Bacalar in Mexico is somewhere you need to see to believe. Seriously, it’s an otherworldly place that would look right at home on an alien planet in a sci-fi movie. We’re talking waters so blue they merge seamlessly with the skies, shores of milky white aqua, and cobalt H2O that glints under the Mexican sun.

They call Bacalar the Lagoon of 7 Colours. That’s because it rolls out in a gradient of several blues, from perfect turquoise close to the shallow shores to dark, shadowy blue at its heart. Around the water are soft hills and forested flatlands, wild cenotes and the mangrove-fringed coastline of the Mexican Caribbean.

But, the stunning setting is just half the story. Bacalar in Mexico has risen to become one of North America’s upcoming adventure hubs. Everything from whitewater rafting to whizzing ziplines awaits in the area for those who like to get the heart a-thumping.

This travel guide to Bacalar runs through all the ins and outs of the things to do in Bacalar. It explains what seasons are best for visiting this gem on the Belize-Mex border, how you can get to the shimmering lagoon in the first place, and what you simply must have on the itinerary when you do arrive.

Where Exactly is Bacalar?

Bacalar is actually the name of a small village in the south of Quintana Roo state. People also use the name to refer to the whole body of water that extends to the north and south of the main town, which is actually a colossal underground river that floods to the surface via cenotes and springs.

You’ll find all that a mere 11 miles to the northeast of the Belize border. The Mexican port town of Chetumal is around 12 miles away on the coast of the Caribbean Sea. Meanwhile, the closest major cities are in Mérida and Cancun, up in the popular tourist hotspot of the Yucatan.

It’s a perfect stop on the way from Tulum or Playa del Carmen to Calakmul – the best Mayan Ruins in the whole area, in my opinion.

When to Visit Bacalar in Mexico

Aim for the dry season. It runs from December to early April in this corner of Mexico and sees at least 50% less rain than other periods. Things are generally a little cooler at this time of year, too.

You’re looking at temperatures that hover around the low to mid-80s in the daytime. On top of that, you get cloudless skies much of the time from February onwards, which is just about perfect for topping up the tan.

The shoulder season comes with June and July. Prices will be much easier on the wallet then, but you might have some big downpours mid-day to contend with.

I’d definitely say to steer well clear of late summer and early fall. It’s storm season in Quintana Roo and the Yucatan, and the cyclones can get pretty strong and disruptive to travel.

How to Get to Bacalar

Bacalar isn’t the most accessible corner of Mexico. However, it’s also not too hard to get to. Thankfully, the mainstay attractions of the Yucatan are within a day’s traveling, so you should find it relatively easy to arrive in the general vicinity of the lagoon. Some transport options are:

Fly: You can fly down to Chetumal on domestic carriers, but there aren’t loads of connections and they can be at strange times in the night. Consequently, most travelers will aim to arrive in Cancun and transfer overground from there.

Bus: The mode of transport of choice in Mexico is the public ADO bus. These are affordable and high quality. They take about five hours to go from Cancun or Mérida to Bacalar. From nearby Chetumal it’s just a 45-minute ride. To find out how to get from the airport to Tulum or Playa del Carmen (it’s on the way) check out these tips.

Car: A good way to really get stuck into this region is to rent your own wheels. The drive down from Cancun Airport or Mérida city takes about four hours in total, but there are some seriously interesting pitstops (think Chichen Itza and hidden cenotes) along the way.

Where to Stay in Bacalar

Bacalar village is a charming glimpse at old Mexican life and a great place to unravel the rich history of Quintana Roo. There are plenty of various places to stay in the area depending on preferences and budget.

Luxury: Hotel Casa Bakal is an adult-only property with various bungalows at the lake.

Mid-Range: Los Aluxes is an amazing lakefront property known for its famous swing sets. It’s affordable, the food is good and you can be close enough to town, lake and other amenities.

Private Residence: Amigos Hotelito is a budget-friendly rooms with terraces surrounded by treetops. Basically, just like in Tulum but for a normal price.

Top 10 Things to Do in Bacalar

Ready to really dive into Bacalar in Mexico? Of course you are! This part of the guide is the bit you’ve been waiting for.

It hops from the gleaming blue waters of the Bacalar Lagoon to the enchanting heart of Bacalar village and then delves into the surrounding jungles and cenotes, offering all sorts of adventures in this enthralling corner of Quintana Roo…

Relax & Swim in the Lagoon

One of the greatest joys of Bacalar in Mexico is swimming. There are endless opportunities to get wet in some of the clearest waters on this side of the Maldives. Some of the best access to the aqua is found at Balneario Municipal El Aserradero. There, rickety timber piers poke over the water. There’s room to lay your towel and several spots for diving right in.

The campground at Yaxche in Balacar town, meanwhile, has its own over-water hammocks and swings, not to mention accommodation right by the banks that promises not to break the bank. Swimmers also won’t want to miss the so-called Pirates Channel (more on that later, though!).

Check Out Cocalitos Beach Club

The relatively new establishment, Cocalitos is a public beach club and home to stromatolites. They’re circular stone-like formations of coral-like structures that are made by bacteria. They’re very delicate so it’s important not to touch them when admiring their immense beauty. It’s a unique thing to Cocalitos so a must visit!

The place charges a small fee to enter and you can use their multiple hammocks and swings. There’s a snack bar and bar as well.

Keep in mind that if you rent a boat to head to the Pirate’s Canal (Canal de los Piratas) you’ll stop there as well on your stop.

Take a Boat Trip to Pirates Channel

Ask any locals for a list of the most intriguing spots around the Balacar Lagoon and it’s likely that Canal de los Piratas will come close to the top. It’s essentially a small waterway cut between the main lake and the Laguna Mariscal to the east.

Once upon a time, it’s thought to have been a major trading channel within the Mayan Empire. Later, Welsh pirate Henry Morgan sailed his ships up it for repairs.

These days, the swashbucklers have all but gone. Instead, tourists come to wade through the waist-high waters with a couple of cold cervezas at hand. The mud here is also considered to be packed with rejuvenating minerals, so be sure to get your spa fix before paddling off.

Hop on to Mahahual

It’s just over an hour from Bacalar to the coastal town of Mahahual, which is great news if you want to trade the fresh waters of the lagoon for the salt spray of the Caribbean Sea.

This erstwhile fishing village is now a tempting coastal hotspot. It’s got sugar-white sands and little bays shaded by stooping coconut palms.

It’s perfect if you want to chillax for a little, but also a fantastic jump-off point for scuba and snorkeling in the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Mahahual sports a whole range of pretty luxurious hotels to boot.

Some of those even offer fantastic suites that open onto balconies with front-row views of the Caribbean. Hello, honeymoon stay!

Explore Cenotes in Bacalar

Bacalar’s cenotes are slightly different from those in Tulum or Valladolid, but nevertheless worth visiting.

Cenote Azul