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Lake Atitlán is a popular and beautiful tourist destination. Daily, small boats holding 10 to 20 people transport locals and visitors to villages around the lake. Price negotiations, safety concerns, and motion sickness can make this experience unpleasant and disturb your travel plans. With these 10 Tips for Taking the Boat on Lake Atitlán, you will feel more prepared and confident taking the boat on your next visit!
1. ASK FOR PRICE UPFRONT: Always ask for the price upfront. Some boat operators can be pushy and may try to force you to pay double the regular price once you arrive at your destination. You are not required to pay in advance, as typically payment is taken once you arrive at your destination. The prices vary, but typical public boat prices will be as shown (prices in Guatemalan quetzals):
- Panajachel to San Pedro: Q25
- Panajachel to Santiago: Q25
- Panajachel to Jaibalito: Q10
- Panajachel to San Marcos: Q20
2. PUBLIC OR PRIVATE: Before getting on the boat, always clarify if you are looking for a private or public boat. The price for a public boat is never more than Q25 per person, while a private boat can be Q40 to Q250 per group. Private boats will drive you directly to your destination, while public boats leave every 30 mins and make stops and pick up travellers along the way.
3. HOURS OF OPERATION: Be aware of the hours of operation. The last public boat leaving San Pedro to Panajachel is at 5:30 PM. From Santiago to Panajachel at 4:30 PM and from Panajachel to San Pedro at 7:30 PM. After-hours boat service is prohibited, but some individuals offer private services at a premium rate. They will not be waiting at the dock, and you will have to WhatsApp or call to arrange a pick-up. Currently, the standard price is Q200, but we have gotten a ride for Q175. Some individuals have been able to negotiate even lower.
4. SIT AT THE BACK: The water can be choppy, this can result in a rough ride. Sitting at the back of the boat reduces those bumps and can save you from a sore bum. If you are travelling with small children, it may be a good idea to hold onto them. Small individuals will be more affected by the waves and bumps.
5. LIFEJACKETS: Some boats are full of lifejackets, while others only have a few. God forbid something was to occur! Lake Atitlán is the deepest lake in Central America, with a width of 10 km wide and 19 km long; this means swimming to shore is not always realistic. To be safe, wear a lifejacket for the journey or at the very least hold one in your lap.
6. FLAP OUT:Often, the windows on the boats will have plastic covers that zip. Double check the flap is outside the boat as per the picture, not inside. If the flap is inside, when the water splashes against the boat, the water will come inside, getting you wet.
7. KEEP IT BALANCED: If the boat is too heavy on one side, it is difficult to navigate. Make sure that you are sitting with an even number of people on each side. If not, the captain may ask you to move, to balance it out.
8. LOOK AT YOUR DESTINATION: For those that get seasick or have a vestibular disorder like me, look at your destination. Don’t look at your phone or inside the boat for the entire trip, as this can increase your chances of seasickness. I have found this tip to be very helpful for reducing my sea sickness and vestibular disorder symptoms. Although most boat rides are a maximum of 30 minutes, it is still good to know, just in case. Here is an article with more information on how to prevent motion sickness.
9. TAKE PICTURES: A great spot to take pictures is at the front of the boat. If you can afford a private boat, opt for one with a blue or teal interior, this will result in great pictures. When taking photos through the boat window hold your camera or phone with two hands. Otherwise, you may lose your device on the next bumpy wave.
10. SIT NEAR AN EXIT: If you can, try to sit near the front or back of the boat. This will allow you to exit the boat quickly and easily. Being stuck in the middle of a jam-packed boat can be annoying when you have to get off at the next stop.
Taking a public or private boat on Lake Atitlán is necessary to explore the villages, see the sites and take great photos of the shoreline. My hope is that these tips will make your next trip to Guatemala easier and stress-free.
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