Bacalar Tour + Cenote Azul (Every Saturday)
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 11 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Bacalar Tour + Cenote Azul (Every Saturday) worth booking?
Bacalar Tour + Cenote Azul (Every Saturday) is a 16-hour experience in Merida, Mexico, from $158 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 11 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 60 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (11)
- Duration
- 16 hours
- From
- $158 per person
Discover the magic of Bacalar on this full-day adventure! Start with a scenic boat tour through the stunning Lagoon of Seven Colors, visiting hidden gems like Cenote Esmeralda, Cenote Negro, Cenote Cocalitos, Bird Island, the Pirate Channel, and panoramic views of the Fort of San Felipe. Enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon. Next, explore Cenote Azul, Mexico’s deepest cenote, where underground rivers feed its 360-meter length and unique rock formations create a mesmerizing atmosphere for swimming and relaxing. Finish the day at La Playita Restaurant, a charming spot on the lagoon’s edge with swimming access, swings, and picturesque views. Perfect for photos, videos, and experiencing Bacalar’s breathtaking natural beauty in one unforgettable day.
What you get
About this experience
Discover the magic of Bacalar on this full-day adventure! Start with a scenic boat tour through the stunning Lagoon of Seven Colors, visiting hidden gems like Cenote Esmeralda, Cenote Negro, Cenote Cocalitos, Bird Island, the Pirate Channel, and panoramic views of the Fort of San Felipe. Enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon. Next, explore Cenote Azul, Mexico’s deepest cenote, where underground rivers feed its 360-meter length and unique rock formations create a mesmerizing atmosphere for swimming and relaxing. Finish the day at La Playita Restaurant, a charming spot on the lagoon’s edge with swimming access, swings, and picturesque views. Perfect for photos, videos, and experiencing Bacalar’s breathtaking natural beauty in one unforgettable day.
What's included
Included
- Cooler with ice in the van
- Comfortable, air-conditioned transportation
- Boat tour to visit the lagoon
- Guide throughout the tour
- Use of facilities at a restaurant facing the lagoon (swings, dock, restrooms, and showers)
- Entrance to Cenote Azul
Not included
- Entrance fees
What you'll see and do
Merida
Saturday Day Trip from Mérida to Bacalar Pickup: 4:00 AM We pick you up from your hotel in Mérida. If you choose the office as your meeting point, we’ll contact you to confirm your hotel address. Pickup is only available within Mérida city limits. A short stop will be made at a store to buy water and snacks for the road. Note: Alcohol and coffee are not allowed on board; only bottled drinks are permitted. 4:45 – 7:15 AM – Travel to José María Morelos Enjoy information and guidance from your expert tour guide during the t
255 minutes here
8:15 – 9:00 AM – José María Morelos Market Explore the local market, have breakfast at various food stalls, and use restroom facilities. (Time zone adjustment: Quintana Roo is one hour ahead.) 9:00 – 11:15 AM – Travel to Bacalar
45 minutes here · Admission included
Bacalar
9:00 – 11:15 AM – Travel to Bacalar 11:15 AM – 1:15 PM – Boat Tour on Bacalar Lagoon Experience the stunning “Lagoon of Seven Colors.” The 14-person boat tour includes stops at Cenote Esmeralda, Cenote Negro, Cenote Cocalitos, Bird Island, the Pirate Channel, and panoramic views of the fort. Swim in shallow areas of the lagoon. Restroom facilities are available at the dock. 1:15 – 1:45 PM – Transfer to Restaurant 1:45 – 3:45 PM – Lunch at La Playita Restaurant Enjoy a relaxed meal with beautiful lagoon views. Food is not included. Time to swim and relax. 3:45 – 4:00 PM – Transfer to Cenote Azul
345 minutes here
Cenote Azul
4:00 – 5:30 PM – Cenote Azul Visit Explore Mexico’s deepest cenote. Entry is included. Life jackets are optional and not provided. Facilities include restrooms and a viewpoint. 5:30 – 10:00 PM – Return to Mérida
75 minutes here · Admission included
5:30 – 10:00 PM – Return to Mérida 9:00 – 9:30 PM – Drop-off at Your Hotel (Time zone adjustment: Mérida is one hour behind Quintana Roo.) We encourage you to share your experience and leave a review on our social media.
255 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Merida
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Sat
- Group size
- Up to 16 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Stap Travel Tours
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Depending on availability, the tour may or may not departure (since a minimum of 4 people is required)
- If for any reason you are a no show or decide not to go the same day, this tour cannot be rescheduled, you would have to buy again.
- We recommend that you bring sunscreen, comfortable clothes, water, and cash.
- There is no pick up in hotels
- The order of the visit can vary, also guide in te tour day can switch the cenote according to avoid crowds
- WHAT ARE THE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THIS TOUR? Bring a swimsuit and a separate towel; there are restrooms for changing at the sites. Sunscreen is not permitted. At the start of the tour, we'll stop at a convenience store to buy anything you might need; you can also bring snacks for the trip.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 11 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
11 verified traveler reviews for Bacalar Tour + Cenote Azul (Every Saturday). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great sites without tourist crowds, tour poor for English speakers suffering from heat
It was wonderful to see the Mayan archaelogical sites of Kabah and Uxmal without the tourist crowds and souvenir vendors. Our guide Andreas was affable enough but largely spoke in Spanish to the 14/18 Spanish speakers on the tour. He limited his English to short facts without the stories, which was a shame. One of the bilingual Mexican tourists told me he mostly told them stories with no facts. I usually prefer stories to facts so a shame. However, there were two other big down sides to the trip. Firstly the day was VERY hot and Andreas did not tell us to take water with us on our long tours of sites. This means some of us were very dehydrated and at risk from sun stroke. Secondly, because we were the last to be picked up I had to sit in the back of the bus where I could not see anything and it was very bumpy. The driver informed me that we could not change seats, which seems very unfair! So the sites were great, the tour not so much!
via Viator
Kabah and Uxmal
Interesting Maya ruins, excellent explanations from our guide, Sami. Much more fun to explore than the more famous but more crowded sites. The cacao museum was mostly outdoors and could have been a half-day excursion on its own.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience of the trip to Uxmal and the Chocolate Museum from Merida! It sounds like you had a fascinating time exploring the Maya ruins of Kabah and Uxmal, especially with the excellent explanations provided by your guide, Sami. We're glad to hear that you found these sites more enjoyable to explore compared to the more crowded ones. Additionally, it's great to know that the cacao museum was an interesting addition to the tour and could have been a standalone excursion. We appreciate your feedback and hope you have more memorable adventures in the future!
via Viator
Our guide Samuel (Sammy)...
Our guide Samuel (Sammy) was knowledgeable and personable. He shared lots of great information about the sites we visited and showed great pride in the beauty of the area. Side note: he was attentive to our needs as vegetarians. That was much appreciated.
Response from the operator: It sounds like you had a great experience with your guide Samuel (Sammy) during the trip to Uxmal and the Chocolate Museum from Merida. Having a knowledgeable and personable guide can truly enhance the tour experience, and it's wonderful to hear that Samuel provided lots of great information about the sites and showed pride in the area's beauty. Additionally, it's commendable that he was attentive to your dietary needs as vegetarians, ensuring that you felt accommodated and cared for throughout the tour. Thank you for sharing your positive feedback!
via Viator
Lots of great experiences in 1 day
We enjoyed our tour immensely. Alan, our guide was friendly, enthusiastic and informative. We packed a lot of stops into the day but everything went exactly as planned. Very enjoyable and I would certainly recommend it.
Response from the operator: It sounds like you had an amazing trip to Uxmal and the Chocolate Museum from Merida! Having a friendly, enthusiastic, and informative guide like Alan can really enhance the experience. It's great to hear that everything went smoothly and according to plan, allowing you to enjoy all the stops packed into the day. Thank you for sharing your positive feedback, and we appreciate your recommendation!
via Viator
Great Tour But Bring Pesos
Overall the tour was great. The guide was informative and the spots beautiful. While I was fully aware that the tour didn’t include entry fees, I was not prepared for none of them to accepts credit. Perhaps that’s something you just know living there but I’ve traveled the globe and rarely encountered places that don’t accept credit cards, especially major archeological sites like Uxmal. Plan on at least $1000MXN in cash per person on your trip. The tour guide was kind enough to loan us the money until we could get to an ATM but the situation was rather embarrassing. Overall it was a good trip and would recommend to others.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience on the trip to Uxmal and the Chocolate Museum from Mérida. It's great to hear that you enjoyed the tour and found the guide informative. However, it's unfortunate that you encountered difficulties with payment methods at the sites. Your advice to bring pesos is helpful for future travelers to be better prepared. Despite the inconvenience, it's good to know that the guide was helpful in assisting with the situation. We appreciate your recommendation and hope you have many more enjoyable travels in the future!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 16 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Sat
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Stap Travel Tours, who run 10 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 54.2.
See everything Stap Travel Tours runsWhy this scores 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Bacalar Tour + Cenote Azul (Every Saturday): questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Merida.
How much does Bacalar Tour + Cenote Azul (Every Saturday) cost?
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Prices start at $158 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Merida usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Bacalar Tour + Cenote Azul (Every Saturday) take?
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Plan for about 16 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Merida is not rushed.
Is Bacalar Tour + Cenote Azul (Every Saturday) worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 11 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Merida, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Bacalar Tour + Cenote Azul (Every Saturday)?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Bacalar Tour + Cenote Azul (Every Saturday) suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 16-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Bacalar Tour + Cenote Azul (Every Saturday)?
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Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Merida can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Merida and add a light layer if any part of the 16-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Bacalar Tour + Cenote Azul (Every Saturday) start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Merida within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Merida?
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On Outty we rank every Merida experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Chichen Itza, Private Cenote/Food Experience & the magic Izamal, From Merida: Chichen Itza Tour, Izamal, Cenote Ik Kil and Food, Chichen Itza Full Day Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Merida?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Merida?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Bacalar Tour + Cenote Azul (Every Saturday)?
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Included: Cooler with ice in the van; Comfortable, air-conditioned transportation; Boat tour to visit the lagoon; Guide throughout the tour; and Use of facilities at a restaurant facing the lagoon (swings, dock, restrooms, and showers). Not included: Entrance fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
What languages is Bacalar Tour + Cenote Azul (Every Saturday) offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Bacalar Tour + Cenote Azul (Every Saturday)?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Bacalar Tour + Cenote Azul (Every Saturday) wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Bacalar Tour + Cenote Azul (Every Saturday) if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Merida. Standard cancellation terms apply.
What do travelers say about Bacalar Tour + Cenote Azul (Every Saturday)?
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Across 11 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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