Laguna de Bacalar, also known as La Laguna de los Siete Colores – the Lagoon of Seven Colors – is known as the Maldives of Mexico. The water here shows seven stunning shades of blue, best admired when the sun is shining brightly. Bacalar is a wonderful destination if you’re looking to enjoy the lagoon, explore nearby cenotes, spot tropical birds, and soak in a calm, peaceful vibe. On top of that, it is far more tranquil than the busier Riviera Maya coastline. In this article, I’ll tell you all about what to do and see in Bacalar, with plenty of tips to appreciate the Laguna, covering fun tours, activities, restaurants, hotels, and even a few cultural things to do.
Laguna Bacalar is a long, freshwater lagoon stretching 42 kilometres in length and averaging 2 kilometres in width. It is located in the southern part of Quintana Roo, near the border between Mexico and Belize. The crystal-clear water shines in countless shades of blue, thanks to its varying depths and the white limestone floor. In some places, the lagoon reaches depths of up to 90 meters.
Hidden within the lagoon are cenotes, like the famous Cenote Azul, that continuously feed the water and connect it to underground rivers. One of the lagoon’s most unique features is its natural flow, which allows the entire body of water to refresh itself every month. Adding to this natural wonder are the rare stromatolites, living fossils, that help maintain the delicate balance of the ecosystem and contribute to the lagoon’s rich oxygen supply.
Bacalar, a small town located right on the edge of the lagoon, makes a perfect starting point for exploring both the water and the surrounding region. But is also possible to stay in one of the beautiful lakeside hotels, like Hotel Boca de Agua on Laguna Bacalar, something I can’t recommend enough. Curious? Below you’ll find my personal tips, along with plenty of inspiration for what to do and see in and around Laguna Bacalar. From relaxing spots on the water to unique local experiences and sights.
One of the most beautiful things to do and arguably one of the highlights, is taking a boat tour on the stunning Laguna Bacalar. Every day, both sailing and motorboats depart to explore the waters. Along the way, you’ll enjoy spectacular views, stop for a refreshing swim, and often get to taste fresh fruit and ceviche on board.
You’ll pass Bird Island (Isla de los Pájaros), home to storks and migratory birds, as well as El Canal de los Piratas (Pirate’s Channel) and cenotes such as Cenote Esmeralda and Cenote Negro (the Black Cenote), which are part of the lagoon system and clearly visible thanks to their dark, deep blue color. Cenote Negro is believed to be around 100 meters deep.
You can book your Laguna Bacalar boat tour here, or browse more options in my Viator shop. To protect the ecosystem, no water tours (sailing, SUP, kayaking) are allowed on Wednesdays in Laguna Bacalar. You can still swim in the lagoon on those days.
One of the other peaceful and scenic Laguna Bacalar activities is to explore the lagoon by a kayak or stand-up paddleboard. The water here is calm, making it much easier to paddle than in many other destinations. If you go early in the morning, you’ll catch a stunning sunrise accompanied by birdsong echoing over the lagoon. If you’re staying at a lakeside hotel like Boca de Agua you’ll often have SUPs and kayaks available to use. Otherwise, you can book a guided sunrise paddle tour. Along the way, you’ll stop to swim and snorkel – an unforgettable way to start the day on the lagoon
Tip: Book your SUP tour here, or check out more options in my Viator shop ,for things to do in and around Laguna Bacalar.
Not to be confused with the Blue Cenote at the Riviera Maya, this Cenote Azul is located just 5 kilometres from Laguna Bacalar. Known for its impressive size, with a depth of 90 meters and a diameter of 200 meters, Not to be confused with the Blue Cenote at the Riviera Maya, this Cenote Azul is located just 5 kilometres from Laguna Bacalar. Known for its impressive size, with a depth of 90 meters and a diameter of 200 meters, surrounded by tropical vegetation, it is a fantastic spot for a refreshing swim. The cenote is open daily and charges a small entrance fee. Important: to help protect the fragile ecosystem, be sure not to wear sunscreen or insect repellent before entering the water.
One of the most iconic spots and absolute highlights that Bacalar has to offer is Los Rápidos. You may have already seen the famous drone shots of its narrow, turquoise channel framed by mangroves and lush greenery. This offshoot of the lagoon features a gentle natural current, allowing you to drift-snorkel through a shallow canal with zero effort – just float and let the water carry you. The surroundings are absolutely breathtaking. At the end, you simply walk back along a wooden boardwalk and do it all over again. As many times as you like.
Tips – You can also visit Los Rápidos as part of a Laguna Bacalar tour, where you combine it with other stops and activities throughout the day.
Alternatively, you can rent a kayak on-site at the restaurant. Lockers are available, but do note, you’ll need to carry the kayak back afterward, so renting one elsewhere on the lagoon may be more relaxing. Los Rápidos is just 20 minutes from Bacalar and can best reached by car or taxi.
Tips – Los Rápidos is one of the most popular spots around Laguna Bacalar, so visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
Looking for a quieter alternative to Los Rápidos? Then head to Laguna Bonanza, located just nearby. This spot is equally beatiful and offers the perfect setting for swimming, snorkelling, and picnicking in crystal-clear water. Entrance is still affordable, and you can rent a kayak if you’d like to paddle over to Los Rápidos. It’s about a 45-minute round trip. Just a heads-up: although many travel guides describe Laguna Bonanza as peaceful, Laguna Bacalar in Mexico is getting more popular by the day, so keep your expectations realistic when it comes to crowds.
Laguna Bacalar in Mexico is a protected natural area and one of the few places on Earth where stromatolites still exist. Before my first visit, I had never even heard of them, and their story turned out to be absolutely fascinating. Stromatolites are living fossils, formed by layers of microorganisms, and are among the oldest life forms on the planet. They may look like ordinary rocks, but some of these formations are believed to be over 10,000 years old. Laguna Bacalar is even said to be home to the largest freshwater microbial reef in the world.
Stromatolites play a crucial role in oxygen production and are extremely fragile. That’s why it’s important to never to touch or step on them. Sunscreens and insect repellents can also harm. In and around Laguna Bacalar, it’s strongly advised not to enter the water while wearing chemical products. Damage to these organisms can take hundreds, if not thousands of years to heal. You’ll find stromatolites throughout the lagoon, but they’re most concentrated around Los Rápidos and Cenote Cocalitos.
Tips – Do you get a sunburn easily and want to protect yourself from the sun while enjoying the lagoon? Consider wearing sun-protective clothing, which is easy to find for sale in Bacalar town. Long sleeves and a hat also go a long way in keeping you comfortable and protected.
Looking for cultural experiences and unique things to do in and around Laguna Bacalar? Then be sure to visit the Maya ruins of Chacchoben, especially if you’re traveling to or from Bacalar. This ancient city dates back to around 200 BC and its name means “place of the red maize.” Nestled deep in the jungle, Chacchoben is known for its beautifully preserved pyramids, temples, and ceremonial centres.
Because the site was only relatively recently opened to the public, it remains one of the lesser-visited Maya ruins in Mexico making it all the more special. During my visit, I walked the grounds with just one other couple, well over 100 meters away. I could hardly believe it. While it may take a bit more effort to get there, it’s one of those cultural gems you absolutely shouldn’t miss when visiting Laguna Bacalar.
Tip: Chacchoben is often combined with Laguna Bacalar activities in a full-day tour from Mahahual. If you’re in the area, it’s a fantastic option. You can find a recommended tour here.
Bacalar may be small, and at first glance it seems like there’s not much to see, but if you stroll through town with open eyes, you’ll spot some lovely street art in several corners. Keep your camera ready.
One of the few historic things to do in Laguna Bacalar’s town centre is visiting the Fort of San Felipe. Built in the 18th century on a hill overlooking the Pirate Channel, which connects the lagoon to the Caribbean Sea, the fort served as a defense post against pirate attacks. Hard to believe, but these pirates were after palo de tinte, or Campeche wood, a tree used to create natural dyes in black, purple, and blue. At the time, Europeans demand for colour (in contrast to their typically brown and grey clothing) drove the market for this resource.
In 1975, the fort was declared a national historic monument and later turned into a museum. The main reason to visit is the scenic view over the lagoon. The museum itself is quite small and best suited for those with a specific interest in Bacalar’s colonial history.
Naturally, you’ll want to walk along the shore and admire the lagoon, but unfortunately, most waterfront access is now taken up by hotels and private properties. That said, there are still a few public docks where you can relax with a drink or picnic and even take a swim with the locals. You might have to look around a bit, but as of 2025, public access points are located at Calle 14, 16, 18, 28, and 32.
In the town of Bacalar, you’ll find a range of hotels for every budget. Staying in town means you’ll have restaurants and cafés within walking distance, but there is one downside: experiencing the best of Laguna Bacalars activities can be a bit more challenging, since you’ll rely on public docks and organized tours, which can get quite busy. That’s why I definitely recommend staying at a property directly on the lagoon, at least for two nights. While these are often more expensive, they offer direct, tranquil access to the water.
But before making your decision, it’s important to think about your priorities and choose your accommodation accordingly. I’ve stayed in several places, both in town and further out, and here are my top tips Laguna Bacalar for where to stay:
One of my favourite places to stay along the Laguna Bacalar is Boca de Agua, just a 10-minute drive from the town of Bacalar. This boutique property offers beautifully designed villas surrounded by jungle. Each villa features a spacious, open-air living area with a comfy sofa, dining table, and hammock, as well as a cozy indoor bedroom with a large soft bed, private bathroom, and outdoor shower. Many villas also have a small private plunge pool on the terrace.
From your room, you can walk straight to the lagoon and relax on the dock or in one of the hammocks. Boca de Agua also has its own restaurant and a shared pool for guests. If you’re curious about my full experience, you’ll find more in the next article.
Want to stay at Boca de Agua in Bacalar, Mexico? You can check current prices and availability here.
A wonderful hotel in the town of Bacalar is Casa Hormiga. Casa Hormiga. Looking for more places to stay around the lagoon? Here’s an overview of recommended hotels near Laguna Bacalar.
Looking for the best ways to explore Laguna Bacalar in Mexico and its many things to do? Here are my suggestions:
Even though Bacalar is a small town, it offers a surprisingly vibrant food scene. From fresh ceviches to classic Mexican dishes and flavourful vegetarian options, there’s something for every taste. Here are some of my favourite spots and tips for restaurants around Laguna Bacalar in Mexico to help you eat well during your stay.
How long you stay at Laguna Bacalar really depends on your travel style and interests. Laguna Bacalar is mainly a place to relax and enjoy the lagoon, rather than to tick off a long list of sights and activities. To fully experience the area and its peaceful vibe, I recommend staying at least three nights.
There are several ways to reach Laguna Bacalar. Personally, I always opt for renting a car when traveling through this region of Mexico, it gives you maximum flexibility. That said, there are plenty of good reasons to choose public transport instead. If you prefer to travel by bus, shuttle service, or private driver, you can book your route through Bookaway. There you’ll find the most common and convenient travel options.
Coming from Belize? This is a combination I highly recommend if you’re traveling through Central America. The easiest way is to take a ferry to Chetumal, both San Pedro Water Taxi and San Pedro Belize Express offer routes. From Chetumal, it’s just a 30-minute drive to Bacalar. You can find transfer options here.
There are also plenty of day tours to Laguna Bacalar offered from Cancún and Tulum.
A comfortable way to get around Yucatán, Mexico is by car. The roads are paved and generally easy to navigate. However, do be careful, there are quite a few speed bumps (topes) that can appear suddenly. You can easily book a rental car here.
Did you enjoy reading this travel guide wih tips and things to do and see in Laguna Bacalar Mexico? Read more in the next articles:
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Are you interested in the world? Do you want to learn more about a country and its culture? Let me take you on a journey with Passport the World.
As a travel reporter, producer and tour guide, I have been traveling around the world for the last 20 years, looking for the most scenic places and stories that are worth sharing. In Passport the World, I am guiding you along scenic and cultural places, cities, art, viewpoints, hiking trails and unique experiences. To help you get the most out of your travels or to just get to know a country and culture better!
Are you interested in the world? Do you want to learn more about a country and its culture? Let me take you on a journey with Passport the World.
As a travel reporter, producer and tour guide, I have been traveling around the world for the last 20 years, looking for the most scenic places and stories that are worth sharing. In Passport the World, I am guiding you along scenic and cultural places, cities, art, viewpoints, hiking trails and unique experiences. To help you get the most out of your travels or to just get to know a country and culture better!
