Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon Boat Excursion from Costa Maya

If you’re cruising through Quintana Roo and looking for an experience that combines natural beauty with a touch of adventure, the Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon boat excursion might just be what you need. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, extensive reviews and the detailed itinerary paint a pretty enticing picture. From shimmering shades of blue to authentic Mexican bites, this trip promises a memorable day.

What we like about this tour? First, the small-group atmosphere means you won’t be lost in a crowd. Second, the stunning visuals of the lagoon’s seven hues of blue are genuinely captivating. Lastly, the combination of boat relaxation and local cuisine offers a well-rounded experience. That said, a potential downside is the long drive from Costa Maya—roughly an hour each way—which might be tiring for some travelers. This tour seems perfect for those craving a peaceful, scenic escape with comfort and authentic touches.

Key Points

• Stunning visuals: The lagoon’s seven shades of blue will leave you breathless.
• Small-group experience: Personalized service and more intimate interactions.
• Authentic Mexican lunch: Tacos with vegetarian and vegan options available.
• Comprehensive itinerary: From pickup to return, covering transport, boat, and meals.
• Value for money: At $140, it includes drinks, snacks, boat tour, and lunch.
• Ideal for: Adventure seekers, photography lovers, and those wanting a relaxed day in nature.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

How the Tour Begins: From Cruise Ship to Lagoon

The adventure kicks off right outside your Costa Maya cruise ship terminal. You’ll meet a friendly representative holding a sign with your name and hop into an air-conditioned vehicle—an important touch on hot days—heading toward the Bacalar Lagoon. The transfer takes roughly an hour, which some reviewers note as a bit of a long drive, but it’s a small price for the journey to one of Mexico’s most mesmerizing natural sites.

The Scenic Drive and Arrival at Bacalar

Once you arrive at the marina, the atmosphere shifts to relaxed. The boat awaits, ready to whisk you into the lagoon’s calm waters. This is where the magic begins. The boat cruise is typically around 2 hours, during which you can lounge, soak in the 7 different shades of blue, and marvel at how clear the water is. One reviewer, Tanja, mentioned: _”The trip was unforgettably beautiful,”_ highlighting how the small group size and personalized guide made the trip special.

The Lagoon: A Visual Feast

The highlight of the tour is definitely the Bacalar Lagoon itself. The water’s colors vary dramatically, from deep navy to soft aquamarine—hence the nickname “Seven Color Lagoon.” As you cruise, your guide will explain why the water appears so varied, often due to the different depths and mineral composition beneath the surface. It’s the kind of scenery that makes your camera work extra fun, and you’ll find yourself just wanting to stare at the changing shades.

Krzysztof’s review notes: _”Very nice views. Long drive from the port,”_ which underscores the importance of having realistic expectations about travel time. Still, the journey is rewarded by the real beauty of Bacalar’s waters, which are perfect for splashing around or just relaxing.

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The Food: Tacos and Snacks

After the boat ride, you’ll head to a favorite local spot for lunch, featuring traditional Mexican tacos—pork, beef, or shrimp—served with fresh guacamole. Vegetarian and vegan options can be arranged if you request in advance, which is great for dietary restrictions. The guide, as noted by Christiane, carefully picked a reliable spot, ensuring the meal is both tasty and authentic.

A delightful touch is the fruit snack prepared by the captain during the boat tour—refreshing, healthy, and perfect after some time in the sun. Drinks such as beer, tequila, juice, sodas, and water are included, making it easy to stay hydrated or indulge a little.

Returning to Costa Maya

The journey back includes a 75-minute van ride, providing some time to relax after a busy day of sightseeing. Most travelers, like Christiane, appreciated the punctuality and well-organized schedule, which ensured they returned to the port on time, avoiding any stress about missing the ship.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Start at Delisuper Costa Maya: The meeting point is straightforward; just follow signs after disembarking, with staff holding signs to guide you. Expect to walk through the terminal, pass shops, and meet your guide outside the port.

Van transfer (1 hour): A comfortable ride, though some reviews mention it as a longer haul. The journey gives a glimpse of local life outside the cruise zone.

Lagoon boat cruise (2 hours): The core of the experience. Expect relaxing views, friendly crew, and plenty of photo opportunities. The guide often prepares snacks and explains the lagoon’s special features.

Lunch (45 minutes): A quick, satisfying meal at a local restaurant. The focus is on authentic Mexican flavors, with options for different dietary needs.

Return transfer (75 minutes): The journey back to Costa Maya is smooth, with most guests feeling they had enough time at each stop to enjoy the scenery and food.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour offers good value, with most essentials covered—drinks, snacks, boat, transportation, and a guide in both English and Spanish. The inclusion of insurance and life jackets adds peace of mind. The only additional cost you might encounter is gratuity for the guide, which is customary but not included.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring sunglasses, sun hat, towel, and biodegradable sunscreen to stay protected.
• Carry cash for any extra purchases or tips.
• Be aware that the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues or wheelchair users.
• Plan your departure time based on your cruise schedule, keeping in mind that the tour will adjust if ships are delayed or arrive early.

Authentic Experiences and Real Guest Perspectives

Reviewers consistently highlight the knowledgeable guides, especially Jhoana, who’s praised for her friendly and informative approach. One reviewer called her “very personable,” making the experience more engaging.

The stunning scenery garners the most admiration, with comments like: _”The lagoon is beautiful,”_ and _”the views are worth the long drive.”_ The boat trip’s relaxed pace and small group size often make guests feel like they’re exploring with friends rather than in a large tour crowd.

Many appreciate the timely organization, ensuring they return to port on schedule, which is critical for cruise passengers. The included local lunch is also a highlight, offering a taste of genuine Mexican cuisine with vegetarian options, which shows the tour’s attentiveness to different dietary needs.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

For travelers seeking breathtaking vistas and a peaceful boat ride, this excursion offers a wonderful chance to see Bacalar’s celebrated lagoon. The small-group setting creates an intimate atmosphere, perfect for photography, relaxing, or simply enjoying nature’s artwork.

The tour’s comprehensive package—covering transportation, boat, guide, snacks, and a tasty lunch—makes it a solid value at $140 per person. While the drive is a bit lengthy, many find the scenery along the way and the beauty of Bacalar itself more than compensate.

This experience is especially suited for those who love nature, photography, or authentic local food. It’s also a good pick for cruise travelers who want a well-organized, worry-free day trip with plenty of gorgeous views and friendly service.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I get to the meeting point?
After disembarking your cruise, walk or take the trolley to the terminal building, then follow signs under the tower to the exit. A representative will be waiting outside with a sign bearing your name.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and cash for extras or tips. These items will help you stay comfortable during the day.

How long is the drive from Costa Maya?
The transfer to Bacalar takes about an hour each way, so expect to spend roughly two hours total on transportation.

What’s included in the tour?
Your package includes drinks (beer, tequila, juice, sodas, water), fruit and snacks, a boat tour, life jackets, a bilingual guide, a taco lunch, round-trip transportation, and insurance.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?
Yes, vegetarian and vegan options can be arranged if requested in advance, ensuring everyone can enjoy the meal.

Is the boat tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally suitable for most, but it’s not explicitly designed for mobility-impaired or wheelchair users. Children should be supervised at all times around water.

What is the duration of the entire experience?
The total tour lasts approximately 5 hours, including travel time, boat cruise, lunch, and return transfer.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for travel plans.

What language is the tour guide?
Guides are bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish, to accommodate diverse travelers.

Would I recommend this tour?
Absolutely, especially if you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic day out with friendly guides, delicious food, and stunning views. Just be prepared for the drive, and you’ll have a memorable experience.

To sum it up, the Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon boat excursion from Costa Maya offers an impressive blend of natural beauty, cultural authenticity, and relaxed comfort. It’s perfect for travelers who value personalized experiences and are eager to capture some of Mexico’s most beautiful waters on camera. While it requires a bit of travel time, the payoff is a day filled with spectacular scenery, friendly service, and authentic flavors—making it well worth considering for your next cruise stop.

You can check availability for your dates here: