Bacalar: 3-hr Pontoon Boat Tour with Beach Club + Kayaks

The Bacalar: 3-hr Pontoon Boat Tour offers a lively yet relaxing way to enjoy the stunning Lagoon of the 7 Colors in Quintana Roo, Mexico. Priced at $28 per person, this tour lasts 3 hours and includes visits to main locations, multiple swimming breaks, and access to a beach club with bar, restaurant, and massages. It’s designed for those seeking a balanced blend of sightseeing, swimming, and leisure, making it ideal for solo travelers, couples, families, or groups of friends.

We appreciate how the tour combines guided exploration of Bacalar’s most beautiful spots with free kayaking, live music via Bluetooth sound system, and refreshing drinks. Several reviews highlight the friendly guides and the ease of access to each site, though the tour’s pace and group size may suit those comfortable with a full schedule. Keep in mind, ground transportation is not included, so plan accordingly. This tour delivers great value and a fun, memorable experience for those eager to enjoy Bacalar’s natural wonders.

• Price: Only $28 per person for a 3-hour adventure
• Highlights: Visits to Canal, Cenotes, Islands, and Bird Island, with two swimming stops
• Includes: Safety equipment, 3 beers per adult, fruit beverages, healthy snacks
• Extras: Access to Beach Club, observatory tower, and free kayaks
• Departure points: Costera 67 or Observatorio Panorámico 360
• Guided in English and Spanish with knowledgeable crew

The tour begins at two main locations: Costera 67 or Observatorio Panorámico 360. Travelers should confirm their chosen meeting point ahead of time. The group size is not specified but typically includes a comfortable number for the spacious pontoon boat. The tour duration of 3 hours allows for a well-paced experience that balances sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing.

While ground transportation is not included, the meeting points are conveniently situated within Bacalar town, making access straightforward. The tour runs rain or shine, so participants should prepare accordingly, but sunscreen is not permitted onboard for safety reasons.

The tour’s itinerary features several key locations around the lagoon. It starts with a safety briefing at the Observatorio Panorámico 360, where participants get a quick overview of the day ahead. The Cenote Esmeralda is visited briefly with a guided tour, showcasing its natural beauty.

Next, the boat cruises through MJ65+PC Bacalar for sightseeing, offering panoramic views of Bacalar’s waters. The tour then passes Balneario Cocalitos—a popular beach club—where guests can pass by or stop for a brief visit. The highlight is the Pirate Canal, where a photo stop and swimming break last 40 minutes, giving plenty of time to relax in the cool waters.

Later, the boat makes a picnic stop with drinks and beer on Cocalitos Beach, perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying the scenery. The itinerary includes multiple sightseeing cruises around the lagoon, with brief passes by Cenote Negro and Isla de los Pájaros.

One of the main attractions of this tour is the chance to swim at several spectacular spots. The Pirate Canal provides a wide, shallow area ideal for swimming, while Bird Island offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and swimming for about 25 minutes.

A major bonus is the one-hour kayaking session at the Observatorio Panorámico 360, which allows guests to paddle at their own pace. The free kayaks are a popular feature, giving travelers extra freedom to explore the calm waters or just relax with a paddle. The natural cenotes—Emerald, Cocalitos, and Black (Witch’s Cenote)—are also nearby, offering unique freshwater experiences.

The tour features a Bluetooth sound system onboard, creating a lively atmosphere during the cruise. As you glide across the lagoon, you can enjoy your favorite tunes while taking in the views. The boat is shaded and comfortable, ensuring a pleasant ride even on warmer days.

Included in the tour are healthy snacks, fruit beverages, and 3 beers per adult, making the experience even more enjoyable. After the boat cruise, access to the Beach Club adds options for dining, relaxing, or indulging in a massage. The observatory tower provides a panoramic view of Bacalar, perfect for photo opportunities.

Multiple reviews praise guides like José, Jonathan, Diego, Andres, Carlos, Hugo, Angelo, and Captain Banda for their knowledge, friendliness, and attention to safety. They provide engaging commentary on the lagoon’s history and geology, making the experience both fun and educational.

The pacing balances sightseeing and swimming, with enough time allocated to each stop. Some guests note that the tour can be quite full, so it’s ideal for those happy to stay active and enjoy multiple locations within a limited time frame.

Photographers will love the photo stops at Pirate Canal and Bird Island, where the scenery is stunning. The wildlife viewing at Bird Island reveals endemic and migratory bird species, adding a naturalist element to the trip.

From the observatory tower, visitors get a 360-degree view of the lagoon’s seven distinct colors, a signature feature of Bacalar. The cruise around the lagoon offers sweeping vistas of the shimmering waters and surrounding mangroves, perfect for capturing memorable shots.

This tour is suited for most people who are comfortable with moderate activity and swimming. However, it is not recommended for pregnant women, or individuals with back problems or mobility impairments, due to the physical nature of some stops and the boat ride.

Participants should also avoid sunscreen onboard, as it’s not permitted, and intoxication is disallowed for safety reasons. The pacing and group size mean it’s best for those who enjoy a lively, active day with plenty of opportunities to swim and explore.

While there are many tours around Bacalar, this 3-hour pontoon experience stands out for its affordable price, inclusion of kayaking, and access to a beach club. Other options may offer longer trips or private sailing, but this tour offers a great value for money and a balanced itinerary suitable for a wide range of travelers.

Similar experiences include sailing trips with open bar, full-day tours with Mexican lunch, or sunrise paddleboard excursions, which can be found on the same platform. However, the mix of guided stops, swimming, kayak, and beach access makes this tour particularly appealing.

This 3-hour tour delivers a fun, flexible way to see Bacalar’s highlights without feeling rushed. It combines cruise, swim, kayak, and relax, all at an affordable price. The friendly guides and diverse locations keep the experience engaging and memorable.

While ground transportation is not included and the pace might be busy for some, the overall value and variety of activities make this tour an excellent choice for anyone wanting to experience Bacalar’s Lagoon of the 7 Colors in a single, enjoyable outing. It’s perfect for those looking to see multiple sites, enjoy water activities, and relax at a beach club afterward.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts 3 hours.

How much does the tour cost?
The base price is $28 per person.

What locations are visited during the tour?
Key stops include Pirate Canal, Bird Island, Emerald Cenote, Cocalitos Beach, and Cenote Negro.

Are drinks and snacks included?
Yes, the tour provides healthy snacks, fruit beverages, and 3 beers per adult.

Is kayaking included?
Yes, you get access to free kayaks and can enjoy one hour of kayaking.

What should I bring?
Bring swimsuit, towel, and appropriate clothing; sunscreen is not allowed onboard.

Is the tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
The tour is not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with back problems or mobility issues.

Where do I meet for the tour?
Meet at Costera 67 or Observatorio Panorámico 360, depending on your booking.

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

Is this tour available rain or shine?
Yes, the tour proceeds rain or shine.