Private Bacalar Lagoon Tour: Sailboat or Pontoon from Costa Maya

Choose your boat, then drift through seven shades of blue

A private tour of Bacalar Lagoon departing from Costa Maya cruise terminal, with pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle and your choice of sailboat or pontoon for the water portion. You swim in the lagoon's clear water, eat fresh fruit and snacks aboard, then lunch on authentic Mexican tacos at a local restaurant before returning to the port. Total time is 5 hours including transport.

The experience

The tour starts with pickup right outside the Costa Maya cruise terminal. The confirmation email tells you exactly where to meet. From there, a private air-conditioned vehicle takes you to the marina on Bacalar Lagoon, about 30 minutes away. Once you board your chosen boat (sailboat for a more traditional sailing experience, pontoon for easier access and stability), the crew serves fresh fruit and salty snacks as you cruise past the lagoon's famous seven distinct shades of blue, from pale turquoise near the shore to deep indigo in the deeper sections.

Swimming happens during the boat portion. The water is clear enough to see the bottom in most spots. After an hour or so on the water, you head to a local taquería where the operator has arranged a lunch of authentic Mexican tacos. Pork, beef, shrimp, vegetarian and vegan options are all available, so dietary preferences are covered. Beer, tequila, soda and bottled water come with the tour.

The return to Costa Maya is timed to get you back to the port with time to spare before your ship departs. The whole outing, from pickup to drop-off, takes 5 hours. A live guide speaks English or Spanish throughout.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned vehicle pickup and return to Costa Maya terminal.
• choice of sailboat or pontoon boat.
• fresh fruit and salty snacks during the boat tour.
• swimming in Bacalar Lagoon.
• lunch of authentic Mexican tacos.
• beer, tequila, soda and bottled water.
• live guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day6 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 13:00

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (under 5): free

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.

Prices and times updated 17 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by JoJo's Tours

Is this one for you?Pick the sailboat if you want the traditional sailing experience. Choose the pontoon if you prefer easier boarding and a more stable platform for swimming and eating. Either way, the private setup means the pace and stops are yours to shape: no fixed itinerary, no other groups.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

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

What's the difference between the sailboat and the pontoon on this tour?

The sailboat offers a traditional sailing experience with canvas and wind, while the pontoon is a flat-bottomed boat that sits lower in the water and is easier to board. Both visit the same lagoon and stop for swimming. The choice is about how you prefer to travel across it.

How much time do you actually spend in the water?

Swimming happens during the boat portion of the tour, which runs roughly an hour. You can enter the water whenever you like during that time and stay in as long as you want.

What is Bacalar Lagoon's "seven colors" actually about?

Bacalar Lagoon shifts through distinct shades of blue depending on depth and the angle of the sun. Shallow areas near the shore are pale turquoise, while deeper sections turn deep indigo or navy. The variation creates a striking palette across the water's surface.

Will I have time to get back to my ship after lunch?

Yes, the tour is timed so that you return to the Costa Maya port with time to spare before departure. The operator confirms your ship's schedule when you book and plans the return accordingly.

Can I choose what kind of tacos I eat at lunch?

Yes. The restaurant offers pork, beef, shrimp, vegetarian and vegan taco options, so you can order what you prefer.