Known as the Maldives of Mexico, the picturesque town of Bacalar is nestled on the southern edge of the Yucatan Peninsula. Its vast and stunningly blue lagoon is gaining popularity and attracting people from around the world. If you’re wondering about the best things to do in Bacalar, we’ve got the perfect travel guide for you. From the breathtaking waters of the Bacalar Lagoon to the vibrant life of its streets, Bacalar promises to leave you with unforgettable experiences.
What is Special about Bacalar Lagoon?
The Bacalar Lagoon (Laguna de los Siete Colores), often known as the Lake of Seven Colours, is a vast, shallow body of water with a spectacular range of blue hues, from turquoise to deep indigo, and a soft sandy bottom.
Contrary to popular belief, the name isn’t due to these colours. It actually stems from the seven underground cenotes (natural sinkholes) that feed into it. These cenotes provide the lagoon with fresh, mineral-rich water, giving it exceptional clarity and vibrant colours. This distinctive feature is why the lagoon is consistently ranked as one of the best things to do in Bacalar.
11 Things to Do in Bacalar, Mexico
1. Go on a Boat Trip on the Bacalar Lagoon
Taking a boat trip on the Bacalar Lagoon is a popular way to experience its beauty, These trips offer the chance to see the full spectrum of its blue hues up close, visit the islands and cenotes connected to the lagoon and swim in the crystal clear water. If you enjoy snorkelling, this is also an excellent opportunity to explore the underwater life in the lagoon.
Did you know? The Bacalar Lagoon does not contain any trace of saltwater, it’s 100% freshwater. It feels like the ocean but without the stickiness of the salt!
🛥️ This 5-star power boat tour is very highly rated and takes you to all the best spots around the lagoon, including the famous cenotes, with lots of time to swim and snorkel. Included is an open bar, good music, fruit and snacks.
⛵️ If you’d prefer to sail across the Bacalar Lagoon, this 5-star sailing tour would be a great fit for you. Again, it takes you to all the best spots around the lagoon and includes 3 beers per person, fruit drinks and snacks.
2. Los Rapidos Bacalar
One of the best things to do in Bacalar, Mexico, is to visit Los Rapidos, a natural lazy river within the Bacalar Lagoon with clear, shallow waters flowing over sand. The river is lined with stromatolites, rare microbial reefs that are among the oldest living organisms on Earth.
The current at Los Rapidos is just strong enough to keep you moving, but not so much that it’s a struggle to swim. It’s a great place to just float around and relax. For a bit more action, you can rent a kayak along the water. However, we don’t recommend this as the water isn’t that deep and you’ll be constantly in and out of the water, carrying the kayak back to the start of the rapids.
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Top Tip: The stromatolites are living fossils and the oldest living lifeforms on our planet, so they are extremely fragile, and why they should not be touched or climbed on while enjoying the lagoon.
Entrance is 200 pesos, and 100 pesos for a locker (including 50 pesos deposit). There is a bar and restaurant, but we found this quite expensive, and you have to pay for WiFi, so although it’s a great spot to spend a few hours, we don’t recommend planning to spend a full day here.
⛵️ If you’re staying in Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Tulum, this full day excursion to Bacalar is a fantastic option to visit not only Los Rapidos, but also Cenote Azul and Fuerte de San Felipe, in the heart of Bacalar. Here, you’ll get panoramic views of Bacalar Lagoon! Lunch is included as well as round trip transportation.
⛵️ If you’re staying in Bacalar, this 5-star excursion takes you to 3 cenotes, 3 islands including Isla de los Pájaros (Bird Island), 2 channels (one for the rapids and one for the pirates), 2 rivers and 4 different ecosystems! Snorkelling gear is included, as is a life jacket and all fees and taxes.
3. Visit Fort San Felipe
A visit to the historical Fort San Felipe is one of the best things to do in Bacalar, Mexico to understand and experience the town’s rich history. This well-preserved fortress, built in the 18th century, was constructed to protect Bacalar from pirate attacks, and it played a significant role in defending the region.
When you visit Fort San Felipe, you’ll notice its strategic location overlooking the Bacalar Lagoon. The views are honestly breathtaking.
Inside, there’s a museum that houses artefacts and exhibits detailing the history of Bacalar and the fort itself. It’s a great place to learn about the local culture and the various battles that have taken place here. The museum’s displays are informative and provide a deeper understanding of the area’s past.
Entrance to Fort San Felipe Bacalar is 10 MXN (6 USD). It is open from 9 am to 7 pm every day. It’s a must-visit spot in Bacalar if you’re interested in history, architecture or looking for a beautiful view.
🏰 If you’re staying in Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Tulum, this full day excursion to Bacalar is a fantastic option to visit Fuerte de San Felipe, as well as Los Rapidos and Cenote Azul. Lunch is included as well as round trip transportation.
🛕 If you’re interested in learning about Mayan history, this (private) 5-star sightseeing tour takes you to ancient Mayan Cities from Bacalar. Visit the ancient city of Dzibanche, stand on top of a pyramid with the Mayan jungle surrounding you, and see lots of wildlife like monkeys, tucans, orchids, and more. Transportation and snacks are included.
4. Go Kayaking or Paddleboarding on the Bacalar Lagoon
One of the best things to do in Bacalar to see the lagoon’s famous blue water up close is to go kayaking or paddleboarding. The water is calm, making it suitable for all skill levels. Renting a kayak lets you explore at your own pace and see different areas of the lagoon at your leisure.
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You can rent a kayak from agencies along the lagoon. Typically, you can rent single or double kayaks to go alone or with someone else.
Remember to be mindful of the environment while kayaking. The lagoon is home to sensitive ecosystems, so be careful not to disturb them, especially the stromatolites. There have also been reports of crocodiles in Bacalar Lagoon – but generally, you are safe where kayak agencies and swimming piers are, and boat tours will show you the safe places to swim.
Did you know? The Bacalar Lagoon is home to stromatolites that date back 3.5 billion years, making Bacalar’s population the oldest evidence of life on Earth.
💦 On this 5-star sunrise paddleboard tour with breakfast, explore the calm, clear waters of Bacalar Lagoon as the sun rises, visit the cenotes, and experience a sulfur-infused full-body mud mask!
5. Balneario Municipal El Aserradero (Public Pier)
Relaxing at Balneario Municipal El Aserradero is one of the best free things to do in Bacalar and is the perfect place to spend the day by the lagoon. The T-shaped pier has plenty of space to sunbathe and chill with easy access to the water. You can easily jump in below that are perfect for swimming.
Entrance to Balneario Municipal El Aserradero is free. It is open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and is located at Calle 14 8, Centro, Bacalar, Quintana Roo.
Top Tip: This spot is popular with tourists and locals, meaning it can get crowded on weekends. If you visit early morning, you’ll likely have it all to yourself.
6. Watch the Sunrise at the Lagoon
If you’re an early riser, watching the sunrise over the lagoon is a magical experience. The quiet of the morning, combined with the changing colours of the sky and water, creates a breathtaking spectacle.
Visit any one of the public piers by the lagoon to watch the sunrise. We snuck into Área Natural Protegida, as we’d visited earlier in the week and fell in love with the full-circle boardwalk. This pier opens at 9 am, but if you visit early you can sneak under the entrance tape. There were a couple of other people who had the same idea as us, but for a while, we had the whole boardwalk to ourselves at such a magical time of day.
For us, this was one of the best things to do in Bacalar and one of the best experiences we had in Mexico.
🌅 Head out on a sailboat across Lagoon at sunrise on this 5-star private sunrise tour with breakfast on board. Coffee, tea, fruit, sweet cakes and water is included.
💦 Or, take a sunrise paddleboard tour with breakfast, exploring the calm, clear waters of Bacalar Lagoon, its cenotes, and experience a sulfur-infused full-body mud mask!
7. Cenote Azul
Cenote Azul, located just 10 minutes south of downtown Bacalar, is a stunning open cenote known for its deep blue waters. It’s one of the deepest natural pools in the Yucatan Peninsula, reaching a depth of nearly 300 feet! Despite its depth, the water temperature is surprisingly pleasant year-round, making it a great spot for swimming and cooling off.
The cenote is surrounded by lush vegetation and an open-air restaurant. There are also clean bathrooms and showers for rinsing off. Life jackets are available for rent for 50 pesos (2.50 USD), but they’re not mandatory.
Swimming and snorkelling at Cenote Azul is amazing. You can explore the whole cenote, which will definitely tire you out. For snorkelling, it’s a good idea to bring your own gear to explore the clear waters and see the fish.
A few tips for your visit: Since Cenote Azul is part of a delicate ecosystem, showering before entering and avoiding sunscreen is important to protect the water. Lastly, there aren’t lockers available, so it’s advisable to keep an eye on your belongings or leave valuables at your accommodation.
Entrance to Cenote Azul is 30 pesos (around $1.50), which is incredibly affordable compared to the 350 pesos you pay to visit cenotes in Tulum. Top tip: Entrance is cash only with no ATMs nearby.
⛵️ If you’re staying in Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Tulum, this full day excursion to Bacalar is a fantastic option to visit not only Cenote Azul, but the incredibly fun Los Rapidos and Fuerte de San Felipe, where you’ll get panoramic views of Bacalar Lagoon. Lunch is included as well as round trip transportation.
🚲 How to Get to Cenote Azul Bacalar
To get to Cenote Azul, you have several options:
- Drive (10 minutes from the centre of Bacalar) and use the free parking available at the cenote.
- Take a taxi for a minimal cost – it should be somewhere better 50-80 pesos (2.50-4 USD) from Bacalar centre.
- Hire a bike and bike there. Cenote Azul is only a 15-minute bike ride from town (you can go via the flat main road, or cycle down the coastal road, which has some slight elevation). There is a bike rack right by the entrance to the cenote.
8. Explore Centro at Night
A night out in Centro, Bacalar, is a great way to get a sense of life in an authentic Mexican town. It’s not known for wild nightlife, but for it’s chilled, laid-back vibe with plenty of places to grab food and drinks. The central park is the main hub, where you’ll find families, locals and tourists strolling through the local markets and stalls, and enjoying the restaurants and bars in the area.
For food, Centro has a range of restaurants serving both local Mexican cuisine and international options. The food is generally very good and the atmosphere in the restaurants is casual, perfect for a relaxed evening meal.
In terms of nightlife, Bacalar is much quieter than other Mexican tourist destinations. There are a few bars and cafes where you might find live music, but the overall ambience is low-key.
9. Parque Nacional Maracuyá
Up next on our list of the best things to do in Bacalar is Parque Nacional Maracuyá, the perfect spot if you’re looking for a relaxed and enjoyable day out. This food truck park is right by the lagoon, with a huge bar, its own pier, watersports and plenty of options to choose from for food.
If you’re into water sports, the park rents kayaks, paddleboards, and jet skis. Kayak rentals are 150 pesos for a single kayak per hour and 200 pesos for a double, or 500 pesos for the entire day. There are also boat tours available, suitable for different group sizes.
The Parque is a 20-minute walk or 5-minute drive from Centro, and that’s why it’s one of the best things to do in Bacalar for a day or a few hours visit. It’s open every day from 8 am to 9 pm, giving you plenty of time to enjoy what it has to offer.
10. Try the Many Places to Eat in Bacalar
Last but certainly not least, on our list of things to do in Bacalar is exploring the food scene.
Whether you’re craving authentic Mexican food, vegan options, burritos, breakfast dishes, sushi, or pizza, Bacalar has a surprisingly wide range of delicious food spots.
Here are some of the best places to eat in Bacalar, Mexico:
- Mr Taco (authentic Mexican cuisine)
- Mango Y Chile (vegan burgers and hotdogs)
- Mi Burrito Bacalar (burritos)
- El Manatí Bacalar (breakfast)
- Yerbabuena Smoothie Bar (breakfast)
- Picaflor Bacalar (breakfast)
- Chacá (breakfast)
- Ruda (grilled food and cocktails)
- Albahaca Breakfast (breakfast)
- Nao Bacalar (sushi)
- Pizzeria Bertilla (pizza)
- La Piña Bacalar (burritos, pizzas, and more)
- La Playita (local and international dishes)
11. Grab Drinks on the Lagoon at La Playita
For your list of top things to do in Bacalar, a visit to La Playita for some drinks by the lagoon is essential. La Playita is a relaxed yet lively spot on the edge of Bacalar Lagoon, with amazing views of the water.
The vibe is casual and welcoming, making it an excellent place for unwinding after a day of exploring. The setting is picturesque, with the lagoon’s crystal-clear waters providing a stunning backdrop. It’s the kind of place where you can kick back, enjoy the view, and really soak in the laid-back atmosphere of one of the best things to do in Bacalar.
Top Tip: Due to its popularity, La Playita can get busy, so consider arriving early to secure a good spot.
FAQs on the Best Things to Do in Bacalar
Why is Bacalar Lagoon so blue?
The striking blue colour of Bacalar Lagoon comes from its unique combination of crystal clear freshwater, sourced from underground cenotes, and the specific type of sediments found at its bottom. Together, these elements reflect sunlight, creating a spectrum of blue shades that range from light turquoise to deep indigo. This makes the water look irresistibly clear and gives it its famous vibrant colour.
Can you swim in the Bacalar Lagoon?
Yes, swimming in Bacalar Lagoon is a must-do! The water is fresh and incredibly clear, making it perfect for a dip on a hot day. Whether you’re looking to relax and float in the calm waters or explore a bit by swimming around, the shallow lagoon is safe and welcoming for swimmers of all levels. Remember to be careful of the delicate stromatolites, which are ancient microbial reefs that shouldn’t be touched.
Is it worth visiting Bacalar?
Definitely! Bacalar offers a unique experience with its stunning lagoon, laid-back vibe, and beautiful natural surroundings. It’s a great place to unwind, away from the crowds of more popular tourist destinations. Also, it’s firmly on the backpacker route, so it’s a great place to meet people while travelling.
From paddleboarding at sunrise and hopping on a boat trip across the lagoon, to simply soaking up the peaceful atmosphere by the water, Bacalar has something for everyone. Plus, the local food is delicious, and the people are friendly, adding to the overall appeal of Bacalar as a must-visit destination in Mexico.
Is Bacalar safe to walk at night?
Walking around Bacalar at night is generally very safe, especially in the busier areas of Centro and the main streets. One of the best things to do in Bacalar is explore Centro at night, which reflects the area’s welcoming atmosphere and overall safety. Like any travel destination, it’s smart to stay aware of your surroundings and stick to well-lit paths.
Does Bacalar have crocodiles?
Yes, there are crocodiles in some parts of Bacalar Lagoon, but they typically live in areas away from where most people swim and enjoy water activities. When you go on a boat trip across the lagoon, local guides know where it’s safe to swim and will advise you on how to enjoy the lagoon safely.
Which is better Bacalar or Tulum?
The choice between Bacalar and Tulum really depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re after an escape from the typically tourist-heavy destinations, with stunning natural beauty, Bacalar is better suited for you. It’s less crowded and there some of the best things to do in Bacalar will have you feeling like you’re a million miles away from the world. Tulum, on the other hand, is great if you’re looking for a mix of beach life, boho chic vibes, and a more vibrant nightlife.
Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Bacalar, Mexico
With its beautiful lagoon and authentic small-town Mexican culture, Bacalar is a must-visit destination for your trip to Mexico. From serene mornings watching the sunrise on the lagoon to eating tacos in the bustling centre of town, there is an abundance of amazing things to do in Bacalar to suit everyone.
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