Pirates' Channel
Canal de los Piratas
A natural waterway that pirates used when they raided Bacalar in the 18th century. Its white sandy shallows turn the water milky blue, making it a must-stop for swimming on boat tours.
The Canal de los Piratas is a natural waterway linking Lake Bacalar with the waters to the north. According to legend, pirates once sneaked in through it to attack the town. Today it is only about a metre deep. The white calcareous mud makes the water milky white and pale blue. Tour boats usually stop here so visitors can get in the water, and some people smear the white mud from the lakebed on their bodies. It can only be reached by boat or paddleboard, and it is usually included in the 2 to 3 hour lake tour.
Opening hours
Follows boat schedule (about 08:00–17:00)
Nearby sights
- Bacalar Lagoon
- Balneario Ejidal de Bacalar
- Fort of San Felipe
- Bacalar Pueblo Mágico Centre
- Cenote Negro
- Isla de los Pájaros
- Cenote Cocalitos
- Cenote Azul