Bacalar Lagoon 7 Colors tour from Costa Maya: swim & cenotes

Swim in the Seven Colors Lagoon, then explore a colonial fortress and two cenotes

A 5-hour boat tour of Bacalar Lagoon departing from Costa Maya cruise port, with a certified bilingual guide, pontoon ride through Pirates Channel and two cenotes, lunch, and guaranteed return to your ship. The tour includes round-trip transport from the port, life vests, drinks, tequila tasting, and 30 minutes of free swimming time in the lagoon's shallow turquoise water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Bacalar Lagoon and Cultural Visit

• Travel from Costa Maya Port to Bacalar
• Stop at Pedro Santos Pineapple Village
• Cruise on pontoon boat at Seven Colors Lagoon
• Visit Pirates Channel, Cenote Negro, Cenote Esmeralda
• Swim and relax in Bacalar Lagoon
• Enjoy traditional Mexican lunch by the lagoon
• Visit San Felipe Fort in Bacalar
• Optional visit to Mahahual lighthouse
• Return to Costa Maya Port

The Experience

The boat leaves Costa Maya port and heads to Bacalar Lagoon, where you board a pontoon for the main event: cruising through Pirates Channel and visiting Cenote Negro and Cenote Esmeralda. The water here is genuinely shallow and clear enough to see the bottom, and the lagoon's famous turquoise tones shift across the route. You get 30 minutes to swim, float, and photograph the water from inside it—the kind of time that feels both unhurried and real, not a rushed photo stop.

The tour also stops at San Felipe Fort, an 18th-century colonial fortress built to defend against pirates, with original walls and cannons still standing. On the way back, there's a brief halt at Pedro Santos Pineapple Village to taste local fruit, and an optional stop at Mahahual lighthouse if the schedule holds. Lunch is traditional Mexican tacos (vegan options available), served by the lagoon with soda and a tequila tasting included.

The guide speaks English and Spanish, and the whole day is timed around your cruise departure—the operator guarantees you're back at the port entrance with time to board. You wear a life vest during the boat portions, and the pace suits all fitness levels, including families with infants and small children.

What’s included

• Round-trip transport from Costa Maya port.
• pontoon boat ride through Pirates Channel, Cenote Negro, and Cenote Esmeralda.
• certified bilingual guide in English and Spanish.
• life vests.
• 30 minutes of swimming time in Bacalar Lagoon.
• visit to San Felipe Fort.
• stop at Pedro Santos Pineapple Village.
• optional Mahahual lighthouse stop.
• traditional Mexican lunch with vegan taco options.
• soda and tequila tasting.
• traveler insurance.
• guaranteed return to your ship on schedule.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by Tours Naturaleza Bacalar

Is this one for you?The tour runs 5 hours total with a pontoon boat ride and 30 minutes of active swimming, so it suits cruise passengers who want water time and sightseeing without a full day away from the port. If you're traveling with infants or prefer minimal walking, the pram-friendly stops and calm lagoon water make this workable for families of any age.

Traveler reviews

4.64★★★★★★★★★★

85 verified traveler reviews

5 ★70

4 ★9

3 ★0

2 ★2

1 ★4

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What is Bacalar Lagoon's "Seven Colors" and why does the water look that way?

Bacalar Lagoon's color shifts across seven distinct shades of blue and turquoise because the water depth changes gradually across the lagoon floor, and the white sand beneath reflects light differently at each depth—shallow areas glow bright turquoise, while deeper sections turn darker blue. The Pirates Channel and cenotes you visit are part of this same system.

Can I swim in the cenotes, or just look at them?

Cenote Negro and Cenote Esmeralda are visited during the pontoon cruise, and you swim during the dedicated 30-minute free time in the main lagoon. The cenotes are part of the boat route and the sightseeing, not separate swim stops.

How long is the boat ride itself, and will I get seasick?

The pontoon boat carries you through Pirates Channel and to the two cenotes as part of the tour's flow; the lagoon water is calm and shallow, not open ocean, so the ride is gentle. The 5-hour total includes transport to and from the port, the boat time, lunch, and swimming time combined.

What happens if my cruise ship leaves early or I'm running late getting back?

The tour operator guarantees return to the port entrance on your schedule, timed around cruise departures. You choose a departure time when you book, and the itinerary is built to get you back with time to spare before your ship leaves.

Is the tequila tasting included, or do I pay extra?

Tequila tasting is included in the tour price, along with drinks, lunch, and all transport and boat fees. Tips are not included.

Can I bring my infant or toddler on this tour?

Yes—infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the land portions, and specialized infant seats are available. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels and designed to work for families.