Full-Day Tour to 7 Colors Bacalar Lagoon with Lunch

Contents show

Discovering the Magic of Bacalar Lagoon: A Full-Day Tour Review

Stepping into the world of Bacalar, you’ll find a place that combines spectacular natural beauty with intriguing history and vibrant local culture. This full-day tour from Riviera Maya promises to reveal the lagoon’s mesmerizing hues, hidden cenotes, and stories of pirates and Maya warriors — all wrapped into one seamless experience.

What draws most travelers in? We love the stunning vistas of the Lagoon of Seven Colors, the chance to sail in a small boat guided by expert storytellers, and the opportunity to refresh in gorgeous cenotes. The only thing to keep in mind is that the tour’s pace can be quite full, so if you prefer slow mornings or unstructured wandering, this might feel a bit busy.

This tour is tailor-made for adventure lovers, culture seekers, and anyone craving a day of natural beauty with a touch of history and good food. It’s especially ideal for those staying in the Riviera Maya or Playa del Carmen who want to get a taste of authentic Mexico beyond the usual beach scene.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Vivid Colors: Experience the Lagoon of Seven Colors, renowned for its striking, layered shades.
Historical Insights: Learn about Bacalar’s past from Maya times through pirate tales to Spanish conquest.
Scenic Boat Ride: Cruise on a small boat, guided by locals familiar with the lagoon’s secrets.
Swimmable Cenotes: Enjoy the cooling waters of Cocalitos and Esmeralda cenotes.
Authentic Mexican Lunch: Savor a hearty, included meal that complements the day’s adventures.
All-Inclusive Feel: Snacks, bottled water, and entry to Fuerte San Felipe make it convenient.
Group Size & Transport: Small groups with air-conditioned vehicles make for comfortable, personalized experiences.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Bacalar

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You Can Expect

Pickup & Transportation

The tour begins early, with pick-up from hotels and accommodations in the Riviera Maya area, specifically from the Generations Hotel or near the Sirenis Hotel. The transportation is air-conditioned and comfortable, helping you start the day on a relaxed note. Note that the tour does not cover downtown Playa del Carmen or Tulum hotels, so travelers need to coordinate accordingly.

Travel to Bacalar

The drive to Bacalar takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, giving you ample time to enjoy the scenery and get excited about the day ahead. Our experience is that the bus is generally quiet, with some tours offering light snacks or water — handy for the journey.

More Great Tours Nearby

Exploring Bacalar & Fuerte San Felipe

Once in Bacalar, your guide will introduce you to the village’s charming atmosphere. A visit to Fuerte San Felipe is included, where you’ll learn about the area’s strategic importance and its role in defending against pirates and invaders. These historical snippets are sprinkled with colorful stories, making the visit both educational and fun.

There's plenty more to explore in Bacalar

Lagoon of Seven Colors Boat Tour

The highlight of the day is the boat cruise in the Lagoon of Seven Colors. This small boat, usually guided by an expert who shares tales of pirates, Maya warriors, and the unique formation of the lagoon, makes for an engaging experience. As one reviewer noted, “The boat was small but perfect for the intimate vibe,” allowing everyone to see the vivid layers of blue and green hues that make Bacalar so famous.

Swimming & Cenote Visits

After the boat ride, you’ll stop at Cocalitos and Esmeralda cenotes for a refreshing swim. These natural pools are highlights for many, often described as crystal-clear and tranquil. The cenotes are ideal spots to cool off, capture photos, and simply enjoy the peaceful, mirror-like waters.

Lunch & Leisure

A well-deserved Mexican-style lunch is included and served at a local spot or during the tour, depending on the schedule. Reviewers mention the meal as hearty and satisfying, usually featuring traditional dishes like tacos, grilled meats, or local specialties.

Wrap-up & Return

After a full day of exploring, the tour heads back to your Riviera Maya hotel, usually arriving in the late afternoon or early evening. The return trip offers time to relax and reflect on your day of natural beauty and history.

The Experience: What Stands Out

The vistas of Bacalar’s lagoon are truly breathtaking. The way the water shifts from deep blue to aquamarine depending on the light and depth is something you’ll want to capture repeatedly. Many travelers mention the ‘Seven Colors’ as a visual highlight, and you’ll quickly understand how it gets its name.

The boat tour is described as small and intimate, often with guides like “Carlos,” who are passionate about sharing stories. Multiple reviews emphasize the pirate tales and historical anecdotes, giving the experience a storytelling charm that elevates the boat ride beyond just sightseeing.

The cenotes are another favorite. Reviewers describe swimming in the transparent waters as a highlight, with some calling the Cenote Cocalitos ‘like swimming in a giant mirror’. These cenotes are also eco-friendly, with minimal infrastructure, making the experience feel authentic.

The included lunch adds great value, offering a taste of local flavors after a morning of sightseeing. It’s generally well-reviewed, with many appreciating the effort to include a hearty meal within the day’s schedule.

Practical Considerations and Tips

Pricing & Value: At $140 per person, the tour offers a comprehensive package — transportation, guide, boat tour, cenotes, and lunch. However, there’s an additional $450 MXN per person fee for admissions, taxes, and maritime transport, which is typical for such excursions but good to budget for.
Duration & Pace: Lasting around 10 to 12 hours, this tour is long but packed. It’s best suited for those who enjoy a full day of activity and don’t mind a busy schedule.
Weather & Packing: Expect sunny weather; bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, and a towel. Waterproof bags are helpful for the cenotes.
Group Size & Comfort: Small groups tend to make the experience more personal, and the air-conditioned vehicle helps keep everyone comfortable during transit.
Booking & Cancellation: You can reserve with the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance, which makes it easier to plan without stress.

Who Is This Tour For?

This experience suits travelers who want a balanced mix of natural wonders, history, and local culture. It’s ideal for adventure enthusiasts, families, or couples looking for a full-day escape. If you enjoy beautiful landscapes, storytelling guides, and swimming in cenotes, you’ll find plenty to love here.

Those who prefer more leisure time or unstructured exploration might find the schedule a little hectic, but for most, the variety of activities keeps the day lively and memorable.

The Sum Up

This Bacalar Lagoon tour from Riviera Maya offers a fantastic blend of vivid scenery, cultural insights, and relaxing swims. The boat cruise across the famed lagoon provides picture-perfect moments, while the cenote dips offer refreshing breaks from the tropical heat. The inclusion of lunch, comfortable transportation, and expert guides makes it a well-rounded day trip for those eager to explore beyond the coast.

It’s best suited for travelers who value authentic natural beauty with a touch of history and local flavor. If you’re after a full day of adventure, stunning views, and meaningful storytelling, this tour delivers on all fronts.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 10 to 12 hours, including travel, activities, and breaks.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transportation, lunch, snacks, bottled water, and entry to Fuerte San Felipe.

Are there additional costs?
Yes, there’s a $450 MXN per person fee for admissions, taxes, and maritime transportation.

Where does the tour start?
Pick-up is available from hotels in the Riviera Maya area, with the main meeting point outside Starbucks DT near Dominos Pizza Wing in Tulum.

Is the boat tour private or shared?
It’s a small boat guided by an expert guide, creating an intimate experience but not necessarily private.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and waterproof bags for valuables. Comfortable shoes are also recommended for walking around Bacalar.

This tour is an excellent choice for those dreaming of a day filled with stunning views, cultural stories, and refreshing swims. It balances adventure with relaxation, offering a glimpse into the lesser-known treasures of the Mexican Caribbean.