Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon Boat Excursion from Costa Maya

If you’re cruising through Quintana Roo and craving an authentic taste of Mexico’s natural beauty, the Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon tour offers a memorable escape. This 5-hour experience takes you from the busy shores of Costa Maya into a world of shimmering blues, delicious local food, and relaxed companionship. It’s a good choice for travelers seeking a small-group, intimate journey into one of Mexico’s most beautiful natural sites.

What we like most about this tour is the chance to see the lagoon’s famous seven shades of blue, which truly stand out in the landscape—and the fact that it’s well-organized and flexible enough for cruise passengers with tight schedules. However, it’s worth noting that the drive takes about an hour each way, which might feel long if you’re eager for more lagoon time. Still, if you enjoy learning about local scenery and food, this trip suits travelers who value authentic experiences and expert guides.

This tour is best suited for those who love nature and small-group adventures but may not be ideal for travelers with mobility issues, as it involves a fair amount of walking and boat activity. It’s particularly appealing for those who want a taste of local culture—tacos, fresh fruit, and friendly guides—rather than just sightseeing from a distance.

Key Points

• Stunning Views: Experience the famous seven different shades of blue in Bacalar Lagoon, a picture-perfect backdrop for relaxation.
• Small Group: The tour keeps groups limited, ensuring personalized attention and a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Expert Guides: Bilingual guides explain the sights and make the experience both informative and engaging.
• Authentic Mexican Cuisine: Enjoy fresh tacos with vegetarian and vegan options, plus snacks and fruit during the boat ride.
• Convenient Pickup: Pick-up outside Costa Maya cruise terminals makes joining easy, with clear instructions.
• Value for Price: At $165, it includes transportation, boat tour, snacks, drinks, and lunch, making it a good value for a half-day adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Bacalar Lagoon Tour

The Departure: Easy Access and Clear Instructions

The journey begins outside the Costa Maya cruise port, at a designated meeting point (Delisuper Costa Maya). The instructions are straightforward: after disembarking, walk toward the port’s exit, pass the shops, and look for the guide holding a sign with your name. While some travelers, like Maïssa from France, noted initial difficulty finding the spot, once located, the process was smooth. The transportation is a comfortable, air-conditioned van that whisks you away on about a one-hour ride to Bacalar.

This drive offers a chance to see local scenery, and, as some reviews indicate, the long drive might be tiring for those eager to reach the lagoon quickly. Still, the van ride provides a comfortable, climate-controlled space, which is especially appreciated in the tropical heat.

The Lagoon Boat Cruise: Relaxing and Visual Feast

Once at Bacalar, you’ll board a pontoon boat for around two hours of floating and sightseeing. The boat is designed for comfort and relaxation, with attentive crew members making sure everyone is taken care of. Expect to splash in crystal-clear waters, marveling at the seven shades of blue—a vivid spectrum that varies with depth, sunlight, and water clarity.

The boat tour is not just about pics and floating; your captain will point out interesting features and explain why Bacalar is called the “Lagoon of Seven Colors”. One of the highlights, according to reviews, is the chance to relax, sip drinks, and snack on fresh fruit prepared by the guide—a thoughtful touch that makes the experience feel personalized. We loved the friendly, bilingual guide who answered questions and added context to the scenery.

The Food: Authentic Tacos and Refreshing Snacks

After the boat trip, the group heads to a local restaurant for a 45-minute lunch. As described, you’ll enjoy delicious Mexican tacos—pork, beef, or shrimp—served with fresh guacamole. Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request, which is a nice touch for dietary restrictions. Reviewers like Christiane from Germany highlighted the “really good tacos” and appreciated the casual, local vibe.

The snack break is an important part of the experience, giving you a chance to savor authentic flavors in a relaxed setting—far more genuine than generic tourist fare.

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Return Journey: Reflecting on a Day Well Spent

After lunch, the van takes you back to Costa Maya, with the return trip lasting about 75 minutes. Reviews consistently mention how well-organized and punctual the pickup and drop-off are, allowing you to meet your cruise ship comfortably on time. Tanja from Germany called it an “unforgettably beautiful” trip where logistics were smooth, and the early return gave her extra time to enjoy the day.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Beyond the stunning scenery, this tour’s real value lies in the guides’ knowledge and friendly demeanor. Multiple reviews appreciated guides like Jhoana, who was described as “very friendly,” “personable,” and who explained things well. These guides help connect you to the environment and local culture, transforming a scenic boat ride into an educational experience.

The tour is also praised for being well-organized with flexible start times and full transparency about what’s included. The price includes drinks (beer, tequila, sodas, water), snacks, the boat trip, lunch, round-trip transportation, and insurance—this all adds up to a competitive value given the quality and intimacy of the experience.

Considerations for Travelers

While most reviews are positive, some travelers, like Krzysztof from Poland, found the drive lengthy, and the group size might feel a bit constrained for those expecting more privacy or private tours. Also, it’s not suitable for people with mobility issues or wheelchair users, due to walking and boat access.

Why This Tour Is Worth Considering

This Bacalar Lagoon tour offers a balanced mix of scenic beauty, cultural authenticity, and relaxing leisure. It’s particularly suited for travelers who:

• Want a manageable, half-day excursion that fits easily into a cruise schedule.
• Appreciate being in small groups for a more personal experience.
• Seek guides who are knowledgeable and friendly.
• Love authentic Mexican food and snacks.
• Are happy to spend some time traveling to and from the lagoon, knowing the destination will be a highlight.

However, if you’re looking for maximum lagoon time or a private experience, you might find the drive and group setting less ideal. For those who prioritize authentic scenery, friendly guides, and local flavor, this is a solid choice.

FAQs about the Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon Tour

How do I find the meeting point?
After disembarking, walk or take the trolley from the ship to the terminal building and head toward the shops. Exit under the tower, walk past the shops, and look for the guide holding a sign with your name outside the port security area.

What is included in the tour price?
The $165 fee covers round-trip transportation from Costa Maya, the boat cruise, snacks and fruit, drinks (beer, tequila, juices, sodas, water), a bilingual guide, a taco lunch with guacamole, life jackets, and insurance.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?
Yes, vegetarian and vegan options can be provided upon request, especially for the lunch.

How long does the entire tour last?
The total experience is approximately 5 hours, including travel time, boat cruise, lunch, and transportation back to the port.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It’s best suited for travelers without mobility impairments because of walking and boat activities. The tour does not accommodate wheelchair users.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility to adapt your plans.

Final Thoughts

This Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon boat excursion offers a well-rounded introduction to one of Mexico’s most captivating natural sights. The combination of stunning scenery, friendly guides, and authentic local food makes it an appealing choice for cruise travelers wanting a taste of nature and culture without overextending their schedule.

It’s best suited for those who value small-group intimacy and want a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation. While the drive is somewhat lengthy, most reviews suggest that the scenery and experience once you arrive make it worthwhile. You’ll leave with fantastic photos, a full belly, and a deeper appreciation for this remarkable corner of Quintana Roo.

If authentic Mexican landscapes and friendly guides appeal to you, this tour should be on your list. Just remember to bring sun protection, cash for tips, and an appetite for adventure—and you’re in for a memorable day.

You can check availability for your dates here: