Laguna Grill: 4-hr Private Boat Tour with BBQ and Drinks

If you’re planning a trip to Bacalar, a tour that combines beautiful scenery with a delicious meal onboard sounds like a winner. The Laguna Grill offers a private four-hour boat experience that’s more than just sightseeing—it’s about savoring the lagoon’s stunning hues and enjoying a freshly grilled meal without ever leaving the water.

While there’s no hotel pickup included, the meeting point inside Casa China Bacalar is easy to find and sets the stage for a relaxed, personalized adventure.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it’s the only on-board meal plan in Bacalar, meaning you get to indulge in surf & turf skewers, homemade guacamole, and tropical drinks while cruising through some of the most iconic spots. Second, the guided visits to Pirate Canal, Bird Island, and Cenote Negro give you a taste of Bacalar’s natural and historical charm.

But, as with any experience, a couple of things to keep in mind: it’s a private tour, so the price is on the higher side, and it’s not inclusive of hotel transfers. This tour is ideal for those looking for a luxurious, relaxed day on the water with good company and good food.

This experience made our article of 2 Must-Try BBQ Experiences In Bacalar.

Key Points

• Unique onboard dining: The only Bacalar tour offering a meal right on the boat.
• Customizable experience: Private group, personalized service, and vegetarian options upon request.
• Beautiful stops: Pirate Canal, Cenote Negro, Bird Island, and more.
• Learn and relax: Guides share local insights while you swim, sip, and enjoy.
• Free kayaks: Add fun with paddling at your own pace.
• Value for the experience: Combines sightseeing, swimming, and dining for a memorable day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Authentic Day on Bacalar’s Waters

The Laguna Grill’s main appeal is how it seamlessly blends scenic beauty with culinary delight. The boat itself is described as comfortable and clean, which makes for a pleasant cruise—not just a ride. The fact that they prepare a hot BBQ right on the boat for surf & turf skewers and vegetarian options (if requested beforehand) makes this feel more like a special occasion than just another sightseeing trip.

Imagine cruising across the clear waters of Bacalar, with spectacular views of the lagoon’s seven shades of blue shimmering all around you. The itinerary includes stops at several noteworthy spots—like Cenote Esmeralda, Pirate Canal, and Bird Island—each offering a different perspective on the lagoon’s natural beauty and local history. During reviews, travelers especially appreciated how knowledgeable guides shared stories and insights, making each stop more meaningful.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting at Costera 67, the tour kicks off with a brief photo stop at Casa China Bacalar. This gives you a chance to get your camera ready and perhaps snap some pictures of the colorful surroundings. From there, the boat moves on to Cenote Esmeralda—a highlight for swimming and enjoying the cool, fresh waters. We loved how the guides kept the pace relaxed, allowing ample time for photos, swimming, and simply soaking in the environment.

Next, the boat cruises past scenic views, passing by various points that showcase Bacalar’s natural beauty. The highlight here is the hour-long stop for swimming and a BBQ lunch on the boat—here’s where the experience becomes truly memorable. The freshly grilled surf & turf skewers and homemade guacamole received enthusiastic praise, with one reviewer saying, “The barbecue was very good” and “We loved the way Banda made our day the BEST day of our vacations.” The relaxed lunch allows time for lounging, chatting, and enjoying the warm sun.

The tour then continues through the Laguna of Seven Colors, with a scenic cruise around Bacalar Lagoon for about 30 minutes—perfect for catching photos and appreciating the lagoon’s unique hues. The El Canal de los Piratas stop is especially popular, offering a chance to take photos, enjoy a beer or picnic, swim, and explore. One traveler mentioned, “Special mention to Banda, he was really kind, fun, and patient,” highlighting the personal touch that makes this tour appealing.

Cenote Negro and Isla de los Pájaros visits follow, each providing different experiences—whether that’s wildlife viewing, swimming, or simply relaxing on the boat. The final hour is dedicated to kayaking and more swimming, giving you a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy the water at your own pace.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The price of $157 per person might seem steep, but it includes many thoughtful touches. Safety equipment, snacks, tropical fruit beverages, beer, water, guacamole, and the BBQ skewers are all part of the package. The vegetarian option is available if requested in advance, which is a considerate touch for those with dietary restrictions. Notably, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to plan your transport to the meeting point inside Casa China Bacalar.

Why Travelers Love It

Reviewers consistently praise the guides, like Gorka, Andres, and Banda, for their kindness, knowledge, and patience. They make the experience engaging and personal, which elevates the tour beyond just a sightseeing cruise. The stunning views of Bacalar’s famous lagoon, combined with the delicious on-board BBQ, create a relaxed and indulgent atmosphere. One reviewer from France raved, “The barbecue was very good! We recommend at 100%.”

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Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Arrive early at Casa China Bacalar, inside which the tour departs. Confirm your booking and find the front desk.
• Bring your camera and swimwear—there will be plenty of opportunities for photos and swimming.
• Tell the guides about any food allergies at least 8 hours before the tour.
• Consider bringing a towel and sunscreen—the sun can be strong, especially during the midday.
• Kayaking is free, but be sure to ask if you want an introduction or guidance—it’s a great way to explore the lagoon at your own pace.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those who love a mix of scenery, culture, and good food. It’s especially well-suited for couples, small groups, or families looking for a private, tailored outing. Food lovers will appreciate the freshly grilled meal, while nature enthusiasts will enjoy the stops at Cenotes, Bird Island, and Pirate Canal. It’s less suited for travelers seeking a more active or fast-paced adventure, as the focus here is on relaxation, indulgence, and soaking up the beauty of Bacalar.

The Sum Up

The Laguna Grill private boat tour offers a rare combination of scenic cruising, cultural insight, and gourmet dining—all in a small, private setting. You’ll enjoy stunning views of Bacalar’s Lagoon of Seven Colors, guided stories that add context and interest, and a delicious, freshly prepared BBQ right on the water. The inclusion of free kayaks means you can extend your fun without extra cost, and the personalized guides ensure a friendly, authentic experience.

While it’s priced higher than more basic tours, the value lies in the quality of the experience, the exclusivity, and the comfort of having a meal served directly onboard. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a luxurious, memorable day with plenty of relaxing swimming, good conversation, and authentic flavors. If you’re looking for a balanced day of exploration and indulgence in Bacalar, this tour ticks many boxes.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You’ll need to meet inside Casa China Bacalar at the designated time.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes safety equipment, snacks, tropical fruit beverages, beer, water, homemade guacamole, and a freshly grilled surf & turf or vegetarian skewers.

Can I request vegetarian food?
Yes, vegetarian skewers are available with prior notice—just inform the tour provider at least 8 hours in advance.

How long is the tour?
The full experience lasts about four hours, covering sightseeing, swimming, dining, and kayaking.

Are drinks provided?
Yes, tropical fruit drinks and beer are included, making the day more refreshing and fun.

What are the main stops?
Key stops include Cenote Esmeralda, Pirate Canal, Bird Island, Cenote Negro, and Isla de los Pájaros, plus scenic cruising of Bacalar Lagoon.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly specified, the relaxed pace, swimming, and kayaking make it suitable for families, provided children are comfortable on boats and in the water.

How many people will be on the boat?
Since it’s a private tour, your group will be the only ones on the boat, ensuring a personalized experience.

This private boat tour with Laguna Grill offers a well-rounded, authentic taste of Bacalar’s natural beauty and local flavors. Perfect for those wanting to indulge and explore at a relaxed pace.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby