Discover The Top 12 Things To Do in Bacalar, Mexico
Bacalar, a lagoon oasis located in southeastern Mexico near the Belize border, is packed with many unforgettable things to do and breathtaking views. Often referred to as the “Maldives of Mexico,” its’ lagoon stretches 28 miles, displaying seven different shades of blue, ranging from deep blue-black to crystal-clear aqua, reminiscent of the Maldives. Despite its many attractions, Bacalar is still visited much less frequently than its neighboring areas, including Tulum. If you are wondering why you should visit Bacalar, Mexico, continue reading for a list of the top 12 incredible things to do there.
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Top 12 Things to Do in Bacalar, Mexico
#1: Explore a Cenote
A view of Cenote Negro
A view from inside Cenote Negro looking out
Exploring a cenote is an essential thing to do while in Bacalar, Mexico. These cenotes are quite different from those in the rest of Mexico, as they are massive, and most of them are located within the expansive Laguna De Los 7 Colores. The best cenotes to explore are Cenote Esmeralda, Cenote Azul, and Cenote Negro. If you only have time for one, I recommend heading to Cenote Negro for a boat ride, kayak trip, or paddleboard day. Cenote Negro is the only place in the Laguna De Los 7 Colores where you can see the 7 colors since this cenote is the 7th color!
For more help in deciding which cenote you should visit, head here!
#2: Kayak Through Ancient Stromatolites
Seeing the ancient stromatolites at Los Rapidos is one of the more iconic things to do in Bacalar. A stromatolite is a layered rock that has formed over billions of years and is the oldest fossil known to mankind. If you want to get more scientific, these rock-like structures were created by colonies of microscopic cyanobacteria (blue-green algae).
The best way to see the stromatolites is to head to Laguna Bonanza, pay 80 pesos for entry, 250 pesos for a double kayak, and paddle the 15 minutes over to the rapids and stomatolites lining Los Rapidos. Laguna Bonazna is more peaceful and much less expensive than Los Rapidos. If you are still trying to decide between the two locations, you can use this travel guide to help you decide!
I visited Bacalar in the rainy / hurricane season, so the water was less blue and had more of a green tint. Outside of the rainy season, the stromatolites will sit above water level. You can see what I am referring to here.
Pro Tip: Do not touch, hit, or get too close to the stromatolites to help preserve them.
#3: Relax at Los Cocalitos
Looking for a relaxing day floating in a hammock on the pristine blue waters of Bacalar? Head over to Los Cocalitos. It is the perfect way to spend a day in this Mexican paradise. The water here ranges from deep turquoise to the clear, shallow aqua-colored waters that come to mind when you think of the Maldives. Swings, hammocks, grass areas, and picnic tables are spread in and out of the water for you to hang out in. The entrance fee here is 100 pesos, and you can leave to grab a bite to eat without having to pay a fee to come back in.
There are also large stromatolites that can be seen here as well!
#4: Learn Bacalar’s History at Fuerte de San Felipe
This small but charming fortress sits up on a hill in Bacalar and for good purpose. Previously, the fortress was used as a place for buccaneers and travelers to pay tax for any goods they gathered from the water and surrounding vegetation in Bacalar. The entrance fee to enter the fortress is 110 pesos for foreigners and 55 pesos for residents of Mexico. If you do not want to pay, you can still capture the beauty of it just by wandering around the exterior.
Pro Tip: This can be a beautiful spot to watch the sunset on a clear day.
#5: Catch A Sunrise At Balneario Municipal El Aserradero
Another one of the top things to do in Bacalar, Mexico is to watch the sunrise over the lagoon in the wee hours of the morning. I recommend heading to Balneario Municipal El Aserradero, a picturesque boardwalk opening out into the lagoon with no entrance fee. This is also the perfect spot for a morning swim in the Laguna De Los 7 Colores.
#6: Take A Boat Ride Through The Lagoon De Los 7 Colores
This is the top thing to do in Bacalar, Mexico, especially for those with limited time. My boat ride through the lagoon was the best thing I did while here — I recommend it to everyone. Envision a day exploring the Laguna De Los 7 Colores to its fullest, featuring a cold pineapple juice or cerveza in your hand, the sun shining down, and the breeze keeping you cool. The ride will take you to all of the highlights of Bacalar in just 3 hours, making it the perfect mid-day activity for those heading here with less time. You can find the boat trip I joined and recommend here!
Pro Tip: For more information on visiting the Laguna De Los 7 Colores, head here.
#7: Swim In The Canal De Los Piratas
This canal was named after the pirates who used it as a passage in earlier years. It was the perfect spot for them to steal goods and evade being captured by Spanish settlers. Today, the Canal de los Piratas remains a shallow, aqua-colored waterway, perfect for taking a refreshing dip. There are many mangroves around the entire area. You can kayak or paddleboard here in around 30-45 minutes, depending on speed, or venture here with the same boat ride I mentioned above.
#8: Bird Watch At Isla de los Pájaros
Also known as Bird Island, this area features another crystal-clear, aqua-blue, Maldives-like spot for swimming. The islands got their name because of the 40 species of birds that spend time here, including the massive storks native to America and the Pink Spoonbill that migrate here. You can watch the birds fly over you, soaring down into the bushes on the island. It was a peaceful and beautiful experience, making it another top thing to do in Bacalar, Mexico.
Pro Tip: This spot is another stop along this incredible 3-hour boat trip and you get plenty of time to wander and swim.
#9: Get aN Elevated View
Many travelers bring drones to Bacalar to capture the mesmerizing colors of the Laguna De Los 7 Colores in all its beauty. If you do not have a drone, you can head here for an incredible view similar to the shot. I do not know if you need to pay to access the tower, but I do know that the boat tour includes a stop here with free entrance.
#10: Danza de Los Voladores
Translating to Dance of the Flyers, Danza de los Voladores is an ancient ritual where five people climb a 30-meter pole (98 ft). The four "flyers" tie themselves to ropes and jump from the top of the pole, slowly descending to the ground as they unwind the ropes. The fifth individual plays the flute and drum atop the pole while the others are unwinding around the pole.
This ritual was once performed to end severe droughts, but today it is used to promote and preserve cultural expression. Although this ritual can be seen in many tourist areas, I believe experiencing it in Bacalar feels less touristy and more inspiring. The ceremony is held behind the San Felipe Fortress, in front of the park.
#11: Kayak To The Sunset
The best way to catch the sunset here is from the water, as the sunset is on the opposite side. You can rent kayaks or paddleboards for 200-250 pesos.
Pro Tip: If you choose to do this boat tour, a kayak is included for the day and is best used for the sunset!
#12: Enjoy The BEST Vegan Vanilla Milkshake (or Chocolate) At Mango y Chile
Featured to the right…
I am not trying to be dramatic here, but this was the most delicious vegan vanilla milkshake I have ever had….and it comes with a beautiful view high up on the hill in town, overlooking the lagoon. If you do not believe me, you will just have to try it for yourself. Out of the 5 full days I was here, I had 4 of them… oops :) The location of Mango y Chile can be found here!
Bonus Option #13: a day trip to ruins
I will admit, I did skip these ruins because I was already heading to so many others over the next few weeks. BUT I have heard they are just as special and only 1 hour from Bacalar. The ruins are Kohunlich, Dzibanche, and Kinichna. They are all located near one another and make a great spot for those looking to explore Mayan ruins closer to Bacalar.
General Information: Bacalar
Best Time to Visit:
Hurricane Season: June - October | Dry Season: November-April
The best time to visit Bacalar for optimal weather and the clearest waters is from November to April. However, the best deals on accommodations and other expenses are during the low season, which is the opposite of these months.
I spent the last week of June in Bacalar, where it was very quiet with few people around. There was minimal rain, but mostly it was sunny and hot. The water still shimmered clear in the sunlight; however, the levels were higher than usual, and there was a slight green tint due to the rain.
How to Get to Bacalar:
Bacalar does not have an airport so you will need to fly into one of the nearby airports. I suggest choosing one of the airports below. You will then need to take one of the following: the ADO bus, a private taxi, a shared van, or a rental car to Bacalar. For an in-depth explanation of how to get to Bacalar click here!
AIRPORTS & THEIR DISTANCE FROM BACALAR
Chetumal (CTM): 38 KM (45 minutes)
Tulum (TQO): 202 KM (2.5-3 hours)
Cancun (CUN): 333 KM (4.5-5.5 hours)
Mode of Transport in Bacalar:
Bacalar is entirely walkable and you only really need a taxi, bicycle, or motorbike to access areas like Laguna Bonanza and Los Rapidos.
Bicycle: A bicycle rental is usually around 150-200 pesos. Longer-term rentals offer a better chance at discounts. I always suggest bike locks in Mexico.
Taxi: Taxi are cheap in Bacalar. Getting around the downtown area is usually between 35-50 pesos, depending on where you are heading. Taxis to Los Rapidos and Laguna Bonanza are around 250 pesos each way.
Taxi Seguro Bacalar Phone #: +52-983-833-7421
Motorbike: If you are here short term I would suggest opting for a bicycle or taxi. For long-term visitors, a motorbike may make the most sense if you prefer not to walk everywhere. The cost per motorbike ranges from 650 pesos for a full day to 500 pesos for a half day plus a deposit fee. The longer you rent, the better discounts you may get.
Where to Stay:
As mentioned, the town is small and walkable. I recommend staying anywhere in the central area to easily access the majority of activities, food places, etc. in walking distance. I recommend staying right on the lagoon if you can, especially for those here for only a night or two.
Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler
Best Backpacker/Hostel Option: The Yak Lake House - Hostal or Che Bacalar Hostel & Bar Adults Only
Best Low-Budget: Hostal & Suites Pata de Perro
Best Mid-Budget: Hotel Makaabá Eco-Boutique or Casa Chukum
Best Luxury: Blue Palm Bacalar
Food Recommendations:
IS IT SAFE?:
Bacalar felt extremely safe, and maybe one of the safest places I ventured to in Mexico.
How To Stay Safe:
This is all opinionated and based upon my experiences only, but you should always stay up to date with your country’s travel advisories regardless. Follow basic rules of safety while traveling.
Emergency Contact Number: 9-1-1
Never travel without the right insurance in case of any sickness, injuries, or theft. Safety Wing is by far the best travel medical insurance. It has saved me numerous times by covering hospital visits when I was sick during my travels in Asia.
