Bacalar 7 Colors Lagoon Excursión Costa Maya

The Bacalar 7 Colors Lagoon Excursión from Costa Maya offers a captivating day trip to one of the Yucatán’s most breathtaking natural sights. Priced at $135 per person, this 5.5-hour adventure is led by knowledgeable guides in a small group, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed pace. The tour departs conveniently from the Costa Maya port, with hassle-free round-trip transportation included. You’ll visit multiple iconic spots—Cenote Esmeralda, Cocalitos, and Black Cenote—and spend ample time swimming in the lagoon’s famously vibrant waters. The experience also includes a visit to the Pirate Channel to learn about the area’s historical smuggling routes.

What makes this tour stand out is its well-rounded mix of natural beauty, cultural insights, and comfort. Included lunch, snacks, beverages, and alcohol add value, making it a smooth, enjoyable outing. While the drive to Bacalar is about an hour and a quarter, reviews highlight the scenic journey, informative guides, and quality meals. This trip suits those seeking a scenic, educational, and relaxing day away from the cruise port, especially if they appreciate good food and knowledgeable storytelling.

Key Points

• Direct round-trip transportation from Costa Maya port makes planning easy.
• Small group size ensures more personalized attention from guides.
• Visits to Cenote Esmeralda, Cocalitos, and Black Cenote showcase Bacalar’s diverse natural features.
• Swimming and relaxing in the famous 7-colored lagoon is a key highlight.
• Lunch, snacks, and drinks including beer and tequila are included, enhancing the experience.
• The tour offers educational insights about pirate history and local geology, from knowledgeable guides.

Bacalar 7 Colors Lagoon: A Visual Feast of Blue Hues

The first sight of Laguna Bacalar reveals the reason for its nickname—the 7-colored lagoon. Approaching from a hilltop, the vast expanse of shimmering blue waters amazes with its shifting shades. The tour begins with a visit to Cenote Esmeralda, where the guides explain why Bacalar’s waters display such a range of blues, making it a must-see for water lovers. The clear, warm waters invite swimming, and the beautiful scenery provides perfect photo opportunities.

This stop sets the tone for the entire trip, emphasizing Bacalar’s natural beauty. The inclusion of admission to each cenote means no extra costs, and the guides’ explanations help visitors appreciate the formations and views. Expect to spend around two hours exploring these iconic spots, with plenty of time for photos and dips in the water.

Visiting Cocalitos and Stromatolites: Nature’s Living Rocks

Next, the tour heads to Cocalitos, known for its stromatolites—considered the oldest form of life on Earth—which are often called living stones. These unique formations grow in the shallow waters and are protected as part of the region’s ecological importance. The guides highlight their significance, offering insights into their slow growth and ancient origins.

At Cocalitos Beach Club, visitors enjoy snacks and beverages, including fresh juice, beer, and sodas, while soaking in views of the lagoon. This stop lasts about two hours, giving ample opportunity to relax, observe the stromatolites, and enjoy the crystal-clear water. The friendly environment at the beach club makes this a favorite spot for many guests.

Black Cenote: Deep and Open Sky Experience

The Black Cenote presents a different kind of cenote experience—an open sky cenote that’s also the deepest point of Bacalar Lagoon. The guides explain its formation and importance, and visitors can marvel at its depth and the dark waters that contrast with the lagoon’s lighter hues. Swimming here is optional, but the scenery alone makes this stop worthwhile.

The Black Cenote’s open design allows sunlight to illuminate the water, creating a striking visual contrast. The guided explanation helps visitors understand the geological processes behind this cenote, making it more than just a swimming spot—it’s an educational experience as well.

The Pirate Channel and Historical Insights

A highlight of the tour is the visit to the Pirate Channel, where guides recount the history of pirates and smuggling in the area. This story brings a sense of adventure and adds local context to the natural beauty. The Pirate Channel is an area where precious wood was once smuggled, and its stories enrich the overall experience.

Visitors learn about the area’s pirate past and its connection to the lagoon’s geography. The guides’ storytelling keeps the history engaging while providing a broader understanding of Bacalar’s cultural significance. The boat ride through the lagoon offers stunning views and a chance to appreciate the expansive waters from a different perspective.

Relaxing at Cocalitos Beach Club and Lunch

After exploring the cenotes and the pirate channel, the tour makes a stop at Cocalitos Beach Club. Here, guests unwind and enjoy lunch, which is included in the package. The meal features authentic Mexican cuisine, with a special focus on local flavors and seasoned ingredients.

While relaxing, visitors can sip on beers, sodas, or cocktails, with snacks like fresh pineapple and watermelon cut by guides. This laid-back setting allows for soaking up the sun, enjoying the crystal clear waters, and reflecting on the morning’s adventures. The lunch experience is praised for its quality, making it a key part of the overall value.

The Scenic Boat Ride and Lagoon Exploration

The boat ride across Laguna Bacalar offers a breathtaking view of the 7 shades of blue. Guides share interesting facts about the formation of the lagoon, the stalactites and stromatolites, and the region’s pirate history. Floating in the lagoon with a cold beverage and fresh fruit becomes a highlight for many guests.

This cruise component lasts approximately two hours, with stops for swimming and photo opportunities. The boat captain skillfully navigates the waters, providing informative commentary and ensuring safety. The experience captures the lagoon’s beauty from a unique perspective, creating vivid memories.

Convenience and Group Size Advantages

This tour is designed for small groups, generally limited to 20 travelers, which enhances the overall experience. The hassle-free pickup from the Costa Maya port is smooth, with guides waiting at the meeting point with signs. Modern, air-conditioned transport makes the roughly 1-hour drive comfortable and efficient.

The small group setting allows guides like Carol or Leo to give personalized attention and answer questions. This approach results in a more relaxed, engaging experience compared to larger tours. The flexible timing and well-organized schedule keep the trip on track, allowing ample time at each stop.

Food, Drinks, and Extra Comforts

Included in the tour are lunch, bottled water, soda, alcoholic beverages, and snacks, which contribute to a carefree day. The pork tacos and fresh fruit are especially praised, along with the excellent service provided by guides like Carol. The drinks and snacks make it easy to stay refreshed during the day’s outdoor activities.

Guests appreciate the quality of the food and the opportunity to enjoy drinks in the scenic setting. The guides’ attention to detail—like cutting fruit and offering beverages—adds a personal touch that elevates the excursion.

Practicalities and Booking Details

The tour operates daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, offering flexibility for different schedules. Confirmation is quick, and the process is transparent, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the start. The activity is suitable for most travelers and is especially recommended for those who enjoy scenery, swimming, and cultural stories.

Meeting points are clearly marked, and the tour provider offers reliable communication via WhatsApp, which many reviews mention as a helpful feature. The maximum group size of 20 keeps the experience intimate and engaging.

Summary of the Experience

This Bacalar lagoon tour from Costa Maya delivers a well-balanced day of natural beauty, history, and relaxation. The visits to Cenote Esmeralda, Cocalitos, and Black Cenote showcase the lagoon’s diverse features, while the boat cruise and storytelling deepen the connection with Bacalar’s past. The included meals and drinks make the day hassle-free, and the small group size ensures attentive service.

The scenic drive, knowledgeable guides, and stunning views support the tour’s reputation as a standout option for visitors seeking a mix of adventure, culture, and comfort. While the drive time is about an hour, reviews confirm that the journey is scenic and well worth the time. The only potential consideration is the physical requirement—easy access and mobility are recommended.

Bacalar 7 Colors Lagoon Excursión: An Authentic and Enjoyable Day Trip

This tour offers a comprehensive experience that captures the essence of Bacalar’s natural and historical attractions. Its combination of scenic stops, educational insights, and delicious food makes it an appealing choice for a variety of travelers. The hassle-free logistics and small group format contribute to a smooth, enjoyable adventure.

Most guests leave with vivid memories of the spectacular lagoon, the unique cenotes, and the friendly guides who share their knowledge. It’s an excellent way to explore a less-visited but truly beautiful part of Mexico, especially for those who value comfort, authenticity, and good storytelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour from Costa Maya?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, including all stops and activities.

What is included in the price?
The $135 fee covers round-trip transportation, visits to Cenote Esmeralda, Cocalitos, and Black Cenote, lunch, snacks, beverages (including alcohol), and insurance.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but a recommendation for easy access and mobility applies based on reviews.

How do I meet the tour guides?
Guides meet at the Av. P.º del Puerto 1300, Mahahual near the port, with clear instructions and wait signs.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What makes this tour different from other Bacalar trips?
This tour emphasizes small group size, personalized service, comprehensive stops, and included meals and drinks, creating a relaxed, well-rounded experience.

Are drinks and food included?
Yes, lunch, snacks, bottled water, sodas, beer, and tequila are included in the price, with high praise for the quality.

How is the transportation provided?
Guests are transported in modern, air-conditioned vans for the approximately 1-hour drive each way, with stress-free pickup and drop-off.

Is there any physical challenge?
Most stops involve swimming or walking, but the tour is suitable for most with no specific physical limitations noted in the data.

Is the experience worth the price?
Based on reviews and inclusions, the value for money is high, especially considering the personalized service, food, and scenic stops.