Bacalar Lagoon Sightseeing Boat Tour with Open Bar and Snacks

Exploring Bacalar’s Lagoon by Boat: A Practical Review of the Open Bar & Cenote Tour

If you’re dreaming of a relaxing day floating in the famous Lagoon of Seven Colors, this Bacalar boat tour might be just what you need. It promises a laid-back half-day adventure with plenty of opportunities to swim, snack, and sip drinks while soaking up some truly spectacular scenery. As someone who’s seen a lot of tours, I can say that the most appealing aspects are the knowledgeable guides and the delicious food and drinks, which really elevate the experience.

That said, a possible hitch is the group size—with up to 30 travelers, it can feel a bit crowded, especially if you’re craving more space to relax or swim freely. Still, if you’re after a fun, social outing that combines sightseeing with comfort and good value, this tour is worth considering. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who want a mix of nature, culture, and a leisurely vibe, without too much hassle.

Key Points

• Comfortable 4-hour experience that balances sightseeing and relaxation
• Includes an open bar with beer, tequila, soda, juice, and water—no need to worry about staying hydrated or having a drink
• Visit multiple cenotes and the Bird Island, with opportunities to swim, take photos, and learn about local formations
• Guides are praised for their knowledge and friendly approach, making the experience engaging and informative
• Good value for the price of around $50 per person, considering the stops, drinks, and snacks included
• Cancellations are flexible if made 24 hours in advance, with full refunds offered

Diving Into The Details: What to Expect from the Bacalar Lagoon Tour

The Itinerary—What’s Included and Why It Matters

This tour kicked off at the well-located Amir AdvenTours meeting point in Bacalar, making it easy to find. You get the choice of a 10 AM or 3 PM departure, which is fantastic because you can plan your day around the weather and your energy levels. Either time offers a different vibe—the morning might be cooler and less crowded, while the afternoon promises a gorgeous sunset over Bird Island.

The first stop is the Pirates’ Channel, a fun starting point that sets the tone for the cruise. It’s a scenic passage that hints at Bacalar’s pirate history, plus it’s a good chance to settle into the boat and meet your fellow travelers. The tour then takes you past the Black Cenote—a spot renowned for its deep, dark waters. Here, you might find yourself marveling at the cenote’s mysterious aura; some reviews mention the interior exploration, which adds a little adventure element.

Next up is Cenote Esmeralda—arguably one of the highlights. The shallow, calm waters here make it perfect for swimming and relaxing. Many travelers enjoy unwinding with a picnic of seasonal fruits, which are included, enhancing that laid-back vibe. A review even mentions that the drinks and fruit were “great” and that guides were “nice,” emphasizing the hospitable atmosphere.

The Cocalitos Cenote is a must-see for those interested in natural formations. It’s famous for its stromatolites—some of the oldest life forms on the planet—giving you a chance to learn about these ancient rock formations from your guides, who are praised for their knowledge. It’s a good photo op and a reminder of how unique the environment is.

Finally, the boat reaches Bird Island—the ideal spot for swimming, soaking in the sunset (if on the afternoon tour), and observing migratory birds. Many reviews rave about the friendly guides and the beautiful scenery here. People often mention how peaceful and picturesque this part of the tour is—perfect for unwinding.

What Travelers Say About the Experience

One of the most common compliments from past travelers is the friendly and knowledgeable guides. They’re described as engaging, sharing interesting facts about the cenotes and lagoon, which makes the experience more enriching. For instance, one reviewer exclaimed, “Miguel was a wonderful captain,” highlighting the quality of the tour leadership.

The food and drinks receive high praise as well. The open bar includes beer, tequila, soda, juice, and water, ensuring everyone stays refreshed. Several reviews mention the plentiful drinks and seasonal fruits, with some noting that they appreciated the snacks provided during the stops—like fresh fruit platters and even tacos in certain cases.

A particularly touching review shared how the tour staff helped celebrate a birthday, supplying balloons and lighting candles on a cake. This shows that the team is accommodating and attentive, creating memorable moments beyond just sightseeing.

The Practicalities—What You Need to Know

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, which feels just right—long enough to visit multiple spots but not so long that it drags. The group size is capped at 30 travelers, which keeps things manageable but can still feel lively. The cost is around $50.43 per person, and considering the stops, drinks, and snacks, it’s a fair deal.

Cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance, giving you some flexibility if the weather looks uncooperative. The tour is subject to weather conditions, and if canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be rescheduled or refunded.

Note that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point. Towels and snorkeling gear are also not included, but you might find the shallow cenotes suitable for a quick swim without much equipment.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a laid-back, social outing that combines nature, culture, and refreshing drinks. It’s well-suited for those who enjoy guided tours with friendly staff and want to see the highlights of Bacalar without the hassle of planning each stop. Families with older children might find it suitable, especially if everyone enjoys swimming and picnics, but younger children should be supervised closely due to the open water and boat environment.

If you’re seeking a relaxing way to explore Bacalar’s cenotes, learn about their significance, and enjoy good company, this tour ticks those boxes. Keep in mind that if you prefer a more private or quiet experience, this group setting might be less ideal.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

All in all, this Bacalar Lagoon boat tour offers great value. The combination of beautiful scenery, friendly guides, delicious food, and refreshing drinks makes it an excellent choice for those wanting to experience Bacalar without overcomplicating things. The stops are thoughtfully selected to showcase the lagoon’s natural and geological wonders, and the friendly, knowledgeable staff really enhance the day.

If you’re after a fun, social, and scenic outing with a good balance of swimming, sightseeing, and lounging, this tour ticks the boxes. It’s especially good for travelers who want a full overview of Bacalar’s highlights in a single afternoon or morning, with the added bonus of an open bar.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
It runs for approximately 4 hours, giving you enough time to enjoy the stops without feeling rushed.

What’s included in the tour?
You get an open bar with beer, tequila, soda, juice, and water, seasonal fruits, safety equipment, a local guide, and the boat.

Are there any additional costs?
Not unless you want to rent snorkeling equipment or need hotel transportation, as these are not included.

Can I cancel if the weather’s bad?
Yes, cancellations are free if made 24 hours in advance. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a new date or full refund.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children are welcome but must be supervised, especially on the boat and in the water.

Do I need to bring my own towel?
Towels are not provided, so it’s a good idea to bring one if you plan to swim or get wet.

How many stops are there?
There are five main stops or pass-bys, including the Pirates’ Channel, cenotes, and Bird Island.

Do I need to snorkel to enjoy the tour?
Snorkeling equipment is not included, but the shallow waters at some cenotes make swimming enjoyable without gear.

Is there a minimum group size?
Yes, the tour requires a minimum number of travelers to operate, but no specific number is published. The maximum is 30.

What’s the best time to go?
You can choose between morning or afternoon. The afternoon offers a sunset experience, while the morning might be calmer and cooler.

In the end, if you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic, and sociable way to explore Bacalar’s lagoon, this boat tour is a solid pick. It balances fun, learning, and comfort, offering a day to remember in one of Mexico’s most striking natural spots.