Tour To Bacalar And The Lagoon Of The 7 Colors From Playa Del Carmen And Riviera

If you’re dreaming of bright blue waters and a relaxing escape from the usual tourist spots, a day trip to Bacalar from Playa del Carmen might just be what you need. This tour promises a full day of natural beauty, history, and culture, all wrapped into approximately 14 hours of guided exploration. We’ve looked into the details to help you decide if it’s a good fit for your travel plans.

One thing we really like about this tour is how it combines stunning scenery with cultural stops, giving you a well-rounded experience of Bacalar. Plus, the fact that transportation, a traditional Mexican lunch, and even a boat trip are included makes it quite a convenient choice. On the flip side, it’s a long day—so if you’re not used to extensive travel or want a more relaxed pace, it might feel a bit packed.

This experience seems perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive look at Bacalar’s natural and historical highlights without the hassle of planning everything independently. People on cruise excursions or those with a curiosity for history and nature tend to find this trip appealing. Just be prepared for the full day, and make sure you’re ready for some walking and water activities.

Key Points

• Beautiful scenery: The Lagoon of Seven Colors is a visual treat, with its shifting shades of blue.
• All-in-one experience: Includes transportation, breakfast, lunch, and a boat trip, offering good value.
• History and culture: Visit Fort San Felipe and the old city walls, adding a historical touch.
• Comfort and convenience: Air-conditioned transport and guided commentary make it easy to relax and learn.
• Long day: Expect approximately 14 hours, so pack accordingly.
• Limited flexibility: Non-refundable policy means you’ll want to be sure of your plans.

What to Expect from the Tour

This tour from Playa del Carmen offers a detailed itinerary packed with highlights, making it a great way to see Bacalar without the stress of organizing transport and activities yourself. We’ll walk through what you can look forward to at each stop and why it matters.

Morning Start and Cenote Azul

The day begins early, with pickup in Playa del Carmen and a comfortable ride in an air-conditioned van. Once you arrive, the first stop is Cenote Azul, where you’ll enjoy a light breakfast and have a chance to swim in its clear waters. The cenote’s waters are fresh and inviting, perfect for a refreshing start to your day.

Reviews praise this part: “Tuve la oportunidad de visitar Bacalar y la Laguna de los siete colores en La Riviera Maya, nadar en agua dulce como si fuera mar y a una temperatura muy agradable. También se come muy bien.” It’s simple but effective—getting into the water early helps set the tone for the rest of the day.

Exploring the Lagoon of Bacalar

Next up, you’ll visit Laguna Sujuy-Ha Xul-Ha, a lesser-known but beautiful lagoon. The tour includes a boat trip, where you’re treated to the stunning views of the lagoon’s varying blue hues. The unique shades of blue are often the main reason travelers flock here—each spot along the shoreline offers a different perspective, and the water’s clarity makes it perfect for photos.

Historical Highlights: Fuerte San Felipe

A highlight for many is the visit to Fort San Felipe, built to defend the city from pirates. Although the tour doesn’t include admission, the panoramic views of the lagoon and the fort’s historical significance are notable. One review mentions that the guide ensured visitors got back on time, which is crucial if you’re on a cruise and need to stick to a schedule.

Further Water Adventures and the Old Town

Following the fort, you’ll have some free time to explore the principal square, soak in the local atmosphere, or relax by the water. The tour’s pacing allows for a light lunch at the lagoon shore, included in the price, giving you time to unwind and enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine.

Afternoon Relaxation and Reflection

The trip wraps up with a visit back to Bacalar, giving you the chance to take more photos, shop for souvenirs, or simply sit by the water before heading back. The return journey is in air-conditioned comfort, with plenty of time to chat about the day or just relax.

Is the Price Worth It?

At $190 per person, this tour is quite comprehensive. When you factor in transportation, breakfast, lunch, and the boat trip, the cost seems reasonable, especially considering the long hours and multiple stops. Travelers who’ve booked in advance—about 23 days before—often find the experience worth the investment.

One reviewer mentioned feeling very pleased with the entire experience, saying, “They make sure that you get back on time, with no issue with missing the cruise ship.” That reliability is key if you’re on a tight schedule or cruise.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who want a full day of exploration without the hassle of planning. It’s particularly great if you’re interested in both nature and history, and don’t mind a long day on the road. If you can handle a busy itinerary and want a good mix of swimming, sightseeing, and cultural insights, this could be a strong choice.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or traveling solo and seeking flexibility, you might want to consider other options or shorter excursions.

Practical Details

The tour operates daily from 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM, meaning you’ve got plenty of time to fit it into your schedule. The small group size (maximum 15 travelers) helps keep things intimate and manageable. Just remember, the experience is non-refundable, so be certain of your plans before booking.

What to Bring

Expect to spend most of your day outdoors, so pack a swimsuit, beach towel, change of clothes, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, biodegradable sunscreen, a hat, and water shoes if you have them. If you like to take photos, a waterproof camera can come in handy. Don’t forget some extra money for drinks or souvenirs.

Authentic Traveler Feedback

When reviewing previous travelers’ comments, some common themes emerge. Several mention how well-organized and timely the tour is, with guides like Anthony praised for their knowledge and friendliness. Others appreciate the stunning views and the opportunity to swim in crystal-clear waters.

One reviewer said, “What an amazing experience we had from the driver to our super guide Anthony, thanks for the great and wonderful day,” emphasizing the overall quality of the staff and experience. Another highlighted the good value: “They make sure you get back on time and ensure a smooth day,” which is crucial for anyone with cruise or tight schedules.

Final Thoughts

This Bacalar tour offers a thorough glimpse into the natural beauty and history of the area. With its combination of scenic lagoon visits, cultural sites, and a tasty Mexican lunch, it provides good value for travelers eager to see more than just the beaches.

It’s particularly well-suited for those who want a guided, hassle-free day that covers the highlights in one go. Its long duration might not be for everyone, but for curious travelers ready for a full immersion, this trip checks many boxes.

If you’re after a picture-perfect setting, engaging guides, and a mix of water and history, then this tour from Playa del Carmen is worth considering. Just remember to pack light, bring your water shoes, and prepare for a memorable day.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?
Yes, many reviews highlight that the tour makes sure you get back on time, making it a solid option if you’re on a cruise and want an organized day trip.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, breakfast, a boat trip in Bacalar, a panoramic visit to Fort San Felipe, and lunch at the lagoon shore.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included, so you might want to bring some cash or bottled water for the day.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 14 hours, so expect an early start and a late return.

What should I bring?
Pack a swimsuit, towel, change of clothes, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, biodegradable sunscreen, a hat, and water shoes if possible. Also, consider bringing extra money for drinks or souvenirs.

Is the tour family-friendly?
While suitable for most travelers, those with young children should consider the full-day commitment and water activities involved. It’s best suited for travelers comfortable with a long day outdoors.

This tour to Bacalar is a great way to see some of the most beautiful waters Mexico has to offer, paired with history and good food. If you’re up for a full-day adventure and want to capture some stunning photos, it could be just what you’re looking for.