Bacalar Bliss: A Guide to the Lagoon and Beyond
With its crystal-clear, turquoise lagoon, vibrant flora and fauna Bacalar offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you want to relax on ashore the lagoon, explore the mangroves, kayak through the bluest waters, or indulge in delicious local cuisine, Bacalar has something for everyone. Don’t miss out on this slice of paradise!
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Bacalar is not exactly a “secret destination” – it is well-known, but compared to places like Akumal or Tulum, which are easily accessible from Cancun airport, Bacalar is not a popular choice among tourists seeking all-inclusive resorts. You won’t find any of those large chain hotels with 400 bedrooms in Bacalar, as building such complexes is limited, and in some cases, almost impossible – which is a good thing as it helps protect the lagoon.
Bacalar is more of a backpacker destination and still retains some of the “hippie” atmosphere that Tulum has lost in the process of commercialization. The people here recognize the value of the lagoon for the tourism industry, and protecting it is their top priority.
The town is small, and you can easily walk or bike around. The streets are narrow, and there is only one ATM in the entire city. It’s the perfect place to slow down and relax.
The highlight of Bacalar is the lagoon, also known as Laguna Bacalar or the Lagoon of Seven Colors. This natural gem is a freshwater lagoon that shimmers in many different shades of blue on a sunny day, ranging from almost blinding white to crystal turquoise and dark blue, and everything in between.
The lagoon is unique, and you won’t find anything quite like it anywhere else in the world. What makes it so special is its water source – the lagoon is fed by Cenotes, which are connected by an underground network of streams all over the Yucatan peninsula.
Why Bacalar Is One of Our Absolute Favorite Places
Bacalar is one of those destinations that stays with you long after you’ve left. We’ve already visited twice and each time, it felt like coming back to a place that understands exactly what kind of calm you’re looking for. With its crystal‑clear, turquoise lagoon and vibrant flora and fauna, Bacalar offers a kind of serenity that’s hard to find elsewhere in Mexico.
Whether you want to relax along the shore of the famous Lagoon of Seven Colors, kayak through some of the bluest waters you’ll ever see, drift past mangroves, or simply enjoy delicious local cuisine in a slow, peaceful setting, Bacalar has something for everyone. It’s a place where days stretch gently, where nature feels close, and where you can unwind without ever feeling bored.
For us, Bacalar is a true slice of paradise and a tru moment of “Trouvaille” – the kind you return to again and again.
Hop on a sailingboat at the Lagoon of Seven Colors
When in Bacalar, a sailing trip at the lagoon is a must-do. It’s the best way to experience the different shades of blue and visit some of the highlights in and around the lagoon. Sailing trips are offered on nearly every corner in Bacalar and usually include stops at the following points of interest:
- Island of the Birds
- Black Cenote / Emerald Cenote
- Cenote Cocalitos
- Pirates Channel
I highly recommend taking a sailing boat instead of a motor boat when exploring the lagoon. It’s an amazing experience to glide silently over the water and take in the stunning scenery. We booked a group tour with Veleando Ando and had a fantastic time. The tour starts outside of Bacalar, but you can find the information booth in the city center. It was a very informative trip, and we would definitely recommend them.
Visit Los Rapidos
Los Rapidos, or “rapids” in English, are located at the southern end of the Bacalar Lagoon. This narrowest point of the lagoon connects the Bacalar part with the Xul-Ha part, causing the water to gather pace and form rapids.
Floating down the rapids at Los Rapidos is a relaxing way to enjoy the beautiful nature of the mangroves and stromatolites in the area. A pier along the mangroves takes you up to the rapids, from where you can jump in and float back down to the restaurant where you started. You can repeat this as often as you like and take your time to soak in the stunning scenery.
What to know before visiting “Los Rapidos”
Even though, the rapids are not really “wild”, I would suggest you to use the life jackets, as it can be a little bit exhausting to stay over water and it makes the whole experience much more relaxing.
If you want to swim in “Los Rapidos” you have to pay entrance to the adjacent restaurant. Life jackets are included. Besides that, you can rent kayaks or snorkeling gear or enjoy a lunch at the restaurant. There are also showers available as well as lockers.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10 AM – 6 PM
Entrance Fee: 150 Pesos per Person + 50 Pesos + 50 Pesos Deposit
Sunrise/Sunset Kayaking at the Lagoon
Don’t miss the opportunity to kayak across the Bacalar Lagoon while you’re there. It’s an excellent way to explore the lagoon at your own pace and get up close to the stunning flora and fauna of the area.
However, be sure to keep an eye (or ear) out for motorboats and jet skis while paddling. Many accommodations located on the lagoon have their own kayaks or paddleboards available for guests to use. If your accommodation doesn’t provide this service, check with the information booths in the city center for suitable offers. It’s a great way to wind down and enjoy the peaceful beauty of Bacalar.
Enjoy the Sunrise over the Lagoon
There’s nothing quite like watching the sunrise over the Bacalar Lagoon. The water shifts from deep blue to soft pastel tones, and the whole area feels calm and untouched. If you’re an early riser, take a moment to sit at the pier or dip your feet into the water – the stillness of the morning is magical.
Where to stay in Bacalar
Bacalar is a destination that shuns large hotel chains, which is not only great for the lagoon and its natural surroundings but also provides the option to experience something more local. During our visit, we decided to stay in an Airbnb and it turned out to be the best accommodation of our whole trip. We were very happy with our choice and would highly recommend it.
Our Airbnb in Bacalar was perfect for us. It had a spacious bedroom, bathroom, living area, and kitchen, as well as two balconies. The best part was its location directly on the lagoon, with its own private pier that provided the perfect gateway to the lagoon and stunning views of the sunrise. We highly recommend this accommodation for anyone looking for a comfortable and picturesque stay in Bacalar.
The pier had several deckchairs and some swing in the water.
Check the AIRBNB here.
Where and what to eat in Bacalar
Mr. Taco
Our favorite taco restaurant on our entire trip wasn’t in Bacalar, but Mr. Taco in Bacalar is a must-visit. While it’s a small restaurant and you might have to wait in line for a few minutes to get a seat, it’s well worth it. They offer classic tacos like Pastor and Chicken Fajita, as well as fresh ceviche and fish tacos, and a wide range of vegetarian options. Our favorites were the baked fish tacos, ceviche tacos, spinach tacos, cactus tacos, and chicken in mole poblano. We visited Mr. Taco twice during our three-night stay in Bacalar and we’re still craving those delicious, high-quality, and extremely affordable tacos.
La Pozoleria Bacalar
If you’re in the mood for a warm, comforting soup after an adventurous day, look no further than “La Pozoleria.” In addition to small classical dishes such as Cochinita Pibil, they offer “Pozole” in different variants: Pozole rojo or blanco, which comes with chicken, a vegetarian version, or a Pozole “de Camaron,” with shrimp. We tried the “Rojo” and the “Camaron,” which were both delicious.
La Trattoria Del ’46
This Italian restaurant offers authentic Italian pizza in the evening and a delicious Mexican breakfast in the morning. The Chilaquiles were some of the best we had during our whole trip, and the waffles are worth indulging in!
El Manatí Bacalar
El Manati is a great spot for breakfast, combining a shop with local handicrafts, a gallery with art and information about the nature of the lagoon, and an actual restaurant. The breakfast is delicious and their honey, produced by the bees that live in the courtyard, is a must-try with the pancakes.
Mango and Chile
If you are looking for a cool drink with a great view of the lagoon, you should visit Mango y Chile. They serve fresh juices; cakes and they offer a small range of vegan dishes as well. The picture below does not show this view – we opted for a takeaway coffee and enjoyed it in our Airbnb.
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