Bacalar Lagoon: Pontoon Tour, Beach Club & Kayaks Included

Summary

Float Bacalar’s turquoise waters by pontoon then relax at the beach club with snacks and kayaks

You’ll float through Bacalar’s famous Lagoon of 7 Colors by pontoon with a local guide, swim in clear cenotes, snack on fresh fruit and cold drinks, then unwind at a laid-back beach club — kayaks included if you want more adventure. Expect laughter, new facts about ancient waters, and plenty of time to just soak up those shifting blues.

What’s the experience like?

I’d heard about Bacalar’s “Lagoon of 7 Colors,” but I didn’t really get it until we glided out on that wide, glassy water. There was this hush — not silence exactly, more like the soft slap of water against the pontoon and someone laughing behind me in Spanish. Our guide, Ana, pointed out these ancient stromatolites (which look kind of like underwater rocks but apparently they’re alive — oldest things on earth!). She handed us slices of pineapple that tasted extra sweet after swimming in the Pirates Canal. I’m not usually a fruit person but honestly, that hit different after floating under all that sun.

We stopped at Bird Island for a bit. It’s small and green with birds darting everywhere; you can’t go onto the island itself (the birds get priority), but you drift close enough to watch them swoop over the blue-green water. Ana told us how locals used to use the cenotes for fresh water — she even showed us where one drops off so suddenly it looks like someone just cut a hole in the lagoon. The whole time there was this light breeze that kept things from getting sticky even though it was hot out. I tried a natural fruit drink (can’t remember what it was called — something with hibiscus maybe?), and yeah, three beers are included if you want them.

Back at the port we got access to this chill beach club — nothing fancy but shaded loungers and hammocks under palm trees felt perfect after being on the boat. Some people grabbed kayaks (included too) and paddled back out into Bacalar Lagoon for one last look at those colors shifting around as clouds moved overhead. I just lay there listening to distant music and thinking about how weirdly peaceful it all felt. If you’re looking for a day trip in Bacalar that isn’t rushed or loud, this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Pontoon tour and beach club access

• Cruise on shaded pontoon boat
• Explore Lagoon of the 7 Colors
• See stromatolites in the water
• Visit Pirates Canal and cenotes
• Enjoy seasonal fruits and drinks
• Relax at beach club facilities
• Use free kayaks to explore

Top questions

How long does the Bacalar pontoon tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours plus time at the beach club afterward.

Are kayaks included in this Bacalar Lagoon tour?

Yes, free kayak use is included when you return to the beach club after the pontoon tour.

Is food or drink provided during the tour?

You get healthy snacks like seasonal fruit, natural fruit drinks, and up to 3 beers per adult.

Is pickup available for this day trip in Bacalar?

Pickup is not specifically mentioned but public transportation options are nearby.

Are guides bilingual on this Bacalar pontoon tour?

Yes, your guide speaks both English and Spanish.

Can infants join this group pontoon trip?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap during the tour.

Is swimming allowed during the Bacalar Lagoon boat trip?

You’ll have chances to swim in places like cenotes and Pirates Canal during stops.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided group pontoon cruise across Bacalar Lagoon with stops at cenotes and Bird Island, healthy snacks like fresh fruit along with natural beverages or three beers per adult if you want them, all safety equipment provided by your bilingual guide, plus full access to a relaxed beach club where kayaks are also free to use before heading home whenever you’re ready.