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Bacalar, the lagoonof seven colours.
An immense freshwater lagoon with the most spectacular gradient of blues, right in the south of Quintana Roo. Departure from Playa del Carmen 5.30am · Tulum ≈ 7am, back between 5.30pm and 6pm, groups of 6 to 14, English-speaking guide, 115 € per adult all inclusive.
The place
Bacalar, the lagoon of seven colours
Its gradients of blue come from a white sand bed and shifting depths, including the vertiginous Cenote Negro. The lagoon is home to stromatolites, among the oldest living organisms on the planet, and its San Felipe fort (1729) recalls the days when pirates came up this far. The “lake” Mexicans themselves love most.
The programme
How the day unfolds.
- ≈ 5.30amDeparture from your hotel
An early start from Playa del Carmen, then Tulum and the southern road toward Chetumal. From Tulum, departure is between 6.45am and 7.15am.
- ≈ 10amBoarding on the lagoon
We board a flat catamaran-style boat, far more comfortable than the small craft you see everywhere else, for around two hours on the lagoon of seven colors.
- MorningCenote Negro and the stromatolites
We stop at cenote Negro, a 90 m deep shaft in the very middle of the lagoon, where swimming is not allowed. Then the stromatolites, extremely rare prehistoric formations found in only two places in Mexico.
- MorningThe San Felipe fort
We sail past the fort, facing the Los Piratas channel, and your guide tells you about the bay of Chetumal just behind it. We come back via the bird island, along the shore of the lagoon.
- ≈ 12pmSwimming and the swings
We get off the boat when the sun is at its highest and the colors are at their strongest. A swim in crystal-clear fresh water, and a stop at the famous swings hanging over the turquoise water.
- MiddayLunch by the lagoon
A meal at the water’s edge, then all the time you need to relax and photograph the place. Lunch is included.
- AfternoonVillage pineapple
A stop on the way back: the villagers sell their own pineapples and their honey, at prices nothing like those on the coast.
- ≈ 6pmReturn
A lot of driving in one day, but once you are there it is pure relaxation and turquoise water as far as the eye can see.
In detail
Included, not included.
- Hotel ↔ hotel transport
- English-speaking guide
- Boat trip on the lagoon
- Lunch (at the balneario, by the lagoon)
- Tips
- Bath towel
In your bag
They lived it
Travellers rate “Bacalar, the lagoon of seven colours” 4.9/5 on Google (323 reviews).
Gallery
What you will see.
Frequently asked questions
Everything people ask us.
Bacalar is about 3 h 30 away: leaving at 5.30am means seeing the lagoon at its most beautiful.
Yes, this day out can also be arranged privately; get in touch.
You write to us (form, email or WhatsApp) with your dates, your hotel and how many of you there are; we confirm quickly. A deposit of €10 per person from 3 people (refundable up to 48 h before), the balance on the day in euros, pesos or dollars.
Straight from your hotel or accommodation in Playa del Carmen, Tulum or Puerto Morelos. In Cancún, pick-up is available for Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy (and for groups, on request). The exact time is confirmed the day before on WhatsApp.
Most of them are. We give you all the details when you book: depending on your children’s ages, we will recommend a particular outing, or advise against it.
free
★ 48 h ★
Simple, quick booking
Under-12 prices: ask us · Quick reply, 365 days a year
A deposit of €10 per person from 3 people (refundable up to 48 h), the balance paid on the day.
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