Tulum: Bacalar Lagoon Experience! Boat Ride and Cenote Azul

Exploring Mexico’s Quintana Roo region often means visiting Tulum’s famed beaches or Cancun’s lively scene, but this tour offers a quieter, nature-filled alternative with a trip to Bacalar. It’s a full-day adventure designed for those seeking scenic beauty, authentic local flavors, and a taste of the region’s lush landscapes, all comfortably organized for you.

What makes this experience appealing? First, the guided boat ride around Bacalar Lagoon promises stunning views of what’s often called the “Lake of Seven Colors.” Second, the visit to Cenote Azul offers a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters that’s perfect after a long day. Third, the included meals—regional breakfast and traditional Mexican lunch—add real value and a taste of local cuisine.

A thing to consider? The lengthy transportation time—around 6-7 hours each way—means you should be comfortable with long bus rides. This makes it more suitable for those who love scenic journeys and are eager to explore beyond the usual tourist hotspots.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a well-rounded day of nature, culture, and relaxation, especially if you appreciate guided experiences with knowledgeable guides and authentic food. It’s perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and discover a more peaceful side of Quintana Roo.

Contents show

Key Points

Comfortable round transportation from Tulum ensures a stress-free start to your day.
Inclusion of meals provides good value, with a regional breakfast and Mexican lunch.
Guided boat ride offers scenic views and an educational perspective on Bacalar’s natural beauty.
Swimming at Cenote Azul gives a refreshing break and a chance to relax in clear, turquoise waters.
Time allocation balances travel, sightseeing, and free time for swimming or relaxing.
Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with local insights and multiple language options.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary in Detail

This full-day tour begins early, with a pickup at your Tulum hotel. The first hour or so is dedicated to a comfortable bus ride, which gives you the chance to soak in the landscape as you leave the coast behind. On the way, your guides will serve you a regional breakfast, including a choice of local dishes, setting the tone for a day immersed in authentic flavors.

Arriving at Bacalar, the first stop is the stunning Cenote Azul. This natural sinkhole is famous for its vivid blue waters and smooth limestone formations. Expect to spend some time swimming and cooling off — a highlight for many travelers, especially those who’ve been exploring hotter regions of Mexico. One reviewer noted, “The lagoon is majestic,” and the cenote’s clear waters really do live up to the hype. To make your swim safe, entrance is included, and there’s an option to rent a life jacket for 50 pesos if you prefer extra buoyancy.

Next, your guides will take you on a boat ride around Bacalar Lagoon — around two hours of cruising that reveals some of the area’s most beautiful sights. The boat trip offers panoramic views, and guides often share interesting tidbits about the local environment and the lagoon’s seven shades of blue. During the ride, you might spot wildlife, like herons or aquatic birds, and learn about the ecological significance of this waterway. One reviewer mentioned that the guides, including Arturo and Francisco, did a fantastic job communicating in multiple languages and kept the trip engaging.

After the boat adventure, you’ll have some free time at Bacalar’s park area. Here, you can swim, relax, or simply enjoy the serene surroundings. It’s an ideal chance to unwind before heading into town for your next stop: a panoramic view of the San Felipe Fort. This historic structure adds a dash of local history to the journey, with some travelers noting it as a “great photo opportunity.”

Your day continues with a traditional Mexican meal at a local restaurant, which is included in the tour price. You can choose from a selection of dishes, giving you a taste of regional cuisine. Many reviewers appreciated the good quality of the meals, with one saying, “The guides knew many languages and made the trip fun,” which contributed to a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

The tour wraps up with a visit back to the meeting point in Tulum, after a long but rewarding 13-hour day. The overall experience balances scenic exploration, culture, and leisure, making it a memorable day trip for those who like a mix of activities.

Like being on the water? We've looked at these other boat experiences in Bacalar

What We Love About This Tour

Knowledgeable Guides: The guides, including Arturo and Francisco, were praised for their fluency and ability to communicate effectively in multiple languages, making the trip informative and fun.

Authentic Food: The included breakfast and lunch offered regional flavors, adding a cultural layer to the experience that many travelers valued.

Beautiful Natural Settings: Whether it’s the vivid Cenote Azul waters or the tranquil Bacalar Lagoon, the scenery is top-notch and perfect for photography or just relaxing.

Comprehensive Experience: With a boat ride, swimming, sightseeing, and dining, this tour provides a well-rounded look at the area’s highlights.

Considerations Before Booking

While the experience covers a lot, the long transportation hours—around 6 to 7 hours each way—may be a challenge for some travelers, especially if you’re prone to motion sickness or fatigue from long bus rides. The schedule is also somewhat flexible—the itinerary may vary, and the order of stops can change, so don’t expect a rigid timetable.

Plus, activities like renting a life jacket at the cenote cost a small extra fee (50 pesos), and photos are not included, so you might want to bring your camera or smartphone prepared for waterproof use.

Lastly, this tour is not suitable for babies under 1 year or people over 70, so check your personal comfort and health considerations before booking.

Value for Money

At $140 per person, this tour offers a lot in terms of experiences and inclusions. Guided transportation, guided boat ride, meals, and entrance fees are bundled together, which can be more cost-effective than organizing each element separately. Plus, the opportunity to see Bacalar’s natural beauty from a boat, swim at Cenote Azul, and enjoy regional cuisine makes it a solid choice for travelers wanting an immersive day trip without the hassle of planning.

More Great Tours Nearby

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers who love nature, scenic boat rides, and authentic food. It’s perfect for those eager to get off the beaten path from Tulum and discover a quieter, more laid-back side of Quintana Roo.

It’s especially suited for travelers comfortable with long travel hours, as the bus ride consumes a significant part of the day. If you enjoy guided tours with a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and culture, you’ll find this trip rewarding.

It’s a good pick for couples, small groups, or solo travelers looking for an all-in-one day adventure. However, if you prefer ultra-flexible or self-paced trips, this tour might feel a bit structured.

There's plenty more to explore in Bacalar

FAQ

Is transportation round-trip from Tulum included?
Yes, the tour includes round transportation from outside your hotel in Tulum, making logistics easier.

What’s the duration of the tour?
It lasts around 13 hours, with most of the time spent traveling and engaging in activities.

Are meals included?
Yes, both breakfast and lunch are included, with each offering a choice of regional and Mexican dishes.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, towel, biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, and insect repellent.

Can I rent a life jacket at the cenote?
Yes, life jackets are available for 50 pesos, but they are not included in the tour price.

Is this suitable for children or seniors?
It’s not recommended for babies under 1 year or people over 70, mainly due to the long travel hours and activity levels.

Are photos included in the package?
No, photos are not included, so consider bringing your camera or smartphone for capturing memories.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

To sum it up, this tour provides an engaging, well-organized way to see some of Mexico’s most beautiful natural spots just a short drive from Tulum. The boat ride, swim at Cenote Azul, and regional cuisine make it a well-balanced day filled with scenic views, cultural touches, and relaxation. It’s perfect for travelers eager to escape crowded beaches and discover tranquil, picture-perfect landscapes with knowledgeable guides leading the way. If you’re comfortable with long travel hours and seek a full day of authentic experiences, this Bacalar adventure is worth considering.