.

Lake Bacalar: the baseline for the whole day

The cruise starts on Lake Bacalar. This is the “main character” of the trip, and it sets expectations. You are there for the sailing and the lagoon experience first, then the stops are added value.

The upside is simple: you get time to settle in. You can get your bearings, feel the wind, and start relaxing before you reach the named highlights.

Canal de los Piratas: a named spot that keeps the route interesting

Canal de los Piratas is one of the well-known points included in the plan. What makes a stop like this worth doing is that it gives the day structure. Instead of drifting endlessly, you have “sections” that make the time feel purposeful.

A small consideration: narrow or channel-like areas can make your ride feel a bit more “hands on deck” depending on conditions. Not scary, just different from open water.

Cenote Negro: the highlight stop that breaks up the sailing time

Cenote Negro is another famous lagoon feature on the route. Stops like this are useful because they punctuate the cruise. They create a natural rhythm: sail, arrive, pause, then move on.

The drawback to keep in mind is that cenote-style stops can be the most dependent on weather and water conditions. If the day is choppy or visibility is off, you may spend more time sailing and less time at the point.

Isla de los Pájaros: the spot that adds a different kind of interest

Isla de los Pájaros rounds out the named list. Even if you are not focused on animals, islands add variety to a lagoon day because they change the angles and the feel of the water.

Practical tip: bring a camera with a strap or a secure grip. On a sailboat, decks can get slick when you are boarding or shifting positions.

Getting beyond the crowds without sacrificing the classics

Bacalar: 4hr Private Sailing Tour with Guacamole & Drinks - Getting beyond the crowds without sacrificing the classics
This tour is built around a mix: famous points plus beautiful places further away from tourism. That combination is exactly what I want when I book a private trip.

If you only do the famous stops, you risk spending the “best” part of the day in high-traffic areas. If you only do off-the-map spots, you might miss the iconic look that makes Bacalar feel like Bacalar. This approach aims for both.

What you should do: go with a flexible mindset. Ask the crew what they recommend once you’re on the water. A private boat gives you a better chance of getting a day that feels balanced, not cookie-cutter.

Food and drinks on board: guacamole, fruit, and cold beer

Bacalar: 4hr Private Sailing Tour with Guacamole & Drinks - Food and drinks on board: guacamole, fruit, and cold beer
This is not a “snack at the end” kind of tour. It’s built around food that is part of the experience.

Included is homemade guacamole, a mix of seasonal fruit, and beers. The tour also lists water as included. There is also a brunch element that includes a mix of seasonal fruits, so plan on being fed during your time on the lagoon.

Why that matters for value

Lots of tours advertise drinks, then hand you something quickly. Here, the guacamole is specifically called out as homemade, and people have made it a point in their experience. That tells you it is treated as more than an add-on.

If you are going as a couple, this is a big part of why the price can still feel fair. You are paying for a private boat, yes, but also for a prepared food moment that keeps you relaxed instead of needing to find lunch on your own.

Timing you can plan around

The tour is 4 hours. That’s long enough that a food offering like this helps you avoid the classic problem of being hungry right when you want to enjoy the view. You can treat this as part of your day’s eating plan, then just have a light meal after.

Price and value: what $256.89 for up to 2 really means

Bacalar: 4hr Private Sailing Tour with Guacamole & Drinks - Price and value: what $256.89 for up to 2 really means
The price is $256.89 per group for up to 2 people. For the math-minded, that is about $128 per person if you fill the two spots.

You are paying for three things:

  1. A private sailboat for your group.
  2. The crew time on the water for about 4 hours.
  3. Included food and drinks, including homemade guacamole, fruit, and beers.

So is it a deal? Compared to shared boat cruises, it often costs more. But the value comes from privacy and the built-in picnic vibe. If you’ve ever done a Bacalar cruise where you spend half the day waiting to board, squeezing around other groups, or losing time to transitions, you’ll feel why private is worth it.

Who it’s best for:

  • Couples who want a romantic outing without crowd noise
  • Families that want structure and comfort on a short adventure
  • Two friends who want a small-group experience with real food on board

Meeting point and how to set yourself up for an easy start

Bacalar: 4hr Private Sailing Tour with Guacamole & Drinks - Meeting point and how to set yourself up for an easy start
You’ll meet at Jardín de Venus Camping & Guest House, Av 5 1239, Mario Villanueva Madrid, 77935 Bacalar, Q.R., Mexico. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

This matters because you do not need to plan a separate transport endpoint after the sail. It also helps you keep your day simple.

It is noted as near public transportation, which is a practical plus if you are bouncing around Bacalar by bus or taxi.

What you should do before you go:

  • Aim to arrive early enough to park or check in without stress.
  • Bring a light layer, even if it feels warm on land.
  • Put your phone and valuables somewhere secure for boarding and shifting around on deck.

Crew and safety: trained, bilingual, and ready for questions

Bacalar: 4hr Private Sailing Tour with Guacamole & Drinks - Crew and safety: trained, bilingual, and ready for questions
The tour emphasizes highly trained and bilingual staff. That is more than a nice line, it affects your whole day.

When you can communicate clearly, you get better explanations. You can ask what to look for, what the plan is for each stop, and what the crew recommends based on conditions.

Also, the guide names that show up in guests’ experiences suggest a team that’s attentive and capable. If you want a smooth trip with good energy, this is the kind of operation that tends to deliver it, because the focus is on comfort and safety, not just moving tourists from point A to point B.

When you should book, and when you should hold off

I’d book this if you meet two conditions:

  • You can keep your schedule flexible in case weather changes
  • You want a private, food-included sailing day rather than a quick photo stop

I’d hold off or reconsider if you have a rigid timeline where you cannot reschedule. The tour notes that it requires good weather, and if it needs to be canceled for poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Should you book this private Bacalar sail with guacamole?

If your idea of a great Bacalar day is slow sailing with privacy, plus a real onboard food moment, then yes, this is an excellent choice. The combination of a classic sailboat experience, famous lagoon stops, and homemade guacamole plus cold beer makes it feel like more than a standard excursion.

If you only want the cheapest option, or you plan to do Bacalar in a hurry with back-to-back activities, this might feel like overkill. But for couples, families, and small groups who want comfort, a guided day, and a memorable food-and-sailing combo, it’s an easy recommendation.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Bacalar private sailing tour?

The tour lasts about 4 hours.

How much does the tour cost and how many people does it include?

The price is $256.89 per group, for up to 2 people.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, and only your group will participate.

What food and drinks are included?

It includes water, homemade guacamole, a mix of seasonal fruit, brunch with seasonal fruits, and beers. Tips are not included.

Where do we meet for the tour?

The meeting point is Jardín de Venus Camping & Guest House, Av 5 1239, Mario Villanueva Madrid, 77935 Bacalar, Q.R., Mexico. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English, and the staff is described as bilingual.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

More Sailing Out of Bacalar

More like this

Boat Trips in Bacalar, compared.

The full Boat Trips in Bacalar list →
Sailing Tour through the Laguna de los Siete Colores
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 1,521 reviews· from $40

Sailing Tour through the Laguna de los Siete Colores

Read our review →
3 Hour Boat Trip with Swimming & Drinks
★★★★★★★★★★4.7· 1,240 reviews· from $33

3 Hour Boat Trip with Swimming & Drinks

Read our review →
Sailing Tour through the Lagoon of the 7 Colors
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 1,161 reviews· from $37

Sailing Tour through the Lagoon of the 7 Colors

Read our review →
Bacalar Boat Tour and Visit to Cenotes
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 1,152 reviews· from $25

Bacalar Boat Tour and Visit to Cenotes

Read our review →
Bacalar Lagoon Sightseeing Boat Tour with Open Bar and Snacks
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 1,100 reviews· from $56

Bacalar Lagoon Sightseeing Boat Tour with Open Bar and Snacks

Read our review →
Group Sailing Trip with Swimming and Drinks
★★★★★★★★★★4.8· 585 reviews· from $40

Group Sailing Trip with Swimming and Drinks

Read our review →
Private Sailboat + Captain for a Day Experience
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 582 reviews· from $239 / group

Private Sailboat + Captain for a Day Experience

Read our review →
Private sailing tour of Bacalar Lagoon
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 403 reviews· from $215 / group

Private sailing tour of Bacalar Lagoon

Read our review →

Browse the lists this tour appears in

Scroll to Top

Explore Mexico

Every kind of day out, and the best of each.