Bacalar: Group Pontoon Excursion + The First Hotel + Ojo de Agua

Explore Bacalar’s Lagoon of Seven Colors by Luxurious Pontoon

This 2.5-hour group pontoon excursion in Bacalar, Quintana Roo, offers a relaxed yet comprehensive way to experience the lagoon’s famous seven shades of blue. Priced for comfort and style, the tour departs from Papitos Pier, where a professional captain guides you through a series of scenic stops aboard an elegant pontoon. With refreshing fruit, snacks, and good music included, it’s a perfect choice for those seeking a laid-back water adventure with cultural highlights.

While the tour emphasizes scenic beauty and iconic locations, it also takes you to lesser-known spots like the First Hotel built in Bacalar and the Ojo de Agua spring—adding a touch of local history and natural wonder. The tour is suitable for travelers who prefer comfort, a friendly guide, and a mix of swimming, sightseeing, and story-sharing. Its accessible design and flexible cancellation make it a convenient option, though it’s worth noting that food and drinks do not include sunscreen.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Duration: 2.5 hours of scenic water-based exploration
• Price: Includes fresh fruit, snacks, and music on board
• Stops: Five iconic lagoon sites plus two hidden spots—First Hotel and Ojo de Agua
• Activities: Swimming in crystal-clear waters, relaxing, taking photos, and learning about local landmarks
• Guide: Certified captain with knowledge about the lagoon and its history
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, with express check-in for convenience

Starting Point at Papitos Pier with Captain Memo

The tour begins at Papitos Pier, where you ask for Captain Memo, known for guiding groups with warmth and professionalism. The coordinates 18.674230575561523, -88.38996887207031 mark the exact meeting spot. The check-in process skips the line, allowing for a quick start, and the group size ensures a comfortable, intimate experience.

The meeting point’s central location makes it easy to access, and the crew provides all necessary equipment. The tour promises a relaxed pace, giving ample time for swimming and enjoying each stop without feeling rushed.

Visiting the Lagoon’s Five Iconic Spots

The main stops include Cenote Negro, Cenote Esmeralda, Bird Island, Stromatolite Sanctuary in Cocalitos, and Pirates’ Channel. Each location showcases different aspects of Bacalar’s natural beauty and history.

Cenote Negro impresses with its depth and changing colors, offering a chance to see the water’s mysterious dark hues. Cenote Esmeralda greets visitors with vibrant turquoise waters, perfect for cooling off. On Bird Island, you observe local bird nests in a peaceful natural sanctuary. The Stromatolite Sanctuary features ancient living formations that tell stories of the lagoon’s prehistoric past.

Pirates’ Channel provides a picturesque and fun swimming spot ideal for photos and floating in shallow, crystal-clear waters. The captain guides the group through each site, sharing stories and insights that deepen the experience.

The Hidden Spots: First Hotel and Ojo de Agua

A highlight of this tour is the visit to two lesser-known locations. The First Hotel built in Bacalar is a historic site filled with stories of the town’s origins, offering a glimpse into its early hospitality endeavors. It’s a quiet, nostalgic stop that adds cultural depth to the water tour.

The Ojo de Agua spring is a natural water eye with distinct visible movement below the surface. This natural spring provides a peaceful setting where you can observe the bubbling waters and enjoy a refreshing swim. These sites set this tour apart from more typical lagoon trips by including these unique, local spots.

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Swimming and Relaxing in Crystal Clear Waters

Two swimming stops are built into the tour schedule, giving ample time to float, cool off, or simply relax in the shallow, transparent waters. The calm environment makes these moments ideal for taking photos or connecting with nature. The water’s clarity ensures that every splash or float feels like an immersion into a pure, untouched part of the lagoon.

These stops are also perfect for unwinding while enjoying the fresh seasonal fruit, snacks, and music provided on board, creating a leisurely atmosphere that caters to both adventure and relaxation.

The Scenic Landscapes at Every Stop

Throughout the tour, each location presents a different view of Bacalar’s landscape. The seven colors of the lagoon are visible from various angles, and the lush surroundings add to the visual appeal. The stunning hues of the water, combined with the natural limestone formations and verdant islands, make this tour a feast for the eyes.

Photographers will find plenty of picture-worthy moments, especially at Pirates’ Channel and Bird Island, where the natural settings are most striking. The guide enhances the experience with interesting facts, making each stop both beautiful and educational.

Practicalities: Accessibility and Flexibility

This tour is wheelchair accessible, making it a suitable option for travelers with mobility considerations. The live guide delivers commentary in both English and Spanish, ensuring clear communication.

The option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance with a full refund adds peace of mind, and reserve now, pay later flexibility helps adapt to changing travel plans. Remember that sunscreen is not allowed onboard, so plan accordingly for sun protection before arriving at the meeting point.

The Experience Quality and Overall Value

This group pontoon tour offers a balanced mix of scenic sightseeing, historical insights, and natural swimming spots. Its luxurious boat, complete with refreshments and music, creates a comfortable cruise environment. The inclusion of lesser-known sites like the First Hotel and Ojo de Agua provides unique local flavor not found on typical lagoon trips.

While the duration of 2.5 hours makes it an easy addition to a day in Bacalar, travelers should plan for the moderate pace and focus on enjoying each stop without rushing. The positive review from Nadine highlights the ample swimming time and relaxed atmosphere, although language barriers with the guide may be a consideration for some.

Bacalar: A Water Adventure with Cultural Depth

This tour combines the natural allure of Bacalar’s seven shades of blue lagoon with cultural and historic highlights. It’s ideal for visitors who want a luxurious, relaxing, yet informative water experience, with opportunities to swim, take photos, and learn about the local landmarks.

The small group setting and professional captain ensure a safe, friendly environment. The inclusion of unique spots like Ojo de Agua and First Hotel enhances the experience, making it more memorable than a simple boat ride.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes a luxurious pontoon, fresh seasonal fruit, snacks, drinks, and music onboard, with a professional captain guiding the experience.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts 2.5 hours, providing time to visit five iconic lagoon sites and two hidden locations.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is inside Papitos Pier, asking specifically for Captain Memo.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is sunscreen allowed onboard?
No, sunscreen is not allowed; travelers should bring sun protection to apply before the tour.

Are there swimming stops?
Yes, the tour features two swimming stops in crystal-clear waters and shallow areas ideal for floating.

What are the notable stops?
Stops include Cenote Negro, Cenote Esmeralda, Bird Island, Stromatolite Sanctuary, Pirates’ Channel, the First Hotel, and Ojo de Agua spring.

Who guides the tour?
A certified captain leads the tour, sharing interesting insights about each site and ensuring a safe, enjoyable experience.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel and be prepared for natural water contact; sunscreen is not permitted onboard.

This Bacalar pontoon tour offers a well-rounded, comfortable way to explore the lagoon’s most famous sights and hidden gems, perfect for those wanting a peaceful yet engaging water adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby