7 Best Things to Do in Bacalar, Mexico

Bacalar is a magical town (Pueblo Mágico) in Mexico, famous for its beautiful crystal clear waters and the Lagoon of Seven Colors. Bacalar is not usually part of the typical Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary, but Bacalar Lagoon is well worth visiting.

Spend at least 3-days in Bacalar, take a sailing trip, kayak in the lagoon, and enjoy the Maldives of Mexico.

This ultimate guide to visiting Bacalar includes how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do in Bacalar, Mexico.

Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through our link. This is a free way to support us and allow us to continue to create inspiring travel guides.

NO TIME TO READ NOW? PIN IT

Where is Bacalar

Bacalar is located on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, in the southern part of the state of Quintana Roo, not far from the border with Belize.

How to Get to Bacalar

There are several ways to get to Bacalar, like by plane, bus, or car.

Getting to Bacalar by plane

The nearest airport is in Chetumal, the capital of Quintana Roo state, a 35-minute drive away. Book your transfer from Chetumal Airport to Bacalar.

Belize City International Airport is 3 hours away from Bacalar, and Cancun International Airport is 4.5-5 hours away.

TIP
Use Skyscanner to get cheap flights to Mexico.

Getting to Bacalar by bus

If you can’t or don’t want to drive in Mexico, take the ADO buses, which run several times a day and connect most cities such as Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen. The bus is the cheapest way to get around, and ADO buses are air-conditioned, clean, and very comfortable.

Bus tickets from Cancun to Bacalar start from 34 USD, and travel time is 5.5-6 hours, depending on traffic.

Get Bus Tickets.

The Bacalar bus station is located right on the main road. From there, you can take a short 15-minute walk or grab a taxi to the city center.

Getting to Bacalar by car

Car rental in Mexico is very simple and safe to drive in the Yucatan Peninsula. You can easily rent a car online, at the airports, or in major cities. The best way to get to Bacalar and explore the area is by car.

During our travels, we always use Discover Cars for car rentals. Because they always offer the best deals and provide free cancellation 48 hours before your reservation.

Distances from cities by car:
– From Tulum, the journey time is approximately 2.5 hours.
– From Playa del Carmen takes 3.5 hours.
– Cancun to Bacalar is about 4.5 to 5 hours.

Recommended Post → How to Renting a Car in Mexico

How to Get Around Bacalar

Bacalar is a quiet little town that you can easily walk around. However, if you want to visit nearby cenotes and popular places, take a taxi or travel by Colectivo.

You can rent a bicycle, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard (SUP). Join a Stand Up Paddle Board tour at sunrise, which includes breakfast.

Best Time to Visit Bacalar

Bacalar is a popular destination to visit all year round due to its tropical climate.

The best time to visit Bacalar is from December to April. During this time, there is little rainfall, and temperatures are pleasant.

The rainy season is between May and October when temperatures are also higher.

TIP
In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation and tours in advance!

Read our → Ultimate Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary

Best Things to Do in Bacalar, Mexico

1. Kayaking at Los Rapidos

Visiting Los Rapidos is one of the best things to do in Bacalar. The crystal clear waters in different shades of blue and impressive stromatolites make it the best place to visit in Mexico.

You can swim in the beautiful blue lagoon, snorkel, and rent kayaks at Los Rapidos. There is a great restaurant where you can eat delicious Mexican food or reserve a sun lounger to enjoy the scenery.

Los Rapidos is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM.

Los Rapidos is about 15 minutes from the center, and you can easily visit it by taxi, colectivo, or car.

Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! We always choose SafetyWing for our travels.

The entrance fee to Los Rapidos is 200 MXN (11 USD) for adults and 150 MXN (8 USD) for children.

Parking is free at Los Rapidos, and you can rent a locker for 50 MXN (3 USD), where you can leave your stuff while kayaking.

At Los Rapidos, single kayak rental is 200 MXN (11 USD), double kayak 400 MXN (22 USD).

The current of the Los Rapidos River seems slow, but it is much stronger than you might think. So if you can’t swim, rent a life jacket!

When visiting Los Rapidos, don’t wear sunscreen or use biodegradable sunscreen.
Bring water shoes.
Please don’t touch or walk on the stromatolites.
Visit in the morning or late afternoon when it’s less crowded, and you can get a sun lounger near the water.

More about Mexico → Places to Visit in the Yucatan Peninsula

2. Take a Sailing Trip

A sailing trip is the best way to explore the beautiful Bacalar Lagoon. The sailing tour takes about 3 hours, depending on the weather conditions. When we did the sailing tour, we had great windy weather, which was ideal for the activity.

The group tours are usually for 8 people. The price for the sailing tour starts from 42 USD per person.

You can book your Bacalar Sailing tours online through Viator or GetYourGuide, where you can get the best prices.

Don’t wear sunscreen to protect the fragile ecosystem of the lagoon. But you can use biodegradable sunscreen or wear anti-UV clothing.

On the way, we stopped several times at beautiful places where we could swim, snorkel, or sunbathe on the boat.

The boat captain was very kind, gave us information about all the sights we visited, and was happy to answer our questions. The tour included cold water, fresh fruit, a life jacket, and a dry bag.

Check prices and availability of sailing tours HERE.

TIP
Take a few bottles of chilled Corona beer with you and enjoy the lagoon of 7 colors.

3. Chilling Out at the Blú Beach Club

If you want to spend a perfect day in Bacalar, we suggest you go for a sailing tour in the morning and then visit the Blú Beach Club, where you can spend a few relaxing hours.

At the beach club, you can enjoy a delicious meal and a drink, swim in the crystal clear water, and relax on the sunbeds.

The beach club offers fantastic photo opportunities, so bring your drone.

Join a Bacalar Lagoon Sightseeing Boat Tour.

The Blú beach club is open from 11 AM to 7 PM.

The beach club is only a 10-minute drive from the port.

The entrance fee to the Blú Beach Club is 400 MXN (22 USD), which includes a sun lounger. Of this amount, 250 MXN (14 USD) can be used to buy in the restaurant or bar.

Be sure to try the Blú smoothie and chicken burrito, which are amazingly delicious.

More about Mexico → Places to Visit in Tulum

4. See the Best Cenotes in Bacalar

Cenote Azul is one of the deepest cenotes (90 meters deep) on the Yucatan Peninsula. Perfect place for swimming and snorkeling.

Cenote Esmeralda and Cenote La Bruja (Cenote Negro) can be reached by boat, but most sailing tours stop there.

Book your Bacalar Tour.

The Cenote Cocalitos is the most popular place in Bacalar, ideal for relaxing. Spend a few chilling hours here swimming and snorkeling, take some magical shots of the stromatolites, and enjoy hanging a hammock.

The entrance fee to the Cenote Cocalitos is 50 MXN (3 USD). The Cenote Cocalitos is open from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Recommended post → Cenotes in Tulum

5. Spend a Day Relaxing at the Bacalar Lagoon

Rent a kayak and paddle across the lagoon to the shipwreck at the Piratas Channel (Canal de Los Piratas).

Chill out around the docks (balnearios) and see the sunrise or sunset. In Bacalar, most of the balnearios are located in hotels or beach clubs, and only guests can visit. But you can enjoy some wooden piers for free or for a small fee. Jump in and take a dip in the stunning crystal clear water.

Join a Stand Up Paddle Board tour at sunrise, which includes breakfast.

Some wonderful piers to visit are Hotelito El Paraiso, Balneario Ejidal Mágico, and Balneario Municipal El Aserradero.

TIP
You can rent a kayak for 150 MXN (8 USD) per hour at the Yak Lake House or take a kayak tour at sunrise.

6. Discover a Hidden Gem in Bacalar

Laguna Bonanza is a less popular spot in Bacalar. But it was one of the most beautiful places we visited in Mexico. It is located about 15 minutes drive from the center, not far from Los Rapidos.

At Laguna Bonanza, you can picnic, sunbathe, swim, and snorkel in the crystal clear waters. If you want you can kayak from Laguna Bonanza to Los Rapidos.

The entrance fee to Laguna Bonanza is just 50 MXN (3 USD). The Laguna Bonanza is open from 10 AM to 5 PM.

TIP
You should avoid visiting on weekends when the place is crowded with locals.

See also → Valladolid Guide

7. Visit the Fort San Felipe

At Fort San Felipe, you can learn about the town’s history and enjoy the fantastic views of the Bacalar Lagoon. Fort San Felipe is located in the city center, opposite the main square. It was built in 1733 to protect the town from Caribbean pirate attacks.

The San Felipe Fort is open from 9 AM to 7 PM and is closed every Monday. The entrance fee is 110 MXN (6 USD).

TIP
Don’t miss taking a photo of the colorful Bacalar sign near the fort.

How many Days do you Need in Bacalar?

Spend at least 3-days in Bacalar, and you can do everything on the list. If you want to take day trips to nearby Mayan Ruins, plan your Bacalar Itinerary for 4-5 days.

Where to Eat in Bacalar

There are many great restaurants in Bacalar. You can try authentic Mexican food, eat some international dishes, or delicious vegan food.

Best restaurants in Bacalar

Mango y Chile is one of the most popular vegan restaurants. Be sure to try the burgers.
Enamora Bacalar is a perfect breakfast place.
At Mr. Taco, you can eat some traditional Mexican food.
El Manati is a popular restaurant with a charming atmosphere and delicious food.

Where to Stay in Bacalar

Bacalar has some luxury hotels, but accommodation options are available for all budgets. These are our recommendations.

Best hotels in Bacalar, Mexico

Luxury: Hotel Amainah Bacalar
Mid-Range: Hotel Aldea 19 Bacalar or Hotel Makaabá Eco-Boutique
Budget: Xibalba in town hostel

more hotels in Bacalar

We hope our list of the best things to do in Bacalar will help you plan your next trip to Mexico. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comments below.

Travel Resources

Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway

7 Best Things to Do in Bacalar, Mexico