From exciting activities and top restaurants, to beautiful hidden gems, these are the best things to do in Bacalar, Mexico.
When we reached Bacalar on our Mexico road trip, I knew we’d arrived somewhere super special. To be honest, I’m usually a beach girl, and Mexico’s Caribbean coast is very appealing. But, just wait until you see Bacalar!
This stunning freshwater lagoon offers some of the clearest, turquoise waters you’ve ever seen. It boasts paradise views, a vibrant food scene, laid-back charm and lots of activities to keep you busy.
This Pueblo Magico (magic town) is known for its Lagoon of Seven Colours and is one of the highlights of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. So, if you’re planning a trip, let me help you. I visited as part of a three-week road trip around the states of Yucatan, Quintana Roo, and Campeche. During that time I discovered all of the best things to do and ate at some amazing restaurants. Lucky for you guys, I’ve returned with lots of helpful tips so you can make the most of your trip.
It’s a destination where you’ll want to stay connected at all times, to plan routes and organise activities, so don’t forget to organise an eSIM before you travel.
The Ultimate Bacalar Travel Guide
Is It Worth Visiting Bacalar?
Absolutely. 1000%. In fact I’d go as far as to say it’s one of my favourite places in Mexico. This stunning area offers gorgeous days out on the water, whether you’re sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking or swimming. The town of Bacalar is hippie and cool, with a bohemian feel and a great selection of bars and restaurants.
Then there are the colours. The lagoon is known as La Laguna de los Siete Colores (the lagoon of seven colours) but I definitely saw more than seven shades of blue on my trip! Plus, the region offers a lovely mix of waterside resorts and boutique hotels, as well as budget-friendly accommodation within the town itself. It’s great for all travellers, from backpackers, to families and couples.
While tourists are flocking to Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen, Bacalar still has a bit of that ‘hidden gem’ feel. It’s quieter, calmer and has a really special atmosphere. So, stop considering it and mark it firmly on your map! I guarantee Bacalar will make an amazing addition to your Mexico itinerary.
Where Is Bacalar, Mexico?
When you look at a map of Mexico’s Caribbean coast, Bacalar is towards the bottom, close to the border with Belize. It’s not right on the coast, so is often overlooked by tourists looking for a beach holiday.
From Cancun, the journey to Bacalar by car takes around 4.5 hours. Or from Tulum, it’s around 2.5 hours.
How Do You Get To Bacalar?
We drove to Bacalar as part of our three-week Mexico road trip. We began the journey in Cancun and visited destinations including Isla Holbox, Merida and Campeche before travelling south to Bacalar.
For many, the easiest way is to hire a car from Cancun and drive 4.5 hours south to Bacalar. The route is very simple, staying on one highway all the way from north to south.
If you’re looking for public transport options, you can catch the ADO Bus from destinations including Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum. The bus journey from Cancun takes just under 5.5 hours. The ADO buses are comfortable air-conditioned coaches, and a really reliable and budget-friendly way to travel around Mexico.
There’s a newer option available now, with the arrival of Tren Maya – the train network which runs through the Yucatan. Bacalar has a train station, although it’s worth noting the station is around ten minutes’ drive from the town centre.
There isn’t an airport in Bacalar, but you can fly into Chetumal, which is about 40 minutes away, or Tulum’s new airport which is 2.5 hours away.
How Long To Stay In Bacalar?
As long as possible! Honestly, our biggest regret on our road trip was that we didn’t allow more time in Bacalar. We loved it so much, we wished we’d skipped Tulum and had a few extra days by the peaceful lagoon!
If you just want a little flavour, you could go for a day trip. But for the full experience, I’d say 3-4 days is perfect. You’ll have time to organise a boat trip, explore the town, swim, kayak and see a few of the key sights.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Bacalar?
This is Mexico, so it’s not like there’s a cold time of year. You’ll always be looking at temperatures between 24°C and 32°C.
However, the best time to visit Bacalar is during the dry season which runs from November to April This is when you’ll enjoy warm temperatures, sunny days and lower humidity. It’s a great time for getting out on the water or taking a dip. Plus, the colours will be extra vibrant.
You’re likely to find the weather more changeable between May and October. It’s usually hot and humid, with risks of heavy tropical rain showers. In my experience, these tend to fall in the afternoons, and don’t last long, so don’t let that put you off. I’ve visited Mexico in September a couple of times and mainly experienced warm, sunny days.
On this particular trip we visited in February and the weather was great. Most of the time we had blue sky, sunshine-filled days, along with a few overcast moments. It was always lovely and warm!
What To Do In Bacalar – Bacalar Activities and Tourist Attractions
Planning your trip to Bacalar? These are the highlights!
Take A Boat Tour Of The Lagoon
You can’t visit Bacalar and not do the classic boat tour. There are lots of tour operators with stands around the town, offering tours by speedboat (lancha) or pontoon (ponton) boat. I’d recommend the pontoon, which costs a tiny bit more but is a lot more comfortable.
Most boat tours last between two and three hours and include a few stops for swimming.
On the tours you will get to see a lot of the lagoon’s highlights, including:
- Emerald Cenote, where you’ll view an underground water source
- Cenote Cocalitos, where you can see the stromatolites
- Bird Island, where you can see a wide variety of birds, particularly in April and May
- Pirate Canal, where you can swim
The tours also include water and soft drinks. When I visited in 2026, the prices were 350 MXN for a speedboat tour or 450 MXN. You might be able to negotiate a better deal if you are in a big group, or you can book your own private boat for 2,000 – 4,000 MXN.
Visit Los Rapidos
We spent an amazing morning at Los Rapidos – an area of the lagoon where there’s a natural lazy river. You wear a life jacket and let the current float you downstream. The water is an insane hue of bright blue and there are lots of photo opportunities.
It’s a great family activity. Our toddler (age three) absolutely loved this experience!
There’s also a restaurant and bar at Los Rapidos, plus lots of seating, so you can relax by the water. It’s worth noting that the restaurant’s prices are on the expensive side.
When we visited, it cost 200 MXN to enter. There were extra costs if you wanted to hire a locker. There’s a large car park, with free parking. If you need to travel from Bacalar town centre, it’s best to hop in a taxi. They journey takes around 15 minutes by car.
Swim In The Lagoon
One of my favourite memories from this trip was jumping in the water with my son and splashing around. The beautiful shades of blue seemed even more vivid once we were in the water.
If you book a boat trip, you’ll get options to swim. If you fancy a dip at another time, and you’re not staying at a hotel with lagoon access, there are a few public access points in the town, with jetties you can jump off.
Go On A Street Art Tour
Bacalar town is an arty and colourful place, with huge murals adorning the sides of many buildings. It reminded me of another of my favourite Mexican destinations, Isla Holbox.
I love that you can walk the streets and feel like you’re perusing one huge outdoor art gallery. I took photos of some of my favourites, but there are so many (and no doubt, new ones popping up all the time). Take a moment to really appreciate them when you’re there.
Laze At One Of Bacalar’s Lagoon Clubs
If you’re by a beach, you might go in search of a beach club. Well, in Bacalar, it’s similar. There are lots of lagoon clubs, where you’ll find sun loungers, a restaurant, bar and access to the water. Some even have swimming pools! Most have an entry fee or a minimum spend (which is redeemable against food and drinks).
We visited one of the newest in Bacalar, Carmelita Lagoon Club, which is at the far end of the town. It has a beautiful infinity pool next to the water’s edge, a top restaurant and bar area, plus a spa. There are kayaks and paddleboards to rent, and steps straight into the lagoon. We had an amazing day there. It was very peaceful, had picture-perfect views, and was nice and safe for our toddler to play.
Other lagoon clubs I’ve heard good things about are Beach Club Blu (a budget-friendly option) and Bertilla Lagoon & Beach Club. As you drive around the lagoon, you’ll spot lots of hotels offering day passes for their beach clubs.
Go Kayaking Or Paddleboarding
One of the best ways to experience the lagoon is by getting out on the water. Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular in Bacalar, and for good reason. It’s absolute paradise, with clear, calm waters and great visibility.
You can rent kayaks or paddleboards from most lagoon clubs and hotels. Prices tend to be pretty reasonable, and some lagoon clubs include an hour’s rental as part of your entry fee.
If you can, head out early in the morning. The lagoon is at its calmest, there are fewer boats around and the colours are really vibrant. It’s also cooler first thing. I also think it’s lovely around sunset, when you’ll enjoy peachy light and mirror-like reflections.
Visit The Famous Cenotes
Bacalar’s lagoon is fed by several cenotes, which are deep natural sinkholes filled with freshwater. Unlike the cave-like cenotes you might have seen elsewhere in Mexico, these aren’t always obvious, as they’re hidden within the lagoon itself.
The most famous ones you’ll hear about are:
- Cenote Negro (Black Cenote) – the deepest in the lagoon, known for its dark blue colour
- Cenote Esmeralda (Emerald Cenote) – a striking green-blue shade and one of the largest
- Cenote Cocalitos – one of the best places to see stromatolites
We visited these three as part of our boat tour, but you can also see some from the beach clubs, as they’re close to the shore.
If you’re looking for an extra activity around Bacalar, you could visit Cenote Azul. This cenote is separated from the lagoon by a bit of land, and you’ll have to pay an entrance fee to visit. Once there, you can swim in the water and enjoy a peaceful experience in crystal clear waters.
Visit The Pirate Channel (Canal de los Piratas)
If you’re booking a boat tour of the lagoon, you’ll visit the Pirate Channel. The skinny stretch of water once connected the lagoon to the sea and was used by pirates in the 17th century.
I was mesmerised by the shallow, clear waters. It was a lovely place to swim. The water was such a bright shade of turquoise, I couldn’t quite believe the colours!
See Bacalar’s Stromatolites
Stromatolites are one of Bacalar’s most unique natural features, and something you won’t see in many places in the world. These living rock formations are created by microorganisms and are thought to be among the oldest life forms on the planet. Isn’t that incredible?
They look like funny shaped rocks just beneath the water’s surface, but they’re incredibly delicate and protected. You’ll see stromatolites in several areas of the lagoon, particularly around Cenote Cocalitos and Los Rapidos. There are plenty of signs about how you can help preserve them. It’s important not to touch or stand on them, even accidentally. It’s also recommended that you avoid wearing suncream, or buy one that is mineral-based and considered reef-safe.
Explore Fuerte de San Felipe
Right in the centre of Bacalar’s charming town is Fort San Felipe. This fascinating historic site was built in the 18th century to defend the area from pirate attacks. It’s now a museum, where you can learn more about the history of the area and explore the fort’s unique spaces.
Even if you don’t fancy paying to look around, you can walk the perimeter of the fort’s walls. I loved taking in the views of the fort with the lagoon behind.
Go Wildlife Spotting Around The Lagoon
With so much water around, you’re guaranteed plenty of wildlife in Bacalar. Birds love it here, especially around Bird Island where it’s possible to see a range of birds including herons, parrots and kingfishers.
In the water, you’ll spot lots of fish, including tilapia and catfish. It was pretty magical spotting schools of silvery fish when looking at the end of the lagoon’s jetties. I’ve heard you can spot turtles occasionally, although, sadly we didn’t see any on our trip.
Hang Out In Zócalo Park
Bacalar’s main square is a hub for local life. During the daytimes, it’s filled with people going for walks, looking at the tourist stalls or kids enjoying the numerous playgrounds. By night, it’s even livelier, with food stalls, live music and handmade items.
Try Some Mexican Snacks
When you’re out and about in the evenings, you’ll spot food stalls selling marquesitas. A marquesita is a crisp pancake, with a range of options for fillings, including Nutella, cheese, strawberries and more. They’re a lovely sweet treat, and great when you fancy something sweet after dinner! I had one in Bacalar’s main square, filled with sweet cajeta (dulce de leche). It was absoutely delicious!
Go For Cocktails In Bacalar
We made the most of the holiday vibe in Bacalar, which meant having at least one cocktail each day! I was partial to a passion fruit mojito if it was on the menu. Plus, we absolutely loved the mezcalitas on this trip (think margarita, but skip the tequila and use smoky mezcal instead!)
For beer lovers, try a local michelada. My partner is a huge fan of this drink, which elevates a standard bottle of beer with flavours of salt, chilli and lime.
Enjoy A Mango Flower
You’ll find locals in Mexico with the most extraordinary skills. None more so than the street vendor who can cut a mango into a beautiful flower, right in front of your eyes! Once peeled and shaped, he doused it with fresh lime and tajin – a chilli, lime and salt flavouring. Definitely try it!
Shop For Souvenirs
There aren’t loads of souvenir shops in Bacalar, but there are a handful, selling embroidered clothing, artworks and unique items. One of the evenings we were in town, there was a night market with local artists showcasing their works. You’ll find the prices here a lot more reasonable than in Tulum or Cancun.
Explore Bacalar By Bike
Lots of hostels and accommodations offer bike rental as part of your stay. Cycling is a great way to get around the small town, visit beach clubs, find lagoon areas that are off the beaten track, and visit the cenotes.
Visit Bacalar’s Local Market
If you want a true flavour of local life, head to the Mercado Municipal de Bacalar. This market, around four blocks from the main square, is where you’ll find fresh ingredients for sale.
If you’re staying in a self-catered apartment or villa, you can pick up fruit and vegetables here for a really good price. We were so amazed seeing the size and quality of all the ingredients. I wish I could buy avocados as big as my head back in England!
Visit One Of Bacalar’s Art Galleries
With streets covered in colourful creations, it’s hardly surprising to discover there are some great galleries in Bacalar. El Manati is a café, shop and gallery, close to the Zocalo. I really enjoyed perusing the space and seeing the artworks displayed. Meanwhile, close to the lagoon is Cab Colectivo, a space showcasing the works of lots of different female artists from the region.
Enjoy Stargazing
If you’re keen to see the stars, you’re in for a treat! If you’re staying close to the lagoon, you’ll find there’s very little light pollution. On clear nights you can see hundreds of bright, twinkly stars. Yet another reason this is a Pueblo Magico (magic town)!
Where To Eat In Bacalar… And How Much Food Costs
Bacalar has a really good food scene for a small town, with everything from budget street food to more fine-dining on the lagoon’s edge. After visiting really touristy places such as Tulum and Cancun, I was impressed by the prices of food in Bacalar. A really generous dish often cost around 10-15% less.
For cheap and cheerful, there are several basic taquerias in town. One taco can cost as little as 15-25 MXN, so you can get a great feast for just a few pounds. Sadly, Mr Taco was closed on the evening we tried to go, but I’ve heard it’s great, and when we passed it on another occasion, it was absolutely packed.
Here are a few places we enjoyed during our stay this time:
Café Tito – The perfect location for a strong coffee and a pastry in the morning. This café is in town’s main square.
Los de Atlixco – Trendy spot for delicious Mexican food, such as tacos, gringas and alambres, with some finer ingredients thrown in.
Tigre Pétanque – Stylish outdoor restaurant with its own pétanque court. Portions aren’t huge, but the quality was great. We loved the ceviche in particular. A great date night option.
La Pancha Bacalar – Mexican food done well, with a special emphasis on birria de res (a slow-cooked beef with spices). You can choose to have it on tacos, with tortillas or in a quesadilla. The birria quesadilla was my favourite here!
Hijos del Cocho – This restaurant is famed for its seafood. It’s a lively spot, with huge portions. We had the fish ceviche and the coconut shrimp, which were both great. We also loved that there was a trampoline for our son to play on while we ate!
La Burguesía del Pueblo – While we usually try to eat local food on our travels, one day we really fancied burgers. Well, we found an amazing spot overlooking the main square. There’s a huge menu of burgers, fast-food options and kids meals. Just be prepared – they’re enormous.
Panadería La Tartaleta – A really great bakery for morning pastries.
Casa Shiva Bacalar by MIJ – We went for drinks at this lagoon-side resort. It’s open to non-residents and has a beautiful setting with tables by the water and a long jetty.
How Much Is Food And Drink In Bacalar?
To give you a rough idea of prices:
- Tacos: 15–25 MXN each
- Breakfast dishes: 80–150 MXN
- Main meals: 100–280 MXN (although can be more in fine-dining / lagoon-side restaurants)
- Cocktails: 120–180 MXN (but you’ll often find happy hours with 2 for 1 deals)
- Coffee: 40–60 MXN
Useful Info For Visiting Bacalar, Mexico
Money in Bacalar
While you can pay on card in most places, there are sometimes extra charges (around 5%) for using the card machine. We tried to use cash as much as possible, to avoid these costs. If you want to buy things like street food, it’s better to pay with cash too. There are a few ATMs in Bacalar, so it’s easy to withdraw money.
Is Bacalar safe?
Bacalar felt very safe during our visit. It’s a small, laid-back town with a relaxed vibe, especially compared to busier destinations in Mexico. We stayed right in the centre, a few blocks from the main square, so we were never wandering around deserted streets. Regardless, it felt very safe and my research before the trip had also shown it to be a safe place to visit.
We travelled with two young kids and felt comfortable throughout our stay, both in the town and around the lagoon. As with anywhere, use your common sense and trust your gut! You’ll usually sense if there’s going to be any trouble.
How bad are the mosquitoes in Bacalar?
Ok, so on our trip in February we didn’t find them to be too bad. However, on my previous trip several years ago, I was eaten alive by mosquitoes near the lagoon! I would recommend wearing repellent, especially around dusk when they tend to come out. Just remember, it’s not recommended to wear any chemicals if you’re swimming in the lagoon.
Is Bacalar lagoon closed on Wednesdays?
Yes! On Wednesdays, there is no sailing on the lagoon. It’s described as an ‘ecological break’, to help with the conservation of the ecosystem. This means you can’t go on boat tours, rent a boat, or go on paddle boards or kayaks on Wednesdays throughout the year.
Can you drink the tap water in Bacalar?
No, as with everywhere in Mexico, it’s best to stick to bottled water. I’d also recommend taking some probiotic tablets and some indigestion / diarrhoea remedies, just in case! We were on a three-week trip and only had dodgy tummies once, but it’s good to always be prepared.
How can you visit Bacalar sustainably?
It’s recommended that you avoid sunscreen if you’re swimming in the lagoon, or use reef-safe alternatives. The same with insect repellent. You also shouldn’t touch the stromatolites and keep a safe distance from any wildlife.
I hope my guide helps you make the most of your time in Bacalar. Along with the beautiful Isla Holbox, it’s my favourite place in Mexico. Let me know if you have any questions!
