BACALAR Seven Color Lagoon Boat Excursion from Costa Maya

Experience the Seven Colors of Bacalar Lagoon from Costa Maya

If you’re cruising into Costa Maya and craving an escape into nature’s vibrant palette, the Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon Boat Excursion offers a compelling glimpse of one of Mexico’s most stunning natural wonders. For $145 per person, this roughly five-hour tour takes you from the cruise port to Bacalar Lagoon, renowned for its ever-shifting shades of blue, with time to relax, swim, and enjoy authentic Mexican food in a small-group setting.

What we love about this tour is its personal touch — a small-group ensures you’re not lost in a crowd, and the knowledgeable guides often share engaging stories about the lagoon’s unique waters and local culture. Plus, the all-inclusive nature, with lunch, snacks, drinks, and alcohol, means you won’t be scrambling for food or beverages during your trip.

However, it’s worth noting that the drive to Bacalar can be about an hour and a half each way, which some might find a tad lengthy if your main goal is just to see the lagoon. Plus, reviews suggest that while many enjoy the experience, there’s variability—some travelers find the overall trip too long or the service inconsistent. It’s best suited for those who enjoy a relaxed journey and authentic encounters over a quick photo op. If you’re eager for a scenic, culturally enriching day with a chance to swim in crystal-clear waters, this tour could be just right.

Key Points

• Incredible Views: The lagoon’s changing shades of blue are a photographer’s dream.
• Small Group: Ensures personalized attention and a more intimate atmosphere.
• All-Inclusive: Lunch, snacks, drinks, and alcohol are part of the package.
• Guides and Service: Many reviews praise knowledgeable and friendly guides, especially Joanna and Jhoana.
• Long Day: Expect about 3 hours of travel on top of your time in Bacalar.
• Authentic Experience: Enjoy local Mexican tacos, and the opportunity to swim and relax in natural beauty.

Exploring the Bacalar Lagoon Experience

When you book this tour, you’re signing up for a ride that promises both adventure and relaxation. The itinerary begins with a pickup outside the Costa Maya cruise port, where you’ll hop into an air-conditioned vehicle heading toward Bacalar. The drive takes approximately an hour to an hour and a half, which is a significant chunk but necessary given the distance to this hidden gem of the Yucatán Peninsula.

The Boat Tour in Bacalar Lagoon

Once at the marina, you’ll step onto a pontoon boat and set out onto the famous lagoon. As the boat glides across the waters, the captain will point out the various hues of blue, caused by differences in depth, algae, and sunlight reflection. Expect to see shades ranging from turquoise to deep navy — a spectacle that’s often described as mesmerizing.

Many travelers highlight how breath-taking the scenery is, with some reviewers noting that the water’s clarity allows you to see right down to the bottom, making swimming equally enjoyable. You may splash around and cool off before enjoying a healthy fruit snack prepared on board, which adds a refreshing touch to the experience.

The Guides and the Personal Touch

What elevates this tour beyond just a boat ride are the guides, who are often praised for their warmth and knowledge. Joanna, in particular, is remembered as “the best,” with reviews mentioning her kindness and storytelling ability. Guides like Jhoana or Paco share insights into the lagoon’s formation, the local flora and fauna, and the history of Bacalar, enriching your visit with context that makes the scenery even more meaningful.

Lunch at Papitos Bacalar

After the boat adventure, the tour takes you to a favorite local restaurant, Papitos Bacalar, for authentic Mexican tacos—pork, beef, or shrimp—alongside guacamole. Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request, which is a thoughtful addition for those with dietary preferences. Many reviewers rave about the quality of the food, describing the tacos as “really good,” with one even mentioning that the pork tacos were “especially good.”

The restaurant offers a relaxed outdoor setting, perfect for soaking in the atmosphere of Bacalar. A few reviewers mention that service can be slow, but most find the food worth the wait. It’s a chance to enjoy genuine flavors in a laid-back setting, ending your day on a delicious note.

What Travelers Can Expect

The Highlights

• Pickup and transportation: Hassle-free, with clear instructions and air-conditioned comfort.
• Lagoon exploration: About two hours on the boat, with opportunities for swimming, relaxing, and taking photos.
• Snacks and drinks: Fruit snacks, bottled water, soda, and alcohol (beer and tequila), ensuring you’re refreshed without needing to bring your own.
• Cultural immersion: Includes insights from guides who know the area well, making your experience more meaningful.
• Lunch: Authentic tacos combined with guacamole, with vegetarian options available.

The Drawbacks to Consider

• The drive to Bacalar is lengthy, about 1.5 hours each way, which cuts into your time at the lagoon. Some reviews suggest that this might feel like too much travel for limited lagoon time.
• Variable experiences: While many travelers praise the guides and scenery, some mention less-than-ideal food or service, and a few reviews note long delays or communication issues.
• Weather dependency: As with any outdoor water activity, the trip relies on good weather; poor conditions can lead to cancellations or rescheduling.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

If you’re the type who appreciates authentic local experiences, enjoys learning from knowledgeable guides, and isn’t bothered by a longer travel time, this tour suits you well. It’s perfect for those who want to swim and relax in a breathtaking setting, while also savoring delicious Mexican cuisine in a casual environment. That said, if you prefer shorter excursions or are sensitive to long drives, you might want to consider other options.

Final Thoughts

The Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon Boat Excursion from Costa Maya offers a beautiful blend of scenery, culture, and good food. The stunning waters and friendly guides make it a memorable outing for travelers eager to see one of Mexico’s most colorful natural sites. The all-inclusive package removes much of the hassle, letting you focus on the experience and the views.

This tour is especially well-suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy a relaxed pace and genuine encounters. If you’re looking for an authentic day out that combines natural beauty, local flavor, and engaging storytelling, this trip could become a highlight of your trip to the Yucatán.

FAQ

How early should I book this tour?
On average, travelers book about 49 days in advance, so it’s best to secure your spot early, especially during peak seasons.

What is included in the price?
For $145, you get transportation, a boat tour of Bacalar Lagoon, snacks, bottled water, soda, and alcoholic drinks such as beer and tequila. Lunch (authentic tacos) is also included.

How long is the drive from Costa Maya to Bacalar?
The trip takes about 1 to 1.5 hours each way, which is worth considering if you’re eager to spend the maximum time in the lagoon.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?
Yes, vegetarian and vegan options can be requested for lunch at Papitos Bacalar.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 99 travelers, but most reviews mention a small-group experience, ensuring personalized attention.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the relaxed, scenic nature of the tour makes it suitable for families, especially those who enjoy water and outdoor activities. Always confirm with the operator if you have specific needs.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection. It’s also wise to carry a waterproof camera or phone to capture the beautiful views.

The Bacalar lagoon tour from Costa Maya offers a rewarding day of natural beauty, guided insight, and delicious food. With a balance of travel, relaxation, and authentic experiences, it appeals most to travelers who value quality over quantity and enjoy seeing the local environment.