The lagoon is actually a giant open cenote and popular for its “7 shades of blue”. People call Bacalar the Maldives of Mexico, because of the turquoise blue water and many docks you can find around the lagoon. There are some docks you need to pay entrance for, but there are also public docks that are free to use. If you can, I would recommend you to find an accommodation that has a private dock and paddle boards or kayaks for rent. This way you can avoid crowded docks and you can go for a little kayak tour whenever you want and as many times as you would like.
How to get to Bacalar
By plane
The closest airport is in Chetumal, which is a 40 min drive from Bacalar. From the airport in Cancun it will take you about 4 hours to drive down to Bacalar. In this case it might be worth it to stop in Playa del Carmen and Tulum, which are both on the way.
By ADO bus
ADO is a well-known bus company in Mexico that provides long-distance bus services. ADO operates a vast network of routes connecting various cities and towns across Mexico. It’s an easy, comfortable and affordable option to travel around Mexico. The ADO bus from Chetumal to Bacalar will cost you about 5.50 USD (100 MXN). The bus from Cancun International Airport to Bacalar will cost you about 27 USD (514 MXN).
By Colectivo
A Colectivo is the local bus in Mexico and the cheapest way to travel. You can take the Colectivo from various cities in Mexico to Bacalar, but you will have to change several times. I would only recommend you to take the Colectivo if you don’t have much luggage, but it’s a great way to see how locals travel.
Getting around in Bacalar
The best way to get around in Bacalar is by walking or bicycling. The lagoon is approximately 26 miles (42 km) long measured from north to south, and less than 1.24 miles (2 km) at its widest. If you are not staying in the town of Bacalar, you might need a rental car to get around.
Best time to travel
The best time of the year to travel to Bacalar is from December through March. Once the rain season begins and it’s cloudy you won’t be able to see the amazing colors of the lagoon. I actually first came to Bacalar in May 2021, but because it was summer in Mexico we had overcast and rain everyday. This weather is perfect for working remotely, but if you want to see the real beauty of Bacalar I would highly recommend you to visit it during the winter months. This Year I went back to Bacalar in March and the weather was perfect!
6 Best Things to Do in Bacalar
1. Join a Sunrise Kayak Tour
The number one thing you should do in Bacalar is to join a sunrise kayak tour on the lagoon. Watching the pastel colors in the sky while the sun comes up is a really beautiful experience. The water is super warm and you can go for a swim during the tour. You will also pass the Pirate Canal, which was once used by pirates and learn about the history of the area.
2. Go for a Swim
Spend time exploring and swimming in the Lagoon of Seven Colors. You will find several docks around the lagoon where you can relax and go for a swim. Like mentioned before, there are some docks you need to pay entrance for, but those are usually very busy as well. If you get to a free dock early you will have it all to yourself. We found a free dock, called Balneario del fondo and it was the perfect place to relax. On a sunny day you can see the various shades of blue and green that are making this lagoon so unique.
3. Eat out in Bacalar
Bacalar is a small town you can easily explore by walking. You will find plenty of good restaurants, street food and shops around the plaza. My favorite restaurant is Pizzeria Bertilla Y Luciano, a really good Italian restaurant. On the weekends there are markets on the plaza and you will see a lot of street performances. It’s the perfect place to be in the evening, after you spent your day by the lagoon.
4. Go Paddle boarding
Paddle boarding on the lagoon is a great activity in the morning. In the afternoon the wind usually picks up, which will make it hard for you to paddle. In the morning there is usually not much wind and the water is very calm, which makes paddle boarding super easy and fun. Many accommodations have paddle boards included. If you are looking for accommodation I would recommend you to check if they have kayaks or paddle boards for rent.
5. Book a Sailing trip
One of the best things you can do in Bacalar is to book a sailing and snorkeling tour. This way you can get to spots around the lagoon that aren’t that easy to reach, like different cenotes. You might also get the chance to see living stromatolites, considered the oldest life forms on Earth. You can see them in the shallow waters of the lagoon.
6. Explore Cenotes
There are different cenotes inside the lagoon you can explore. The most popular ones are Cenote Azul, Cenote Cocalitos, Cenote La Bruja and Cenote Esmeralda. The easiest way to see all of them is to book a private boat tour or a Pontoon boat tour with a group. They know exactly where to find the most beautiful spots in the lagoon and can move quickly and easily.
There is a reason why people call Bacalar the “Maldives of Mexico”. It’s a truly beautiful destination and the perfect place to relax. The best thing you can do is to find an accommodation by the water with kayak and paddle board rentals, that is within walking distance from the town. I would love to hear in the comments if Bacalar is a destination you would like to visit in Mexico or if you’ve already been there.
