Jet Skis Cross Bacalar Lagoon to Chetumal Bay in First-Ever Nautical Tourism Tour

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Around 20 jet skis from across Quintana Roo and other parts of Mexico traveled from Bacalar Lagoon to Calderitas over the weekend, passing through the Canal de los Piratas, Laguna Mariscal, Estero de Chac, the Hondo River, Chetumal Bay and the waters around Tamalcab Island.

The run, coordinated by maritime authorities, is intended to boost tourism in southern Quintana Roo and open up new options for boating and water recreation.

Organizers obtained authorization from the Quintana Roo Institute of Biodiversity and Protected Natural Areas (Ibanqroo). The Chetumal Port Authority and the Mexican Navy’s 11th Naval Zone supervised the route and deployed a security operation, with particular attention to the crossing of Chetumal Bay, a natural reserve designated as a manatee sanctuary.

The itinerary included stops at the Canal de los Piratas, the Hondo River, Chetumal Bay and Tamalcab before finishing in Calderitas.

Before setting off, organizers set safety rules: life jackets were mandatory, speeding was prohibited, riders had to steer clear of swimming areas and alcohol was banned during navigation.

Along the way, a tour boat operating near Calderitas and Tamalcab Island drifted after its engine failed. Maritime personnel towed the vessel and its occupants to shore.

Much of the route follows the course of the powerboat races that were held annually between Bacalar Lagoon and Chetumal Bay until they were canceled roughly a decade ago on ecological grounds.

Román Bustos Gómez, the port captain of Chetumal, said the tour was held for the first time and that officials want to promote it alongside other activities that draw nautical tourism to the destination without harming wildlife in Chetumal Bay and while maintaining safety measures.