Collective Pontoon, Small Group

This collective pontoon tour with Bonzay Tour Bacalar covers the lagoon's best known spots in two hours and thirty minutes.

Overview

The boat departs from the restaurant El Pez de Oro, next to La Playita in central Bacalar, and returns to the same point at the end. Group size is capped at 10 travellers.

The route strings together the main lagoon sights: a pass by the Lake of the Seven Colors, Cenote Cocalitos, Isla Pajaros, Cenote de la Bruja, Fuerte San Felipe, the Canal de los Piratas and the stromatolites. The longest stop is the Pirates Channel, where the boat anchors for an hour, and swimming there and at Cocalitos is a regular feature reviewers describe. Stops at the other points are shorter passes, and all admission is free.

Many reviewers describe guides who share information about the lagoon's ecology and local history, and several say the commentary ran in both Spanish and English, though one reviewer reported a departure that was Spanish only despite English being advertised. Life vests, bottled water and seasonal fresh fruit are provided on board. It is not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Depart from El Pez de OroThe tour starts from the restaurant El Pez de Oro, beside La Playita in Centro, and returns to the same point at the end.
2. Lago BacalarA 10-minute pass along the Lake of the Seven Colors. Admission is free.
3. Cenote CocalitosA 10-minute stop with free admission. Reviewers mention swimming here.
4. Isla PajarosThe boat spends 40 minutes at Bird Island. Admission is free.
5. Cenote de la Bruja and Fuerte San FelipeTwo 10-minute passes with free admission, covering the Witch Cenote and the fort from the water.
6. Canal de los PiratasThe longest stop, one hour, with free admission. This is the main swimming stop according to reviewers.
7. Estromatolitos and returnA 10-minute pass by the stromatolites, then the boat returns to El Pez de Oro.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points, drawn from the listing and from what travellers report, will help you prepare for this specific tour.

• Bring swimwear. The tour includes swimming stops at the Pirates Channel and Cenote Cocalitos, and reviewers say there is enough time in the water. Plan to be able to get in the lagoon at those stops. The listing asks that you do not use sunblock, so plan for a hat, rash guard or shade instead.
• Boat comfort. Reviewers describe the pontoon as comfortable with a covered top, and life vests are provided. Most travellers can participate, according to the listing.
• Commentary in two languages. Several reviews note the guide explains things in both Spanish and English, covering the lagoon's ecology and history. One reviewer reported a Spanish-only departure, so confirm the language if it matters to you.
• Food and drink. Bottled water and seasonal fresh fruit are included, and many reviewers mention a fruit platter, often watermelon and pineapple, served late in the trip. One reviewer reported not receiving refreshments on their departure, so treat them as the standard but not absolutely fixed part of the ride.
• Group size. The tour carries a maximum of 10 travellers. One reviewer praised the operator's prompt communication about transportation logistics and tour details before the trip.
• Photos. There is no formal photo package, so do not count on one, but the lagoon and cenote passes give plenty of camera opportunities either way.

Common issues. A few honest caveats come up. The boat is not wheelchair accessible, infants must sit on laps, and the tour needs a minimum number of travellers to run; if the minimum is not met you will be offered a different date or a full refund. Toilets at the restaurant cost 10 pesos per person, paid directly, and parking is only available if you buy food from the restaurant. One reviewer had trouble finding the departure point because the operator details were unclear on the booking page, and another reported a departure where the promised water, fruit and beers never appeared. Another noted the commentary was only in Spanish despite English being advertised. Refreshments vary between departures, so do not book purely for the extras.

Common Questions