Bacalar Fort and Blue Lagoon Boat Ride Combo Adventure

If you’re cruising through Costa Maya and considering a shore excursion to Bacalar, this tour offers a neat way to explore some of the area’s most picturesque spots. While it’s designed primarily for cruise guests wanting a taste of the lagoon’s beauty and history, it’s worth understanding what you’re signing up for before booking.

What we find appealing about this experience is the chance to visit San Felipe Fort with its commanding views, and then cruise on a boat through the lagoon’s most intriguing features. These stops promise a blend of history, natural beauty, and a bit of adventure. On the flip side, some travelers have mentioned logistical hiccups—mainly delays—that can sometimes cut into your limited port time.

If you’re someone who loves scenic boat rides, exploring cenotes, and hearing stories of pirates and buried treasure, this tour could be a solid fit. But if you’re after a more in-depth or leisurely experience, or if you’re traveling with young children who might get restless, it’s good to weigh those points. It’s a tour that offers a quick, beautiful taste of Bacalar, perfect for those with tight schedules or cruise itineraries.

Key Points

• Beautiful scenery: You’ll see stunning lagoon views and underwater cenotes, great for photography and nature lovers.
• Historical element: The visit to San Felipe Fort adds a touch of local history and panoramic vistas.
• Boat adventure: The boat ride through Pirate’s Channel and visits to cenotes offer a mix of relaxation and exploration.
• Limited duration: At around 5.5 hours, it’s a relatively short tour, ideal for fitting into a cruise day.
• Value for price: For roughly $143, you get transportation, multiple stops, snacks, and drinks—worth considering if you enjoy guided excursions.
• Potential delays: Some reviews highlight issues with timing, so your experience might depend on factors beyond your control.

The Details: What to Expect

Starting Point and Timing

The tour kicks off at 9:00 am from a meeting point conveniently close to the cruise port, just a short walk from Plaza Las Fuentes. The total walking from your ship to the meeting point is about 15 minutes, making it a manageable start. The tour begins with a quick visit to San Felipe Fort, which is a small but significant piece of local history, offering impressive views over the lagoon.

San Felipe Fort: A Brief Look

While not a long stop, the fort’s vantage point makes it worth a quick visit, especially if you’re into history or love panoramic shots. The $5 entrance fee is not included in the tour price, so remember to bring a little cash if you want to go inside.

Boat Ride and Lagoon Highlights

The real magic begins once you’re aboard the boat. Your first stop is Cenote la Bruja, which is famous for its crystal-clear waters and mesmerizing underwater formations. We loved how peaceful and striking this cenote looks—perfect for some photos or just soaking in the cool water.

Next, you’ll cruise through Pirate’s Channel, a narrow waterway with stories of pirates and hidden treasures attached to it. The boat ride here isn’t just about the scenery; your guide will share tales that add a fun, adventurous touch. Some reviews mention this part as a highlight, especially if you’re into pirate lore or simply enjoy the thrill of navigating narrow waterways.

After a swim to cool off, the tour continues to Cocalitos, another cenote known for its white sandy bottom and inviting turquoise waters. There, you can take another dip, relax, and enjoy the view—an authentic moment of calm amid the lively tour.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes roundtrip transport from Costa Maya port in an air-conditioned vehicle, which is a comfort in the tropical heat. Snacks—either a cheese or turkey sandwich, granola bar, chips, and fruit—are provided, along with bottled water, sodas, juice, and even beer for those interested.

The main costs not included are the $5 entry fee to San Felipe Fort, which travelers should budget for. With a maximum group size of about 80, you’ll likely be in a fairly sizable group, though the boat ride itself feels intimate enough.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

What We Liked

One of the biggest draws of this tour is the stunning lagoon views. The blue waters, especially at Cocalitos, are truly eye-catching—if a picture of turquoise waters makes your heart sing, you’ll find plenty of opportunities here. The boat ride through Pirate’s Channel adds a bit of adventure and storytelling fun, making the experience more lively.

The visit to San Felipe Fort, despite being short, provides a bit of history and a lookout point that makes the trip feel well-rounded—combining natural beauty with cultural insight. The inclusion of snacks and drinks makes the trip comfortable, and the roundtrip transfer means you don’t have to worry about logistics.

The Challenges

Some reviews point out that delays can be an issue, especially since the tour departs just an hour after your ship docks. One traveler shared frustration about not getting to go on the tour due to timing issues, which shows that in a busy port like Costa Maya, logistical hiccups can happen. The tour’s short duration might also leave some travelers wanting more time at each stop.

Plus, the tour is quite popular, with bookings made an average of 25 days in advance. If your schedule is tight, or if you prefer a more leisurely pace, this might feel rushed.

Who Will Love This

If you’re craving a quick but scenic escape with plenty of photo opportunities and a taste of local history, this tour hits the spot. It’s especially suitable for cruise guests who need a solid, organized outing that covers some major highlights without taking up the entire day.

Travelers interested in natural beauty, cenotes, and stories of pirates will find this an engaging experience. Keep in mind, it’s not designed for those seeking a deep dive into the region’s history or a relaxing full-day adventure. It’s a snapshot in time—short, sweet, and scenic.

Final Thoughts

This Bacalar Fort and Blue Lagoon Boat Ride combo offers a balanced glimpse of what Bacalar has to offer: striking waters, intriguing stories, and scenic stops. While the tour’s short duration and potential for delays might not suit everyone, the overall experience provides a satisfying taste of the lagoon’s natural beauty. The inclusion of snacks, drinks, and transportation adds good value for the price.

If you’re someone who loves picturesque landscapes and wants a hassle-free way to visit Bacalar from Costa Maya, this tour could be a good choice. Just keep your expectations aligned with the time constraints, and be aware that your experience could be affected by port logistics. It’s best for travelers who want a manageable, scenic outing to make some memorable photos and hear some pirate lore.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families?
It can be if your family enjoys boat rides and water stops. No specific age restrictions are mentioned, but keep in mind the tour is around 5.5 hours, so young children should be comfortable with that timeframe.

Does the tour include entrance fees?
No, but the $5 fee for San Felipe Fort isn’t included and should be paid separately if you choose to go inside.

What should I bring with me?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat. The tour provides snacks and drinks, but you might want to carry extra water or personal items.

Can I book this last minute?
It’s recommended to book about 25 days in advance on average, but availability can vary. Last-minute bookings might be harder to secure.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the roundtrip transfer is in an air-conditioned vehicle, making the journey comfortable, especially in the heat.

How long is the walk from the cruise port to the meeting point?
About 15 minutes, so wear comfortable shoes and plan accordingly.

What’s the group size?
Up to 80 travelers, so expect a lively, shared experience.

Are there any age restrictions?
Not explicitly mentioned, but the tour involves water stops and a boat ride, so keep that in mind with young children.

What if my cruise doesn’t call port?
You’ll get a full refund if your ship doesn’t dock in Costa Maya, making it a risk-free booking.

If scenic lagoon views, a splash of history, and a touch of pirate storytelling sound appealing, this tour could be a worthwhile option. Just remember to manage expectations about the timing and pace, and you’re likely to come away with some lovely memories of Bacalar.