Bacalar lagoon from the Costa Maya cruise port

Nature75-100 minutes by taxi6-8 hoursToo far for a typical call

A 60 km long, up to 2 km wide freshwater lagoon with very clear water over a white limestone bottom, plus the 1729 San Felipe fortress in Bacalar town.

Getting there from the ship

From
Puerta Costa Maya
Travel time
75-100 minutes by taxi · 91 km
Allow about 20 minutes to get off the ship first. Costa Maya taxi fares.
Cost
Private tour quoted at US$568.76 for up to 12 (about US$47 each, 2025) for a 6-hour tour; a Bacalar-Chacchoben combo is also sold. Fort San Felipe and Cenote Azul fees extra.
Time to allow
6-8 hours

Will you be back for all aboard?

Not on a typical 8:00 am–4:30 pm Costa Maya call: with travel both ways and an hour's margin you would have about 3 h 50 min at Bacalar lagoon, not enough for a visit (allow 6-8 hours). Save it for a long call, or book a cruise line excursion, where the ship waits if the tour runs late.
  1. 1
    8:00 am · Ship docks
    Allow about 20 minutes to get off and through the terminal.
  2. 2
    10:00 am · At Bacalar lagoon
    75-100 minutes by taxi from Puerta Costa Maya.
  3. 3
    1:50 pm · Leave Bacalar lagoon by
    That gets you back to the ship an hour before all aboard.
  4. 4
    4:30 pm · All aboard
    Typical for Costa Maya; your ship's time may differ. Check ship time vs local time

Tip

Plan on well over an hour each way and use a tour that guarantees your return to the port.

Costa Maya cruise port: Bacalar lagoon FAQ

How far is Bacalar lagoon from the Costa Maya cruise port?

From Puerta Costa Maya it is 75-100 minutes by taxi, about 91 km.

How much does it cost to visit Bacalar lagoon?

Private tour quoted at US$568.76 for up to 12 (about US$47 each, 2025) for a 6-hour tour; a Bacalar-Chacchoben combo is also sold. Fort San Felipe and Cenote Azul fees extra.

How much time do you need at Bacalar lagoon?

Allow 6-8 hours. Not on a typical 8:00 am–4:30 pm Costa Maya call: with travel both ways and an hour's margin you would have about 3 h 50 min at Bacalar lagoon, not enough for a visit (allow 6-8 hours). Save it for a long call, or book a cruise line excursion, where the ship waits if the tour runs late.

Can you visit Bacalar lagoon on your own from a cruise ship?

It is easier with a tour or a pre-booked driver, because transport there and back is not simple to arrange on the day. Plan on well over an hour each way and use a tour that guarantees your return to the port.

Tours that go to Bacalar lagoon

Checked against a typical 8:00 am–4:30 pm call with an hour's margin.

All tours

More things to do near Bacalar lagoon

All 9 places
  • Dzibanche · Ruins & history · 120-150 minutes by taxi from the pier · 39 km from Bacalar lagoon
  • Chacchoben Maya ruins · Ruins & history · 50-65 minutes by taxi from the pier · 40 km from Bacalar lagoon
  • Kohunlich Maya ruins · Ruins & history · 120-150 minutes by taxi from the pier · 51 km from Bacalar lagoon
  • Mahahual village · Town & walking · 5-10 minutes by taxi from the pier · 72 km from Bacalar lagoon