Searching for the best Bacalar Tours to do on your vacation to Laguna Bacalar? You’ve come to the right spot!
There is a reason why so many people call Lake Bacalar the ‘Maldives of Mexico’. With a turquoise blue lake, hidden jungle cenotes, and dreamy hotel choices, Bacalar is a hidden tropical paradise in the Quintana Roo State of Mexico.
In Bacalar, you can relax in scenic lakeside hammocks, go on a fun boat ride around the lake, or simply enjoy the stunning landscapes.
Pssst! Our detailed Bacalar Guide covers all the top things to do in the area and other tips for visiting this beautiful getaway in Mexico.
If you’re looking for some fun Bacalar tours to do on your vacation, keep reading this post!
Don’t have time to read the entire article? Our top pick for the best tour is this Bacalar Lagoon Sightseeing Boat Tour with over 700 near-perfect reviews!
By signing up for a guided Bacalar excursion you’ll be able to take the stress off travel planning (and who doesn’t love that?).
These 16 top-rated tours include experienced guides so you can sit back, relax and have a great time on your vacation in Bacalar!
Some of the links used in this blog may be affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission when you book through these links which helps support this blog.
Best Bacalar Tours:
1. Bacalar Lagoon Sightseeing Boat Tour With Open Bar And Snacks
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 4 hours
- Tour rating: 5/5 stars out of 700+ reviews
- What you’ll do: boat tour, swim & snorkel
- Includes: an open bar!
Looking for a great way to spend the afternoon on Lake Bacalar? If you want to enjoy a fun time on the lake, do a bit of swimming, and explore pristine nature, then check out this Bacalar Lagoon sightseeing boat tour!
The Bacalar Lagoon tour starts at noon (so you can still sleep in and enjoy your morning). You will meet the friendly and welcoming guides in the marina and head out through Canal de los Piratas (Pirates Channel) where you can jump in for the first swim of the day. The guides speak both English and Spanish to accommodate international and local travelers.
“Everything was above what I expected. Amir is a great captain and guide. Awesome experience that delivers amazing memories!” –Miriam, Viator
From there, you’ll head over to the Cenote de la Bruja (Witch’s Cenote) which is known for its deep, blue color. Swimming in this cenote can feel a bit eerie as you can’t see the bottom and what’s underneath you. This cenote is the deepest point in the lagoon that reaches 100 meters in depth.
The next stop is Cenote Esmeralda which has several different shades of blues. You’ll have the opportunity to swim and snorkel at both of these cenotes while the tour guides prepare snacks including a delicious fruit spread.
The final stop is Isla de los Pájaros (Island Of Birds) where you can see a variety of migrating bird species. During the tour, you’ll also get to learn more about Lake Bacalar’s wildlife and ecosystems.
The Bacalar Lagoon Sightseeing Boat Tour can accommodate up to 30 people so it’s a great choice for larger groups. This tour is also a wonderful option for solo travelers who want to have fun and meet other people. And did we already mention the best part – the open bar?!
2. Sailing Tour Through The Lagoon Of The 7 Colors
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 3 hours
- Tour rating: 5/5 stars out of 400+ reviews
- What you’ll do: sail on Lake Bacalar, swim & snorkel
- Includes: 3 beers per adult
For a more eco-friendly and sustainable way to explore Lake Bacalar, sign up for this sailing tour through The Lagoon Of The 7 Colors! During this tour, you’ll get to learn about Lake Bacalar’s history and the local ecosystems.
“We enjoyed our experience to the fullest! Franco & Candela we’re the best captain and first mate. The crew was very knowledgeable & super pleasant to sail with.” -Stacey, Viator
The Bacalar sailing and sightseeing tour is a personalized experience geared towards smaller groups of up to 16 people. This tour is an excellent choice for couples, families, and traveling friends seeking a more laid-back excursion.
You’ll start the tour by navigating through the canals and turquoise waters of the lake. The guides will stop at 3 different cenotes where you can enjoy a bit of swimming and snorkeling, followed by a Caribbean snack and refreshing drinks.
3. Sunrise Stand-Up Paddle Board Tour With Breakfast
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 2.5 hours
- Tour rating: 5/5 stars out of 200+ reviews
- What you’ll do: paddle board on Lake Bacalar, swim
- Includes: coffee, juice & small breakfast
Start the morning off right with the sunrise stand-up paddle boat tour in Bacalar! This unique experience is perfect for early risers or those who enjoy watching colorful sunrises.
The paddle board tour starts nice and early at 6:30 am to catch the sunrise in time. As you paddle out towards the famous Isla de los Pájaros (Bird Island), you’ll be able to watch the sunrise with a cup of coffee in hand – an incredible adventure you’ll remember long after your trip!
“Miguel is a welcoming and kind guide. This was a one-of-a-kind experience that I strongly recommend.” – Hanna, Viator
Morning is the only time Lake Bacalar is not full of crowds. The sunrise stand-up paddle board tour only allows 9 people to keep the setting intimate and peaceful. Be sure to book this small group tour early on before it sells out!
After sunrise, you’ll head over to Cenote La Bruja. At this cenote, you’ll be able to jump in for a swim while the friendly tour guide prepares breakfast with toast and fruit spread.
Overall, this is one of the best experiences you can have in Bacalar! The best part – you don’t need to be experienced at paddle boarding to take this tour. Even first-time paddle boarders will have a great time!
Keep In Mind: The minimum age for this tour is 13. If you have small kids, we recommend signing up for a more family-friendly excursion like this one instead.
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4. Private Sailboat & Captain For a Day Experience
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 3 hours
- Tour rating: 5/5 stars out of 300+ reviews
- What you’ll do: sail on Lake Bacalar, kayak, swim
- Includes: 3 beers per adult
If learning how to sail has always been on your ‘wish list’, then check out this private sailboat experience! With an optional sailing lesson, this tour is great for those who always wanted to try out sailing themselves.
Would rather sit back and relax? No worries! This tour comes with a crew that can do all the sailing for you! In this small, private experience the guides will go above and beyond to accommodate your preferences.
“We had a great day on the beautiful lagoon. As it was a private sailboat we could choose where we want to go and skip the crowded places.” -Eva, Viator
The tour starts with a stop by Cenote Esmeralda. From there you will discover the Sanctuary of Stromatolites which are unique formations in the water made of organisms that are 10,000 years old.
Then you’ll head over to the beautiful Pirate Canal waterway that can only be accessed by boat. The tour will also visit the Black Cenote and Bird Island which is home to migratory birds.
Along the way, you’ll have plenty of chances to kayak and jump in the water for a refreshing swim. The tour also includes a picnic of fresh seasonal fruit and beers.
Overall, this private sailing tour is an excellent choice for couples on a romantic getaway or for smaller groups and families!
5. Bacalar Eco Boat Tour And Visit To Cenotes
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 3 hours
- Tour rating: 5/5 stars out of 200+ reviews
- What you’ll do: boat tour of Bacalar Lake, swim
- Includes: 3 beers per adult
Visiting cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula is one of the most incredible experiences you can have in Mexico. And on this Bacalar Eco Boat Tour, you’ll get to visit the best cenotes in the area and so much more!
The Bacalar Eco Boat tour limits the size of the group to 14 people guaranteeing great service and detailed attention from the guides. This tour allows kids so it’s an excellent choice for families.
“Thanks to Abraham and Sebastian we had a wonderful day sailing on the lagoon. They were both very informative, accommodating, and just plain old fun!” -Teri, Viator
The guides speak both English and Spanish to accommodate all travelers. During the excursion you will learn more about the region’s history and visit some of the most popular attractions in Bacalar including:
- Isla de los Pájaros (Island of the Birds)
- Canal de los Piratas (Pirates Channel)
- Cenote de la Bruja
This tour company is situated within the unique Casachina Bacalar hotel. After the tour ends, you can relax at the beach club or grab kayaks to continue exploring Lake Bacalar on your own.
Overall, this is one of the best Bacalar boat tours, especially if you’re looking for a great budget-friendly option!
6. Coba Sunset Tour With Mayan Villages Or Ziplining Plus Show And Dinner
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 7 hours
- Tour rating: 4.5/5 stars out of 90+ reviews
- What you’ll do: visit Coba ruins & ceramics class, or zip line
- Includes: transportation, rental bikes & dinner
Want to discover ancient Mayan ruins hidden in the jungle? Then check out this Coba sunset tour with Mayan villages or ziplining!
This is a full-day tour that lasts 7 hours during which you’ll experience a variety of activities. This tour does offer a hotel pickup option from Bacalar along with several other locations within the Yucatan Peninsula.
“Tour company was on time picking us up at our resort. Tour group was small. Our guide, Felipe, was awesome!! Great Mayan ruins, dinner, and show. Would do it again!” -Larry, Viator
Along with a visit to the magical Zona arqueológica de Coba you have a choice to:
- visit a Mayan village where you can take a traditional ceramics class.
- zipline over the Coba Lagoon followed by a cenote swim in crystal-clear water.
Once you arrive at the Coba ruins, you can hop on complimentary bike rentals to cruise around this elaborate Mayan archeological site.
After exploring the ruins for a couple of hours, you can sit back and relax during the dinner section which includes music, a performance, and a traditional Mayan ball game.
7. Laguna Grill – Private Boat With On-Board BBQ And Drinks Included
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 4-5 hours
- Tour rating: 5/5 stars out of 70+ reviews
- What you’ll do: tour Bacalar Lake, swim, snorkel, kayak, eat
- Includes: BBQ & 6 beers per adult
With a perfect 5-star rating, the Laguna Grill Private Boat With BBQ Tour guarantees a hassle-free fun day on the water! With this tour, you won’t have to worry about what attractions to visit and where to get your next meal because the tour will take care of all the planning for you!
During this private boat adventure, you will explore various popular Bacalar natural wonders such as:
- Pirate Canal
- Cenote de la Bruja
- Bird Island
Along the way, the boat will stop in secluded spots where the guides will prepare a mouth-watering barbecue with Surf & Turf Skewers, guacamole, and drinks. You will also have plenty of opportunities to kayak, swim and snorkel in the crystalline waters.
“Great way of exploring the lagoon… Andres and Jafir made our tour very enjoyable and the cold drinks and delicious food are the perfect pairings for the amazing views.” -Marianna, Viator
The Laguna Grill Private Boat Tour is the best option for couples on a romantic getaway or smaller groups and families that are looking for a more personalized experience away from the crowds.
8. Private Catamaran Tour In Bacalar Lagoon
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 3 hours
- Tour rating: 5/5 stars out of 30+ reviews
- What you’ll do: catamaran tour of Bacalar Lake, swim
- Includes: snacks & 3 beers per adult
If you’re looking for an exciting and unforgettable experience, this private catamaran tour in Bacalar Lagoon is a must-do! A sailing catamaran tour is one of the best choices for exploring Lake Bacalar in an eco-friendly way.
The friendly guides will take you to some of the most beautiful locations within Lake Bacalar. During this adventure, you’ll get to explore islands, cenotes and jump in for a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear blue water. The tour guides speak both Spanish and English to accommodate all travelers.
“We got to sail with Diego and he was amazing! We highly recommend going out on the lagoon with him. He was professional, knowledgeable and passionate about sharing all about Bacalar.” -Lindsay, Viator
When you start getting tired from swimming, you can relax and enjoy beers, fresh fruit drinks, and snacks such as ceviche and shrimp skewers. Overall, this is a small, private tour that is a wonderful choice for couples, smaller friend groups, and families!
9. Tour To Dzibanche And Kohunlich With Transportation And 3 Course Meal
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 8 hours
- Tour rating: 4.5 stars out of 15+ reviews
- What you’ll do: visit Dzibanche And Kohunlich Mayan ruins
- Includes: transportation & lunch
If you’re looking for trip options outside of Bacalar, then check out this tour of Dzibanche and Kohunlich archeological sites! During this day tour you’ll head out to two ancient Mayan settlements and explore old ruins hidden deep within the Mexico jungle.
The excursion includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and entrance tickets to both locations. You can request a pickup from your hotel in Bacalar for convenience.
“Beautiful ruins in a quiet environment (very few tourists come here). Not too long driving. The guide was very nice and interesting.” -Guillaume, Viator
The first stop of the tour is Archaeological Zone Dzibanché which is one of the most important Mayan ruins in the area. Then you’ll head out to the Archaeological Zone of Kohunlich where you visit several temples and observe unique large Mayan masks not found anywhere else in Mexico.
During the tour, there will be plenty of chances to see wildlife including exotic birds and howler monkeys. After exploring these ancient Mayan cities, you’ll head over to The Explorean Kohunlich for a delicious 3-course meal consisting of regional dishes.
Overall, this is a great tour to take if you want to explore lesser-known ancient Mayan cities while also avoiding the enormous crowds that archaeological sites like Chichen Itza receive every day.
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10. Full-Day Kayak Rental In Bacalar
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: rentals are available all-day
- Tour rating: 5/5 stars out of 5+ reviews
- What you’ll do: kayak on Lake Bacalar
- Includes: life jackets
Looking for some budget options or just prefer to do activities at your own pace? Then you’ll enjoy getting this full-day kayak rental in Bacalar!
With the full-day kayak rental, you can explore Lake Bacalar in your own free time avoiding crowds and busy tours. With a kayak, you can also be able to explore different parts of the lake that larger tour boats can’t access.
Kayaking is a great exercise, made even better by the beautiful setting! When you start getting tired, simply pull over for a swim or relax on the lakeshore before continuing on.
The rentals are good for the entire day from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm. With a kayak rental, there is no pressure to rush back and you can take your time exploring the surrounding landscapes.
The rental pickup is located at the Casa China Bacalar Hotel. The friendly staff can also give you tips and suggestions for the best kayaking routes within Lake Bacalar.
11. Guided Historical Tours At The Mayan Cities
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 4-5 hours
- Tour rating: 5/5 stars out of 10+ reviews
- What you’ll do: visit Dzibanche Mayan ruins
- Includes: transportation, water & snacks
If you’re interested in visiting historic Mayan ruins, but don’t want to spend the entire day doing so, then book this half-day tour of Mayan Cities!
The tour starts at 8:00 am and lasts only 4-5 hours so you’ll be back in your hotel by the afternoon. You can also request hotel pickup in Bacalar which is such a convenient option for travelers.
During this adventure you’ll visit the Archaeological Zone Dzibanché that’s located about an hour’s drive from Bacalar. Dzibanche is an important Mayan archeological site in the Quintana Roo State of Mexico and a beautiful hidden gem in the jungle.
“Victor the owner/operator was amazing. He loves the history and loves to share. He was super professional but very laid back. I would highly recommend this specific tour.” -Benjmain, Viator
In this ancient city, you’ll be able to roam around and imagine what life was like here thousands of years ago. The knowledgeable tour guide will also explain more about Mayan history and local flora & fauna. If you’re lucky, you might even spot howler monkeys, toucans, foxes, and other wildlife!
After, you will pass by the Mayan city of Kinichna. All in all, this is a great tour option for history and nature enthusiasts!
12. Pontoon Tour In La Laguna De Bacalar
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 2 hours
- Tour rating: 5/5 stars out of 40+ reviews
- What you’ll do: boat tour, swim
- Includes: snacks
Looking for a relaxing boat tour but don’t want to spend the entire day on the water? If you’re visiting Baclar for a short time, then consider booking the Pontoon Tour in La Laguna De Bacalar. This budget-friendly tour is only 2 hours long and you have a choice of different departure times starting at 9:30 am, 12:30 pm, and 3:30 pm.
“My husband and I took the morning tour with guide Paola and captain Jose. We stopped twice, with plenty of time to swim and wander through the clear fresh water.” -Viator
The pontoon tour will stop at all the most notable Bacalar attractions including:
- Channel of the Pirates
- Island of the Birds
- Black cenote
- Emerald cenote
- Cenote Cocalitos
This is a fun and quick tour where you’ll see the top Bacalar highlights without wasting much time. The Pontoon Tour is geared towards smaller groups and includes snacks.
13. Private Sailing Between Mangroves
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 3 hours
- Tour rating: 5/5 stars out of 10+ reviews
- What you’ll do: sail, swim
- Includes: snacks and water
If you’re looking for a wonderful day activity that gets away from the crowds, we recommend checking out the private sailing tour between mangroves. This sailing tour starts at El Búho Lagoon Bacalar hotel and goes to secluded wetlands, jungle, and mangroves for an unforgettable day on the lake!
Sailing is an eco-friendly and fun way to explore Lake Bacalar. Along the way, you’ll pass the Island of Birds where you can do a bit of bird watching and observe migratory birds. During the tour, you’ll also stop to swim in the crystal clear water in quiet parts of the lake far away from other tourists.
“This is such an amazing tour into the beautiful Lagoon of the 7 Colors! Our guide & Captain, Valentina, did such a wonderful job telling about the ecosystem and taking us to some exclusive areas.” -Review from Viator
When you’re ready to take a break, the guide will stop at a secluded pier where you can enjoy a refreshing fruit snack.
14. Bacalar 101- Private Tour Of The Lagoon Of The 7 Colors
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 3 hours
- Tour rating: 5/5 stars out of 350+ reviews
- What you’ll do: boat tour of Bacalar Lake, swim
- Includes: snacks, juice, 3 beers
For a short, yet epic experience consider booking Bacalar 101 – Private Tour of the Lagoon! This 3-hour-long tour will provide a quick overview of Lake Bacalar and all of its top attractions.
“Great short tour! Enjoyed the drinks and snacks. Also, the location was amazing! Great time to explore and lounge with friends!” – Bobby, Viator
During this private adventure, you’ll visit hidden locations away from the busy tourist crowds. This small, personalized group excursion is a great choice for friends, families, or couples on a romantic getaway.
If you’re looking for a chill and relaxing day on the lake, don’t wait and reserve this tour before it’s sold out!
15. 2-Hour Sunset Boat Tour With Drinks From Bacalar
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 2 hours
- Tour rating: 4/5 stars out of 10+ ratings
- What you’ll do: sunset boat tour of Lake Bacalar
- Includes: drinks
If you’re planning an anniversary, honeymoon, or romantic getaway trip to Laguna Bacalar, we have the tour just for you! This 2-hour sunset boat tour is perfect if you want to sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery with a cocktail in hand.
“It was a really fun experience. Miguel and Raul were excellent hosts and made sure we had a great time.” -Review from Viator
On this evening boat tour, you’ll cruise around Lake Bacalar, and stop for a swim & drinks, all while enjoying beautiful sunset views. For a romantic relaxing evening, it doesn’t get better than this!
16. Bacalar Sunrise In Transparent Kayak
Tour Highlights:
- Tour length: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Tour rating: 4.5/5 stars out of 10+ ratings
- What you’ll do: kayak on Lake Bacalar, swim, snorkel
- Includes: kayaks, snorkeling equipment & breakfast
Perhaps you’re an early riser instead? Then you’ll enjoy this guided Bacalar sunrise tour in a transparent kayak! The kayaks can fit two people so you can split the cost with a friend or loved one and save a bit of money.
“The sunrise was absolutely spectacular and our guide timed it perfectly. I couldn’t have asked for a more positive and magical experience.” – Julianne, Viator
With this kayak tour, you’ll start the morning off right with some fresh air and exercise. As you float above Laguna Bacalar, you’ll see the different blue tones of the Lagoon of Seven Colors through the bottom of the clear kayaks.
The guides will lead the group to lesser-known spots where you can do a bit of swimming and snorkeling. Overall, this is one of the best deals in Bacalar for a budget-friendly tour!
All of these Bacalar boat tours and day trips to historic Mayan ruins will provide you with an incredible experience that you will remember long after the trip!
To help you more with trip planning, here are some frequently asked questions about visiting Bacalar:
Which Is The Best Tour In Bacalar?
If you’re looking for THE ONE best tour in Bacalar, we recommend booking this Bacalar Lagoon Sightseeing Boat Tour. It comes with an open bar so you’re guaranteed to have a great time! Plus, it has over 700 near-perfect reviews so you really can’t go wrong with it!
How Much Is a Tour Of Bacalar Lagoon?
Bacalar tours cost from $20-$250 depending on the tour type (group or private) and tour length. A Bacalar group boat tour costs around $50 while you can expect to pay around $200 for a private boat tour.
Best Tours In Bacalar For Groups
Planning to visit Bacalar with friends or family? The best Bacalar tours for groups are:
Best Tours In Bacalar For Travelers On a Budget
Traveling can be an expensive activity. If you’re looking for budget-friendly Bacalar tours, we recommend taking:
What Tours Are Good For Avoiding Crowds?
Don’t want to deal with large crowds and rowdy group trips on your vacation? Then consider booking one of these private Bacalar tours:
How Many Days Do You Need In Bacalar?
For first-time visitors, we recommend setting aside 2-4 days to explore all the best that Bacalar has to offer! With this time frame, you can take a Bacalar boat tour, go on a day trip to local Mayan ruins, and have plenty of time to relax in your lakefront accommodation.
Where Is Bacalar Located?
Bacalar is located in the southern part of the Yucatan Peninsula between Tulum and Chetumal. We visited Bacalar at the end of our epic 6 month-long Mexico road trip before entering Belize.
Pssst! Looking other cool spots to visit in Mexico? Read this post next: 10 Unique Places To Visit In Mexico You Didn’t Know Existed!
Is Bacalar Worth The Trip?
If you’re planning a trip to Bacalar, it is so worth visiting! While Bacalar is a bit out of the way from most major tourist destinations like Cabo and Tulum, it is well worth the drive & effort to visit this stunning tropical location.
Can You Swim In Bacalar Lagoon?
If you’re wondering if you can swim in Bacalar Lagoon – yes you can! All of the boat tours that we cover in this post stop at multiple swimming spots where you’ll get the chance to jump overboard and cool off in the refreshing lake water!
// Feature photo by Clive Kim
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