Full-Day Lagoon of Seven Colors at Bacalar from Tulum City

Exploring the Lagoon of Seven Colors at Bacalar from Tulum: An Honest Look

If you’re considering a day trip from Tulum to Bacalar, you’re probably drawn by the promise of stunning scenery, crystal-clear waters, and a taste of local charm. This full-day tour offers a chance to see Bacalar’s famed lagoon, swim in a cenote, and enjoy a boat ride—all bundled into a single experience. While it sounds pretty ideal for nature lovers and those eager for a relaxed day, there are a few things to keep in mind before booking.

What really stands out about this tour are the beautiful views of Bacalar’s waters and the knowledgeable guides who bring the experience to life. Plus, the included breakfast and lunch make it a convenient option for travelers wanting to spend the day exploring without fussing over meals. However, some reviews point out that not everything lives up to the hype and that some parts of the experience might feel a bit basic or underwhelming.

Ultimately, this tour is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive outing that hits the highlights of Bacalar’s natural beauty without spending too much time planning. If you’re looking for a laid-back day with scenic views and don’t mind a few hiccups, it could be a good fit. But if you prefer more luxurious or personalized experiences, you might want to look elsewhere.

Key Points

• Includes transportation, meals, and activities for a hassle-free day trip.
• Stunning scenery at Bacalar lagoon and Cenote Azul, perfect for photos and relaxing.
• Guides are praised for their knowledge and friendly attitude.
• Some reviews mention basic facilities and food quality issues.
• Timing is long (around 12 hours), so it’s best suited for those ready for a full day.
• Limited hotel pickup info suggests you’ll meet at a designated point, not directly at your accommodation.

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

While this tour promises a full day of exploration, it’s important to understand what that actually entails and what you can expect from each part of the itinerary. We’ll break down each stop with honest insights.

Starting Out: Meeting Point and Early Morning

The tour begins bright and early at Súper Akí Tulum at 7:50 am. From the get-go, you’ll notice the focus is on convenience—transportation is included, which spares you the hassle of arranging your own ride. The group size tops out at around 50 travelers, so it’s large but manageable. Be sure to arrive on time because the departure window is tight.

The Road to Bacalar: Scenic Drive and Breakfast

The journey from Tulum to Bacalar is roughly a couple of hours, giving you a chance to relax and soak in the scenery once you’re on the road. The tour’s highlight here is the regional breakfast—a good way to fuel up before a day of activities. Expect local flavors, although the review from Yaron_L suggests that the food at some stops might not meet everyone’s standards.

Bacalar Town and Heritage

Once in Bacalar, you’ll spend about 3 hours exploring the town. This is a chance to see the heritage and culture of this small, tranquil town. Bacalar is known for its natural attractions and peaceful vibe—perfect for a short visit. However, some guests might find the facilities and activities at the stops a bit basic. One reviewer noted that the restaurant and beach club were quite simple, and the food wasn’t great.

Cenote Azul: Refreshing Swim and Photos

The highlight for many is the visit to Cenote Azul, where you’ll get to swim in the clear, refreshing waters. It’s a great spot to cool off and snap some photos of the vibrant scenery. Entrance to the cenote is included, and you can expect to spend around 2 hours here. The cenote’s waters tend to be a major draw, offering that perfect setting for a quick dip.

Boat Ride and Lagoon Views

Next, a 2-hour boat ride takes you across Bacalar’s famous lagoon. The lagoon is lauded for its various shades of blue and the impressive length of over 34 miles. During the boat trip, guides point out notable sights, including the San Felipe Fort—a picturesque historical landmark. The boat ride gives you an up-close experience of the natural beauty, and many find it a relaxing way to see the area.

Free Time and Relaxation

After the boat ride, you have some free time in Bacalar to swim, relax, or explore on your own. This is a good opportunity to unwind, take photos, or simply soak in the scenery. Be aware that the quality of the facilities here is often described as basic, so manage your expectations accordingly.

Scenic Drive Through Bacalar

On your way back, your guide takes you on a guided tour around town to view San Felipe Fort from a panoramic perspective. It’s a quick but scenic drive that helps put the town’s history and scenery into context.

Lunch and Wrap-up

The day ends with a delicious meal, included in the price, at a local restaurant. While many travelers enjoy the food, some reviews mention the terrible quality of the meal, so if you’re a foodie, this might be a minor disappointment. The tour wraps up back at the starting point around 7 pm, making it a long day but jam-packed with sights.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour’s price of $123 per person covers transportation, breakfast, lunch, a boat ride, and entry to Cenote Azul. That’s quite comprehensive for a full-day outing, especially considering the transportation logistics are handled for you. However, the beverages at restaurants are not included, so bring some cash if you want drinks or snacks during meals.

Transportation and Group Size

Transportation is shared, and the pickup is from a central point, not from individual hotels, which some travelers might find inconvenient. The group size can be up to 50 travelers, so it’s not private but manageable. The lengthy duration and large group can sometimes lead to a less intimate experience.

The Honest Pros and Cons

What we like:

• The stunning views of Bacalar’s waters and cenotes make for memorable photos.
• Guides are often praised for their knowledge and friendly demeanor, adding value to the trip.
• The organized meals and activities mean you don’t have to plan much on your own.

Potential drawbacks:

• Some parts of the tour, especially the facilities at certain stops, are quite basic.
• The food quality at the restaurant has received mixed reviews.
• It’s a long day, which might be tiring, especially if you prefer shorter excursions.
• Hotel pickup is not included, requiring you to meet at the designated starting point.

From the reviews, it’s clear that while the views and guides are appreciated, the overall experience can feel a bit standard and unspectacular for those expecting a more premium outing.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is a solid choice if you’re after a cost-effective, full-day exploration of Bacalar with all logistics handled. It’s suited for travelers who don’t mind a large group and are content with a well-rounded, no-frills adventure. If you’re keen to see the lagoon, swim in cenotes, and enjoy scenic views without splurging on private tours, this could fit the bill.

However, if you’re looking for luxury, personalized service, or gourmet meals, you might find this tour somewhat lacking. Also, if you prefer hotel pickup and drop-off, you’ll need to arrange other options.

FAQs

Does this tour include hotel pickup?
No, pickup is at Súper Akí Tulum, so you’ll need to get there yourself or arrange your own transport.

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts around 12 hours, starting early in the morning and returning in the evening.

Are meals included?
Yes, breakfast and lunch are included, but beverages at restaurants are not.

Can I swim at Bacalar lagoon and Cenote Azul?
Yes, both spots are perfect for swimming, and you’ll have free time to relax and enjoy the water.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While most of the activities are outdoor and family-friendly, the long day and group setting might be tiring for very young children. It’s best suited for older kids and adults.

What’s the main highlight of the tour?
Many would say the boat ride and the scenic views of Bacalar’s famous lagoon, with its different shades of blue, are the top draws.

What’s the cost and does it seem fair?
At $123, it offers a good amount of activities and transportation. Given the inclusions, it’s reasonably priced, but some may find the basic facilities and food quality a drawback.

Is this tour weather-dependent?
Yes, like most outdoor activities, poor weather could lead to cancellations or rescheduling.

How many people will be on the tour?
Up to 50 travelers, which means it’s a group experience rather than private.

All in all, this Bacalar tour offers a practical way to enjoy its natural beauty and highlights without too much fuss. If you’re looking for a relaxed, guided day with scenic spots and don’t mind some basic amenities, it’s worth considering. Just keep your expectations in check, especially regarding food and facilities, and you’ll likely have a pleasant day soaking in the beauty of this remarkable lagoon.