Bacalar Lagoon tour on pontoon: Stromatolites and cenotes

Swim in emerald cenotes and learn why stromatolites matter to the planet

A pontoon boat tour of Bacalar Lagoon takes you to two cenotes and San Felipe Fort, with a live guide in English or Spanish explaining the lagoon's geology and history. The tour runs 2.5 hours, includes bottled water, a lifevest and seasonal fruit, and lets you swim at shallow and deeper spots. Pickup is included. The boat accommodates a shared group.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Witch's Cenote10m
2. San Felipe Fort10m

Tour of Bacalar Lagoon highlights

• Visit emerald cenote waterhole
• Learn about stromatolites inside cenote
• Travel 30 minutes to swim and birdwatch
• Visit cenote to compare with lagoon
• View Fort of San Felipe
• Swim and take photos at lagoon spot
• Learn about stromatolites importance
• Return travel for 30 minutes

The experience

The tour starts with an emerald cenote: a natural waterhole that feeds the entire Bacalar Lagoon. Your guide explains stromatolites, the rock formations that form the ozone layer, and why protecting them matters. The 30-minute boat ride to reach it gives you time to spot nesting birds on the island, and the water here is shallow enough to swim safely.

Next is Witch's Cenote, where the edge drops dramatically and you can see the difference between a cenote and a lagoon at once. Then you pass San Felipe Fort, built in the 1700s to defend against English pirates who raided Bacalar for timber and other resources. The fort sits on a ridge overlooking the water, and your guide walks through its history as you float past. A final swimming stop lets you choose your depth (shallow or deep), and take photos before the 30-minute return journey.

Stromatolites appear at several points during the tour, so you hear their story more than once, woven into what you're seeing. Bottled water, a lifevest and seasonal minced fruit come with the booking. The pontoon is built for comfort and safety, and the guide speaks English or Spanish.

What’s included

• Pontoon boat tour with a live guide in English or Spanish.
• bottled water.
• lifevest.
• seasonal minced fruit.
• hotel or meeting-point pickup.
• swimming at two cenotes and a lagoon stop.
• views of San Felipe Fort and explanations of stromatolites and local history.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30, 12:30 and 15:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (30 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (12 to 29 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Audio guideFrench

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Bonzay Tour Bacalar

Is this one for you?Choose this shared boat tour if you want a guide explaining the lagoon's geology and history as you move between stops, rather than navigating on your own.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 29 years); Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What is a stromatolite and why does the guide keep mentioning it?

Stromatolites are rock formations that play a role in forming the ozone layer, making them important worldwide. The tour visits multiple spots where they're visible in the lagoon, so your guide can explain their significance and why the area protects them.

Can I swim at both cenotes, or only at certain stops?

You can swim at the first cenote, which is shallow and safe for all levels. Witch's Cenote is visited to see the geological difference between a cenote and the lagoon, and there's a final swimming stop where you choose your depth before heading back.

How long is the boat ride, and what's included in the price?

The tour runs 2.5 hours total, with 30 minutes each way to reach the first cenote. Bottled water, a lifevest and seasonal minced fruit are included. Pickup is also included in the booking.

What is San Felipe Fort and why was it built?

San Felipe Fort was built to defend Bacalar against English pirates who came to the region in search of timber and other natural resources. It sits on a ridge overlooking the lagoon, and you see it from the boat while your guide explains its history.