Canal de los piratas

The lagoon of the 7 colors, is one of the best kept treasures of Bacalar and undoubtedly the starting point to know other mystical, mysterious and natural tourist spots such as the Canal de los piratas. A small channel that is part of the lagoon and that joins through a spectacle for our eyes with the deep river.

Canal de los piratas

Canal de los piratas

The pirates’ channel is part of the Bacalar lagoon and can be reached by a short boat trip or tour. In fact, it is almost certain that when you are looking for a tour to the lagoon of the 7 colors, it will include a visit to this enigmatic place.

History of the Pirate Channel

The origin of this place is not really known, and despite its natural appearance, the locals say that this small canal was built in ancient times by the Mayas.

This means that this canal did not arise from any kind of natural event, and its purpose was to help the flow of constant communication between the peoples of the north and south, thus making the exchange of products between them more pleasant.

Our history does not end here, because during colonial times this canal received the name of “Canal de Salamca” and was a transit point between the old continent and the new Spain.

This caused the various pirates of that time to “take” the canal as their point of “assault” on the various ships that transited through here and so it was baptized with the name that still remains today: The Pirates’ Canal.

History of the Pirate Channel - canal de los piratas

How to get to the Pirates Channel?

The pirates channel as such, is part of the Bacalar Lagoon and as we mentioned above, it can be reached through a tour. But this is not the only way.

Since it is not really far away, you can rent a kayak from the shore of the lagoon and ride it. This advantage will undoubtedly let you admire the place to your heart’s content.

Conclusion

The pirates’ channel is a mystical place with fine white sand, which is said to have “healing properties” for the skin. And of course, its bluish tone, its easy access and different ways to get there, make it a tourist spot you can’t miss and which we mentioned in our Bacalar travel guide. You can’t miss it!