Private Bacalar Lagoon Tour Sailboat or Pontoon Adventure

For travelers who love combining comfort, adventure, and authentic experiences, the Private Bacalar Lagoon Tour offers an exceptional way to explore one of Mexico’s most stunning natural sights. Priced at $385 per person, this five-hour journey takes you from the cruise port in Costa Maya to the enchanting Lagoon of the Seven Colors, where you can choose between a sailboat or a pontoon to glide across the water.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the personalized approach — you’re the only group on the boat, with a dedicated guide and crew ensuring your day is tailored to your interests. Second, the quality of the surroundings. You’ll be captivated by the lagoon’s incredible shades of blue, the perfect backdrop for swimming, relaxing, and taking photos.

A potential consideration? The one-hour drive from Costa Maya might feel a bit lengthy if you’re short on time or prefer quick excursions. Still, most agree that the journey is worth the effort for the scenery and tranquility awaiting you.

This tour suits travelers who value authentic, intimate experiences away from crowded tourist spots. If you’re looking for a relaxing yet adventurous day, with excellent guidance and plenty of opportunities for fun in the water, this is likely to be an ideal choice.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Only your group participates, ensuring a private, tailored adventure.
• Stunning Scenery: The lagoon’s 7-color spectrum makes for breathtaking visuals.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with local insights.
• Flexible Transport: Choose between a sailboat or pontoon for your cruise.
• Authentic Food: Enjoy a healthy fruit snack and a true Mexican lunch.
• Full-Day Experience: Around five hours including travel, boat, and meal.

An In-Depth Look at the Bacalar Lagoon Tour

The Journey Begins: From Costa Maya to Bacalar

The tour starts with a personal pickup outside the Costa Maya cruise ship terminal, ensuring smooth access directly from your ship or hotel. The air-conditioned vehicle transports you comfortably to the marina, a scenic spot right on Bacalar Lagoon. The drive, approximately an hour, offers a chance to enjoy the changing landscape, which some travelers describe as well worth the trip — especially considering the stunning views that prepare you for the adventure ahead.

Choosing Your Vessel: Sailboat or Pontoon

Once at the marina, you’ll select between a classic sailboat or a comfortable pontoon. Both options present their own charms. The sailboat offers a more traditional and graceful way of cruising, with the wind as your helper, while the pontoon provides more space and stability, ideal if you’re traveling with family or prefer a laid-back experience. No matter your choice, you’ll be pampered by an attentive crew focused on your comfort and enjoyment.

Cruising Along the Lagoon: Breathtaking Views

As you glide across the lagoon, your guide will point out the various shades of blue that earned Bacalar the nickname “the 7-color lagoon.” These diverse tones are caused by the varying depths and mineral content, creating an ever-changing canvas of natural beauty. Expect to splash in the clear waters, take photos of the stunning scenery, or simply relax while soaking up the tranquility.

According to reviews, guides are both knowledgeable and friendly, making the trip not only visually stunning but also educational. One guest praised their guide for being “so nice and knowledgeable,” which added a layer of comfort and insight to the experience.

Snacking and Refreshing in Paradise

During the cruise, you’ll be offered a delicious, healthy fruit snack, perfect for re-energizing. The tour also includes bottled water, soda, and alcohol — including beer and tequila — so you can unwind with a drink as you soak in the views.

Swimming and Exploring

The lagoon’s crystal-clear waters are inviting, providing ample opportunity for swimming, floating, and relaxing in the calm environment. You might even find yourself captivated by the distinctive colors and transparency of the water, which travelers say are truly mesmerizing.

Lunch at a Favorite Local Spot

After the boat ride, the tour heads to a well-loved restaurant for an authentic Mexican lunch. Options include pork, beef, shrimp, or vegetarian and vegan dishes, ensuring everyone finds something delicious. Travelers have raved about the authenticity and quality of the food, describing it as “really good and authentic.”

Returning to Costa Maya

The entire experience, including the drive back, totals about five hours. The guide will ensure you return on time so you can rejoin your cruise or continue exploring Costa Maya without worry.

Authenticity, Value, and the Overall Experience

Travelers consistently highlight the quality of guides and the stunning scenery as the biggest draws. Stacey, in her review, noted that “Bacalar was so beautiful and the lunch was really good and authentic,” emphasizing the genuine experience beyond just the boat ride. The personalized service and attention to detail create an environment where you feel pampered yet immersed in nature.

While the drive time might seem a bit long, most agree it’s a small price to pay for the unique views and tranquil waters. One guest also mentioned, “This was a must for Costa Maya which really doesn’t have anything else to offer except for the ruins,” which makes this tour a perfect alternative for those seeking a different kind of adventure.

Why It’s a Great Value

At $385 per person, the tour includes private transportation, a boat trip, meals, drinks, and a guide — a comprehensive package for a memorable day. The private nature of the tour means more flexibility and comfort, especially if you’re traveling with family or a small group.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventurous travelers who appreciate beautiful scenery and personalized service. If you enjoy learning from knowledgeable guides and prefer quieter, more intimate experiences over crowded tourist spots, this tour will suit you well. It’s also ideal if you want to combine water-based activities with authentic Mexican cuisine and a relaxed, scenic journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I meet the tour guide?
You will be picked up directly outside the Costa Maya cruise ship terminal, at the designated meeting point. Make sure to follow the instructions in your confirmation email for a smooth pickup.

What should I bring for the trip?
Since the tour includes water, drinks, and snacks, you might want to bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a camera. Comfortable clothing suitable for water activities is also recommended.

Can I choose between a sailboat and a pontoon?
Yes, you can select your preferred vessel when booking. Both offer a comfortable way to explore the lagoon, with the sailboat providing a more traditional experience and the pontoon offering extra stability.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and the calm waters of Bacalar Lagoon make it a good option for families. Just ensure children are comfortable with boat rides and swimming.

How long is the drive from Costa Maya?
The trip to Bacalar is approximately one hour each way. While some might find this a bit lengthy, many agree that the scenery makes it worthwhile.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour includes a delicious Mexican lunch and snacks, along with bottled water and drinks, including beer and tequila.

Final Thoughts

For those seeking a personalized, scenic escape from the typical cruise shore excursions, this private Bacalar Lagoon tour delivers on all fronts. The stunning visual appeal of the lagoon, coupled with expert guides and authentic meals, makes it a compelling choice. Its focus on comfort and authentic experiences makes it particularly attractive for travelers who appreciate a relaxed pace and a strong connection to nature.

While it requires a bit of an initial drive from Costa Maya, most find the effort worthwhile for the chance to see one of Mexico’s most spectacular lakes with all the comforts of a private tour. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, family, or small group, this experience offers a balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural authenticity that’s hard to beat.

To sum it up, the Private Bacalar Lagoon Tour from Costa Maya combines stunning scenery, personalized service, and authentic Mexican cuisine into a memorable day on the water. It’s best suited for travelers who value quality guides, scenic beauty, and a more intimate experience. If you’re seeking a peaceful retreat with plenty of opportunities to swim and relax, this tour might just be the highlight of your trip to Mexico’s Caribbean coast.