Bacalar Lagoon: Seven Color Boat Tour & Tacos from Costa Maya

Summary

Swim in Bacalar’s blue lagoon, boat ride with fruit snack and tacos

You’ll start your day with pickup at Costa Maya port before heading out to swim in Bacalar Lagoon’s shifting blue waters by boat—with fruit snacks prepared onboard by your local captain. Afterward, dig into fresh tacos and guacamole at a laid-back spot nearby before heading back. Expect laughter, new flavors, and those seven colors you’ll keep thinking about long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to laugh so much before 10am, but there we were—squinting at the sun outside Costa Maya port, trying to spot our ride. Our guide, Diego, waved us over with this big grin and a “Listos?” like we were old friends. The van was cool inside (thank god), and I just remember the windows fogging up as we left the cruise crowds behind for Bacalar Lagoon. The drive felt quick—maybe because Diego kept pointing out little things along the road: a guy selling tamarind candies, some sleepy dogs under a mango tree. I liked that he didn’t rush.

The first thing you notice at Bacalar is how the water can’t decide what color it wants to be. Seriously—it’s not just blue; it’s seven kinds of blue, or maybe more if you’re counting. We stepped onto this pontoon boat and the crew handed out cold drinks right away (the lime soda tasted extra sharp in that heat). When we finally stopped in a shallow patch, I slid into the water and it felt weirdly soft—like silk but cooler? There was this moment where everyone just went quiet watching the colors shift under the clouds. Our captain cut up fresh papaya and pineapple while telling us about pirates who used to hide here—he said something about “laguna de los siete colores,” which I tried to repeat but totally messed up. He laughed and showed me how to say it right.

After drying off (sort of), they drove us to this small restaurant nearby—nothing fancy, just plastic chairs and bright tablecloths. The tacos came out fast: pork for me, shrimp for my partner, guacamole piled on everything. I still think about that salsa; it had this smoky kick I wasn’t ready for but loved anyway. Someone at another table tried to order in Spanish and the waitress clapped when he got it mostly right—felt like everyone was rooting for each other by then.

I guess what stuck with me most wasn’t just how wild Bacalar Lagoon looked (though yeah, you’ll want your camera), but those small moments—the way Diego pointed out birds overhead or how quiet it got on the water for a second. It’s not perfect; my towel smelled like sunscreen all day and my hair went salty-sticky from swimming. But if you want a day trip from Costa Maya that feels honest and easygoing—with real food, local crew, pickup sorted—I’d do this again in a heartbeat.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bacalar Lagoon boat tour and lunch

• Pickup at Costa Maya cruise port
• Travel to Bacalar marina
• Boat cruise on Bacalar Lagoon
• Enjoy fruit snack on boat
• Swim in lagoon waters
• Lunch at local Mexican restaurant

Top questions

How do I get from Costa Maya port to Bacalar Lagoon?

Your tour includes pickup outside Costa Maya cruise ship port with air-conditioned transport directly to Bacalar Lagoon marina.

Is lunch included on the Bacalar Lagoon boat tour?

Yes, after your boat excursion you’ll enjoy tacos (pork, beef or shrimp) with guacamole at a local restaurant; vegetarian/vegan options are available upon request.

Can I swim during the Bacalar Lagoon excursion?

Yes, there are swim stops during the boat tour where you can splash in the lagoon’s clear waters.

Are drinks provided on the Bacalar boat trip?

Soda/pop, bottled water, beer and tequila (for adults) are included during the boat tour.

How long does it take to reach Bacalar from Costa Maya?

The drive is direct from Costa Maya port to Bacalar marina; exact time may vary depending on traffic but is managed by your guide.

Is this Bacalar tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels according to tour info.

What languages do guides speak on this tour?

Your local crew communicates primarily in Spanish but also speaks English for guests’ comfort.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options available for lunch?

Yes—vegetarian and vegan taco options are available upon request at lunch.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup outside Costa Maya cruise ship port in an air-conditioned vehicle straight to Bacalar Lagoon marina; all drinks (soda/pop, bottled water), snacks like fresh fruit served onboard during your boat ride; beer and tequila offered responsibly; insurance coverage throughout; plus lunch featuring tacos with guacamole at a local restaurant before returning comfortably back to port.