REVIEW · BACALAR
Sunset Sailing Tour in Bacalar with Outdoor Bar and Lunch
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If you want Bacalar to feel easy, this sunset sail does the job. You get unlimited drinks while you stop to swim in lagoon hot spots, plus music and good energy on the water. The other big win is the fresh taco lunch with guacamole and fruit—served as part of the sailing day, not as an afterthought.
One catch to know: weather can change the vibe. If it rains or the wind is weak, the crew may run the engine and spend more time in the cabin to keep everyone comfortable.
In This Review
- A 5-hour plan that’s made for swimming, snacks, and sunset
- Key highlights worth planning around
- Setting the tone: what this sunset sailing day is really like
- Stop 1 at Canal de los Piratas: turquoise water and your first round
- Sailing to Cenote Esmeralda: why this stop feels peaceful
- Isla de los Pájaros: the picnic hour that turns into the highlight
- The open bar and lunch: what you actually get for $77.61
- Crew, group size, and the feel of the afternoon
- Weather reality: when the wind cooperates and when it doesn’t
- Who this tour fits best (and who might want a different option)
- Should you book this sunset sail in Bacalar?
- FAQ
- How long is the sunset sailing tour in Bacalar?
- What time does the tour start, and where is the meeting point?
- What’s included in the open bar?
- Is lunch included?
- Are snorkeling equipment and snorkels provided?
- Is the tour limited to a certain number of travelers?
- Do you get safety equipment and travel insurance?
- Is transportation from your accommodation included?
- What happens if the weather is poor?
- Is free cancellation available?
A 5-hour plan that’s made for swimming, snacks, and sunset
You’ll meet at Amir AdvenTours Bacalar and head out at 2:00 pm for an experience that’s about 5 hours. The group is kept small (up to 13), so you’re not stuck shoulder-to-shoulder when it’s time to cool off.
Key highlights worth planning around
- Pirate Canal swim first: a turquoise start to the day with music and unlimited beers and cocktails.
- Cenote Esmeralda color contrast: lagoon sailing that lines up with one of Bacalar’s most famous water tones.
- Isla de los Pájaros picnic: guacamole, tacos with Mexican seasoning, fruit, and very cold cocktails while you swim.
- Slow sunset cruise: the tour’s ending is built around sailing back as the sky turns.
- Small-group feel (max 13): easier to get settled, take photos, and actually enjoy the stops.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Bacalar
Setting the tone: what this sunset sailing day is really like
This isn’t one of those “see everything from far away” boat trips. The whole schedule is built around time on the water—swim stops, calm coves, and breaks long enough to actually enjoy Bacalar’s colors.
The outdoor bar vibe matters too. You’re not limited to one drink ticket and a shrug; you’ve got an open bar happening during the sailing day, with beer, tequila, soft drinks, juice, and water. That changes the feel from “activity” to “hanging out the right way.”
Stop 1 at Canal de los Piratas: turquoise water and your first round
You start at Canal de los Piratas, which is a smart way to kick things off. That first hour is all about cooling off in shallow, turquoise water while you settle into the boat rhythm.
Here’s what makes the stop worth your time: you’re not just looking at the lagoon—you’re swimming and relaxing right away. And while you’re doing it, the unlimited beers and cocktails plus music keep the energy upbeat without turning into chaos.
Practical note: on a sailboat, anchoring can mean you’re dealing with deeper water for swimming than you might expect. I’d plan to use the life jacket while you’re in the water so you’re confident and comfortable the whole time.
Sailing to Cenote Esmeralda: why this stop feels peaceful
After Pirate Canal, you continue along the lagoon to Cenote Esmeralda for another hour. This is the kind of stop that works because it contrasts the feeling of open lagoon sailing with the visual impact of the cenote itself.
You’ll have time to take in the color differences and the scale of the place. And because this part of the day is still built around calm lagoon time, it doesn’t feel rushed—you get space to slow down, look around, and actually appreciate the quiet.
One thing to keep in mind: time here is scheduled, so if you’re the type who wants to linger for photos, go easy on the camera during the first minutes. Get your bearings first, then settle into what you came for: that color shift and the stillness.
Isla de los Pájaros: the picnic hour that turns into the highlight
Next up is Isla de los Pájaros, a bird sanctuary surrounded by calmer water. The setting is ideal for swimming because the pace here feels gentler—more “float and watch” than “battle for position.”
This is also where the food moment happens. A picnic is prepared on board with tacos (seasoned in an authentic Mexican style), guacamole, fresh fruit, and you keep the drinks going with very cold cocktails. The best part is that this food isn’t a separate plan you have to manage; it shows up while you’re already doing the fun part.
How to get the most out of this hour:
- Eat early enough that you’re not full right before your swim
- Keep an eye on your drink so you’re not hunting for it mid-conversation
- Take breaks between photos—this is a “slow joy” stop
A few more Bacalar tours and experiences worth a look
The open bar and lunch: what you actually get for $77.61
At about $77.61 per person, you’re paying for a 5-hour small-group sail with two major included moments: swimming stops plus ongoing open bar service, and a built-in lunch/picnic.
Included drinks are practical choices, not just “something alcoholic exists.” You’ve got beer, tequila, soft drinks, juice, and water available throughout the tour. That makes it easy to pace yourself, especially if your group includes people who don’t want only cocktails.
Food-wise, the included lunch is tacos with guacamole and fruit—served as part of the day. If you’ve ever done tours where the food is the weak link, this setup is the opposite: it’s meant to keep the momentum going while the boat moves between stops.
Not included: snorkeling equipment. If you plan to swim with snorkel gear, bring your own or plan to swim without it.
Crew, group size, and the feel of the afternoon
The tour caps at 13 travelers, which you’ll feel the moment you’re getting settled on board. It keeps the experience friendly instead of crowded, and it makes it easier to move when it’s time to swim or grab a drink.
The crew is also a major reason this experience stays high on satisfaction. I’ve seen the names Amir, Charlie, Rommel, Omar, Rocio, and Cesar connected with the guiding team, and the common theme is attention—staying on top of food and drinks and making sure people don’t feel left out.
If you care about learning something while you’re relaxing, this type of guide matters. Several people highlighted that the crew offered explanations at stops and helped them notice birds and details around the lagoon.
Weather reality: when the wind cooperates and when it doesn’t
Sunset sailing depends on conditions, so don’t treat this like a guaranteed “perfect wind” show. On good days, you’ll likely get real sailing time; on rougher or rainy afternoons, the engine may be used to keep things moving and comfortable.
When weather gets spotty, the crew still tries to protect the overall plan. One example: when rain hits or there’s not much wind, you may spend more time inside the cabin to avoid getting wet, then rejoin the water moments when it makes sense.
My best advice: pack for both sun and sudden rain. You want to be comfortable enough to enjoy the sunset cruise even if the sky changes its mind.
Who this tour fits best (and who might want a different option)
This is a strong match if you want:
- A relaxed afternoon with swimming time and a sunset finish
- Included drinks that make the day feel like a treat
- A small-group sail where the crew can actually manage everyone
It’s also a good fit for families, since the schedule includes meal time and calm lagoon moments (not constant adrenaline). Couples and solo travelers also tend to like it because it’s easy to chat on board and still have personal space at the swim stops.
A possible mismatch if you:
- Need snorkeling gear provided for you (it isn’t)
- Expect a pickup from your accommodation (transfer isn’t included)
- Are extremely sensitive to weather changes (the experience requires good weather)
Should you book this sunset sail in Bacalar?
I’d book it if you’re aiming for a genuinely enjoyable Bacalar afternoon: lagoon swimming, a cenote stop, a bird sanctuary vibe, and then a slow return as the light shifts. The value is in the mix—unlimited drinks, a lunch/picnic included, and a small group that lets you enjoy the water instead of just passing by it.
If you’re hoping for a pure sailing-only experience no matter the weather, keep your expectations flexible. And if you’re set on snorkeling, plan ahead and bring your own gear since it’s not included.
Overall, this is the kind of tour where you leave feeling fed, hydrated, and happy—not rushed.
FAQ
How long is the sunset sailing tour in Bacalar?
It lasts approximately 5 hours.
What time does the tour start, and where is the meeting point?
It starts at 2:00 pm and meets at Amir AdvenTours Bacalar on Avenida 5, C. 46 con, Mario Villanueva Madrid, 77930 Bacalar, Q.R., Mexico.
What’s included in the open bar?
The open bar includes beer, tequila, soft drinks, juice, and water.
Is lunch included?
Yes. Lunch is included as tacos, fruit, and guacamole.
Are snorkeling equipment and snorkels provided?
No. Use of snorkeling equipment is not included.
Is the tour limited to a certain number of travelers?
Yes. The maximum group size is 13 travelers.
Do you get safety equipment and travel insurance?
Yes. Safety equipment and travel insurance are included.
Is transportation from your accommodation included?
No. Transfer from your accommodation is not included.
What happens if the weather is poor?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Is free cancellation available?
Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.
