6 incredible things to do in Bacalar, Mexico
Bacalar is easily our favorite destination in Mexico. When we arrived, we couldn’t believe our eyes. Is this still Mexico? It felt like we’d stepped into the Maldives! Picture the bluest water you’ve ever seen, iconic huts, and dreamy paradise vibes, and it might come close to what Bacalar looks like. It was the perfect place to celebrate Thysia’s 29th birthday! Despite the heavy rain during our visit, we didn’t let that stop us from exploring Bacalar’s best highlights. Below are 6 incredible things to do in Bacalar. Be sure to add this paradise to your bucket list before it becomes too popular!
Highlights Bacalar
Float at Los Rapidos, a fun lazy river.
Go on a sailing tour of Bacalar Lagoon.
Swim at Cenote Azul.
Enjoy a romantic dinner at Naya Restaurant. For an affordable meal, head to Mi Burrito for tasty burritos, Mango y Chile for vegetarian food, or Mr. Taco for delicious tacos.
Stay at Aqua Viva for the ultimate luxury stay. Backpackers and solo travelers will love Che Bacalar Hostel & Bar Adults Only.
How to get to Bacalar
The best way to reach Bacalar is by renting a car. If you’re coming from Tulum, it’s about a 3-hour drive, 3.5 hours from Valladolid, and 4 hours from Cancun. Explore rental car options in Tulum or rental car options in Cancun. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Tulum to Bacalar, which takes about 3 hours.
How to get around Bacalar
All the activities in Bacalar are spread out, so renting a car is highly recommended. For example, from the center of Bacalar, where you’ll find Bacalar Lagoon, to Los Rapidos takes about a 15-minute drive. The same goes for our accommodation Aqua Viva to the center, which was also a 20-minute drive. With everything spread out, you’ll need transportation. You can also take taxis, but they can get expensive quickly!
Things to do in Bacalar
1. Sailing tour of Bacalar Lagoon
One of the most iconic things to do in Bacalar is visiting Bacalar Lagoon, also known as the Lagoon of 7 Colors. And indeed, we could definitely spot different shades of blue! Bacalar Lagoon is the second largest freshwater lake in Mexico and the prettiest lake we’ve ever seen. Trust us, there’s no place like Bacalar Lagoon!
The best way to fully experience the beauty of the lagoon is through a sailing tour. It’s the perfect way to experience the lagoon’s stunning beauty. Along the way, you’ll explore cenotes, islands, and the famous pirate canal. The shades of blue in the water are unreal, we couldn’t believe our eyes!
For the best experience, we recommend a private sailing tour of Bacalar Lagoon, where you can set your own pace and enjoy guacamole, chips, and beers as you watch the sunset. If you’re on a budget, a group sailing tour of Bacalar Lagoon is a great alternative, offering swimming stops, fresh fruit, and beer.
Good to know
Sunscreen isn’t allowed when swimming in the lagoon as it harms the ecosystem.
2. Los Rapidos
Los Rapidos in Bacalar is a narrow part of Bacalar Lagoon, surrounded by stromatolites and mangroves. Stromatolites are ancient rock formations made by tiny microorganisms, and they’re the oldest living organisms on Earth. That’s why you should never touch or step on them! That being said, they’re definitely fun to admire from a distance. 😉
The main thing to do here is float in the water. The natural current makes it feel like a lazy river, and it’s so relaxing to drift along with beautiful views all around. There’s a long platform where you can walk without harming the stromatolites. Walk to the end and float back, it’s easy and so much fun!
You can also rent a kayak to explore. A single kayak costs MXN 200 per hour, and a double kayak is MXN 400 per hour. If you don’t feel like getting wet, grab a seat at the restaurant and enjoy the view. Whatever you do, you’ll have a great time (but we highly recommend getting in the water!).
Los Rapidos is open every day from 10 AM to 6 PM. It’s best to arrive at 10 AM to beat the crowds since most tours show up around 11 AM. The entrance fee is MXN 200, and lockers are available for MXN 50 plus a MXN 50 deposit. It’s only 15 minutes from Bacalar’s center, and driving is the easiest way to get there.
Good to know
Again, sunscreen isn’t allowed when entering Los Rapidos. Also, don’t forget to wear water shoes!
3. Cenote Azul Bacalar
On your way from Los Rapidos to the center of Bacalar, make sure to stop by Cenote Azul. This cenote feels more like a lake than a typical cenote, but it’s still beautiful. Cenote Azul is one of the few cenotes in Bacalar outside the lagoon, though the water flows in and out of the lagoon. It’s all connected! The entrance fee is MXN 50, and if you want to swim you have to pay an extra MXN 50 for the mandatory life jacket. Cenote Azul is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM.
If you’re also planning to visit Holbox, check out our guide to the best things to do in Isla Holbox.
4. Cayuco Maya
Cayuco Maya is a beach club with beautiful lagoon views. It’s not your typical party spot, but a peaceful place to enjoy nature. You can swim in the lagoon, kayak, or just relax and sunbathe. If you’re hungry or thirsty, there’s a restaurant on-site that serves pretty good dishes. We had some amazing tacos here, we especially liked the fact that we could add as much chipotle sauce as we wanted! The day pass costs MXN 200. If you’re staying at Aqua Viva (more on that later), the entrance is free!
5. Dinner with a view at Naya Restaurant
You can’t visit Bacalar without having dinner at Naya Restaurant at least once. It’s truly the best restaurant in town, and we mean it!
Let’s start with the setting: stunning lagoon views, warm wooden accents, and a stylish bar create the perfect atmosphere. But the food is even better, and that’s a real feat! We had the guacamole, tacos de arrachera (grilled skirt steak), and calabacita (zucchini with pistachio, feta, figs, and olives), and every dish was just incredible. The flavors, presentation, and creativity were spot on. And the cocktails? They’re just as impressive! We tried a couple of different cocktails here, and they really know what they’re doing.
What makes Naya extra special is the staff. They’re incredibly friendly and go above and beyond to make your visit memorable. We celebrated Thysia’s 29th birthday here and were treated to free appetizers, dessert, and even some tequila shots, making it a night to remember. Yes, it’s pricier than most spots in Mexico, but the experience is worth every peso (and then some). You can also spend the night at Naya Bacalar Lagoon Front Hotel for an unforgettable experience.
Only have 2 weeks in Mexico? Check out our 2-week Mexico itinerary that covers highlights like Tulum, Bacalar, Valladolid, and Isla Holbox.
6. Stay at Aqua Viva
Staying at Aqua Viva was the perfect way to top off our time in Bacalar, and we highly recommend it for your stay. It is a beautiful resort with 16 modern villas, each spread around a stunning pool and nestled in the jungle.
The villas themselves are sleek, modern, and luxurious. On the first floor, you’ll find a spacious living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and a convenient toilet, as well as a dining area and an outdoor terrace with a lounge and dining space. Upstairs, there are two beautifully designed bedrooms, each with its own bathroom and private balcony. Last but not least: every villa offers direct access to the pool and gym!
We paid EUR 134 per night, which we found reasonable considering the villa can accommodate up to four people!
Where to eat in Bacalar
- Mi Burrito for tasty burritos
- Naya Restaurant for a romantic dinner
- Mango y Chile for amazing vegetarian burgers, hotdogs, and tacos
- Mr. Taco for delicious and affordable tacos
Best time to visit Bacalar
The best time to visit Bacalar is from December to April. During these months, the weather is dry with almost no rain, and the temperatures are warm but comfortable. It’s the ideal season to enjoy outdoor activities like Bacalar Lagoon or Los Rapidos.
How long to stay in Bacalar
To fully enjoy the beauty of Bacalar, we recommend spending at least 3 days here. Use one day for a sailing tour on the stunning lagoon, another day to explore Los Rapidos and the cenotes, and save the last day to relax at a beach club and take in the laid-back Bacalar vibes one last time.
Thysia
Thysia is the heart behind our travel stories. With a background in marketing and a passion for photography, she takes the lead on planning our trips and writing our destination guides. From finding unique places to stay to creating practical itineraries, she makes sure each trip is both well-organized and memorable. She enjoys turning our experiences into helpful travel content that’s easy to understand and fun to read. Top of her travel wishlist? Antarctica, China, and Canada.
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