Nichupté Lagoon
Discover the natural beauty of Nichupté Lagoon, a vital mangrove ecosystem teeming with wildlife and offering scenic boat tours.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildlife is more active
Nichupté Lagoon
Best Time
Wildlife is more active

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the natural beauty of Nichupté Lagoon, a vital mangrove ecosystem teeming with wildlife and offering scenic boat tours.
"A beautiful place, worth knowing, offering a favorite swimming experience in the Cancun area."
💰 Negotiate Tour Prices
Prices can vary; negotiate with tour operators for the best group rates.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Consider parking at a nearby beach and walking to save on fees.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lagoon Boat Tour
Nichupté Lagoon
Explore the lush mangroves, spot wildlife, and discover hidden spots like Caracol beach on a scenic boat ride.
Caracol Beach Stop
Nichupté Lagoon
A refreshing break to cool off and enjoy the lagoon's natural beauty during your boat excursion.

Wildlife Spotting
Nichupté Lagoon
Keep an eye out for crocodiles and diverse bird species thriving within the lagoon's mangrove habitats.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Nichupté Lagoon
Protecting the Ecosystem
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Negotiate Tour Prices
Prices can vary; negotiate with tour operators for the best group rates.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Consider parking at a nearby beach and walking to save on fees.
⏰ Tour Duration
Tours might be shorter than advertised; confirm duration beforehand.
🐊 Crocodile Spotting
While tours don't specifically focus on crocs, they can be spotted in their natural habitat.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Negotiate Tour Prices
Prices can vary; negotiate with tour operators for the best group rates.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Consider parking at a nearby beach and walking to save on fees.
⏰ Tour Duration
Tours might be shorter than advertised; confirm duration beforehand.
🐊 Crocodile Spotting
While tours don't specifically focus on crocs, they can be spotted in their natural habitat.
🌿 Respect Nature
Be mindful of the lagoon's ecosystem and avoid contributing to pollution.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Nichupté Lagoon offers a beautiful natural escape with its lush mangroves and wildlife, providing a favorite swimming experience for many. While some tours may be shorter than expected and pollution is a concern, the opportunity to explore the lagoon by boat and stop at Caracol beach is highly valued.
"My favourite swimming experience in Cancun area.
I have been working down here for over a year, and this place tops all Cenotes, hands down."
Ben Hutchinson
"belleza natural!!
a beautiful place, worth knowing."
Mpm1 “Claw” Claudio
"A nice place to go for a family outing.
You can rent boats and different types of tours, just be careful with the prices, as they tell you one price and then change it to a higher or lower price.
There's also no parking, so if you want to go, it's best to leave your car at the beach in front and walk back, which took us about 10 or 15 minutes.
We were allowed to park there for an extra charge of 100 Mexican pesos.
The tour we were given lasted an hour and a half, but they returned us within an hour.
We paid 1,300 pesos for 7 people, so the more people there are, the lower the price per person.
The best thing is seeing the lagoon and all its vegetation, as well as a small Caracol beach, where you can get off to cool off. You'll see a large section of abandoned hotels, as well as very luxurious boats parked in a private port.
The tour is interesting, of course. The boatman doesn't give you any information; he just takes you around the area."
Dulce
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Nichupté Lagoon is easily accessible from Cancun's hotel zone. Taxis and ride-sharing services are common options. Some visitors opt to park at nearby beaches and walk, which can take about 10-15 minutes.
Direct parking at the lagoon can be limited. Many visitors find it more convenient to park at a nearby beach, sometimes for an additional fee (around 100 Mexican pesos), and then walk to the lagoon access points.
While direct public transport to specific lagoon entry points might be scarce, local buses that run along the hotel zone can get you close. From there, you may need to walk or take a short taxi ride. Research local bus routes for the most up-to-date information.
Most boat tours depart from various points along the hotel zone or from specific marinas. It's best to confirm the exact departure point with your tour operator when booking.
The lagoon itself is a natural area, but access is typically gained through booking a boat tour or activity. The cost will be associated with the tour or rental, rather than a general entrance fee to the lagoon.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tour prices can vary significantly. A common rate mentioned is around 1,300 pesos for 7 people, suggesting group rates are beneficial. It's crucial to negotiate prices as they can be subject to change.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred time slot and potentially better rates.
A typical tour includes a boat ride through the lagoon, showcasing its vegetation and mangroves. Some tours may include a stop at a small beach like Caracol for a swim. Information from the boatman is often minimal.
Yes, you can rent different types of boats and tours. Options might range from guided excursions to simply renting a boat for a more independent exploration of the lagoon.
Tours generally operate during daylight hours, with afternoon slots often being popular for wildlife viewing. It's best to check with individual tour operators for their specific schedules.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The primary activity is taking a boat tour to admire the natural beauty, mangroves, and spot wildlife like crocodiles and birds. Some tours include stops at small beaches for swimming.
Yes, swimming is possible, especially at designated stops like Caracol beach during some tours. However, be aware of the lagoon's ecosystem and potential wildlife.
Nichupté Lagoon can be a nice place for a family outing, offering a chance to see nature and enjoy a boat ride. Ensure children are supervised, especially near the water.
The lagoon is home to crocodiles and various species of birds. Keep an eye out for them as you explore the mangrove areas.
During boat tours, you may pass by sections of abandoned hotels, remnants of past development projects, which add a unique, albeit sometimes somber, visual element to the lagoon's landscape.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the lush mangrove scenery, the contrast of luxurious boats against abandoned structures, and any wildlife you spot. The stop at Caracol beach also offers scenic photo ops.
Yes, but exercise caution. Ensure your devices are secured, especially if you're leaning over the boat. Waterproof cases are highly recommended.
Late afternoons can offer beautiful lighting, and wildlife is often more active. However, midday can provide clear views of the lagoon's vibrant green hues.
Drone regulations can be strict in tourist areas. It's advisable to check local ordinances and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone over the lagoon.
Focus on wide shots of the lagoon and mangroves, close-ups of any wildlife, and the unique juxtaposition of nature and man-made structures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When booking a tour, consider negotiating for a group rate to make it more budget-friendly. Be aware that tour durations might vary, so manage expectations. Ensure children are supervised closely during the boat ride and any swimming activities.
💰 Budget Travelers
While there aren't many direct budget activities within the lagoon itself, focusing on group tours and smart parking choices will help keep costs down for your visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Lagoon's Ecosystem
However, the lagoon faces environmental challenges, primarily from pollution. Reviews mention concerns about sewage discharges and the impact of construction on the ecosystem. This pollution threatens the delicate balance of the lagoon, affecting the wildlife that depends on it. Visitors are encouraged to be mindful of their environmental impact during their visit.
Despite these challenges, the lagoon remains a beautiful natural escape. The contrast between its natural beauty and the surrounding developed areas, including abandoned hotels and luxurious marinas, creates a unique visual landscape.
Navigating Boat Tours and Pricing
Pricing for tours can be a point of negotiation. While a rate of 1,300 pesos for seven people was mentioned, it's important to be aware that prices can be stated one way and then changed. Group rates can make the per-person cost lower, making it a good option for families or friends traveling together.
When booking, confirm the exact duration of the tour and what is included. Some tours offer a stop at a small beach like Caracol, where you can get off to cool down. Be prepared for potential parking fees if you drive your own vehicle, or factor in a short walk from nearby beach parking areas.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit