Bacalar – 7 Colors Lagoon Excursión Costa Maya

Recommended by 95% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Costa Maya, Mexico

High interest

Booked 4 times today.

5 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.8

· Carolyn_A ·

Mar 2026

This was an amazing experience from start to finish. Communication with Tino was great. The vans and boat for Bacalar were wonderful. Francisco and Leo made this the most memorable day. Francisco got us everywhere safely. Leo was a fantastic guide and so knowledgeable. Bacalar was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been and I am well traveled. This is an experience you wont’t forget!

· Sheila_W ·

Feb 2026

Just go! Don't let the 1 1/2 hour drive scare you. It was an easy ride & they stopped halfway for us. I really no idea what to expect but pictures do not do this place justice. The water was so fresh & pristine. Our lunch tacos were delicious. Everybody really treated us special. Definitely will do it again.

Overview

The Bacalar Lagoon was once a haven for Caribbean pirates but has become one of the Yucatan's most beautiful places to visit. Join a small group and take a guided tour from Costa Maya to the 7-colored lagoon for a day of swimming and exploring. Visit the Cocalitos and Black cenotes as well as the Pirate Channel, where precious wood was once smuggled.

Spend the day swimming and soaking up the sun
Lunch, snacks, and beverages are included
Hassle-free transfers from the cruise ship terminal
A small group means more attention from your guide

What's Included

Lunch
Bottled water
Soda/Pop
Alcoholic Beverages
Snacks
Transportation round trip: Costa Maya – Bacalar
Insurance

Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Av. P.º del Puerto 1300, Nuevo, 77976 Mahahual, Q.R., Mexico
There will be a guide outside the port waiting for you with a Chac Ek sign and a white board with your name on it.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Arranged start time

Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.

07/18/2019 - 04/08/2027
Monday - Sunday : 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday : 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday : 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Itinerary

Join this small-group adventure that takes you to the Bacalar Lagoon, where you can swim and relax in the 7-colored water, explore two cenotes, and learn about the pirate and smuggling history of the area.

Your hassle-free tour starts with meeting your guide and group at the port terminal in Costa Maya. Hop on your minibus, and relax as your driver takes you over to both “Cenote Esmeralda,” another name for Bacalar Lagoon. Later you’ll visit “Cenote Cocalitos” and the “Black Cenote,” and see the distinguishing features of each with your guide.

You’ll also be able to spend time at Cocalitos Beach Club where you’ll have refreshments provided, like snacks, lunch, beer, and other fun drinks.

Laguna Bacalar

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Bacalar

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible

Infant seats available
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Elizabeth_T

This is our second time on this excursion. We booked it again because we loved it so much the first time. We got lucky and John was our guide both times! We learned so much about the local culture and Mayans. We loved the boat ride and swimming time. The lagoon is absolutely beautiful and worth the ride to get there. Juan kept us happy with snacks, sodas, water, beer, and Tequila. My sons (5 & 8) loved it as much as we did. We also enjoyed the lunch!! Highly recommend and will go again with this company anytime we are back in this port!

Reviews

4.8

based on 422 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

60th birthday cruise

Stephanie_M, Mar 2026

The water is beautiful. It’s hard to believe it was fresh water. It is an hour drive from the port to get to the destination but it is worth seeing.. Juan corona was a fantastic tour guide.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.

An Unforgettable Day!

Carolyn_A, Mar 2026

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.

Fantastic!

Elizabeth_T, Mar 2026

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.

Exceeded expectations

Heather_H, Mar 2026

Exceeded expectations! Guides were friendly and helpful. Even though water was cold, we still enjoyed it! The water was the most beautiful shades of blues I've ever seen in the Caribbean. Felt safe the entire time. Lovely small sized group.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.

Recommend highly!

Megan_S, Mar 2026

The guide was amazing! We had such a good time! They made sure we made it back in time. The food was delicious!

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.

Do not waste your time and money

Olga_W, Feb 2026

Do not waste your time or money! First, you have to walk for about 15 to 20 minutes outside of the terminal to the meeting point then you have to drive over an hour and a half one way to get there. So it’s not all day swimming, it will probably be about an hour and a half to two hours total time of “enjoying” the water and the sun. In our case, we only stopped at the swimming hole with dirty restrooms and expensive food and drinks you would have to buy out of the pocket, then we stop by the lagoon. The Lagoon itself does not have a sandy beach area, it’s more like a swamp. We were only given the pineapple as a fruit snack, beer, sodas and a bottle of tequila. Lunch was even worse. For that much money you only get four tacos and the time you have there is about 20 minutes. I have had tastier tacos living in the US than “authentic” tacos they offered. The “snacks” on the van were the cheapest things you can get from gas station. We did not have a boat ride or we did not see pirate channel. Again, it is way overpriced, it is not all they swimming and enjoying the sun, there is no sandy beach, the food was not delicious, it is about two hours one way to get there and two hours back.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

We appreciate the opportunity to share your experience in such detail. We sincerely regret that the tour did not meet your expectations. As Public Relations Manager for Chac Ek Costa Maya, I deeply value this type of feedback, which allows us to continue improving. Regarding the route from the port, subject to Costa Maya port regulations, all independent operators must meet passengers near the main terminal. The approximately 15-20 minute walk is standard procedure for tours not sold directly to the vessel, and we provide advance notice of the instructions. Please allow extra travel time. Bacalar and its Lagoon of Seven Colors are located approximately one hour from the port. This information is included in the tour description, so visiting this natural destination requires traveling to Costa Maya. We understand that the travel time may seem long, but many visitors enjoy this experience precisely because of the lagoon's unique beauty. The lagoon is a protected natural area, and many areas prioritize ecological conservation with resort-style infrastructure. Therefore, we must also take seriously your feedback regarding sanitary conditions, food quality, and time management, as well as the terms reviewed with our local suppliers to ensure consistent service. We would like to take this opportunity to review your reservation in detail and hear your specific concerns regarding this day. Please contact us directly with your reservation information for further instructions. Thank you again for your feedback. We hope your comments will help us improve the quality of our experiences.

Fantastic!

Brooke_K, Feb 2026

Fantastic experience from start to finish. Julio the driver was friendly and did a great job. Juan, our guide, was literally jumping to meet our needs. I don’t think I have ever had such fantastic service anywhere! He got us beverages, took lots of pictures for us and was super knowledgeable. We traveled with our four older (11-18 year old) kids and they loved the Cenote and they especially loved the lagoon. The meal at the restaurant at the end was delicious and enjoyable. I would highly recommend this excursion, especially with Juan and Julio.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.

7 colors lagoin

Ally_E, Feb 2026

Very informative Adanour tour guide was great and a wealth of knowledge. The food was also very good

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.

We had an amazing...

Ruchi_S, Feb 2026

We had an amazing experience! Highly recommend. We went with parents in their 60s and toddlers - everyone had an amazing time.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.

Tour change without notice

Debra_S, Feb 2026

Tour changed without notice. Boat ride cancelled. Didn’t get to see Cenote or the colors of lagoon. We booked two tours through Viator & both changed upon arrival. Not worth the money!

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Hello, thank you very much for sharing your feedback. We truly regret that your experience did not meet expectations, as our goal is always to deliver memorable and high-quality experiences to every guest visiting Costa Maya. On rare occasions, certain activities such as boat rides or specific stops may need to be modified due to weather conditions, lagoon safety regulations, operational restrictions, or port-schedule adjustments beyond our control. When this happens, our priority is always guest safety and ensuring timely return to the cruise ship, even if that means adjusting parts of the itinerary. We sincerely apologize if the changes were not communicated clearly or if the experience did not match what you expected. Your comments are very important to us and help us improve communication and service delivery. We would truly appreciate the opportunity to review your case personally. Please contact us directly at Chac Ek Costa Maya with your booking details so we can follow up and address your concerns appropriately. Thank you again for your feedback, and we hope to have the chance to welcome you back in the future and provide the experience you originally expected.

Bacalar was amazing

Sheila_W, Feb 2026

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.

Great day! Extremely...

Mark_R, Jan 2026

Great day! Extremely thoughtful and attentive tour operators. Authentic lunch in open air restaurant. Your guide (Adan) very knowledgeable and passionate about land and water formations as well as area wildlife. One thing to note is that you need to go all the way out of the “port area” to get to where you will see the tour sign. It’s not really that far, but it’s easy to think you have gone far enough when you really haven’t.

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.

Very helpful and compassionate

Shelley_C, Jan 2026

I have used Viator many many times when traveling and have always had no problems with them and always really enjoyed all the activities no matter where I have been traveling. This was the first time I have had an unexpected bad illness the morning of the activity and could not go. They reached out to the tour people for me and was still able to get me a refund and was very helpful and compassionate. I was so very thankful to them all. We are doing better now and we definitely be using them again. Sorry I didn’t get to see 7 color lagoon, but still highly recommend using that tour and Viator. They really work with you.

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Thank you for your feedback; we appreciate your kind review. I hope you are feeling much better. Best regards.

This was a great tour....

jennifer_h, Jan 2026

This was a great tour. Our tour guides did a great job. They were super knowledgeable and friendly. The lagoon water was incredible! We all enjoyed the fresh fruit they brought out to us while we were in the water.

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.

Carol, is the best TOUR Guide in BACALAR

Gloria_H, Jan 2026

Our tour guides, Carol and Erick, were the finest BACALAR tour guides I have ever encountered on any tour. They exceeded our expectations and treated us with exceptional care, making us feel special. They took the time to procure a local pineapple and watermelon, which they brought to us while we were in the water. Additionally, they provided a variety of snacks and drinks; while most places typically offer only one, they generously supplied us with as many snacks and drinks as we desired. We concluded the tour at a delightful restaurant where we selected from an extensive menu variety. Thank you Carol, you're an extraordinary tour guide, we appreciate your kindness, your generosity and your knowledge.

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Thank you so much for your feedback. It's wonderful to know you enjoyed the tour. We hope to see you on a future trip.

Beautiful place to see

Leanne_H, Jan 2026

I would be remiss if I didn’t say that the walk from the ship to the meeting point was quite far. It took us 20-25 minutes and we were walking quickly. It wasn’t the easiest place to find, but we managed. The tour itself was great. Adan was our driver and guide and he did a fabulous job. We enjoyed the history he shared and the lagoon itself was spectacular. We were treated to fresh pineapple which he bought en route to the lagoon. Our captain on the boat was Tony and he maneuvered skillfully to several places. After a nice swim, we stopped for a lunch of fresh tacos. We got back with over an hour to spare before it was time to board.

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Thank you so much for your feedback. It's wonderful to know you enjoyed the tour. We hope to see you on a future trip.

Must do experience!

Francisco_R, Jan 2026

One of the best tours we’ve ever had! First, try to get Chac Ek Costa Maya to be the company, and make sure to ask for Adan to be your tour guide! He’s a true professional, fun, wealth of knowledge, accommodating, and because of him all the crew with him leading by example goes above and beyond! It was an engaging fun experience from beginning to end for my family ragingi from 74 y/o to an 18yo and a 13yo! This is a must do tour!

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Thank you so much for your feedback. It's wonderful to know you enjoyed the tour. We hope to see you on a future trip.

Nice excursion.

Richard_P, Dec 2025

Relaxing day. Nice guides, a cold cooler and a good lunch. The start point is to find if you are coming off a cruise.

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Thank you so much for your feedback. It's wonderful to know you enjoyed the tour. We hope to see you on a future trip.

An Unforgettable Lagoon Experience for All Ages

Sonia_C, Dec 2025

This excursion was absolutely incredible from start to finish. We were a party of 11, including two teens, one small child, two elderly adults, and the rest of us, and everyone enjoyed it. Our guide Leo was very nice, polite, and extremely informative. He showed us around, explained everything clearly, and was always helpful and attentive to our group. The driver was also very kind, and the captain of our boat kept everyone laughing, which made the experience even more enjoyable. The excursion itself was amazing. The colors of the lagoon were truly breathtaking and unlike anything we had ever seen. My family had an absolute blast, and out of our entire 7 day cruise, this excursion was everyone’s favorite by far. The pineapple they gave us was hands down the best pineapple we have ever had, and the tacos were delicious. Everything was well organized and exceeded our expectations. I truly recommend everyone to book this excursion. It is a must do adventure and an unforgettable experience. Gracias Leo!

Response from Host, Dec 2025

Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.

Bacalar exceptional service

Sergio_B, Dec 2025

Bacalar is a must experience to do especially if you book with Chac Ek and the amazing service from Carol and her team. Thanks for the great experience.

Response from Host, Dec 2025

Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.

Amazing Excursion!!!

Amy_S, Dec 2025

Communication was clear & proactive where to meet once getting off of our cruise ship. Our guide, Juan, was friendly & knowledgable. It takes approximately an hour to get to Bacalar & the lagoon, but the vehicle we road in was new & comfortable which was nice. There was a group of 12 of us in the van. Our driver Manuel drove safely & kept us on time. We had about 2 hours in the lagoon after a short boat ride to a good swimming area. Juan made us delicious Palomas & cut up fresh pineapple— Juan played music while everyone enjoyed swimming in the fresh water lagoon. The water was spectacular & we were lucky to have great weather! You swim in waist deep water so life jackets not needed! Definitely top 5 most beautiful bodies of water I have been lucky enough to swim in! After our lagoon time we had a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. I only wish we had more time to explore Bacalar which is a cute & quaint town with restaurants & shopping, but we had to get back to the ship. I wouldn’t hesitate to book this trip again!

Response from Host, Dec 2025

Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.

A day of fun and learning

Michelle_S, Dec 2025

We had the best time! The kids loved the cenote and lagoon. The fresh fruit was delicious and the tacos hit the spot after a day of fun. The kids slept on the way back to the port. Juan was a great guide and taught us a great deal about the Mayan culture.

Response from Host, Dec 2025

Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.

It was relaxing,...

Nerissa_B, Dec 2025

It was relaxing, educational, and beautiful. The service was great! The food was good, from the fresh pineapple and mango that we snacked on to the Taco restaurant on the way back to the port.

Response from Host, Dec 2025

Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.

This excursion changed my mind about Costa Maya!

Angela_C, Nov 2025

We had the BEST day! I have been to Costa Maya 5 times and before this I would've told you it was my least favorite port. This excursion changed my opinion! Moises got us all set up, Julio was a fabulous driver who took care of anything we needed, and our captain Tony was amazing! Julio stopped and bought us a fresh pineapple that Tony prepared for us on the boat, they had chips, sodas, water and a bottle of Tequila for us to enjoy as well. Bacalar is just spectacular! Boat ride was so beautiful and informative. And the cenotes are so cool! We stopped to swim in a couple of places as well. Then off to a local restaurant for a delicious, freshly prepared lunch! They got us back to our cruise ship in plenty of time. What a wonderful day that I highly recommend and can't wait to visit Costa Maya again!!

Response from Host, Nov 2025

Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.

Most Excellent Adventure

Jerad_S, Nov 2025

Our excursion to Bacalar 7 Colors Lagoon was amazing. Chac Ek were wonderful and our tour guides were excellent. We were nervous about going with a 3rd party company at first but felt comfortable the entire time once we arrived. The tequila, fresh pineapple, and delicious tacos provided to us hit the spot perfectly. I think this excursion was more personal than the one provided by Royal Caribbean. I will always look to Viator in the future to book excursions.

Response from Host, Nov 2025

Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.

Bacalar Lagoon

Dave_M, Nov 2025

A trip to the lagoon from Costa Maya was about an hour each way. Our guide made the trip enjoyable by relating stories and information along the way. Once in the lagoon, we had a beautiful day, beautiful water and great temperatures in November. The swimming area was fantastic with a nice sandy bottom with crystal clear waters. The guides kept us entertained with adult beverages and snacks and a game of volleyball. On the way back to the port, we stopped at a restaurant in Bacala for fantastic street tacos included in the price of the trip. All in all this was a very enjoyable day and I would recommend this as an excursion for cruise travelers.

Response from Host, Nov 2025

Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.

Fun trip to beautiful lagoon and cenotes.

Jim_M, Nov 2025

Fun trip to beautiful lagoon and cenotes. Fun staff and guide. Generous snacks, sodas, beer and tequila. Played volleyball in the water and our guide "made us" take a tequila shot if we missed. Very mindful of the time to get us back to the ship. Guide filled the drive time with lots of local history and stories. Tacos at the restaurant was excellent.

Response from Host, Nov 2025

Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.

Great trip

Arturo_A, Nov 2025

Amazing time. They pick up exactly where they said they would. Just follow the video they send you. About an hour drive then onto a pi toon boat with a small gourd we were 9 total. The water is gorgeous. Pictures don’t do it justice. We visited 3 cenotes and got into the water twice for about an hour. Fresh pineapple, beer, tequila, water and soda available. Then a great lunch prepared for you as soon as you sit and back with PLENTY of time to visit the shops next to the port. Great experience. Definitely do it. Leo was great!

Response from Host, Nov 2025

Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.

Great time!

Angela_L, Oct 2025

This was a great excursion! We had Adan and Eric as our guide and driver. They did a wonderful job. The Lagoon is absolutely gorgeous and the boat ride is very pleasant and relaxing. I will say that finding your driver is difficult. But that isn’t their fault. You must walk ALL the way out of the cruise port village and past the taxis. This is a bit of a walk and it’s really hard finding your way out of the village. Ask someone how to get out as soon as you enter.

Response from Host, Oct 2025

Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.

Excellent Tour!

Dave_S, Oct 2025

The tour guide Juan Carona did an excellent job describing the area we were in and talking about the lagoon we rode and swam in. Additionally, the included lunch was delicious.