Canal de los Piratas — The 2026 Honest Guide
By Mr. Playas · Updated March 2026
The Pirate Channel is the shallow, electric-turquoise corridor on the north end of Bacalar Lagoon — named for the Caribbean pirates who used it in the 17th century to slip inland past the Spanish fort. Today it's a waist-deep swimming hole with a white limestone bottom that makes the water glow.
What's the cheapest way to see the Pirate Channel?
A shared sailboat tour from the Bacalar pier — $40–60 USD per person for 3–4 hours, includes the channel, the Cenote Negro stop, and the bird island. Catamarans run from 9 AM to 4 PM. Wind-dependent.
How to Get There
- Sailboat tour — $40–60 USD shared, departs from the town pier
- Private panga — $120–180 USD per group, fastest, flexible stops
- Kayak / SUP — 6–8 km paddle from the pier, only in calm wind
Bacalar Boat Tours
Book a Bacalar Sailboat Tour
Sailboat and catamaran tours that hit the Pirate Channel, Cenote Negro, and the bird island. Most include snacks and biodegradable life vests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — on low-wind days operators switch to motor pangas or cancel. Book the morning slot in case of afternoon storms (summer).
Yes — life vests provided, water is shallow at the channel. Most tours welcome all ages.
Saturdays and Mexican holidays it's packed with weekend visitors from Chetumal. Weekdays are calm.