Tour Bacalar + Pontoon Ride Lagoon from Cancún & Playa del Carmen

Full-Day Bacalar + Pontoon Ride Tour from Cancún and Playa del Carmen for $144

This 12-hour tour offers an enjoyable exploration of Bacalar, a charming Mexican town famous for its breathtaking lagoon. Starting with hotel pickup, the experience delivers a mix of nature, adventure, and cultural sights. For $144 per person, travelers receive transportation, guided visits, and meals, making it a convenient way to see some of the region’s most beautiful natural attractions. The tour caters to those who appreciate scenic boat rides, swimming in cenotes, and learning about local history—all in a single day.

While the tour involves some logistics, including changing vehicles and potential traffic, its highlights like swimming in the Lagoon of the Seven Colors and visiting the San Felipe Fort make it a worthwhile outing. Keep in mind, some stops involve free time, and beverages are not included at meals, so packing extra snacks might be helpful. This tour suits visitors looking for a comprehensive and leisurely day immersed in natural beauty and cultural charm.

Key Points

• Price of $144 per person covers transportation, meals, and activities
• Duration of approximately 12 hours from hotel pickup to drop-off
• Visits to Cenote Azul, Cenote Cocalitos, and the Lagoon of the Seven Colors
• Includes a boat pontoon ride and swimming opportunities in the lagoon
• Guided tour of San Felipe Fort offers scenic views and photo opportunities
• Tour operates with a maximum of 60 travelers for manageable group sizes

Leaving Cancún: Early Morning Pickup at 6:00 am

The tour begins early in the morning with hotel pickup around 6:00 am. Participants are gathered into smaller vehicles, such as vans or buses, before reaching the main meeting point where the larger bus takes over. This process ensures all guests are efficiently transported while managing logistical needs. The transport includes a bus with a bathroom—though only toilet number 1 can be used to prevent odors—and multiple stops are scheduled for bathroom breaks at visited sites.

The trip’s logistics may extend the day beyond 12 hours because of traffic and pickup arrangements. Despite the early start, this setup ensures a smooth transfer from Cancún or Playa del Carmen to Bacalar, allowing travelers to begin their exploration promptly.

Exploring Cenote Azul for a Refreshing Start

The journey includes a stop at Cenote Azul, where visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters. This cenote offers a relaxing opening to the day, with admission included. Its pristine waters provide a perfect setting to cool off and take memorable photos. The one-hour stop lets guests unwind before continuing to other attractions.

Cenote Azul’s clean environment and natural beauty make it a favorite for those seeking tranquility and a chance to connect with nature before the day’s more active adventures.

Discovering Cenote Cocalitos with Scenic Amenities

Next is Cenote Cocalitos, where the tour offers approximately two hours of free time. This spot features amenities such as hammocks inside the lagoon and swings, perfect for relaxing or capturing picturesque moments. The cenote’s location near the lagoon provides panoramic views, making it an ideal setting for photos.

Guests can enjoy the scenic surroundings, take a dip, or just lounge in the comfortable amenities. This stop is designed for leisure, giving ample opportunity to soak in the natural atmosphere of Bacalar.

The Lagoon of the Seven Colors: Main Attraction

The Lago Bacalar, known as the Lake of the Seven Colors, is the heart of this tour. With a 2 hour and 45-minute visit, travelers get to swim in the lagoon and experience its mesmerizing hues firsthand. The area offers free time for bathing and relaxing in the calm waters, perfect for unwinding and taking photos of the vibrant shades.

The lagoon’s natural beauty is complemented by a guided visit to the main park and a viewpoint from Fort San Felipe, where panoramic vistas of the lagoon stretch for 63 km. This fort provides a scenic backdrop for photos and an understanding of local history.

Fort San Felipe: Scenic Photo Spot with Historic Significance

The San Felipe Fort is a central point in Bacalar, offering spectacular views of the lagoon. From this vantage point, visitors can appreciate the vastness and beauty of Bacalar, making it a favorite spot for photo opportunities. The fort’s strategic location and historical importance add a layer of cultural context to the visit.

Tour participants have the chance to walk around the fort, explore its architecture, and enjoy the sweeping views of the lagoon, which stretches far into the horizon.

Scenic Boat Pontoon Ride in Bacalar Lagoon

A key feature of this tour is sailing in a Boat Ponton through Bacalar’s lagoon. This scenic boat ride allows guests to witness the stunning seven different shades of blue from the water. The pontoon offers a comfortable way to explore the lagoon’s intricacies, and the ride provides a fresh perspective of the natural environment.

This activity adds a relaxing element to the day, allowing for unique views of the surrounding landscape and photo opportunities that highlight Bacalar’s renowned beauty.

Enjoying Meals and Free Time at Local Restaurants

Included in the tour is breakfast and lunch at local restaurants, giving travelers a taste of regional cuisine. While beverages are not included, the meals allow for a satisfying break amid the day’s activities. The time allocated for meals is sufficient to refresh and prepare for the remaining stops.

Guests should consider bringing extra snacks or drinks if desired, as these are not covered in the package.

Managing Logistics and Transportation Details

The tour involves a well-organized transportation process, beginning with small vehicle pickups and culminating in a main bus transfer. The bus features a single bathroom with ventilation, which travelers are encouraged to use only during stops to avoid odors affecting the entire bus.

Stops at the visited sites are scheduled to allow bathroom breaks and refreshments. The tour’s maximum group size of 60 travelers ensures that the experience remains comfortable and manageable, even during busy periods.

Why This Bacalar Tour Offers Good Value

At $144 per person, this tour provides comprehensive access to Bacalar’s top attractions, including cenotes, the lagoon, fort, and boat rides. The inclusion of meals, transport, and guided visits makes it a convenient option for those wanting a full-day experience without worrying about logistics.

While the tour requires an early start and involves some vehicle changes, the experience’s highlights—such as swimming in the lagoon’s vibrant waters and exploring historic sites—offer a memorable day immersed in natural beauty.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This full-day Bacalar tour suits visitors who enjoy scenic boat rides, swimming in natural cenotes, and exploring historic sites. It’s ideal for those comfortable with early mornings and being part of a group. The tour is accessible to most travelers, but packing essentials such as swimsuits, towels, and sunscreen enhances the experience. Travelers looking for a convenient, all-inclusive day will find this option valuable, especially if they want to experience the lagoon’s famous colors and natural attractions in one trip.

Final Thoughts on the Bacalar + Pontoon Ride Tour

This tour offers a well-rounded day of natural beauty, cultural exploration, and relaxation in Bacalar. Its key strengths include the scenic lagoon, engaging stops at cenotes, and the boat pontoon ride that showcases the lagoon’s stunning palette of blues.

While the logistics of vehicle transfers can extend the day, the extensive itinerary and inclusions make it a worthwhile choice for travelers eager to experience Bacalar’s unique charm. The tour is best suited for those who want a comprehensive day trip with guided insights, scenic views, and the chance to swim in some of Mexico’s most beautiful waters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The $144 fee covers transportation, hotel pickup and drop-off, breakfast and lunch, admission tickets for cenotes and the lagoon, and the boat pontoon ride.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is approximately 12 hours, but may extend beyond due to logistics, traffic, and transfers.

What should I bring?
Guests should pack swimsuits, towels, extra clothes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and sunglasses. Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended for walking and exploring.

Are beverages included?
No, beverages at the restaurant are not included, so bringing snacks and drinks is advisable.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but those with mobility challenges should consider the walking involved at stops like the fort and cenotes.

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins with hotel pickup at 6:00 am; punctuality is important for the day’s schedule.