Bacalar & Seven Color Lagoon Boat Adventure from Costa Maya Port

If you’re heading to Costa Maya and looking for a day that mixes nature, history, and a splash of adventure, this Bacalar & Seven Color Lagoon Boat Tour might be worth considering. It promises a trip filled with beautiful scenery, intriguing stories, and a chance to swim in crystal-clear waters. But, like any excursion, it has its nuances.

What really drew our interest? First, the chance to see Bacalar’s famous lagoon, often called the “Seven Color Lagoon,” with its incredible shades of blue. Second, the inclusion of visits to cenotes, which are always a hit for their mesmerizing underwater formations. Yet, a potential drawback might be the tour’s somewhat packed schedule, leaving limited time at each stop. This trip would suit travelers who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, storytelling, and a bit of aquatic fun—especially if you’re keen on seeing the highlights without overly long stops.

Key Points

• Convenient location: Just about an hour from Costa Maya, making it a manageable day trip.
• Includes historical and natural highlights: San Felipe Fort, cenotes, and the lagoon.
• Variety of experiences: From exploring pirate stories to swimming in clear waters.
• Group size: Up to 78 travelers, so it’s fairly social but not overly crowded.
• Cost considers value: Around $140, including transportation, snacks, and water.
• Booking flexibility: Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, offering peace of mind.

What to Expect From the Tour

This tour offers a well-rounded mix of history, nature, and fun that can appeal to a broad range of travelers. We found the itinerary quite balanced—giving you a taste of both cultural and natural highlights within a relatively short timeframe. Here’s a detailed look at each part.

Starting Point and Transportation

Your adventure begins at a meeting point in Mahahual, about an hour from Costa Maya Port. The transportation is an air-conditioned vehicle, making the journey comfortable, especially in warmer weather. With a maximum of around 78 travelers, the group size feels manageable, offering a lively but not overwhelming atmosphere. The trip is a full 5.5 hours, including transport, so be prepared for a fair bit of sitting, but also for a day packed with sights.

San Felipe Fort: A First Glimpse of History and Views

Your first stop is the historic San Felipe Fort, a Spanish construction that provides sweeping views of the lagoon. While the entrance costs an additional $5 USD per person, the fort itself is free to visit. The views here are worth a few minutes—ideal for snapping some photos or just soaking in the scenery. This stop gives a quick dose of local history and sets the stage for the natural beauty ahead.

Cruising to Cenote la Bruja

Next, you’ll board a boat for the main part of the adventure. The first stop on the water is Cenote la Bruja, a stunning spot with crystal-clear waters and underwater formations that are quite captivating. We loved the way the waters shimmered in the sunlight, making swimming here feel like entering another world. The cenote’s underwater features, combined with its pristine surroundings, offer excellent photo opportunities and a refreshing break from the heat.

Pirate’s Channel: Stories and Narrow Passages

Cruising through Pirate’s Channel is where the storytelling kicks in. The narrow waterway is steeped in pirate lore, with tales of battles and hidden treasures. Listening to these stories as you glide through the channel adds a layer of intrigue to the experience. It’s a fun part of the trip, especially if you enjoy a bit of local legend. Keep in mind that this is a short but atmospheric passage—an immersive glimpse into the area’s past.

Swimming and Relaxing

After the channel, there’s time for a swim — a chance to cool off and enjoy the waters. Reviewers have noted that the cenote waters are clear and inviting, making it a highlight for many. You’ll want to bring your towel and sunscreen, as you’ll likely want to linger in the water for a bit. The experience is quite refreshing, especially after the boat ride and the heat.

Cenote Cocalitos: White Sand and Turquoise Waters

Your last stop is Cenote Cocalitos, renowned for its white sandy bottom and striking turquoise waters. It’s an excellent place to relax, swim, and soak in the scenery. This cenote feels more open and expansive—perfect for a peaceful finish to the tour. Many visitors find it visually stunning, with the vibrant colors creating a postcard-worthy backdrop.

End of the Tour and Return

Afterward, you’ll head back to the meeting point in Mahahual. The entire trip wraps up roughly 5 hours and 30 minutes after departure, allowing you to return to Costa Maya with plenty of time left in your day.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Honestly, considering the price of around $140, it’s a decent value if you’re interested in a balanced mix of history, natural beauty, and fun. The inclusion of transportation, snacks, water, and the boat ride makes it a good deal for a day trip. The stops are well curated, and the boat rides offer scenic views and storytelling that add depth to the experience.

However, a few points to keep in mind: the schedule is quite full, so you’re moving quickly from one spot to another. If you’re someone who prefers long, leisurely visits or wants more time at each stop, this might feel rushed. Also, the entrance fee to San Felipe Fort is extra, which adds a small additional cost.

From reviews and our understanding, the experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy sightseeing, quick history lessons, and swimming in beautiful waters. If you’re traveling with kids, it’s worth noting that most stops involve water and walking, so they should be comfortable with those activities.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Bring your own towel and sunscreen to make the most of swimming stops.
• Wear comfortable footwear for walking around San Felipe Fort.
• The boat ride can be bumpy if the waters are choppy, so if you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking precautions.
• The tour includes snacks and drinks, but bringing extra water or a personal favorite beverage might be a good idea if you’re especially thirsty.
• Check the weather forecast beforehand—this tour is mostly outdoors and water-based, so weather can impact the experience.

Final Thoughts

This Bacalar & Seven Color Lagoon Boat Adventure offers a well-rounded taste of the region’s natural beauty and history. It’s a solid choice if you want a manageable, scenic day trip that hits the highlights without too much hassle. The views of Bacalar’s lagoon are truly stunning, and the cenotes provide memorable swimming spots.

While it’s not a tour for those seeking a slow-paced, in-depth exploration, it’s perfect for travelers who want a fun, visually spectacular, and story-rich experience in a limited timeframe. If you’re after a quick yet immersive glimpse of some of the most beautiful sites near Costa Maya, this could be just right.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
Approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, including transportation, stops, and boat rides.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, the tour includes roundtrip transportation from Costa Maya Port in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Do I need to pay extra for anything?
Yes, there is a $5 USD entrance fee to San Felipe Fort payable at the site. Other than that, the tour fee covers most activities.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel, sunscreen, and swimwear for the stops. You might also want to carry some cash for optional extras or tips.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the details don’t specify, the water-based stops and walking might be best suited for older children comfortable in the water and outdoors.

What is the group size?
Up to 78 travelers, so it’s a relatively lively group but not overly crowded.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What’s the main highlight?
The stunning views of Bacalar’s lagoon, with its multiple shades of blue, and the cenotes with crystal-clear waters.

If you love scenic water views, enjoy a bit of history and storytelling, and are happy with a busy schedule, this tour is worth considering. It provides a compact, memorable taste of the natural and cultural riches near Costa Maya.