Planning a trip to Quintana Roo and considering a day at Bacalar? While this tour promises a blend of lagoon adventures, cultural stops, and luxurious beach time, a closer look reveals some important details for prospective travelers. We’re here to help you decide if this experience fits your expectations and travel style.
What we love about this tour:
- The full access to a luxe beach club overlooking the stunning Bacalar lagoon, with a pool, kayaks, and reserved loungers.
- The all-inclusive aspect, including a delicious regional lunch and unlimited drinks at the gastronomic stop.
- The expert guidance and personalized attention, ideal for those who want a relaxed, hassle-free day.
One key consideration is that, according to the sole review, the trip did not take place, which raises questions about reliability and organization. This could be a deal-breaker for some. Still, if booked with caution and confirmation, it remains a good option for those seeking comfort, nature, and culture—especially families or couples who appreciate a curated, all-in-one day.
Good To Know
- All-Inclusive Comfort: Enjoy regional food, drinks, and exclusive access to a premium beach club.
- Convenient Transportation: Air-conditioned van with expert guides, tailored for cruise-ship schedules.
- Balanced Experience: Combines lagoon sightseeing, cultural stops, and leisure time.
- Group and Language Options: Private groups available in English and Spanish.
- Value for Money: For $145, you get multiple highlights, though some activities like boat rides are optional extras.
- Potential Reliability Issue: The only review reports a trip that didn’t happen, so confirm before booking.
Introduction: A Promising Mix of Nature, Culture, and Relaxation
If you’re looking for a day trip that combines a bit of everything—scenery, food, and leisure—this Bacalar tour ticks many boxes. It promises a luxurious beach club experience paired with cultural insights and lagoon exploration, all packed into a seven-hour window.
What makes this experience stand out are the full access to an upscale beach setting, the all-inclusive lunch and drinks, and the personalized attention from guides. These features suggest an outing designed for comfort and ease, rather than just sightseeing. It’s especially appealing if you’d prefer to avoid the chaos of crowded tours or complicated logistics.
However, the fact that only one review exists—and that it states the trip “did not take place”—means you should approach with caution. This raises questions about the tour’s reliability, so double-check your reservation and confirm the arrangements. If everything aligns, this could be a fantastic way to enjoy Bacalar’s stunning lagoon while relaxing in style.
Ideal for: Couples, families, or groups seeking a smooth, all-inclusive day with lagoon views, cultural stops, and beachside comfort.
Find more activities and experiences we've covered in Bacalar.
What You Can Expect on This Tour
Starting Point and Transportation
The meeting point is conveniently located outside the Costa Maya port at Avenida Paseo del Puerto. You’ll be greeted by a NovaXperience team member with a personalized sign, making it easy to find your guide. The transportation is an air-conditioned van, ensuring comfort during the 40-minute drive to Bacalar, which is a reasonable distance for a day trip.
The Gastronomic Stop at Costa Maya Pueblo Iconico
Your first taste of local flavor comes at Costa Maya Pueblo, where lunch is included. You’ll enjoy regional dishes amidst a lively, authentic setting. The open bar with unlimited beverages adds to the relaxed vibe, allowing you to sip as you soak in the local atmosphere.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyLagoon Guided Tour
Next, you’ll explore the majestic Bacalar Lagoon, famous for its vivid shades of blue. A guided tour lasting about 25 minutes will give you a panoramic view of this natural wonder, offering insights into its geography and history. While the review doesn’t specify the guide’s name, the experience is described as accompanied by an expert tour guide, which should enrich your understanding of the area.
The Beach Club Experience
The highlight for many is the exclusive access to the premium Bacalar Beach Club. You’ll have reserved beds and hours of free time to relax, swim, or paddle around in kayaks included in the package. The views from the beach club overlook the Pirates Channel, offering a peaceful yet picturesque setting.
Free Time and Optional Activities
You’ll have around five hours to unwind at the beach club. As the review mentions, activities like boat rides are available at an additional cost—something to consider if you’re craving a more active exploration of the lagoon. Keep in mind that food and beverages at the beach club are pay-on-site unless included in the initial package.
Return and Logistics
The return journey is another 40-minute van ride back to the port, with a guaranteed on-time return, which is crucial for cruise travelers. The entire experience wraps up after approximately seven hours, leaving you with plenty of memories and photos.
Deep Dive into the Experience: The Details That Matter
The Value of the All-Inclusive Setup
For $145 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive package. The inclusion of lunch and unlimited drinks at Costa Maya Pueblo adds value, especially for travelers seeking a hassle-free day. You won’t need to worry about extra costs unless you opt for additional snacks, beverages, or activities at the beach club or lagoon.
Transportation and Timing
The air-conditioned van ensures convenience and comfort, essential when traveling with kids or in hot weather. The schedule is designed with cruise-ship passengers in mind, emphasizing punctuality and efficiency—an important consideration if your port time is tight.
The Guides and Personal Attention
While the tour is described as providing personalized attention, the limited review data leaves some doubt. However, the mention of expert guides suggests knowledgeable commentary, and private groups enhance the feeling of exclusivity.
The Lagoon and Beach Club: A Visual Escape
Imagine floating in a kayak with the vivid blues of Bacalar in the background or lounging on a reserved bed with a cold drink in hand—these are the moments many will cherish. The view from the beach club, overlooking the Pirates Channel, offers some of the best scenery in the area.
Potential Drawbacks and Caveats
The major red flag here: the single review claims the trip “did not take place.” This could indicate issues with booking, scheduling, or provider reliability. It’s essential to confirm your reservation, verify operational status, and perhaps seek recent reviews or direct confirmation before committing.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is best suited for travelers who value comfort and convenience over rugged adventure. It’s ideal for families with kids, couples wanting a relaxed day, or groups seeking an all-inclusive, hassle-free outing. If you’re someone who enjoys cultural insights, beautiful scenery, and a touch of luxury, this tour provides a good balance, provided the logistics are confirmed.
For those on a tight schedule or looking for a more adventurous lagoon experience, you might find this trip somewhat limited. Plus, since optional boat rides are extra, those wanting to explore the lagoon more actively should plan accordingly.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Considering the price point, this tour offers a well-rounded day of cultural, scenic, and relaxing activities. The inclusion of a guided tour, a premium beach club with reserved beds, and an all-you-can-eat and drink setup makes it attractive, especially for travelers who prioritize ease and comfort.
However, the lack of recent reviews and the report of a trip that didn’t happen warrants caution. If you choose to go ahead with booking, confirm all details beforehand and possibly look for recent traveler feedback.
This tour is most valuable for those seeking a seamless, luxurious day in Bacalar—best enjoyed with a flexible mindset and cautious confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is transportation provided for the entire trip?
Yes, the tour includes air-conditioned transportation from Costa Maya to Bacalar and back, making the journey comfortable and stress-free.
Where does the tour meet?
The meeting point is outside the Costa Maya port at Avenida Paseo del Puerto, at the first security boom on Paseo del Puerto Avenue.
What is included in the tour?
You get lunch at Costa Maya Pueblo Iconico, unlimited drinks at the open bar, exclusive access to the beach club with reserved beds, kayaks, guided lagoon tour, and transportation.
Are activities like boat rides included?
No, boat rides on Bacalar lagoon are optional and cost extra if you wish to include them.
Can I buy additional food or drinks at the beach club?
Yes, food and beverages from the beach club menu are paid separately on-site, as they are not included in the package.
How long is the free time at the beach club?
You’ll have about five hours to relax, swim, or use the kayaks, which is ample time for most travelers to unwind.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s suitable for families, especially since it offers reserved beds and safe lagoon access, but always check specific age restrictions or needs.
What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak both English and Spanish, accommodating a diverse range of travelers.
What should I do if my trip gets canceled or doesn’t happen?
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, so you can cancel for a full refund if needed. Verify your booking and confirmation before your trip.
To sum it up, this Bacalar tour offers a layered experience of culture, natural beauty, and leisure—ideal for travelers prioritizing comfort and exclusivity. Just ensure the provider’s reliability before booking, and you’ll likely enjoy a memorable day in this stunning part of Mexico.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Tours in Bacalar
More Tour Reviews in Bacalar
- Collective tour of the Rapids of Bacalar in Pontoon
- Activity with Cacao Dance Headphones in Bacalar Lagoon
- 5 Hour Private Tour of the Rapids of Bacalar in Pontoon
- Bacalar Full-Day Tour with Pontoon Boat Ride with Meals
- Bacalar to Tulum – Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing
- Private Sightseeing in Bacalar to Tulum with Local English Speaking Driver
Looking for something different? Other Bacalar activities we've written about
- Collective tour of the Rapids of Bacalar in Pontoon
- Activity with Cacao Dance Headphones in Bacalar Lagoon
- 5 Hour Private Tour of the Rapids of Bacalar in Pontoon
- Bacalar Full-Day Tour with Pontoon Boat Ride with Meals
- Bacalar to Tulum – Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing
- Private Sightseeing in Bacalar to Tulum with Local English Speaking Driver
- Pontoon Tours of the Bacalar Lagoon
- Pontoon Tour of the Bacalar Lagoon
- Private Transfer Bacalar-Tulum with optional 2h in Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
- Bacalar to Chetumal Airport – Private Transfer with English-speaking driver
- Private Half Day Tour in Kohunlich Archaeological Zone
- Private Tour of Laguna de Bacalar Full Day
