Explore Bacalar: Things to Do, Itinerary, Getting Around & More

9 Favorite Experiences I Think are Worth It in Bacalar

1. Swim in the Lagoon at Balneario Municipal El Aserradero 👍 Must Do

One of the best ways to experience the famous Lagoon of Seven Colors is simply to jump in and swim. Balneario Municipal El Aserradero is a popular public swimming spot where you can enjoy the crystal-clear freshwater lagoon for free without needing to book a tour or stay at a waterfront hotel.

Since it is one of the few easily accessible swimming spots, it can get quite crowded during the day and around sunset. I recommend coming early in the morning so you can have the place almost to yourself and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and calm waters of the lagoon. The sunrise is also beautiful from here, as the platform faces east, so if you are a morning riser like I am, be sure to stop by in the morning.

The platform is open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM, and entry is free. If you want to experience Bacalar's famous Seven Colors Lagoon without spending money on a tour or a beach club, this is one of the best places to visit.

Where to Stay in Bacalar?

Budget

The Yak Lake House - Hostal Bacalar

$ | Dorm

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👍 Top Pick

Mid-Range

Hotel Miriam

$$ | Double Room

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High-End

Cristalino Lagoon Front Hotel, Restaurant & Spa

$$$ | Double Room

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2. Watch the Sunrise over the Lagoon

Watching the sunrise over the Lagoon of Seven Colors is one of the most incredible experiences you can have in Bacalar. Early in the morning, the water is usually at its calmest, creating beautiful reflections as the first light of the day hits the different shades of blue across the lagoon.

This is also the best time to enjoy the lagoon before the crowds arrive and the afternoon heat sets in. If you are an early riser, I highly recommend heading to the waterfront with a coffee, renting a kayak, or simply finding a quiet spot along the shore to watch the sunrise.

There are many tour operators that organize sunrise sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding tours, which are a great way to experience Bacalar while meeting other travelers. If you prefer a guided experience, you can browse some of the available sunrise tours here.

3. Stroll Around Downtown Bacalar

Downtown Bacalar is small, colorful, and easy to explore on foot. Unlike the more developed tourist towns in Quintana Roo, Bacalar still retain its laid-back local atmosphere with quiet streets, colorful buildings, small shops, cafes, and restaurants scattered around the town center, waiting for you to discover.

Take some time to wander without a plan, grab a coffee, browse the local stores, and admire the colorful murals around town. There are tons of awesome cafes and restaurants out here! The area is especially enjoyable in the morning or late afternoon when the weather is cooler and the streets are more lively with locals going about their day.

While downtown Bacalar does not have a long list of major attractions, its charm comes from its slow pace and relaxed vibe. It is the perfect place to spend a few hours between lagoon activities, enjoy some local food, and experience a quieter side of Mexico away from the busier destinations along the Caribbean coast. If you have been to Cancun and found it too touristy and crowded, you will find Bacalar to be a refreshing change of pace.

4. Check Out Fort San Felipe

Fort San Felipe is one of Bacalar's most important historical landmarks and a reminder of the town's not-so-pretty past. Built in 1729 by the Spanish governor Antonio de Figueroa, the fort was constructed to protect Bacalar from frequent pirate attacks. During the colonial period, Bacalar was an important trading hub because of its access to the Caribbean Sea, which made it a prime target for pirates who raided the town and surrounding settlements.

Today, you can walk along the old stone walls, explore the small museum inside, and learn more about Bacalar's history. The museum features exhibits about the town's colonial past, the pirate attacks that shaped the region, and the conflicts between the Spanish and the Maya people. You can also see old maps, weapons, and historical artifacts that tell the story of Bacalar's role as a strategic fortress.

The fort itself is relatively small and can be explored in less than an hour, but it offers one of the best views over the lagoon. I recommend visiting in the late afternoon when the temperature is cooler, then taking a stroll through the nearby park and downtown area afterward. The fort is open from 9 AM to 7 PM every day except Monday, and admission costs 110 MXN (around 6 USD) per person.

5. Hang Out at Zócalo Park in the Evening

Located right next to Fort San Felipe, you will find Zócalo Park, the beating heart of Bacalar where locals come to gather, socialize, and spend time together. Many of the town's events and celebrations are also held here, which makes for a great place to get a glimpse of what life is like for the locals here.

The park is especially lively in the evening when the temperature cools down after sunset, with families, couples, and locals gathering to relax, chat, and enjoy the night together. It is a great place to slow down after a day of exploring the lagoon and experience a more authentic side of Bacalar.

Here, you will find plenty of trees providing tons of shades, benches where you can relax, and many street food vendors you can indulge in. This is the perfect opportunity to try some classic Mexican treats, including freshly made marquesitas (a crispy Yucatán-style dessert filled with cheese, chocolate, or other sweet toppings), along with other local street snacks. Grab a snack, find a bench, and enjoy the relaxed evening atmosphere with both locals and travelers.

6. Visit Canal de los Piratas

Located across the lagoon, you will find Canal de los Piratas, a narrow channel that was once used by pirates and traders to navigate between the lagoon and nearby waterways. Today, you can grab a kayak and explore it yourself or visit as part of a guided tour.

If you join a guided tour such as this one, the guide will explain the history behind the channel, including how pirates used this route and why it was important for the region. Along the way, you will also visit nearby cenotes and stop at the canal, where you can swim in the incredibly clear turquoise water.

Many tours also include stops at places like Cenote de la Bruja and Bird Island, giving you a chance to explore more of the lagoon's unique ecosystem, all in one go. If you are looking for a fun day out in Bacalar and want to experience more than just the main swimming areas, visiting Canal de los Piratas on a guided tour is definitely worth it.

7. See the Ancient Stromatolites

Bacalar is home to one of the most fascinating natural wonders in the region: stromatolites, some of the oldest living structures on Earth. These unique rock-like formations are created by layers of microorganisms that slowly build up over thousands of years, making them a rare and important part of the lagoon's fragile ecosystem.

You can find stromatolites at several locations around the Lagoon of Seven Colors, including areas near Los Rápidos de Bacalar, an eco-park where you can float along the natural current of the lagoon and see these ancient formations up close. You can reach the eco-park by taxi from Bacalar, which costs around 200 MXN (12 USD) one way, while the entrance fee is another 200 MXN (12 USD) per person.

Many sailing tours also include a stop where you can see these formations up close, so you can hit 2 birds with one stone if you go on a guided tour like this one. Because stromatolites are extremely fragile and take thousands of years to form, it is important to never touch, stand on, or climb over them. Seeing these ancient formations is a unique experience that shows just how special Bacalar's ecosystem is, so we should all do our part to protect it at all costs.

8. Eat Real Tacos at La Bendición de Dios 🥘 Place to Eat

If you are looking for authentic tacos in Bacalar, skip the touristy spots and head to La Bendición de Dios, a small, locally run restaurant serving delicious tacos with Yucatán varitied tacos like Salbutes and Punachos. The tacos here are absolutely delicious, affordable, and made with the kind of simple ingredients and traditional preparation that make Mexican street food so special.

I personally found La Bendición de Dios to be a much better experience compared to some of the more popular taco spots in Bacalar. While places like Mr. Taco may be more well-known and seems to get good reviews among tourists (a bad sign when it comes to finding authentic taco places), my experience there was absolutely disappointing.

The tacos lacked any meaningful flavor, the staff was not welcoming, and we were rushed to leave despite ordering plenty of food. When we asked if we could split the bill, the staff initially refused outright, and even after we insisted, they made it clear they were unhappy about it. Overall, the service left a pretty bad impression on me and my friends, and from then on, I decided to avoid tourist-trap taco places like this my entire trip in Mexico.

In contrast, La Bendición de Dios was better in every way: the tacos tasted much better, the prices were lower, and the service felt much more genuine and welcoming. If you want to support a local business and enjoy a proper taco meal in Bacalar, this is the place I would recommend. They are open daily from 7 AM to 5 PM.

When to Visit Bacalar?

The best time to visit Bacalar is during the dry season from December to April, when you can expect sunny skies, low humidity, and very little rainfall. This is also when the famous Lagoon of Seven Colors looks its most vibrant, with calm, crystal-clear water perfect for swimming, kayaking, sailing, and photography.

Keep in mind that this is also the busiest time of year, so accommodation prices are generally higher and popular lagoon-front hotels can book out well in advance, especially around Christmas, New Year, and Easter.

I visited Bacalar in mid-April, and the weather was sunny almost every day. Mornings and evenings were pleasant, whic was perfect for kayaking, sailing, and explore the town. The afternoons, however, were extremely hot and dry, so I usually planned my outdoor activities earlier in the day or waited until the sun began to set.

If you prefer a quieter atmosphere without sacrificing too much on the weather, consider visiting during the shoulder months of May or November. These months typically see fewer tourists and lower hotel prices while still offering plenty of sunshine. Although you may encounter the occasional afternoon shower, rainfall is usually brief and shouldn't significantly affect your plans.

The rainy season runs from June to October, bringing hotter temperatures, higher humidity, and more frequent thunderstorms. Rain often falls in short but heavy bursts during the afternoon or evening rather than lasting all day, so you'll still have opportunities to enjoy the lagoon.

However, the water may not appear as pretty under overcast skies, and outdoor activities can occasionally be interrupted by passing storms. This period also overlaps with the Atlantic hurricane season, with the greatest chance of tropical storms occurring between August and October, so it might not be the best time to visit.

How to Get to Bacalar?

By air: The closest airport to Bacalar is Chetumal International Airport (CTM), located about 40 minutes away by car. However, it only offers a limited number of domestic flights. Most international travelers will find more flight options and better fares at Cancun International Airport (CUN), which is around 4.5 to 5 hours away by road.

Once you arrive in Cancun Airport, you should be able to catch an ADO bus to ADO Bus Terminal in Cancun for a fixed price of 170 MXN or you can get an Uber to the bus terminal. From the bus terminal in Cancun, you can catch a direct bus to Bacalar. They leave quite often throughout the day and should cost around 40 USD. You can check tje schedule and book the bus here.

By bus: If you are already in Yucatan, you should be able to catch a direct bus operated by ADO to Bacalar. Mexico's ADO buses are modern, comfortable, air-conditioned, and connect Bacalar with major destinations across the Yucatán Peninsula. Travel times are approximately 5–6 hours from Cancun leaving from this terminal, 4.5–5 hours from Playa del Carmen from this terminal, 2.5–3 hours from Tulum from this terminal, and 45–60 minutes from Chetumal from this terminal.

By rental car: Renting a car is a great option if you're planning to explore the Yucatán Peninsula at your own pace. The highways connecting Cancun, Tulum, and Bacalar are well-maintained and easy to drive, giving you the flexibility to stop at cenotes, beaches, and charming towns along the way. You can rent the car here.

From Belize: Bacalar is also a popular stop for travelers crossing the border from Belize. The nearest border crossing is at Santa Elena–Subteniente López, just south of Chetumal, which you can reach via a tourist shuttle or transfer service from destinations across Belize.

You can also take the international water taxi from Caye Caulker or San Pedro directly to Chetumal's International Ferry Pier. From there, Bacalar is about a 40-minute drive by bus or taxi. You can book the ferry in advance here.

After clearing immigration, catch a taxi to the ADO bus terminal in Chetumal to continue your journey to Bacalar. Taxis are readily available outside the ferry terminal, but be sure to negotiate the fare before getting in.

The ride takes about 15 minutes. I paid 120 MXN (around 7 USD), which felt a little expensive, but if you negotiate hard enough, you may be able to get the fare down to around 80–100 MXN. I was tired, so I didn't try to negotiate very much 😅. From the ADO terminal, the bus to Bacalar takes approximately 45 minutes and costs around 8 USD. You can book your bus in advance here.

How to Get around Bacalar?

On foot: If you're staying in downtown Bacalar or at a lagoon-front hotel nearby, you can easily walk to most restaurants, cafes, and the main square. Many boat tours also depart from docks within walking distance of the town center.

By bicycle: Renting a bicycle is one of the best ways to explore Bacalar. The town is mostly flat, and cycling is an enjoyable way to visit nearby beach clubs, restaurants, and attractions at your own pace. Many hotels provide complimentary bicycles, while rental shops like this one typically charge around 150–250 MXN per day.

By taxi: Taxis are readily available throughout Bacalar and are a convenient option if you're staying farther from the town center or returning after dark. You can ask your accommodation to arrange one for you or you can flag one down from the street. Since taxis don't use meters, always agree on the fare before starting your journey.

By rental car: If Bacalar is just one stop on your Yucatán Peninsula road trip, keeping your rental car is worthwhile. Having your own vehicle makes it easy to visit nearby attractions such as Los Rápidos, Cenote Azul, or continue on to destinations like Mahahual, Chetumal, or Tulum. You can rent the car here.

By kayak or paddleboard: Once you're on the Lagoon of Seven Colors, one of the best ways to explore is by kayak or paddleboard. Kayaks can be rented by the hour from many hotels and rental shops, such as this one, and typically cost around 250 MXN (15 USD) per hour. Paddleboard rentals are also widely available and usually cost around 400 MXN (23 USD) per hour.

How Many Days to Spend in Bacalar?

I recommend spending at least 2 to 3 days in Bacalar. While the town itself is relatively small, the main attraction is the stunning Lagoon of Seven Colors, where you'll likely want to spend most of your time kayaking, sailing, swimming, or simply relaxing by the water.

• Day 1: Arrive in Bacalar, check into your accommodation, spend the afternoon relaxing by the Lagoon of Seven Colors, and take a stroll around downtown Bacalar.
• Day 2: Wake up early for a sunrise kayaking, paddleboarding, or swimming session before joining a sailing or boat tour to explore highlights like Canal de los Piratas, Bird Island, and several lagoon cenotes.
• Day 3: Spend a relaxing day in Bacalar, visit Fort San Felipe and the adjacent park, or head to Los Rápidos and Cenote Azul for more time on the water.

Is it Safe in Bacalar?

Bacalar is generally considered one of the safer destinations to visit in the Yucatán Peninsula. The town has a relaxed, small-town atmosphere, and most travelers can explore the lagoon, restaurants, and downtown area without major concerns. Compared to larger tourist destinations like Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, Bacalar feels much quieter and less crowded.

That said, it is still important to take normal travel precautions. Avoid walking alone on quiet streets late at night, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas, and use registered taxis or reputable transportation services when traveling outside the town center. Petty theft can happen anywhere, so avoid leaving valuables unattended, especially near the lagoon and at popular swimming spots.