What is the Pirate Channel in Bacalar?

Canal de los Piratas is a shallow turquoise channel on the north end of Bacalar Lagoon — historically used by Caribbean pirates to access the inland port. Today it's the lagoon's most photographed stop and the main destination for boat and sailing tours.

How do you visit the Pirate Channel?

By sailboat or panga from the Bacalar pier. Shared sailboat tours run $40–60 USD per person for 3–4 hours. Private pangas run $120–180 USD per group. The channel is also a kayak destination — 6–8 km from the town pier.

Can you swim at the Pirate Channel?

Yes — it's the main reason to go. Water is waist-deep, warm (78–82°F), and the white limestone bottom makes the water glow turquoise. No chemical sunscreen — biodegradable only, enforced.

Bacalar · Lagoon

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.

Quick answer

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

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.

Browse Bacalar tours on Viator

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Staying longer? See the full Bacalar boat tours guide or pair with Cenote Cocalitos for the stromatolite walk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are sailboat tours wind-dependent?

Yes — on low-wind days operators switch to motor pangas or cancel. Book the morning slot in case of afternoon storms (summer).

Are children allowed?

Yes — life vests provided, water is shallow at the channel. Most tours welcome all ages.

Is the channel crowded?

Saturdays and Mexican holidays it's packed with weekend visitors from Chetumal. Weekdays are calm.