Bacalar Day Trip by Boat: Lagoon Tour + Cenotes from Tulum
The tour runs on Lake Bacalar, a long freshwater lagoon along the Costa Maya in southern Quintana Roo. The water's color variation—from pale turquoise in the shallows to deep navy in the channels—comes from changes in depth and bottom composition, not a trick of the light. A small crew guides the boat through the lagoon's most scenic sections, keeping the group tight enough that you're not competing for sightlines with two dozen other passengers.
En route, the boat stops at cenotes fed by the same underground aquifer that supplies the lagoon. Because these are freshwater sinkholes rather than ocean inlets, visibility tends to be high and current is minimal—conditions that work well for families or anyone new to open-water swimming. Compared to other Bacalar excursions that stay on the lagoon surface, the cenote stops add a distinct environment to the same outing without requiring a separate day trip.
Back at the dock, beach club access is included—chairs, shade, and the option to rent a kayak for an unguided paddle before heading out. At a starting price of $27 USD and a 4.93/5 rating from more than 1,200 reviews, this Bacalar day trip from Tulum holds up on both price and track record. It runs as a small-group boat tour, not a crowd-cruise, and the consistent feedback reflects that.
Go mid-week if you can—weekends draw families from Chetumal and day-trippers from Playa del Carmen, and the cenote platforms can fill up by mid-afternoon. Bring water shoes; most cenote entries are slick rock or submerged ledge. Bacalar sits on Hwy 307 in the Costa Maya—parking is available near the main dock. Pair the tour with lunch or dinner in Bacalar town; the lagoon-facing waterfront restaurants run significantly cheaper than comparable spots in Tulum.
Honestly, what caught me off guard on this bacalar day trip from Tulum was the cenote stops — I figured we'd spend the whole time on the lagoon, and then suddenly we're swimming in these crystal-clear freshwater sinkholes with almost no current, which made it so much easier than I expected for my kids. The small-group boat setup meant we actually had space to look around instead of elbowing past strangers. If you're already planning a trip to the area, this one's worth putting at the top of your list — it packs two completely different environments into one outing without feeling rushed.
Included
- Safety gear
- Three beers per adult
- Bilingual guide
- Light snacks
- Fresh fruit drinks
Not included
- Towels
- Transit to departure
- Gratuities
- 1Lake Bacalar Stromatolite Route
The boat runs on low-emission engines across Lake Bacalar's clear, shallow water, stopping at sites with notable natural features. Along the route, you'll encounter stromatolite formations — among Earth's oldest living organisms. Fruit and drinks are served on board throughout.
Free admission - 2Bird Island and Cenote de la Bruja
The group stops at Bird Island and Pirates Channel for open-water swimming. The boat also docks at Cenote de la Bruja, a freshwater sinkhole linked to the lake system.
Free admission
To qualify for a full refund, cancel no later than 24 hours before your scheduled departure. Bookings canceled within that window are non-refundable.
Standard policy — partial or full refund depending on timing
- Viator4.7 · 57
- Tripadvisor4.9 · 1,198
- Public transit is accessible near the departure point.
- Infants must remain seated on a caregiver's lap for the duration of the boat tour.
- Not suitable for guests with cardiovascular conditions.
- No particular fitness level is required to participate.
Other tours the community booked around here.
Sailing Tour through the Laguna de los Siete Colores
Sailing Tour through the Lagoon of the 7 Colors
Bacalar Lagoon Sightseeing Boat Tour with Open Bar and Snacks
Bacalar 101- Private Tour of the Lagoon of the 7 Colors
Pirate's Channel & 3 Lagoons Kayak or SUP/Paddle Tour +Meditation
Private Sailboat + Captain for a Day Experience
Sunrise Paddleboard Tour in Bacalar Lagoon
