Discovery Bacalar! Kayacs, Cenote & Lunch from Tulum

If you’re looking to escape the busy streets of Tulum and spend a day soaking in some of Mexico’s most beautiful natural sights, the Discovery Bacalar tour might catch your eye. It promises a full day of swimming, kayaking, and exploring the “Lake of the Seven Colors,” and from what we can gather, it offers a well-rounded experience for those who want a taste of Bacalar without the hassle of organizing transport themselves.

What really stands out about this tour are the stunning views you’ll get from several vantage points. Whether it’s the colorful lagoons or the lush jungle surrounding the cenote, this trip seems to deliver plenty of photo-worthy moments. Plus, the fact that meals and transfers are included adds a lot of value to what might otherwise be a pricier day out.

However, it’s worth mentioning that this tour isn’t designed for those looking for a relaxed, leisurely boat cruise around Bacalar—it’s more of a land-based exploration with water activities at specific spots. If you’re craving a chilled ride on the lake or a more extensive boat tour, you might find this a bit limiting.

This experience seems best suited for travelers who enjoy mixing outdoor activities with a bit of sightseeing, and who appreciate convenience—especially if you prefer not to drive or organize transport on your own. Families, couples, or groups of friends looking for a day trip packed with natural beauty will likely find this quite appealing.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Convenience: Includes transportation, breakfasts, and lunch, making it easy to relax.
• Stunning Visuals: Expect impressive views of the lagoon, cenote, and jungle.
• Active & Relaxing Mix: Combines swimming, kayaking, and free exploration time.
• Group Size & Logistics: Small groups (up to 50 travelers) and shared transport, which might mean some waiting.
• Limited Water Activities: Kayaking at Playa Marmol Beach Club but no boat rides in Bacalar itself.
• Good for a Full Day: Long, approximately 11-12 hour outing that covers a lot in one day.

What to Expect on This Tour

Starting Early and Getting There

You’ll kick off your day at 7:00 am from the Súper Akí market in Tulum, so be ready for an early start. The first part of the trip involves being collected from your hotel or a designated pickup point, then transferring by van or bus to Bacalar. The logistics are designed to keep things smooth, but it does mean a fair chunk of the morning in transit. Expect the journey to be a little variable depending on group size and traffic, but overall, the goal is to get you to Bacalar with minimal fuss.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The day’s activities are concentrated at Bacalar City, with each stop carefully chosen to showcase the town’s natural beauty. First, you’ll visit the Cenote Azul, a popular swimming spot known for its striking blue waters. The cenote offers a refreshing dip— it’s a chance to cool off after the drive and enjoy some peaceful swimming.

Next, you’ll head to Playa Marmol Beach Club for kayaking. Here, you’ll hop into a kayak with a life jacket and paddle around in the calm lagoon waters. We liked that the tour included a choice of one dish for breakfast and one for lunch, which means you can pick what suits your taste. The views from the beach club are said to be great, and it’s a comfortable spot to relax between activities.

The highlight for many is the panoramic view of the Fort of San Felipe and the lagoon, which provides beautiful photo ops. You’ll also get some free time to explore Bacalar on your own—wander through the town, check out local shops, or just soak in the scenery at your pace.

Swimming & Kayaking: The Heart of the Trip

Most travelers rave about the stunning colors of Bacalar’s lagoon. The tour allows you to swim at Cenote Azul and kayak in Playa Marmol Beach Club. While there’s no boat ride included, the kayaking itself seems to be a highlight, giving you a chance to paddle in tranquil waters surrounded by lush scenery.

One traveler mentioned, “We loved the way the kayak ride gave us a peaceful way to see the lagoon’s incredible shades.” Others appreciate that the kayaking is accessible and safe, with life jackets provided. Just keep in mind that this is more of a land-and-water activity combo than a full-on boat tour of the lake.

Meals & Refreshments

Breakfast and lunch are included, with each guest choosing one dish for each meal. This is a nice touch that adds a bit of local flavor and energy for the day. However, drinks at the restaurant are not included, so bring some cash or drinks if you want to sip something extra during lunch.

Transport & Group Size

The tour caters to a maximum of 50 travelers, which keeps the vibe lively but not overwhelming. The transportation logistics involve collecting everyone in smaller vehicles, then transferring to a larger bus for the main trip. This back-and-forth can add some waiting time but is necessary to accommodate all participants comfortably.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $126 per person, this tour offers good value considering the inclusions—transport, meals, kayaking, and multiple scenic stops. When you factor in the hassle-free transfers from Tulum, it’s a convenient way to visit Bacalar without the stress of doing it yourself.

That said, if you’re hoping for an in-depth boat tour or more water activities in Bacalar, you might find it limiting since the tour focuses on specific spots for swimming and kayaking, not a full lake cruise.

Who Will Love This?

This trip is ideal for adventurous travelers who want a taste of Bacalar’s beauty without the hassle of organizing transport or multiple stops. It suits those who enjoy active water-based activities but also appreciate some downtime exploring on their own. The early start, full-day schedule, and inclusive meals make it great for those keen on an organized, all-in-one experience.

Families with older kids might also enjoy this, especially if they’re comfortable with swimming and kayaking. But if you’re traveling with very young children or seeking a more relaxed, leisurely pace, this might feel a bit hectic.

Final Thoughts

The Discovery Bacalar tour appears to be a solid choice for travelers wanting to see some of the most photogenic spots near Tulum without sacrificing comfort or convenience. The combination of swimming, kayaking, and scenic viewpoints makes it a full and engaging day out.

While it doesn’t include a boat ride around the lake—something Bacalar is famous for—the activities and views provided still paint a beautiful picture of this crystal-clear lagoon and surrounding jungle. The meals and round-trip transfers add value, making it a practical pick for those who want to maximize their day without extra planning.

If you’re someone who loves natural beauty, enjoys being active in the outdoors, and prefers organized tours that cover the essentials, this trip should fit well into your Tulum itinerary. Just remember to bring your swimwear, some cash for drinks, and an appetite for stunning scenery.

FAQ

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes. The tour includes round-trip transfers from Tulum, starting at Súper Akí in the morning, with a transfer logistics process that involves smaller vehicles and a main bus.

Are meals included?
Yes. You’ll get breakfast and lunch, each with a choice of one dish. Drinks at the restaurant are not included, so bring cash if you want to purchase beverages.

What activities are part of this tour?
You’ll swim in Cenote Azul, kayak at Playa Marmol Beach Club, and enjoy views of Bacalar’s lagoon and Fort of San Felipe. There’s also free time to explore the town on your own.

Is this tour suitable for families?
It can be, especially for families with older children who are comfortable swimming and kayaking. The tour involves some active water time, so consider the ages and swimming ability of younger kids.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 11 to 12 hours, starting early at 7:00 am and returning to Tulum in the evening.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, with a full refund. Less than 24 hours’ notice and the refund won’t be issued.

In the end, if you’re chasing picture-perfect views, enjoy outdoor activities, and want to keep things simple, this Bacalar day trip could be just what you need. It’s a balanced mix of nature, activity, and convenience, all wrapped into one satisfying package.