THE MAGIC OF SUNRISE FROM A PADDLE BOARD IN BACALAR: WHY BACALAR IS A SUPER PLACE FOR PADDLE BOARDING.
Nestled in the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula, Bacalar is a hidden gem that beckons adventure seekers with its stunning natural beauty and serene landscapes.
One of the best ways to enjoy Bacalar is through paddle boarding. Imagine gliding across crystal-clear waters, surrounded by lush greenery and the rich history of the region. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the enchanting world of paddle boarding in Bacalar and review the sunrise paddle board tour that we enjoyed.
Don’t have time to read the full post?
BACALAR SUNRISE PADDLE BOARDING
✅Equipment included
✅Watch sunrise on the water
✅Visit cenotes
✅ Picnic on the water
Why is the lagoon in Bacalar called the lagoon of seven colours?
Bacalar’s main attraction is the mesmerizing Lagoon of Seven Colours, named for its stunning array of blue hues that range from turquoise to deep indigo.
I couldn’t personally claim to see all seven colours, or to be able to name the exact shade of blue. But, I can confirm that the water is beautiful and certainly it does seem to take on a few different shades of blue, making it appear complex and interesting.
The other thing you’re likely to notice when you first get into the lagoon, is just how clear the water is. You can see your own feet, hands and lower body if you take a picture from above the water. Quite a strange experience.
The best way to see the lagoon in Bacalar
As the lagoon is the centerpiece of Bacalar, we recommend taking some time to explore it properly during your visit. Sure, it’s really nice to sunbathe on one of the pontoons and swim in the water, but in our opinion getting out onto the water is the best way to do it.
When in Bacalar, you can choose a number of different tours and trips on the lagoon.
Firstly, you can sail. There are many sail trips like this one, available for a few hours of scenic exploring. Prices are quite reasonable at around $40 for three hours on a group tour. If you’re looking for something a little more romantic, then you can choose a private tour for around $200 for two people.
Secondly, you can paddle board or kayak. We chose to paddle board and opted for a three hour sunrise paddle experience with a floating picnic. You can find more details on our experience below. If you prefer to enjoy the lagoon from a comfortable seated position instead, then you can hire kayaks.
Sunrise paddle board Bacalar
On our recent visit to Bacalar, we decided to take a sunrise paddle tour. This did not disappoint, it was a very special experience – the tranquility of the water, calmness of nature and beauty of our surroundings.
Because of the direction that Bacalar faces, you cannot really watch the sunset from the lagoon, but sunrise is particularly spectacular. A sunrise paddle tour in Bacalar is an awesome way to start your day – it feels super romantic, spiritually awakening and just fantastic to be “up and at ’em” so early on the water.
This wasn’t the first time I’d watched sunrise from a paddle board, and I hope it won’t be the last, but if you just do it once in your life, then Bacalar is a fantastic place for it.
If you want to paddle board in Bacalar, it’s best to do it early in the morning when the water is super calm and there’s less wind.
In Bacalar, you can book an inexpensive sunrise paddle tour which also includes a floating picnic. Coffee and breakfast from the comfort of your board. This was absolutely one of our favorite experiences in Mexico, perhaps even of 2023.
Paddle board Bacalar review
The paddle board tour in Bacalar which we took was hosted by Day Tour Bacalar. A local company who specialize in water activities on the lagoon. It kicked off at 06:30 sharp and lasted until 10:00, so we got over the three hours that we had expected.
Considering the tour cost less than $30, we hadn’t anticipated that we would be out on the water for so long, or that we would enjoy it so much. Our tour guides were professional, fun and gave us lots of information about the lagoon as we paddled exploring the cenotes, the island and the natural surroundings.
If you’re looking for a paddle board tour in Bacalar, we would highly recommend this tour.
Bacalar is not just about the main lagoon; it’s also home to hidden cenotes that add an extra layer of mystique to your paddleboarding journey. These natural sinkholes, filled with crystal-clear freshwater, are scattered around the area, waiting to be discovered. During our paddle boarding tour in Bacalar, we visited two cenotes – Cenote Negro and Cenote Esmerelda.
It was fascinating to paddle to these cenotes, as we could see the transition from lagoon to cenote – the water seems to change colour as if by magic. As you paddle into Cenote Negro, you can see what looks like a cliff drop underneath you and then suddenly you’re in water that looks black and is around 200m deep.
Sustainable practices
One of the things that we loved about the tour that we took, is that our breakfast was provided to us in reusable containers and we were also served juice in glass bottles. The tour company make a point of re-using materials and reducing waste during the tour. Of course, paddle boarding is a sustainable activity too – with no damage to the environment as we explored the lagoon.
Sunrise paddle board tour Bacalar – the practicalities
If you book the same tour that we took, there are a few practical points to note. Firstly, the meeting point is around a 40 minute walk from the centre of Baclar – you can get a taxi for around 30 Pesos, even early in the morning. Or, you can walk it. There’s pavement the entire way and it is quite peaceful early in the morning.
Secondly, it can be a little chilly in the morning. You may want to wear layers right up until the point of getting into your paddle board gear. The water is warm, so if you fall in and get wet it won’t be too hideous too. Do note, sunscreen is not allowed in the lagoon – so if you’re worried about the sun, cover up with layers and wear a hat.
Finally, there are lockers at the meeting point. So, you can take whatever you need for the morning and leave it there. Don’t forget, with the tour we did you get free access to the kayaks all day – so you could make a day off it and hang by the lagoon.
Is it possible for beginners to paddle board in Bacalar?
Whether you’re a seasoned paddleboarder or a novice, Bacalar offers something for everyone. The calm and shallow waters of the lagoon make it an ideal spot for beginners to hone their skills. There were many first timers on our tour, and the guides were excellent at providing safety advice, guidance on technique and helping anyone who fell to jump straight back onto their boards. We were also given life jackets to wear at all times on the board.
Experienced paddle boarders will also have lots to entertain them on the water. The lagoon is massive and there’s loads to explore – cenotes, islands and nature.
Paddle board rental Bacalar
You can rent paddle boards for the full day in Bacalar. The price is actually pretty reasonable at around $30 per board. Check out rental deals here.
I do see the benefits of hiring a board for the day, especially if you are an experienced paddle boarder. But you will probably want to make sure you have a dry bag and some snacks and drinks with you if you go it alone.
The advantage of taking a tour versus hiring a board, is that you have a local giving you tips about the best bits to see in the lagoon, such as the hidden cenotes. You also have someone to carry your phone in a dry bag.
Best way to book Paddle Boat Tour?
If you are looking to book the above tour the best way to do it is here!
Where to next in the Yucatan?
- Cancun – beaches & food
- Tulum – beaches, yoga and nightlife
- Holbox – island paradise
- Bacalar – paddle boarding and relaxing
- Celestun – flamingos & laid back beach
- Progreso – fun beach town
- Sian Ka’an – nature reserve
- Merida – gastronomic city & culture
- Campeche – glamorous historical city
- Valladolid – history & culture
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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[…] hour sunrise paddle experience with a floating picnic. You can find more details on our experience here. If you prefer to enjoy the lagoon from a comfortable seated position instead, then you can hire […]