Bacalar Sailboat Private Tour from Tulum and Playa del Carmen

  • Price:

    From: $160 USD per person

  • Duration:

    8 hours

  • Destinations:

    Bacalar Lagoon (Cenote Negro, Cenote Esmeralda, Isla de los Pájaros, Canal de los Piratas)

  • Availability:

    Monday to Saturday

  • Languages:

    English, French, Spanish

  • Tansfer:

    Pick up and Transfer included in tour

  • City Served:

    Tulum, Puerto Aventuras, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, Cancun

Home / Private Tours Tulum / Bacalar Sailboat Private Tour from Tulum and Playa del Carmen

Description of Bacalar Sailboat Private Tour from Tulum and Playa del Carmen

The Bacalar Sailboat Private Tour offers serene sailing across the famous “Lagoon of Seven Colors” with exclusive stops at natural wonders including Cenote Negro’s deep blue waters, Cenote Esmeralda’s shallow turquoise beauty, Isla de los Pájaros bird sanctuary, and the historic Canal de los Piratas. This Bacalar private tour gives you intimate access to southern Quintana Roo’s most spectacular lagoon aboard a private sailboat with personalized service, gourmet onboard lunch, and refreshing drinks—all away from the crowded pontoon boat tours that overwhelm popular swimming spots.

As a family-owned local agency operating in the Riviera Maya since 1994, Carey Tours specializes in private experiences with certified guides who provide geological knowledge about Bacalar’s unique freshwater system and cultural history.

Private sailing experience on turquoise waters, enjoying a serene moment with a local guide by Carey Tours.
Bacalar Private Tour by Carey Tour

This Bacalar sailboat tour focuses on the 42-kilometer lagoon famous for its varying shades of blue created by white limestone sand, different water depths, and mineral content. You’ll sail peacefully on the exclusive sailboat “Laska,” feeling wind power rather than motor noise, and stop at carefully selected spots where you can swim in cenotes within the lagoon, observe bird colonies, and explore channels once used by pirates accessing the Caribbean from the lagoon.

The experience includes stops at Cenote Negro—the lagoon’s deepest point with nearly black-blue water reaching 90 meters depth, Cenote Esmeralda where shallow water creates brilliant emerald tones, and the historic Canal de los Piratas where buccaneers once navigated between lagoon and sea. 

The tour provides private round-trip transportation from Tulum or Playa del Carmen, onboard ceviche lunch featuring local flavors, beer, margaritas, mojitos throughout the sailing, and the flexibility to spend extra time swimming, sailing, or relaxing based on your group’s preferences. 

Perfect for couples seeking romantic sailing experiences, families wanting calm water activities, friend groups celebrating, and anyone seeking an authentic Bacalar tour that showcases the lagoon’s famous colors through sustainable sailing rather than motorized mass tourism.

Sail the Lagoon of Seven Colors

This Bacalar sailboat tour delivers authentic lagoon exploration through sustainable sailing that respects the fragile freshwater ecosystem while providing intimate access to the most spectacular color variations, cenotes, and natural features.

The sailboat experience – powered by wind rather than motors – creates a peaceful atmosphere that motor boats destroy, allowing genuine appreciation of Bacalar’s famous tranquility and natural beauty.

As a family-owned agency with 4,000+ satisfied guests since 1994, we partner with experienced captains who know Bacalar’s waters intimately and understand optimal sailing routes, swimming spots, and timing that maximizes your seven colors experience.

Contact us to check availability, discuss sailing vs. swimming time preferences, or customize your Bacalar private tour itinerary.

  • 1
    Stop 1: Hotel Pickup (7:00 AM Tulum) Private pickup from your accommodation in Tulum. Comfortable drive south to Bacalar—approximately 2 hours through southern Quintana Roo. Your certified bilingual guide introduces Bacalar Lagoon's unique freshwater ecosystem, the seven colors phenomenon, and the sailing stops you'll experience during the scenic journey.
  • 2
    Stop 2: Bacalar Lagoon Arrival & Sailboat Boarding (9:20 AM - 9:30 AM) Arrive at Bacalar Lagoon and board the private sailboat "Laska." Your captain provides a safety briefing and explains the day's sailing route. Set sail on the calm lagoon waters, immediately experiencing the legendary color variations as depth and bottom composition change. The peaceful sailing powered by wind creates a tranquil atmosphere impossible on motor boats.
  • 3
    Stop 3: Cenote Negro & Cenote Esmeralda Swimming (10:00 AM - 11:00 AM) First sailing stop reaches Cenote Negro—the lagoon's deepest point. The water here appears nearly black-blue due to the 90-meter depth. Anchor and swim in this impressive natural formation within the lagoon. Your guide explains the geological reasons for the depth and color.Continue sailing to Cenote Esmeralda where shallow water (1-2 meters) creates brilliant emerald and turquoise colors. The white limestone sand bottom reflects sunlight, producing the vivid shades Bacalar is famous for. Swim in the warm, crystal-clear water, float peacefully, and observe the color transitions. Life vests available. The contrast between deep Cenote Negro and shallow Cenote Esmeralda demonstrates the lagoon's geological diversity.
  • 4
    Stop 4: Isla de los Pájaros & Canal de los Piratas (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM) Sail to Isla de los Pájaros (Bird Island)—a small mangrove island hosting cormorant colonies. Observe birds in their natural habitat from the sailboat. Your guide explains the lagoon's ecological importance and wildlife preservation efforts.Continue through Canal de los Piratas (Pirates' Channel)—the historic waterway Caribbean pirates once used to access inland Bacalar from the sea. Your guide shares stories of 17th-century pirate attacks on Bacalar and the fort built to defend against raids. The narrow channel showcases different vegetation and water characteristics than the open lagoon.
  • 5
    Stop 5: Onboard Lunch & Relaxation (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM) Enjoy gourmet onboard lunch featuring fresh ceviche prepared with local ingredients, plus additional regional flavors. Beer, margaritas, and mojitos flow freely throughout the sailing. Relax on the sailboat deck, absorb the tranquil lagoon atmosphere, and swim at your leisure. Purified water available throughout the day. This unhurried lunch break on the water embodies the peaceful Bacalar experience.
  • 6
    Stop 6: Return Sailing & Drive to Hotel (1:00 PM - 3:30 PM) Peaceful sail back to the dock, enjoying final views of the seven colors. Disembark and begin a comfortable drive back to Tulum. Arrival approximately 3:30 PM with afternoon free.

    • Private door-to-door service from Tulum or Playa del Carmen.  We want to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience from the beginning.

    • Pickup Locations: We offer convenient pickup from your hotel in Tulum or Playa del Carmen.
    • Pickup Time: We recommend an early departure to ensure you have plenty of time to explore and relax during the tour.
    • Additional Pickup Locations: For guests in Cancun or Puerto Morelos, please note an additional fee will apply.
    • Drop-off: After a full day of exploring Bacalar, you’ll be dropped back off at your hotel.
    • Private tour guide (bilingual: English/Spanish/French)
    • Private round-trip transportation from Tulum or Playa del Carmen
    • Private sailboat “Laska” exclusive for your group
    • Entrance fees to Bacalar Lagoon and all stops
    • Onboard ceviche lunch with local flavors
    • Beer, margaritas, mojitos throughout sailing
    • Snacks and purified water all day
    • Life vests for swimming
    • Personalized sailing experience with flexible timing
    • Swimwear and towels for multiple lagoon swims
    • Comfortable shoes and light clothing
    • Sandals or water shoes
    • Hat or cap (sun exposure on open water)
    • Sunglasses
    • Biodegradable sunscreen (protects Bacalar’s ecosystem)
    • Biodegradable mosquito repellent
    • Waterproof camera to capture the seven colors
    • Cash for souvenirs and guide tips
    • Reusable water bottle
    • Light jacket or coverup
    • Small waterproof bag
    From $160 USDPer person
    • Max Gests:

      8

    • Ideal for:

      Families, Groups & Friends, Couples, Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties

    Pricing (per person):

    • 2 people: $330 USD per person
    • 3 people: $250 USD per person
    • 4 people: $220 USD per person
    • 5 people: $200 USD per person
    • 6 people: $185 USD per person
    • 7 people: $170 USD per person
    • 8 people: $160 USD per person

    Travelers´ Photo Gallery

    FAQs

  • 1
    What are the "seven colors" of Bacalar? Bacalar Lagoon displays varying shades of blue from deep navy to bright turquoise, created by different water depths, white limestone sand bottom, and mineral content. Cenote Negro shows deep blue, Cenote Esmeralda brilliant emerald tones.
  • 2
    Why sailboats instead of motor boats? Sailing is peaceful, eco-friendly, and respects the lagoon's tranquil character. Wind power eliminates motor noise, reduces environmental impact, and creates authentic sailing experience that motor tours cannot match.
  • 3
    Will we definitely see all seven colors? Yes. The sailing route specifically visits areas showcasing color diversity—from deep Cenote Negro to shallow Cenote Esmeralda. Sunlight, depth, and sand bottom variations create the famous color spectrum.
  • 4
    How physically demanding is this tour? Low activity level. Sailing is relaxing. Swimming is optional and at your leisure. Perfect for all ages and fitness levels seeking peaceful lagoon experience.
  • 5
    Is the sailboat safe for children? Yes. Life vests provided. The lagoon is calm freshwater with no currents or waves. Captain ensures safety throughout. Families with children enjoy the gentle sailing.
  • 6
    What's included in the onboard lunch? Fresh ceviche featuring local ingredients plus additional regional flavors. Beer, margaritas, and mojitos included. Purified water available throughout the day.
  • 7
    Can we drink alcohol on the sailboat? Yes. Beer, margaritas, and mojitos included throughout the sailing. Responsible drinking is expected to maintain safety and enjoyment for all.
  • 8
    What is the Pirates' Channel? Historic waterway (Canal de los Piratas) Caribbean pirates used in the 17th century to access Bacalar from the sea. You'll sail through this channel while learning pirate history.
  • 9
    How does this differ from group boat tours? Private sailboat exclusively for your group, personalized timing, quieter wind-powered sailing, curated stops avoiding crowded pontoon boat locations, gourmet lunch, and premium drinks included.
  • 10
    Can we swim at all stops? Yes. You can swim at Cenote Negro, Cenote Esmeralda, and during lunch break. Life vests available. Swimming is optional—some prefer relaxing on the sailboat.