Bacalar & Seven Color Lagoon Boat Adventure from Costa Maya Port

Introduction

If you’re cruising into Costa Maya and looking for a memorable escape, the Bacalar & Seven Color Lagoon Boat Adventure offers a compelling mix of history, natural beauty, and fun. This tour is designed for travelers eager to see one of Mexico’s most stunning lagoons without straying too far from the port. It packs a good amount of sightseeing into roughly five and a half hours, making it an efficient yet immersive experience.

What we really appreciate about this excursion is the combination of cultural stops—like San Felipe Fort—and the chance to swim in two beautiful cenotes with crystal-clear waters. Plus, cruising through Pirate’s Channel adds a dash of legend and adventure that makes the trip more than just another scenic ride. On the downside, it’s a group tour, so those seeking total privacy or a more personalized experience might find it a bit crowded.

This tour suits cruise passengers who want to see Bacalar’s famous lagoon, enjoy some swimming, and learn a little about pirate tales—all without spending a whole day on the road. It’s perfect for those seeking an authentic, active outing that highlights the region’s natural and historic charms.

Key Points

• Stunning Lagoon Views: The highlight is undoubtedly the vibrant, multilayered colors of Bacalar Lagoon, which truly live up to their “seven color” nickname.
• Cultural & Historic Stops: Visiting San Felipe Fort provides a glimpse of the area’s colonial past and offers incredible panoramic views.
• Variety of Experiences: Combining land visits, boat rides, and swimming in cenotes offers a well-rounded adventure.
• Value for Price: At $139.92, this tour includes transportation, visits, snacks, and drinks, making it a convenient all-in-one package.
• Group Size: With a maximum of 78 travelers, the tour strikes a balance between socializing and comfort.
• Timing & Convenience: It’s designed to fit neatly into a cruise schedule, making it easy to plan.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

San Felipe Fort: A Scenic & Historical First Stop

The tour kicks off with a visit to San Felipe Fort, located nearby the lagoon. This Spanish fort isn’t just a relic; it’s a vantage point with breathtaking views of Bacalar Lagoon. Expect to spend about 30 to 40 minutes here, enough to snap photos and soak in the scenery. It’s a simple stop, but a useful one for setting the scene and giving a sense of the area’s colonial and pirate history.

The Boat Ride & Pirate’s Channel

From there, the real highlight begins. You’ll board a boat that takes you through Pirate’s Channel, a narrow waterway rich with stories of piracy, buried treasure, and sea battles. While the tales are mostly legendary, they add an intriguing layer to the experience. As you cruise through this historic waterway, you’ll get to listen to captivating stories and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding scenery.

Cenote la Bruja: Swimming in Natural Wonder

Next, you’ll visit Cenote la Bruja, a cenote famed for its crystal-clear waters and stunning underwater formations. The cenote’s fresh, cool waters are perfect for a swim, and the underwater scenery will likely be a highlight for many. Expect to spend some time here, enjoying the tranquility and natural beauty. This stop offers an authentic connection with nature, especially if you love snorkeling or just want a peaceful moment in a stunning setting.

Pirate’s Channel & the Underwater Legends

The boat cruise through Pirate’s Channel isn’t just about the scenery—it’s also about stories. While some travelers have enjoyed hearing tales of pirates and buried treasures, others note that the stories add a fun, adventurous element to the trip. The narrow waterway offers unique perspectives, and the history or myth surrounding it is part of what makes this trip memorable.

Cenote Cocalitos: White Sand & Turquoise Waters

The final swimming stop is at Cenote Cocalitos, well-known for its white sandy bottom and vivid turquoise waters. This cenote offers a gentle, tranquil environment perfect for relaxing after the boat ride and swimming in the earlier cenote. It’s a picture-perfect spot where you can float, relax, or take photos of the stunning surroundings.

What Travelers Can Expect

The transportation is via air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring comfort on the roughly one-hour transfer from Costa Maya. The tour operates with a maximum of 78 travelers, balancing group size for social interaction and comfort. The itinerary is designed to maximize sightseeing and swimming opportunities.

Snacks and drinks are included—think cheese or turkey sandwiches, granola bars, chips, fruit, bottled water, sodas, juice, and even beer. This makes it easy to stay refreshed and energized throughout the day without needing to worry about extra costs or bringing your own provisions.

Admission to San Felipe Fort costs $5 USD, paid cash at the site. The tour doesn’t include this fee in the main price, but it’s a minor expense for a significant view and a chance to learn about the area’s colonial past.

Practical Tips

• Timing: The tour runs from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, so coordinating your cruise schedule is straightforward.
• Group Size & Atmosphere: With up to 78 travelers, expect a lively, social environment—good for meeting fellow travelers but not ideal for those seeking silence or privacy.
• What to Bring: Swimwear, towels, sunscreen, and a waterproof camera or phone are recommended for the cenote stops.
• Cost & Value: At roughly $140, the tour covers transportation, guide, visits, snacks, and drinks. It offers good value for those wanting a comprehensive day of scenic and cultural experiences without the hassle of planning.

Authenticity & Experience

While some reviews mention the tour’s lively atmosphere, others appreciate the stunning views and the chance to learn about pirate legends. The stops at cenotes are praised for their natural beauty, with many travelers noting the water’s clarity and the peaceful environment.

The combination of history, nature, and fun makes this tour appealing for a broad range of travelers—whether families, couples, or solo adventurers. It’s especially well-suited for cruise guests who want a well-organized, diverse experience that hits all the highlights of Bacalar in a half-day outing.

The Sum Up

This Bacalar & Seven Color Lagoon boat adventure from Costa Maya offers a balanced mix of scenic beauty, cultural storytelling, and active swimming. It’s a well-rounded way to experience the region’s most photogenic spots without spending too much time in transit. The stops at San Felipe Fort and the cenotes provide both educational and refreshing moments, making the trip suitable for those seeking authentic encounters with nature and history.

The tour’s value lies in its inclusiveness—transfers, snacks, and drinks are all part of the package—plus the chance to see Bacalar’s famous lagoon, which is truly a sight to behold. The boat cruise and stories add a layer of adventure that makes this more than just a sightseeing trip.

If you’re a cruise passenger eager for a taste of nature, history, and legend, this experience is likely to satisfy, especially if you enjoy a lively group atmosphere with plenty of incredible views along the way.

FAQ

How long is the overall tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, including transportation, visits, and free time at the cenotes.

Is transportation included?
Yes, roundtrip transportation from Costa Maya Port is included, in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle.

What are the main stops?
You visit San Felipe Fort, cruise through Pirate’s Channel, swim in Cenote la Bruja, and relax at Cenote Cocalitos.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, the entrance fee to San Felipe Fort is $5 USD per person, payable in cash at the site. The rest of the tour price covers transportation, visits, snacks, and drinks.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Most travelers can participate, and it offers a family-friendly mix of sightseeing and swimming. Be sure to bring swim gear and towels for the cenote stops.

What should I bring?
Swimwear, towels, sunscreen, waterproof camera, and a hat are recommended. Snacks and water are provided, but bringing extra water or personal essentials is always a good idea.

This tour strikes a lively balance between natural beauty, history, and adventure, making it a solid choice for travelers seeking a full but manageable day out in Bacalar.