Explore 15 Captivating Activities in Bacalar, Mexico:

Revamped Guide to the Hidden Gems of Bacalar, Mexico - Discover the Best Blue Lagoon Ever Seen!

Friend, prepare to be enchanted! I'm spilling the beans on this little-known Mexican gem, Bacalar, where the stunning blue lagoon will leave you awestruck.ure, the lagoon so impossibly cyan, that I was worried I must have embellished it beyond reality. Well, worry not, my friend, for a second visit confirmed it to be even more magical than I remembered!

Bacalar Lagoon: A Mammoth Freshwater Lake with a Caribbean-like Hue!

Bacalar Lagoon is a colossal freshwater lake reaching approximately 42km in length and a mere 2km at its widest point. This lakey behemoth draws its water from underwater cenotes, causing its water to appear an intense, Caribbean-like blue, though it darkens strangely over the deep crevices where the cenotes reside, earning it the nickname "lake of seven colours".

Bacalar Town: A Tiny, Peaceful Hamlet

The sleepy town of Bacalar nestles on the southwestern shore of the lake. The town center is brimming with vibrant murals, divine eateries, and lively bars. When I first visited, Bacalar had yet to become popular, but today, it's seeing a surge in popularity, with trendy new establishments popping up – yet it retains its tranquility and laid-back vibe.

Tons of Fun Things to Do while in Bacalar

Besides basking in the ethereal beauty of Bacalar Lagoon, there are plenty of other exciting activities to enjoy while you're in town. Keep reading for the full list!

Hot Tip: If you're rollin' in with just one day, then check out the condensed list ahead to make the most of your brief stay!

Shortlist: If You've Got One Day in Bacalar

Hop aboard a boat tour of Bacalar Lagoon
Wander through downtown Bacalar and pay a visit to San Felipe Fort
Take a swim at a beach club, or rent a kayak to explore Bacalar Lagoon
Catch the sunrise on a dawn paddleboarding adventure
Dip into the captivating crystal waters of Cenote Azul

Roadmap for Navigating Bacalar: Map

15 Must-Do Activities in Bacalar

1. Embark on a boat cruise of Bacalar Lagoon

One of the most enjoyed activities in Bacalar is embarking on a boat tour of the lagoon. I loved it so much I did the same tour on both my visits! Go for the standard 2-hour tour by lancha (small boat) or pontoon (pontoon), viewing the significant sights on Bacalar Lagoon, such as the "Pirate Channel", stromatolite reserves, and underwater cenotes. Themyriad hues of the lake's water at contrasting points are truly a sight to behold!

2. Take a dip in Cenote Azul

Cenotes are mesmerizing, naturally occurring sinkholes filled with water. One lies beneath Bacalar Lagoon, and Cenote Azul is nestled right next to it, separated by a strip of land. With depths of nearly 300ft, swimming in this vivid, deep blue pool promises an extraordinary experience you don't want to miss!

You can reach Cenote Azul by taxi for roughly 60 MXN. Inside, you'll discover a restaurant, restrooms, and a couple Instagram-worthy swings – both over the water and in front of it. You can even go scuba diving in Cenote Azul if you fancy exploring its depths, which local dive centers in nearby Mahahual can arrange.

3. Get acquainted with Stromatolites

Bacalar is home to a remarkable natural phenomenon: stromatolites. These 3.5 billion-year-old living fossils play a crucial role in recycling elements like CO2 – actively enhancing the environment. It's believed that these stony beings are partly responsible for Bacalar Lagoon's incredible clarity. You can observe these breathtaking formations scattered around the lake, particularly at Los Rapidos and in front of Beach Club Blu.

4. Absorb the History at San Felipe Fort

Dominating downtown Bacalar, San Felipe Fort serves as a memorial of the town's tumultuous past. Pirates traveling up the Hondo River and through the surrounding swamps would mercilessly terrorize the town, but the fort, perched atop a hill overlooking the lake, was built in 1733 to defend it. Inside, you'll find a small museum shedding some light on Bacalar's history and the unsavory stories of the pirates. Entrance fee for foreign visitors is 110 MXN (55 MXN for locals), though prices may be slashed later in the day.

5. Stroll through downtown Bacalar

Bacalar's downtown area is an enchanting, colourful neighborhood, brimming with street art murals, inviting shops, and delightful eateries. Simply take a leisurely stroll and see what piques your interest – you'll be glad you did!

Some key sights include the "Bacalar" sign, the Zocalo, the 19th-century Parroquia de San Joaquin church, and, of course, San Felipe Fort.

6. Groove to the colourful street art murals

One of the things I cherish most about Bacalar is its abundance of public art. Hop on foot, and you'll find yourself hard-pressed to locate a street without a stunning mural on it. Set aside some time to roam around and explore these artistic marvels!

Avenida 5 is one of the best streets for murals; start at the Zocalo and head north.

7. Float along the Natural River Rafting Paradise at Los Rapidos

Los Rapidos, Bacalar's tranquil, narrow section of lake, takes on a canal-esque form, creating a natural "lazy river." You can walk to the far end and then float back along the channel! The channel is lined with stromatolites, ensuring stunning encounters above and below the water. As always, remember to protect these delicate formations by refraining from touching or standing on them. Wearing reef-safe sunscreen isn't recommended either – instead, consider donning a rash vest.

8. Park yourself at a beach club

One of my favorite pastimes in Bacalar is merely relaxing and relishing the beauty of the lake. Sunbathe, swim, or find peace and quiet… take occasional breaks to marvel at the extraordinary blue water.

There aren't traditional, sandy beaches around Bacalar Lagoon as such, but numerous balnearios or beach clubs offer chairs, sun loungers, and sometimes encompass an on-site bar and restaurant. Some even have small jetties, allowing for easy access to the lake's deeper waters.

Some popular beach clubs include Beach Club Blu, La Playita, Bacalar Beach Club, Cenote Cocolitos, Los Aluxes, and Balneario Ejidal – with the latter being the most affordable, family-friendly option complete with waterslides.

9. Paddle or Kayak the Lake

Fancy taking a breather from boat tours? Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the calm Bacalar Lagoon at your own pace. Rentals can be found near many of the balnearios and through various tour providers, like the 3-hour kayak rental or the sunrise paddleboarding adventure.

10. Explore the Mayan ruins at Kohunlich

Chichen Itza may be the most famous, but the Yucatan Peninsula boasts many other Mayan ruins, including Kohunlich – an easy day trip from Bacalar. Sadly, I missed Kohunlich on my most recent trip – it's on my list of "must-do's" when I return! Sprawling over 21 acres, Kohunlich's dense jungle surroundings lend an adventurous atmosphere to the site. The Temple of the Masks, a pyramid dating to around 500AD, is a must-see, featuring impressive deigns and intricate details.

11. Pirate Adventures at the Pirate Channel (Canal de los Piratas)

The Canal de los Piratas, or Pirate Channel, connects Bacalar Lagoon to Laguna Mariscal, which, in turn, connects with the River Honda via streams and swamps. It's thought that this channel was used by Mayans for trade before pirates began using it to raid Bacalar in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Today, the channel serves as a fantastic swimming spot thanks to its almost supernaturally blues waters. You'll also find an abandoned boat-shaped restaurant with walls adorned with graffiti that's popular for jumping into the lake. Most boat tours visit the Pirate Channel, or you can rent a kayak and paddle your way over there.

12. Fly High with Ziplining at Tirolesa Kan Kin Bacalar

yearn for a thrill? Head to the zipline park Tirolesas Kan Kin Bacalar, where you can soar above the treetops and enjoy mesmerizing views of the jungle and the lake. Caution: though majestic, these treetop vistas may reveal local wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for monkeys!

13. Unwind at Mahahual

Take a break from Bacalar for a day and escape to Mahahual, a sleepy beach town boasting clear blue seas and pristine white sands backed by swaying palm trees. This beach is famous for its exceptional coral reefs, offering an array of snorkeling and diving options.

Get close and personal with the marine life on a snorkel boat tour in search of turtles or a two-tank dive in the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (for certified divers). Alternatively, embark on a full-day beach trip to Mahahual from Bacalar and enjoy all this picturesque beach destination has to offer!

14. Savor Some Local Grub

Bacalar boasts an exciting food scene with a selection of small locals spots, cozy cafes, and trendy eateries. Some of the most popular include Mr Taco, La Playita, Mango y Chile, Barbanegra Bacalar, Chacá Restaurante, and Nao – all worthy of a visit.

15. Admire the Sunrise over the Lake

My final recommendation is to rise and shine and catch one of Bacalar's breathtaking lake sunrises. The town, located on the western shore, boasts stunning views of the lake as it's bathed in golden tones as the sun rises. Set your alarm, grab a travel buddy, and witness this awe-inspiring moment.

More Fun Facts about Bacalar

Did You Know? Fun Facts About Bacalar

Bacalar is officially designated as a "Pueblo Mágico," a designation given to towns in Mexico that exhibit natural beauty, cultural, historic, or anthropological value.
Bacalar Lagoon is the largest freshwater lake in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Bacalar Lagoon is home to over 170 species of birds, including herons, ibis, egrets, cormorants, and flamingos.
Stromatolites are precious living fossils, with the ones in Bacalar being believed to date back 3.5 billion years.
The Pirate Channel was likely employed by pirates like Jean Lafitte and privateers like Francis Drake during the 16th and 17th centuries.
The Festival de los Soldados de San Felipe takes place every year in Bacalar, celebrating the town's history and the fort, San Felipe, which was built to protect the town from pirate attacks.
The tradition of launching wooden barrels filled with fireworks into the lake on New Year's Eve originated in Bacalar. The practice has since spread to other towns across Mexico.
Cenote Azul was once home to a Mayan fishery and served as a source of food for the community.
The Hotel La Quinta del Bosque in Bacalar was once owned by the eccentric actress Tallulah Bankhead, and today guests can still enjoy her former residence.
Indulge in local cuisine by visiting dining spots such as Mr Taco, La Playita, Mango y Chile, Barbanegra Bacalar, Chacá Restaurante, and Nao while in Bacalar.
Encounter the region's avian wildlife by exploring Bacalar Lagoon, home to over 170 species of birds, including herons, ibis, egrets, cormorants, and flamingos.
Join the annual Festival de los Soldados de San Felipe to celebrate the town's history and the fort, San Felipe, which was built to protect Bacalar from pirate attacks.
Celebrate the beginning of a new year by participating in the local tradition of launching wooden barrels filled with fireworks into the lake, a practice that first originated in Bacalar.
Learn about Bacalar's Mayan heritage by visiting Cenote Azul, which was once home to a Mayan fishery and served as a source of food for the community.
Discover the history of Bacalar and the surrounding area by staying at Hotel La Quinta del Bosque, once owned by actress Tallulah Bankhead.
Marvel at the mystery of Bacalar Lagoon's "lake of seven colours," caused by the lake drawing its water from underwater cenotes that create distinct hues in the water.
Take part in an adventurous zipline experience at Tirolesas Kan Kin Bacalar, overlooking the treetops and the jungle.
Escape to Mahahual, a nearby beach town, for a day of relaxation, snorkeling, diving, and enjoyment of clear blue seas and pristine white sands.
Unwind and soak up the hues of Bacalar's breathtaking sunrise, which bathes the town and lake in golden tones as the sun rises.