15 BEST Things to Do in Bacalar, Mexico (& What to Skip)
Looking for things to do in Bacalar? I spent a full week here in February 2026 and believe me when I tell you there is plenty to do, and you should be in the insanely beautiful water every single day.
There are two things you need to know about Bacalar before you start planning: 1) it is gorgeous and 2) It is tiny. Like, walk-the-whole-town-in-20-minutes tiny. Which is actually part of the charm.
The main attraction is the Lagoon of Seven Colors, and you should spend as much time in it as humanly possible. From boat tours to beach clubs to secret public docks to cenotes that have been around for centuries, there are tons of ways to explore it.
I also did pilates under the most enormous trees I’ve ever seen in my life, ate a crepe filled with Nutella that made my heart happy, and sipped wine at a wine bar with my toes in the sand. Even though it’s small, there are plenty of things to do in Bacalar.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip, plus a few touristy activities I just think you should skip.
Best Things to do in Bacalar: quick guide
Running short on time? Here’s everything you need to know to plan the perfect visit to Bacalar:
What to do in Bacalar:
- You absolutely must do a boat tour of the lagoon
- Los Rápidos — a natural lazy river you float down for the afternoon.
- Check out a “beach club” (they’re not party-party, just private beach access). I recommend Blu!
- Visit the Ichkabal ruins (you can do Los Rapidos the same day with this tour!)
Where to Stay in Bacalar:
- Full guide here!
- Luxury lagoon-front: Amainah — adults-only, rated #1 in Bacalar
- Lagoon-front splurge/nature retreat: Boca de Agua — eco treehouses in the jungle
- Boutique and affordable: Casa Chukum — charming, friendly staff (where I stayed!)
My Google map of Things to Do In Bacalar
This map includes all my personal favorite spots in Bacalar — beach clubs, cenotes, yoga, restaurants, the works. Help yourself to a free copy!
Water activities: the best things to do in Bacalar
I want to be very clear about this: the Lagoon of Seven Colors is not a marketing name someone made up. It actually glows in seven distinct shades of blue and turquoise depending on how deep the water is, and it’s one of the most beautiful things I’ve seen anywhere in the world.
It’s pretty common for people to see photos and think it’s the Maldives. If you only have a couple of days, the boat tour and Los Rapidos are the non-negotiables. Everything else is a bonus.
Must Do for First Time Visitors: Book a lagoon boat tour
Book this before you book your flights. Okay, maybe not before your flights, but close. A lagoon boat tour is the absolute best activity for first time visitors or families and is usually less than $50 per person.
The small group lagoon boat tour is the ideal way to see the lagoon, and the one I did was perfect. Small group, several stops, lots of actual time in the water rather than just floating past things and taking photos from the boat.
We hit four spots that were all a little different but equally gorgeous:
- Cenote Negro — the water drops over 90 feet straight down and turns this dark, almost black sapphire color that looks completely alien next to the turquoise lagoon around it. I kept swimming to the edge of the drop-off and peering in but not going too far because…scary? Absolutely wild.
- Cenote Esmeralda — bright, clear, warm, and a great spot to just float around for a while
- Bird Island (Isla de los Pajaros) — a quick drive by to see the birds nesting in the mangroves. Peaceful and pretty and protected (so you don’t get out of the boat and bother tehm).
- The Pirate Canal — It’s a narrow channel with a sunken boat in it, fish absolutely everywhere, and the water is so clear you can see every single one of them. We walked all around it for ~45 minutes.
Fresh fruit, snacks, and drinks are included and the tour runs about half a day, which is a the perfect amount of time in my opinion. Afterwards, you can hang out in the water and take out paddleboards for an hour. Book ahead if you’re coming February through April, these fill up fast.
The Best Bacalar Lagoon Boat tour
👉 This is the exact tour I took and I highly recommend it. Small groups, lots of swimming stops, and fresh fruit and drinks. 10/10 an absolute must do.
One thing to plan around is that boat tours don’t run on Wednesdays (in theory) when the lagoon closes to all boat traffic for conservation. Some boat tours do, but they’re not supposed to so that’s not entirely ethical. Use Wednesday instead to go to Los Rapidos or head out to the Ichkabal ruins instead.
Best Thing to do In Bacalar for Couples or Groups: Private catamaran gourmet tour
If you’re going to splurge on one thing in Bacalar, make it the private catamaran gourmet tour. Private boat, cocktails, and food grilled fresh right onboard (think chicken, shrimp, and vegetable skewers, chips and guac, beers). On a catamaran. On the Lagoon of Seven Colors. Some afternoons just write themselves.
It’s a step up from the group boat tour in terms of food and exclusivity, and a really nice way to celebrate something like your honeymoon or just treat yourself to a slower, more indulgent day on the water, especially if you have a group.
Must Do in Bacalar: Los Rapidos
The name made me picture something intense, like the whitewater rafting I grew up with in Colorado. It is definitely not that 😂
Los Rapidos is a natural lazy river where the lagoon channel narrows to about 15 feet wide and creates the gentlest current you’ve ever felt.
You put on a life vest, walk into the water, and float through this impossibly clear turquoise water with fish swimming right underneath you. Then you walk back and do it again. Maybe you order a drink before your next float. You do you.
I spent a full day here. I floated for a while, got out and ate shrimp tacos, floated again, had a piña colada (rough life, right?), floated some more. Entry is about $12 USD and just might be the best $12 I have ever spent.
- Hours: Daily 10am to 6pm
- Location: About 7.5 miles south of Bacalar town
- Getting there: Taxi from town runs around $5-6 USD
Full guide here with everything you need to know before you go.
Try a beach club (or two!)
Before we get into this one, I need to clarify what “beach club” means in Bacalar because it is nothing like what you’re picturing. No velvet ropes, no massive party, no DJ at noon. It’s basically a great way to access the lagoon in style if you’re not staying at a waterfront hotel, or see a different part of the lagoon than where you are staying.
These are all on my free map 🙂
The beach clubs in Bacalar are pretty much a reserved stretch of lagoon where you pay a small entry fee (which usually goes towards food and drinks), get a lounger, and spend the afternoon in the water. Kayaks and SUPs are typically included. That’s the whole thing. It’s wonderful and peaceful and relaxing.
I tried three of them during my week and here’s my ranking (and they’re all on my map):
- Best beach club for gorgeous water and relaxed vibes: Beach Club Blu
- This is my favorite beach cub of the three. Best water access, great food and drinks, really good vibe. If you only do one, do this one.
- Carmelita Lagoon Club is on the other side of town, newer, and really lovely. It feels fancier and elegant. The water has a bit more vegetation than Blu but it’s pretty and feels more local. Also worth it.
- Beach Club Bacalar (the bigger central one) has a long extended dock so you can get a little deeper water access. This felt the most like a “club” and FYI the wifi does not work.
Entry runs around $200-$250 MXN per person (about $10-12 USD), and that usually goes towards your food and drinks tab, so it’s basically free if you’re planning to eat and drink there anyway. Which you should be.
Hang out & Swim at the public docks
Nobody talks about this enough. The public docks along the Malecon are free, the water is clear, and you can walk right out over the lagoon and wade in whenever you want. Zero cost, zero commitment.
Two things to know: 1) no drinks allowed on the public docks (they will fine you plus it’s just rude) and 2) shade is basically nonexistent, so mornings and late afternoons are your best bet. I spent a few afternoons hanging out, reading, and dipping in whenever I felt like it
Explore the Bacalar cenotes
The lagoon in Bacalar is fed by underground cenotes, which means the cenotes aren’t just nearby, they’re literally woven into the water itself. Your boat tour will likely stop at a couple, but a few are worth visiting on their own too.
What is a Cenote?
Cenotes are natural sinkholes filled with fresh water, formed when limestone bedrock collapses and exposes the underground water system beneath it. The Yucatan Peninsula sits on top of one of the largest underground river networks in the world, which is why cenotes are found all over this part of Mexico. They’ve been around for thousands of years and were considered sacred by the Maya.
- Cenote Azul is the easiest to visit independently, right off the highway with parking, a small entrance fee, and a restaurant on-site. Deep blue water and very swimmable. Good first cenote if you haven’t been to one before.
- Cenote Cocalitos is a short walk from the Amainah hotel and has hammocks and swings right in the water. More of an experience than a straight swim but really fun, especially if you have kids or just love a good swing.
- Cenote Negro drops over 90 feet and the water turns this deep inky blue that looks completely different from everything around it. Best reached by boat or kayak since it’s part of the lagoon itself.
- Cenote Esmeralda is also integrated into the lagoon and best visited on a boat tour. Your tour will likely stop at both Negro and Esmeralda.
Take A sunrise SUP or Kayak tour
I need you to know that I am not a morning person. I have never been a morning person. And I would still recommend this as a fun thing to do in Bacalar.
The light coming up over the lagoon is really something else, and being on a paddleboard means you get out to the quieter parts of the water before the boats are even out.
This guided sunrise SUP tour picks you up, takes you out to watch the sunrise, and comes with floating breakfast. It’s very peaceful and very magical. You can sleep when you’re dead, right?
Visit Ecoparque Bacalar
Ecoparque Bacalar is a nature park on the lagoon with a square boardwalk through an eco preserve. The boardwalk/bridge takes you far enough out that you can swim in pretty deep water (most of the lagoon near the shore is knee high) plus it’s nice to be contributing to preserving the natural land.
One thing to keep in mind is that there’s no shade. Come early or near the end of the day. All day in the direct sun would be pretty rough, in my opinion.
Things to do in Bacalar on land
The water is definitely the main attraction when it comes to things to do in Bacalar, but here’s what to do on dry land as well.
Do a yoga or pilates class at KalmaClub
I hadn’t really made specific yoga plans in Bacalar but I thought yoga in a beachside town in Mexico sounded pretty lovely. And then I found KalmaClub and became exactly the kind of person who loves outdoor yoga on vacation.
The classes are held outside under some of the biggest, most spectacular trees I have ever seen in my life. I’m talking massive, ancient, canopy-over-everything trees. The space is so lush and calm that the whole wellness vibe doesn’t feel forced or performative, it just feels like where you are.
It’s also in the same space as Bamoa Cafe, which I used as my personal reward system. Class first, then excellent breakfast. Highly recommend the chilaquiles.
Visit the Ichkabal ruins
Ichkabal only opened to the public in January 2025 and most people still haven’t heard of it, which means right now it’s still pretty empty. It’s a Mayan archaeological site about 25 miles west of Bacalar with structures that are older and taller than Chichen Itza.
A friend who visited said it felt like having an entire ancient jungle city to themselves. Spider and howler monkeys in the trees, zero tour buses, nobody trying to sell them anything. That combination does not exist at most tourist sites in Mexico right now and it will not last. Go soon.
- Admission: Free
- Hours: Daily 8am to 5pm
- Getting there: About an hour and 20 minutes from Bacalar through dense jungle. Closed-toe shoes and bug spray are not optional.
- Best way to visit: On a guided combo tour that pairs Ichkabal with Los Rapidos in the same day. Ancient ruins in the morning, lazy river in the afternoon. That is a perfect day.
Tour Fort San Felipe
An 18th century Spanish fort built to keep out British pirates. The cannons are original, the moat is real, the museum inside is pretty interesting, and it’s right on the Malecon so you can just walk in on your way through town. It’s a very easy ~20 minute visit on an afternoon.
- Time needed: About an hour
- Admission: Around $3-5 USD
- Location: Right on the Malecon, easy to combine with a walk through town
Walk the town and order a Marquesita
Bacalar’s main square and the Malecon are nice to wander though. Low-key, local feel, a few restaurants with tables on the street, some good shops.
Everywhere you turn you’ll see carts selling Marquesitas. It’s a Yucatan street snack of a thin, crispy crepe rolled into a cone and filled with Edam cheese or your choice of sweet filling. Nutella and banana is the move. It will be messy and delicious.
Have a drink at Sweet Child of Wine
Before you commit to a late night, start the evening properly at Sweet Child of Wine. It’s a lovely spot for a drink, the kind of place where you sit down for one glass and end up staying for two hours because the vibe is just that good.
Great wine, relaxed atmosphere, and a nice way to ease into the evening. I recommend the cheese plate!
Go Party Party dancing at Yak Lake House
Bacalar is not a party town. But if you want a late night, Yak Lake House is where it happens. Lagoon views, beer pong, dancing, young crowd, casual energy. It’s a hostel, so it’s more “college party” than “club” and that fits Bacalar perfectly. Don’t show up before 11pm unless you want to stand in an empty room. Midnight is honestly more realistic.
What to skip in Bacalar
Honestly, it’s your vacation and you should do whatever you want with it. That being said, these are a few things that are either not worth it, actively bad for the lagoon, or just going to cost you way more than they should:
- Jet skis on the lagoon. They look fun, I get it. Skip them. The lagoon is home to stromatolites, the ancient living organisms that give the water its color, and jet ski traffic damages them. Local conservation groups actively discourage it. A kayak, SUP, or boat tour gives you so much more of the lagoon anyway.
- Malecon tourist trap restaurants. The spots right on the main square with laminated menus and someone waving you in from the street are fine in a pinch. The better food is a block or two off the Malecon. Walk a little, find the places that are full of locals at lunch, and you’ll eat much better for less money.
- Massages (unless you love New York prices). I was genuinely shocked at how expensive massages were in Bacalar. We are talking NYC day spa rates in a tiny lagoon town in southern Mexico. Unless you find a well-reviewed local spot with transparent pricing, this is one to skip or research very carefully before you book.
- Overpacking your itinerary. Okay, I am an itinerary girl (clearly), but Bacalar is all about slowing down. The best moments I had there happened when I had nowhere to be. Just floating in the water, watching the light change, ordering another drink because why not. If you’re trying to tick off ten things a day you are missing the whole point of this place. Build in some empty afternoons.
A few things to know before you go
- Reef-safe sunscreen only. The Bacalar lagoon is home to stromatolites, some of the oldest living organisms on Earth, and regular sunscreen damages the pH balance and kills them. Pack reef-safe sunscreen like this one before you leave home and apply it well before getting in the water (like 30 minutes). This one really matters.
- No boats on Wednesdays. The lagoon closes to boat traffic one day a week for conservation. Plan your boat tour around it. Wednesday is a good day for Los Rapidos, Ichkabal, or KalmaClub instead.
- Taxis are how you get around. No Uber in Bacalar, but taxis are easy to find and cheap. Always confirm the price before you get in and any restaurant or hotel you’re at can order one for you. Rides within town usually run $5 USD.
- February through April is peak season. Perfect weather, best water conditions, and the good tours and hotels fill up well in advance. Book things early if you’re coming during these months.
- The town is very small. You can walk all of downtown in about 20 minutes. Easy and relaxed, just plan your days around the Wednesday boat closure.
Where to stay in Bacalar
For a budget option of where to stay in Bacalar, I recommend Casa Chukum, a boutique hotel about three blocks from the lagoon. I stayed here and loved every second of it. The staff is some of the friendliest I met anywhere in Bacalar, the rooms are beautiful, they offer free (and delicious!) jamaica juice and they have a rooftop with lagoon views where I did yoga every day.
If I went back tomorrow though, I’d stay at the Amainah. It’s adults-only, right on the water, consistently the top-rated hotel in town. I planned too late and it was already out of my budget by the time I was booking. I have not forgiven myself.
For the full breakdown at every price point, read my complete Bacalar hotels guide here.
Best Time to Visit Bacalar
The best time to visit Bacalar is February (when I went) through April, when the weather is sunny, dry, and the lagoon is at its clearest. This is also peak season, so hotels and boat tours book up early.
May through August is hotter and rainier but quieter and cheaper. I probably wouldn’t go during rainy season, since so much of Bacalar is spent enjoying the water. It did rain briefly while I was there, but I saw a double rainbow so that was pretty cool!
September and October is hurricane season so definitely safe to say that’s not the ideal time to visit Bacalar.
How to Get to Bacalar
Most people get to Bacalar from Cancun, Tulum, or Chetumal. I flew through Chetumal which was both easy and cheap and I definitely recommend it vs a long drive from Cancun.
That being said, ADO buses run frequently to Bacalar to that’s definitely an option as well.
- Cancun to Bacalar: ~4.5–5 hours
- Tulum to Bacalar: ~2.5–3 hours
- Chetumal to Bacalar: ~40 minutes (~$40 taxi to town)
FAQs: things to do in Bacalar
The lagoon boat tour and Los Rapidos are the two things I’d tell anyone to do first. Beyond that: at least one afternoon at a beach club, a walk through town with a Marquesita in hand, and the Ichkabal ruins if you have a full day.
Yes! And go sooner rather than later. It still has the small, relaxed, genuinely local feel that Tulum lost years ago. All the beauty, none of the crowds or the prices. That combination will not last forever. Three to four nights is the sweet spot.
Yes, there are crocodiles in the lagoon but more in the brush in the Ecoparque and nowhere you should be. They’re not common in the main swimming areas but they do exist. Stick to designated spots, don’t swim at night, and you’ll be completely fine. Locals swim here every single day.
They’re pretty different trips. Holbox is a beach island, more social, younger backpacker crowd, great for whale sharks in season. Bacalar is a lagoon town, calmer, more nature-focused, better if you actually want to slow down and stay somewhere for a few days. If a beautiful, quiet trip with incredible water sounds like the right vibe, Bacalar wins.
Three to four nights is the sweet spot. Enough time for a boat tour, a full day at Los Rapidos, a beach club afternoon, a wander through town, and Ichkabal if you want it. A full week is a lot of time. You can do it in a weekend, but you may want to come back!
Cenote Azul is the easiest to visit on your own and has a restaurant on-site. Cenote Cocalitos has the best fun factor with hammocks and swings in the water. Cenote Negro and Cenote Esmeralda are best reached by boat or kayak since they’re part of the lagoon itself. Your boat tour will likely stop at both.
Yes, very. It’s a small, laid-back town and one of the more relaxed places I’ve visited anywhere in Mexico. Standard common sense applies. Take licensed taxis, confirm prices before you get in, don’t wander around with expensive gear on display. You’ll have no issues.
Like everywhere in Mexico, 10-15%
Final thoughts on things to do in Bacalar
I went to Bacalar expecting a pretty lagoon and a few nice days. I came back having done pilates under gigantic trees, floating in a lazy river until my fingers pruned, walking through a pirate canal with a sunken boat in it, and lounging at multiple beach clubs with a book in one hand and a drink in the other. That is a good trip.
When it comes to things to do in Bacalar, the boat tour, Los Rapidos, and at least one beach club afternoon are the ones I’d tell anyone to do. Wander the town, eat a Marquesita, and enjoy your time in the water.
There aren’t many places in Mexico right now with this combination of beauty, affordability, and a local feel. Go while it’s still like this.
Cheers to your next adventure 🌊🇲🇽
