Bacalar & Seven Color Lagoon Boat Adventure from Costa Maya Port

An Authentic Day at Bacalar: The Seven Color Lagoon Boat Adventure from Costa Maya Port

If you’re cruising into Costa Maya and craving a taste of Mexico’s natural beauty and history, the Bacalar & Seven Color Lagoon Boat Adventure offers a compelling escape. For around $140 per person, you’ll spend about five and a half hours exploring some of the region’s most breathtaking sights, from ancient forts to shimmering cenotes and the famous multicolored lagoon.

What we love most about this tour is its balance of cultural storytelling and natural marvels. Visiting the historic San Felipe Fort provides stunning views of the lagoon and a touch of local history, while the boat trip through Pirate’s Channel brings tales of buccaneers and buried treasures that make the journey lively and engaging. The stops at Cenote la Bruja and Cenote Cocalitos allow for refreshing swims in crystal-clear waters—perfect for cooling off after a warm day of exploration.

On the flip side, a possible consideration is that the entrance fee to San Felipe Fort is not included in the tour price, costing an additional $5 USD payable on-site. Also, since the tour is tailored for cruise passengers, timing and group size might feel a bit rushed if you’re looking for a more leisurely, deeper dive into the area.

This experience is best suited for travelers who appreciate a well-rounded snapshot of the region’s nature, history, and legends—all in a manageable half-day trip that fits a cruise schedule. If you enjoy stories, scenic boat rides, and swimming in cenotes, this trip should be high on your list.

Key Points

• Highlights: Visits to San Felipe Fort, two cenotes, and a boat cruise through Pirate’s Channel.
• Duration: Approximately 5 hours 30 minutes, perfect for cruise days.
• Cost: $139.92 per person, with good value considering the multiple stops and included snacks.
• Comfort: Air-conditioned transportation from Costa Maya Port makes for a comfortable journey.
• Extras: Snacks, bottled water, sodas, and even beer are included.
• Consideration: Entrance fee to San Felipe Fort is paid separately (about $5 USD).

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

San Felipe Fort: A View into the Past

Your journey starts with a quick stop at San Felipe Fort. While the tour notes that the entrance fee ($5 USD) isn’t included, the views from the fort justify the extra few dollars. From this vantage point, you’ll see expansive views of Bacalar Lagoon, making it a great photo opportunity. It’s a brief stop, but one that sets the tone with a glimpse into the area’s colonial past and strategic importance.

Cenote la Bruja: A Natural Wonder

Next, the boat takes you to Cenote la Bruja, a site renowned for its crystal-clear waters and stunning underwater formations. The water clarity is often highlighted by visitors who love the chance to swim in waters that look almost surreal. The underwater features and the white sandy bottom make it feel like a natural infinity pool. Many mention that this stop is a highlight for its beauty and refreshing swim opportunity.

Pirate’s Channel: Tales and Narrow Waterways

The cruise through Pirate’s Channel is more than just a boat ride — it’s an experience filled with pirate stories, legends of treasure, and maritime history. The narrow waterway adds a sense of adventure, and guides often share entertaining tales of buccaneers and battles from days gone by. It’s a vivid way to connect the natural environment with local lore, making the boat ride engaging for all ages.

Cenote Cocalitos: A Perfect End to the Day

The final stop is Cenote Cocalitos, famous for its white sandy bottom and turquoise waters. Travelers get a chance to swim or relax on the shore, enjoying the tranquil beauty of this cenote. It’s often described as beautiful and peaceful, a fitting way to wrap up the trip with a dip in clean, inviting waters.

Transportation and Group Experience

The tour includes roundtrip transportation from Costa Maya Port in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Given the maximum group size of 78 travelers, it’s a reasonably small group that ensures you won’t feel lost or overwhelmed, though some may find the timing a bit tight if they prefer a slower pace. The transportation is an essential part of the value, making logistics simple and stress-free.

What Travelers Say

While the tour currently has no reviews listed, the itinerary and included features suggest that many would appreciate the combination of history, nature, and storytelling. The inclusion of snacks—cheese or turkey sandwiches, granola bar, chips, and fruit—add to the overall value, especially considering the tour’s length.

Pricing and Value Analysis

At just under $140, this tour offers a lot of diverse experiences—from scenic boat rides and cenote swims to a historic fort. The inclusion of snacks, drinks, and transportation makes it convenient. The extra $5 for the fort entrance is minor but worth noting. For travelers wanting a balanced mix of adventure, culture, and scenery without paying for a full-day trip, this is a solid choice.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip suits cruise travelers who want to maximize their time with a manageable, engaging experience. It’s perfect for those interested in photo opportunities, storytelling, and swimming without the commitment of a full-day expedition. Those who love scenic landscapes and historical tidbits will find plenty to enjoy here. It’s also a good fit for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a well-organized, authentic taste of Bacalar.

The Sum Up

The Bacalar & Seven Color Lagoon boat adventure presents an affordable, visually stunning way to experience the region’s natural beauty and history. With its mix of cenote swims, pirate stories, and scenic lagoon views, it offers a well-rounded day that’s both fun and informative.

While not a deep-dive into local culture or outdoor adventure, it hits the sweet spot for travelers who want an authentic, scenic, and comfortable excursion during their cruise. The inclusion of snacks, comfortable transportation, and opportunities to swim make it a great value for those with limited time but big appetites for memorable sights.

If you’re a traveler who appreciates beautiful water, engaging stories, and easy logistics, this trip fits the bill. Just keep in mind the optional fort fee and the possibility that the pace might feel a bit brisk if you prefer a more relaxed experience.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 5 hours and 30 minutes, making it a perfect length for a cruise shore excursion.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes roundtrip transportation from Costa Maya Port, visits to San Felipe Fort, two cenotes, a boat cruise through Pirate’s Channel, snacks, bottled water, sodas, juice, and beer.

Is there an extra fee I need to pay?
Yes, the entrance fee to San Felipe Fort is $5 USD per person, payable on-site with cash.

How many people typically join this tour?
The maximum group size is 78 travelers, which balances a lively atmosphere with manageable numbers.

Are there opportunities to swim?
Yes, you’ll have time to swim at both cenote stops, with the waters often praised for their clarity and beauty.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the transportation is air-conditioned, ensuring comfort during the roughly one-hour transfer from Costa Maya.

Who is this tour best suited for?
It’s ideal for cruise guests looking for a short, scenic, and culturally interesting experience with plenty of photo opportunities and swimming.

What are the main highlights?
Highlights include San Felipe Fort views, Cenote la Bruja, the Pirate’s Channel cruise, and Cenote Cocalitos.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexibility in your travel plans.

This tour offers a well-rounded snapshot of Bacalar’s beauty and history, perfect for those wanting a convenient yet memorable adventure during their cruise through Mexico’s Caribbean coast.