Bacalar seven colors lagoon tour: Five cenotes and pirate channel

Five cenotes in one lagoon, from the 90-meter black cenote to stromatolites at Cocalitos

A private pontoon tour of Bacalar's seven colors lagoon that stops at five cenotes: the black cenote (over 90 meters deep), emerald cenote, cocalitos cenote where stromatolites are visible, plus the pirate channel and bird island. The tour runs three hours with a live guide in English or Spanish, includes swimming in shallow turquoise water, bottled water, seasonal fruit and a cooler with ice.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Bacalar lagoon and cenotes

• Visit the black cenote
• See stromatolites at Cenote Cocalitos
• Swim in Pirates' Channel
• Observe birds on Bird Island
• Visit Cenote Esmeralda

The experience

The black cenote anchors this tour: a sinkhole over 90 meters deep where the water darkens to near black, visible from the boat before you move on to the emerald cenote. The largest in the lagoon, where greenish hues dominate the shallows. At cocalitos cenote, you'll see stromatolites, layered rock formations that are among Earth's earliest forms of life. The pirate channel and bird island round out the five stops, each one a different color and character of water.

Swimming happens at multiple points: the pirate channel's turquoise shallows are shallow enough to wade, and you'll have time in the water at each cenote. A live guide in English or Spanish narrates the route and shares stories about Bacalar's history. The boat is designed for comfort and safety, and the three-hour pace leaves room to linger at the stops without rushing through them.

Bottled water, seasonal fruit and a cooler with ice travel with you. Bring a towel and swimsuit. The water is clear enough to see the bottom in most spots. Public transportation options are available nearby if you're arranging your own way to the meeting point.

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• seasonal fruit.
• cooler with ice.
• live guide in English or Spanish.
• private pontoon boat.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except WednesdayDepartures at 09:30, 12:30 and 15:30

Book up to1h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go 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 due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessiblePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Laguna Adventures

Is this one for you?The tour involves water entry at multiple stops and a three-hour pace on the boat, so it suits travelers comfortable swimming or wading in shallow cenote water and spending the morning on the lagoon.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the black cenote in Bacalar, and why is it so deep?

The black cenote is a sinkhole over 90 meters deep where the water appears dark because of the depth and the way light reflects off the bottom. It's one of the five cenotes the tour visits, and you'll observe it from the boat rather than swim in it.

Can I swim at every stop on this Bacalar lagoon tour?

You can swim at the pirate channel and the cenotes where the water is shallow enough, including the emerald cenote. The black cenote is viewed from the boat, and bird island is for observation.

What are stromatolites, and where do I see them on this tour?

Stromatolites are layered rock formations created by microorganisms and are among Earth's earliest forms of life. At cocalitos cenote, you can see them at the water's edge from the boat.

How long is the Bacalar seven colors lagoon tour, and what's included?

The tour runs three hours and includes a live guide in English or Spanish, bottled water, seasonal fruit, and a cooler with ice. You'll visit five cenotes, the pirate channel and bird island aboard a private pontoon.

Is this Bacalar tour suitable for someone who isn't a strong swimmer?

The pirate channel and cenotes have shallow, clear water where you can wade rather than swim. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though it does involve water entry at multiple stops.