On my most recent cruise, we visited a new port; Costa Maya, Mexico. While this is a popular cruise port this was my first time ever visiting. While the port itself offers your typical dolphin tours, beach breaks, and Mayan ruins, we were interested in a visit to Bacalar Lagoon. Located about an hour and a half away from the Costa Maya cruise terminal and 2 hours from the very popular Tulum, we were a bit skeptical if the 3 hour round trip was going to be worth it.
The picture alone should give you my answer. It was 100% worth it.
Bacalar Lagoon is known as “Laguna de los Siete Colores” the Lake of 7 colors. Exploring the entire Caribbean through the years I have seen some blue blue water but nothing compares to the vast area of blue tons within Bacalar. This fresh water lagoon has many ways of exploring its beauty from boat rides to beach days to tubing and rafting Bacalar can cater to any experience.
During our visit we were in port on a Wednesday. And fun fact Bacalar Lagoon does not allow any motorized boats on the water on Wednesday to help preserve the Lagoon. We were a bit bummed to find this out because our ideal excursion would have been to take a boat ride. However it turned out to be the best situation. We were able to book a tour with 30 people through Celebrity Cruises for a guided raft tour. We sat on a bamboo raft with 4 people and a guide who maneuvered through mangroves as we journeyed out to the Lagoon.
As we crossed the final mangrove to the open area of the Lagoon my breath was taken away with the vast beauty. It looked like the lagoon went for miles. We were able to stop and swim for a bit and the water was a perfect temperature. It stays close to 70 degrees year around, making it the perfect swimming spot. The lagoon had a nice sandy bottom with minimal fish that you can see through the crystal clear water.
Overall it was an amazing day and well worth the 3 hour journey. I highly recommend a visit to Bacalar Lagoon should you find yourself in Costa Maya or Tulum.
