Boat Tours

Bahia Blanca Cooperative offers a variety of boat tours in and around the Xcalak Preserve. Ecologically-aware, trained, knowledgeable guides take you on a Birding Tour, an Xcalak Adventure Tour, or a Special Tour of Xcalak and surrounding locales selected based upon your interests and your time.

 Bird Tour

During this four-hour boating adventure, you'll see a good representation of the reserve's biological zones. We'll observe birds in their breeding habitat and look at an unusual colony of jelly fish, then visit the crystal clear waters and view plants along a quiet mangrove canal.

We will be exploring the natural beauty of the Bay of Chetumal (a manatee sanctuary and an important nursery and habitat for birds.) At "Bird Island" we'll see a number of species including roseate spoonbill, wood stork, egrets, ibis, frigate birds, and terns, among others. Near the island is an observation tower; from there you can see in great detail the behavior and plumage of these fascinating species. During the tour before entering the mangroves, we will stop in order to observe on the bay bottom an impressive and colorful colony of jellyfish of different sizes and maybe, just maybe, you'll be able to visit a colony of vivid orange starfish.

You'll also have the opportunity to spend time and snorkel in the natural channels surrounded by mangrove that formed in the canals of Boca Bacalar Chico, which is the frontier dividing Mexico and Belize. At the end of the journey, we'll enter the jungle and look at the remains of an important part of Xcalak's history: a steam boiler that was used to make fresh water during the pueblo's early days.

 Nature Adventure Tour

This three-hour adventure begins with a snorkle not far from Xcalak pueblo on a majestic, shallow reef that includes many different kinds of coral, invertebrates, fish and shellfish. The abundant wildlife is spectacularly colored, ranging from the most vibrant reds to vivid oranges to electric blues and there are schools of larger fish swimming among the bigger coral formations.

Next, we explore the Bay of Chetumal and the mangrove canals of Boca Bacalar Chico, the border with Belize. Here we'll see fish, bromeliads, birds, orchids, jellyfish, mangrove forests, salt flats and pieces of Xcalak's rich history. Depending upon season, we may visit "Bird Island".

Finally, we'll stop to snorkel in another wonderful area just inside the barrier reef. This area teems with fish and "forests" of staghorn coral that shimmer in the sun's reflected rays. Here, if we are lucky, we may see several barracuda and follow a large ray with a very, very long tail as it glides placidly along the bottom and through the coral formations.

 Special Tour

Bahia Blanca guides will be happy to arrange a tour to suit your exact needs and desires. Would you like to visit the Holchan Reserve in San Pedro, Belize? Perhaps you would like to experience catch and release fly fishing in the Biosphere Reserve of Banco Chinchorro. Just let us know and we'll work with you to prepare a tour that you'll enjoy and always remember.

ATTRACTIONS:
Wading birds
Fish

Reef
Mangrove canals
Jellyfish colony
Rays
Manatees

EQUIPMENT NEEDED
Hat
Sunglasses
Sun screen (biodegradable)
Camera
Binoculars

a windbreaker (depending on the weather)

Snorkel gear if snorkeling (or you can rent)