After meeting in the reception area of the hotel, we will complete a welcome meeting and briefing before heading down to the water for your acclimatisation swim. We will then gather at a restaurant next door to the hotel for our first group dinner.

After breakfast, we meet our boats at the marina - just a short walk from the hotel. We head out onto the lagoon for two shoreside swims and enjoy a relaxing lunch at the local Beach Club in between. These swims never stray far from the jetty, so you have the opportunity to relax as much as you want between dips.

We return to the jetty for you to head back to the hotel, explore the town or head out for dinner.

Today, after breakfast, we take a transfer to another section of the connected waterway. We take the road around the back of Xul-Ha and find a secluded spot on the eastern side of the lake. Here we start our morning swim before returning and relaxing while our private chef cooks a traditional lunch.

We complete our second swim in the local lagoon before catching the transfer back to Bacalar, where your evening is your own to explore.

This morning, we leave from the jetty in Bacalar after breakfast. We travel to one of the most interesting parts of the lagoon, which is the rapids. The water flows quickly from the spot we swam the day before - the main lagoon of Bacalar. We travel as far up as possible before the rapids repel us and sends us riding back down with the current. Then we continue our swim into a secret river. Here you have an excellent opportunity to appreciate the underwater ecosystem and discover the impressive stromatolites.

We enjoy lunch at a tree-lined restaurant before exiting the river and continuing our day of swimming with a coastal route towards the marina.

This morning, we are up early with a very short local swim, before or after breakfast. This is an exclusive swim, with special permissions to enjoy the lagoon when no one else can. It is the perfect setting to enjoy the rest of the day to yourself. You can stay local and explore the colourful waters. Alternatively, there is the option to take a day trip to nearby Mayan ruins, or one of the water-filled cenotes in the area.

This morning, we are up even earlier as we embark on a sunrise swim before breakfast. We start our swim just outside the Fort of Bacalar, built in 1733 to defend the town from attack by pirates. We swim the siege route the pirates would have taken, crossing the lagoon towards the canal – this was used by pirates to travel from the Caribbean coastline into Mexico.

Once we reach the canal we complete the swim along the coast, taking in both sides of the vast lagoon. We then head back to the hotel for breakfast and a leisurely return to the water for our second swim before lunch. It is the perfect combination of swims to finish our final full day.

We return earlier to the hotel to give you time to relax and recover before our final night as a group, where we have the chance to reminisce on the week and share our best moments.

We rise early for a short farewell swim before breakfast. Then we say our goodbyes and pry ourselves away from the stunning ‘Lagoon of Seven Colours’.

We have given this trip a ‘Moderate’ grading. Most swimmers comfortable in the open water will be able to take part and enjoy one of these trips.

Swimming Distances

*Please note that these swims are an example of what may take place during your trip and should be used as a guide only. Actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and swim conditions.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in the open water is a fantastic experience, however you should be aware that certain marine life such as jellyfish, plankton, sea lice, sea urchins and coral could be present during the swims and may cause some discomfort. In all cases we will work on reducing your contact with these creatures and that any interactions are managed safely. If you suffer from anaphylaxis, please consult the office prior to booking.

*Please note that these temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. Therefore, open water swimming holidays require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek guides as quickly as possible.

Group Size

This trip has a maximum group size of 15. The group will be split into a maximum of three groups, based on speed, with each group being accompanied by their own safety vessel/escort. 

Boat Support

Boat support on this trip includes two pontoon style vessels and one kayak, piloted by local crew and your SwimTrek guides. Please note that this boat support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.

Equipment Checklist

For your basic, essential packing list, please visit our Packing List page on the website.

The lagoon has a highly sensitive ecosystem. Please wear appropriate protective swimwear, such as swimsuits and rash vests, to minimize the need for sunscreen. Even biodegradable sunscreen is not suitable for the freshwater lagoon.

As SwimTrekkers come from all over the world, and join our swimming holidays in numerous destinations, we don't currently offer flights as part of our SwimTrek packages. We do however want to do as much as we can to ensure that our guests get the best deals when travelling to one of our trips so check out SwimTrek's tips to help you get the best deals for your flights page on the website.

The easiest way to get to the start of your trip is to fly into the international airport of Cancun and take public transport to Bacalar.

Travel from Cancun airport to Bacalar via Train

The Maya Train terminal is located within the grounds of Cancun International Airport but there is a free shuttle directly between the airport and station. There are two trains a day from Cancun and the journey takes around 4.5 hours. Please note the later train will not get you to Bacalar in time for the welcome meeting on day 1.

There are also two returning trains a day from Bacalar to Cancun. You can find more information and book train tickets here Tren Maya

Travel from Cancun Airport to Bacalar via Bus

To get from Cancun to Bacalar by bus, either transfer to the Cancun ADO station from the airport (via taxi or free shuttle bus – but note the shuttle bus can be incredibly busy and delay your journey) or take an ADO bus from the airport (Terminal 2) with a change in Playa del Carmen. If transferring in Playa, you'll need to change ADO stations and catch your connecting bus from ADO Playa del Carmen Alterna, about 15 minute walk from the drop off. Buses are run by ADO and AV and can be booked online via the ADO website ADO Bus Tickets

Food and Drink

All breakfasts are included in your package and all lunches during your swim days are included. The lunch on your day off and all dinners are at your own expense, giving you the a fantastic opportunity to explore the menus and experience the local restaurants of your choice over the course of your trip.

For more information, please visit our food and drink page on the website.

For more information on any of the following sections please visit the Travel Advice page of our website.

Money, Extra Expenses and Tipping

You should bring extra money with you to cover such items as transfers, entertainment, excursion day lunch and dinners, souvenirs, etc. The local currency is the Mexican Pesos ($MXN).

Please note you may be required to pay a local environmental tax upon departure from the hotel, approximately $76 MXN per night In some countries tipping (gratuities) is not part of the culture - in others it has become an expected norm. We believe that tipping is entirely at your discretion. If you have been provided with excellent service, it may be something you wish to do. Your SwimTrek Guides can advise on local norms for service providers like boat crew, waiters, or taxis. Nothing is expected for your SwimTrek Guides, but many groups like to present something to the Guides at the end of the trip.

Responsible Travel

SwimTrek is conscious of the importance of protecting the world’s natural wonders. We are acutely aware of our responsibility to not only take care of the natural environments which we are lucky enough to explore, but also to educate our guests about the importance of conservation efforts and responsible tourism. It’s for this reason that we have worked so closely with our partners to ensure that our trips are conducted in the most responsible and sustainable way possible, working tirelessly to minimise the impact of our presence on local marine life and the natural habitat.

For more information, please visit our Responsible Travel page on the website.

Responsible Travel

SwimTrek is conscious of the importance of protecting the world’s natural wonders. We are acutely aware of our responsibility to not only take care of the natural environments which we are lucky enough to explore, but also to educate our guests about the importance of conservation efforts and responsible tourism. It’s for this reason that we have worked so closely with our partners to ensure that our trips are conducted in the most responsible and sustainable way possible, working tirelessly to minimise the impact of our presence on local marine life and the natural habitat.

For more information, please visit our Responsible Travel page on the website.

Passports and Visas

Non-residents of Mexico require a full passport to enter the country, which should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. Citizens of all EU member states, the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand will not require a visa but will be required to fill out an immigration form to enter Mexico as a tourist for a period of less than 180 days. Please note that visa regulations are subject to change, and we advise that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

Please note that visa regulations are subject to change and it is important that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

Travel Insurance

We consider comprehensive travel insurance to be essential, and we strongly recommend that you purchase insurance which includes, but is not limited to, cover for illness, accident, emergency repatriation, ambulance, air ambulance, helicopter rescue services, cancellation, lost luggage and delays. Your travel insurance should also cover you for open water swimming and any other activity listed in your trip itinerary (including races and competitions, where applicable). Please read your policy details carefully and remember to take them with you on your trip for your own reference.

For further information, please visit our Travel Insurance page on the website.

Health Information and Recommended Vaccinations

Here at SwimTrek, we pride ourselves on our focus on safety and the well-being of all our guests. As we operate in some beautiful and remote locations medical facilities are not always easily accessible. SwimTrek Guides, and many staff working for our local partners, are first aid trained. However, we ask that you read our Travel Health page to ensure that you are informed about general Travel and Swim Health precautions.

Travel Plugs & Electricity

For a useful source of information on the different electrical outlets, electrical plugs, and electric sockets, please visit www.worldstandards.eu.