A calm town on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, known for its freshwater lagoon with seven shades of blue water. Local Mayan communities still live near its 18th-century fort.
In Mexico's Quintana Roo state, Bacalar wraps around a 42-kilometer freshwater lagoon known as the Lake of Seven Colors. You can paddle through narrow mangrove tunnels, swim above 90-meter-deep sinkholes, or watch white limestone formations emerge from crystal-clear waters. The lagoon's depth creates distinct bands of blue - from pale turquoise in the shallows to deep indigo above the cenotes.
Getting to Bacalar
You can reach Bacalar from Cancun International Airport, a 4-hour drive north. Choose between renting a car, taking an ADO bus, or booking a private shuttle. From Chetumal Airport, 45 minutes south, you'll find limited domestic flights from Mexico City and Cancun. The Maya Train stops at Bacalar station, connecting with major points across the Yucatan Peninsula.
Swimming and Kayaking in the Lagoon
The lagoon's varying depths create distinct color zones - light blue in 3-meter sections and dark blue above the cenotes. Rent a kayak from shops along Costera Avenue to explore the mangrove channels. Plan your water activities before 10 AM when the lagoon is calmest, making it ideal for photos and paddling.
Natural Areas Around Bacalar
At Cenote Azul, you can swim in waters that reach 90 meters deep, with visibility extending to 30 meters. Watch fish dart around underwater rock formations while snorkeling. The current at Los Rapidos moves at 5 kilometers per hour, carrying you past ancient stromatolites - living rocks formed by some of Earth's oldest microorganisms. Paddle through the 3-kilometer Pirates' Channel, where mangrove forests line the waterway connecting the lagoon to Rio Hondo.
When to Visit Bacalar
Plan your visit between December and March for 28°C (82°F) temperatures and clear skies. The lagoon's waters remain clearest during these months. From June to November, expect afternoon rain between 2 PM and 5 PM during hurricane season. Visit during the Annual Fair in early August to experience local music, regional food, and traditional dance performances.
Local Food and Restaurants
Try regional specialties like pescado frito (lagoon fish fried with local spices) and cochinita pibil (citrus-marinated pork). The town's 30 restaurants range from family kitchens to waterfront establishments. Several newer places create plant-based versions of Mexican dishes using jackfruit and mushrooms.
Fort San Felipe and Town History
The Fort San Felipe, built in 1729, sits 15 meters above the lagoon where guards once watched for pirate ships approaching through the Caribbean. Walk through 2-meter-thick walls to explore the museum's collection of colonial weapons, maps, and Mayan artifacts. Climb to the fort's upper level for panoramic lagoon views.
