🌴 Bacalar Lagoon Costa Maya Excursion Guide (2026 Update)
If your cruise stops in Costa Maya, one of the most relaxing and beautiful excursions you can take is a day trip to Bacalar Lagoon — often called the Lagoon of Seven Colors. After visiting Costa Maya four times in 2024 and booking with Native Choice on three of those trips, this remains my favorite way to spend a port day.
Heads up: This post contains affiliate links. If you use them, I earn a tiny commission — the kind that fuels iced coffee, not private jets. Thanks for supporting my travel‑obsessed corner of the internet.
Not sponsored: I’m not a Native Choice affiliate. I paid for this excursion myself and genuinely loved it enough to book it multiple times.
⭐ Why Bacalar Lagoon Is Worth It
Crystal‑clear, calm water perfect for floating and relaxing
Free drinks + freshly made tacos (yes, they’re as good as everyone says)
Shade options for reading, napping, or escaping the sun
A peaceful alternative to crowded Costa Maya beach clubs
Great for families, couples, and anyone who wants a low‑stress day
I always describe Bacalar as “the place where your shoulders finally drop.” It’s quiet, warm, and unbelievably beautiful.
Booking With Native Choice: What to Expect
I always book this excursion through Native Choice, one of the most reputable tour operators in Costa Maya.
✔️ What I love about Native Choice
Smaller groups than cruise‑line tours
Friendly, knowledgeable guides
Reliable transportation
Better value than ship‑booked excursions
When I arrived in November, I chatted with Alan—my guide from a previous trip—who let me know the excursion had moved to a new location. I had promised my husband a shady spot to read for hours, so I was very invested in this update.
👉Book Native Choice tours through Tripadvisor
Headed to Costa Maya? Grab my Costa Maya Packing List — the essentials you’ll want for ruins, lagoon days, and the cruise port.
🆕 New Location vs. Old Resort: Pros & Cons
🌿 The New Location
The new site isn’t a resort, but it’s still a beautiful, relaxing spot with:
A tiki‑hut bar serving free drinks
A cooking station for fresh tacos
Beach chairs
A large shade tree (husband‑approved)
Stunningly clear water
🏨 The Old Resort (Now Closed)
Earlier in the year, we visited a resort with:
Real bathrooms
Changing rooms
Tiki huts
A more “resort‑style” setup
While the new location is simpler, the water quality and overall experience are still fantastic—and honestly, the tacos alone are worth the trip.
🌊 What Your Day at Bacalar Lagoon Looks Like
80‑minute drive from the port
Relaxing time at the lagoon
Unlimited drinks
Fresh tacos
Time to swim, float, or nap in the shade
Optional add‑ons depending on the tour (kayaks, paddleboards, etc.)
💡 Tips for Your Costa Maya Cruise Stop
Bring cash for your guide, bartender, and driver
Wear a swimsuit under your clothes
Bring a towel + reef‑safe sunscreen
If you love shade, arrive early to claim a spot under the big tree
Book early—Native Choice sells out fast
📌 Related Guides You’ll Love
🧭 Final Thoughts
Even with the new location, the Bacalar Lagoon excursion remains one of the best things to do in Costa Maya. The water is gorgeous, the tacos are delicious, and the vibe is peaceful and relaxing. If you want a low‑stress port day with great food and beautiful views, this is it.
✍️ About the Author
Julie Davis is the creator of No Point Left Behind, where she helps families travel smarter using points, miles, and cruise‑line strategies. A former homeschool teacher turned travel‑hacking mom, she’s cruised everywhere from Alaska to the Caribbean and shares real‑life port guides, honest reviews, and practical tips that make travel easier, cheaper, and more fun.
When she’s not writing or planning her next cruise, you’ll find her floating in a hammock at Bacalar Lagoon, iced coffee in hand, proving that smart travel doesn’t have to be complicated.
