Bacalar Lagoon of 7 Colors from Playa del Carmen and Tulum

Bacalar Lagoon of 7 Colors from Playa del Carmen and Tulum: A Detailed Look

Thinking about adding Bacalar to your Mexican itinerary? This tour offers a chance to see one of the most visually striking lagoons in the region, renowned for its shimmering, multicolored waters. While it’s a long day—around 10 to 11 hours—many travelers find the experience well worth the effort. We’re here to give you a balanced breakdown, so you can decide if it fits your travel style.

What we really like about this trip is the inclusion of both transport and activities—no hidden costs—and the time allocated on the water for truly soaking in the views. Plus, the guides are often praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the trip more engaging. On the flip side, it’s a pretty full day, and the drive from Playa del Carmen or Tulum can be quite long, which might be tiring for some. If you’re after a relaxed, scenic escape with plenty of water activities, this tour could be a good fit; if you prefer a more leisurely pace, it’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Comprehensive experience with boat trips, cenotes, and scenic stops.
• Includes lunch, water, and beer, offering good value for a full-day outing.
• Long travel time from Playa del Carmen or Tulum, so prepare for a bit of a journey.
• Group size limited to 18, making for a more personalized feel.
• Eco tax of MX$500 per person payable on the day—be prepared.
• Guides are highly praised for their multilingual skills and knowledge.

What to Expect from the Bacalar Lagoon Tour

This tour is designed as a full-day adventure, giving you a chance to explore Bacalar’s famous Lagoon of Seven Colors along with its unique features like cenotes, pirate channels, and stromatolites. The day kicks off early, with pick-up from your accommodation or meeting point in Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Playacar. From there, it’s about a 3 to 4-hour drive to Bacalar—expect a comfortable, air-conditioned ride, but be aware that this long journey is a significant part of the experience.

Once you arrive, the standout is the boat trip on the lagoon itself. You’ll cruise across waters that shift from bright aquamarine to deep blue, with views so striking that many reviews mention they look like they belong on a postcard. During this boat ride, you’ll also visit the cenote (a natural sinkhole with crystal-clear water), the pirate channel, and stromatolites—ancient microbial structures that are rare to see in the wild.

The Highlights: In-Depth

Lago Bacalar (Lake of the Seven Colors)

This is the real star of the trip. The water’s vivid hues are mesmerizing, and the boat tour allows you to appreciate the scale and beauty of the lagoon. Travelers frequently mention how breathtaking the water is, with TiffanyWyatt describing it as “breathtaking” and “beautiful.” The fact that the tour includes tickets and an experienced guide means you won’t miss out on any interesting facts or hidden spots.

Boat tour in the lagoon

This is about 5 hours, giving you ample time to relax and enjoy the scenery. Many reviews praise the guides for their friendliness and multilingual skills—some guides, like Mr. Arthur, speak three languages, making it accessible for international travelers. The boat visits the cenote, which is often described as stunning and inviting, perfect for a quick swim. Visitors also remark on the pirate channel, which adds a dash of local legend to the day, and stromatolites, which are thought-provoking geological formations.

Additional stops and swimming spots

The tour offers time to swim and enjoy the water, which many find a highlight. One reviewer, Tetsuya, shared that he and his son “truly enjoyed the lagoon,” even though no tropical fishes were seen. It’s clear that the visual experience is the main draw rather than underwater wildlife.

Lunch and refreshments

Included in the price is an à la carte lunch, with reviews indicating the meal is generous and satisfying, though some mention it’s a buffet rather than a made-to-order meal. Water and beer are provided free of charge, which adds to the value, especially after a long morning of activities. Although some reviews mention the food as “not to their taste,” overall, it’s more about convenience and filling up after a morning of exploring.

Transport and Group Dynamics

The journey from Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Playacar is by air-conditioned vehicle, with most travelers feeling comfortable despite the long drive. The group size is capped at 18, which helps create a more intimate experience compared to larger, more crowded tours. The pickup is straightforward, with most reviews noting punctuality.

The Downside: What to Keep in Mind

The biggest consideration is the length of the day—around 11 to 12 hours including ground travel and activities. If you’re not a fan of long bus trips, this might be tiring. The drive from Playa del Carmen is approximately 3 hours each way, which some reviews mention as a bit of a trek, but the scenery and the lagoon make it worthwhile.

Another point to consider is the eco tax of MX$500 per person, payable on the day of the tour. It’s an unavoidable fee that adds to the overall cost, so budget accordingly. Some travelers also noted that the boat doesn’t enter the pirate channel, which might be a disappointment if that was a key attraction for you.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is best suited for those who want a full immersion in Bacalar’s stunning waters, enjoy boat rides, and are okay with a long day on the road. It’s a good pick if you value guided experiences, included meals, and the chance to see one of Mexico’s most colorful lagoons. It’s particularly appealing to travelers who appreciate knowledgeable guides and don’t mind a busy schedule.

If you’re traveling with a group that enjoys scenic water tours and is looking to explore beyond the typical beaches, this trip ticks those boxes. However, if you prefer a more relaxed, less structured day, or are sensitive to long bus rides, you might want to consider alternative options or perhaps stay overnight in Bacalar itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the drive from Playa del Carmen or Tulum to Bacalar?
The round-trip drive is approximately 3 hours each way, making it a long day but also providing scenic views during the journey.

Is lunch included in the tour?
Yes, an à la carte lunch is included. The meal is generally described as generous, though some reviews mention it’s more buffet-style.

Are drinks included?
Yes, water and beer are provided free of charge throughout the day, which helps keep everyone rehydrated after the boat trip and activities.

What is the eco tax, and do I have to pay it?
Yes, there’s a MX$500 eco tax per person payable on the day of the tour. It’s a standard fee for access to the lagoon’s protected areas.

How big are the groups?
The tour caps at 18 travelers, creating a more personal experience compared to large coach tours.

What makes this tour special compared to other Bacalar excursions?
It offers a well-rounded experience with a boat trip, stops at key natural features like the cenote and stromatolites, plus included meals and drinks.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While most reviews highlight its appeal to adult travelers, families with children who enjoy water activities and scenic boat rides should find it suitable, but always consider the long drive for younger kids.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your schedule shifts.

All in all, this Bacalar Lagoon of 7 Colors tour offers a comprehensive look at one of Mexico’s most beautiful natural sights. It combines scenic boat rides, cultural stops, and good value, making it a solid choice for travelers eager to explore beyond the usual beach scene. Just be prepared for a full day and the associated travel time—those vibrant waters are worth the trip.