The Maldives of Mexico: Is Bacalar Lagoon worth visiting?

What is the Maldives of Mexico?

If you’re a fan of tropical paradise, this may be a place you’ll want to add to your travel bucket list.

The Maldives of Mexico refers to Bacalar Lagoon, Laguna Bacalar, or the Lagoon of Seven Colors – a breathtaking natural wonder with seven shades of blue waters that’s often compared to the stunning beauty of the Maldives islands.

Bacalar has been recognized by the Mexican government as a pueblo magico (meaning magic town) for its “magical” beauty, historical importance, and natural wonders.

If you’re looking for a tropical vacation spot that’s off the beaten path, Bacalar would be a good place to consider. In this guide, you will find helpful information about the town and the lagoon as well as some tips on what to do when you decide to visit.

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Where is Bacalar located in Mexico?

Bacalar is a small town in southeastern Mexico, on the southern edge of the Yucatan Peninsula, below Cancun and Riviera Maya. It is also very close to Belize’s border and only three hours from Belize City.

The town sits right on the shores of Lake Bacalar (Laguna de Bacalar), which is also called the Lagoon of Seven Colors (La Laguna de los Siete Colores) due to its multiple distinct shades of blue water at different times of the day.

Is Bacalar safe for tourists?

Bacalar is a tranquil town that is generally safe for tourists. However, as with any foreign destination, it’s always important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. There are a few things to keep in mind when traveling to Bacalar, such as not walking around alone at night and flashing large amounts of cash.

Why is Bacalar nicknamed the Maldives of Mexico?

Bacalar has earned its nickname as the “Maldives of Mexico” thanks to its turquoise crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches. Just like the Maldives, Bacalar is a great place for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Is Bacalar worth visiting?

While it doesn’t have the same nightlife or party scene as other Mexican beach towns, Bacalar is definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Other than the main attraction Bacalar Lagoon, there are Mayan ruins, historical landmarks, and cenotes.

When is the best time to visit Bacalar?

The best time to visit Bacalar is during the dry season, from November to April. During this time of year, rainfall is at a minimum and temperatures are pleasant, making it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and other outdoor activities.

Nevertheless, Bacalar is a year-round destination with warm weather and you will enjoy less crowd from May to November. Regardless of when you travel, you’re sure to find Bacalar an enjoyable place to relax and rejuvenate.

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How to Get to Bacalar, Mexico

The closest airport to Bacalar is Chetumal International Airport, which is around 40 minutes away by road. However, Chetumal International Airport does not have a lot of international flights.

This means that visitors to Bacalar will most likely need to fly into another Mexican airport and then take a connecting flight. Due to the longer duration and the higher costs of the flights to Chetumal, this option is not as popular for international travelers.

Another way to get to Bacalar is to fly to Belize City and either drive or take a bus. However, this option can be complicated and time-consuming, as you’ll need to clear immigration and customs twice.

That leaves us to the third option: flying to Cancun International Airport. There are many direct international flights to Cancun, so the price is much cheaper. To get to Bacalar, you can either drive a car rental from Cancun or join a day trip tour.

How far is Bacalar from Cancun?

Bacalar is about a 4.5-hour drive from Cancun. The drive is mostly on the highway, and the roads are well-marked and easy to follow. If that sounds like a long drive to you, no worry, you can break the trip with a stop in Playa del Carmen or Tulum. Both these towns have amazing things to offer, and you won’t regret spending a day or two there.

Driving from Cancun to Bacalar Useful Travel Tips

Here are some useful tips to help ensure that your journey from Cancun to Bacalar, Mexico is safe, enjoyable, and as smooth as possible.

📍Renting a reliable car from Cancun International Airport

The first time I have ever rented a car in Mexico, it was a nightmare. I fell into the trap of the Mexican car rental insurance scam and ended up paying way more than I should have for the car rental.

Whether you have auto rental insurance or collision damage waiver with your U.S credit cards, you will still be required to purchase Mexican liability insurance. It is a breeze if you buy it in advance with your online reservation, but if you wait till the check-in, the car rental agencies could charge you over the roof or request a ridiculous amount of deposit (in my case it was $20,000!)

✔️Useful Tips: Book through Discover Cars for the best car rental rates and cheap full coverage Mexican insurance ($7/day)

Booking through Discover Cars is easy and cheap. When you show up with your reservation that includes the insurance, car rental agencies in Cancun won’t be able to give you a hard time with Mexican car insurance because you already have FULL COVERAGE. There is no more opportunity for them to upsell their insurances and overcharge you.

📍Break down your drive from Cancun to Bacalar with a stop in Playa del Carmen

It takes 4.5 hours to drive straight from Cancun to Bacalar, which could be a long drive for some people. If you want to take a break, Playa del Carmen, a charming coastal resort town in Riviera Maya that’s just about one hour drive from Cancun, is a perfect stop.

If you just want a quick stop for a bite to eat in Playa del Carmen, be sure to head to Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue). This bustling street is lined with cafes, bars, and restaurants, making it the perfect place to stop for lunch. There are plenty of options to suit all tastes, from traditional Mexican to international cuisine. And if you want to enjoy some live music with your meal, there are several restaurants along the beach that won’t disappoint.

If you want to stay in Playa del Carmen for two days or longer, don’t miss out on the eco-tourism theme parks of Xcaret. Some of my favorite parks are Xplor (for ATV adventures and stalactite river underground expedition) and Xel Ha (eco water parks with zip-lines and hammock splash).

📍Break down your drive from Cancun to Bacalar with a stop in Tulum

Tulum is a small, bohemian beach town further south of Cancun and Playa del Carmen, about two hours before you reach Bacalar. The town is known for its incredible archeological site and Mayan ruins, which are not only picturesque and make for some great photography but also provide insight into Mexico’s rich history.

You can stop at Tulum ruins for an hour or two on the way from Cancun to Bacalar. There is no need to buy the tickets online in advance, as you can easily get the tickets or a guided tour at the entrance. Hiring a guide and learning about the history of this Mayan port city made me appreciate the site more, so I’d highly recommend it.

If you plan to stay the night at Tulum, there are several oceanfront resorts and chic hotels. On the next day, you can spend 3 to 4 hours snorkeling, ziplining, or riding ATV through the jungle before heading to Bacalar.

There’s no need to choose just one adventure when you visit the Native Park Tulum. Included in the admission ticket, you can check off multiple thrilling activities in one day.

Wander through the jungle, fly through the treetops on a zipline, rappel into a cenote, and swim and snorkel in an underground river.

All necessary equipment and instructions are provided at the park, so you can just focus on having fun. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just looking for a unique way to spend a few hours, the park has something for everyone.

🌴Book Native Park Tulum with Ziplines & Cenote Snorkel Admission Ticket

Selva Maya Eco Adventure Park is another great place for a half-day excursion. Not only does the park offer stunning views of the rainforest, but it also provides an array of exciting activities, including ziplining, hanging ropes, and snorkeling.

🌴Book Selva Maya Eco Adventure Park: Ziplining, Hanging Bridges, Rappelling and Cenote

If you want to explore the jungle of Tulum on an ATV, this Jungle Secrets Park would be perfect. For half a day, you’ll get to experience off-roading, ziplining, rappelling, and snorkeling in a cenote. Plus, at the end of the adventure, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a traditional temazcal ceremony—something you won’t always find on other tours.

🌴Book Jungle Secrets Riviera Maya with ATV, Ziplines, Cenote Swim, Rappel

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Bacalar Day Trip from Cancun/Playa del Carmen

If you don’t feel like driving to Bacalar, you can still get a taste of the “Maldives of Mexico” on a day trip to Bacalar from Cancun or Playa del Carmen by joining a guided tour – let someone else do the driving!

You’ll start your day with a delicious breakfast, then off to explore all that Bacalar has to offer. Take a pontoon ride on Bacalar Lagoon (Lake of the Seven Colors), experience the Cenote Azul sinkhole, relax in the natural spa at Cenote Cocalitos, pass through the Pirates’ Channel, and tour San Felipe Fort. Better yet, lunch is also included!

🌊Book Bacalar Day Tour from Cancun/Playa del Carmen

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Where to Stay in Bacalar: Top Resorts, Hotels, and Hostels

There are plenty of choices for accommodations in Bacalar for all types of visitors, from luxury-seekers to budget travelers and backpackers.

Learn More with this curated list of Best Bacalar Mexico Hotels!

Luxury Bacalar Hotel: Mia Bacalar Luxury Resort & Spa

Mia Bacalar Luxury Resort & Spa is nestled on the shores of Lake Bacalar and is the perfect choice for those who want to splurge. Other than beautiful architecture, delicious food, and stunning views of the lagoon, the resort offers transparent kayak (clear-bottom kayak) rental free of charge.

Upscale Bacalar Hotel: Habitas Bacalar

Located just a few blocks from the lagoon, Habitas Bacalar offers spacious accommodation and breathtaking scenery.

Mid-Range Bacalar Hotel: Hotel Rancho Encantado

Hotel Rancho Encantado is a mid-range hotel offering great value for money with a location close to Bacalar Lagoon, rustic-style bungalows, and free kayak rentals

Budget Bacalar Hotel: Hotel Hacienda

If you’re looking for a hotel in Bacalar that won’t break the bank, Hotel Hacienda is a great choice. This colonial-style hotel offers free parking, modest rooms, and breakfast is included in the room rate.

Budget Bacalar Hostel: Yak Lake House

Yak Lake House, conveniently located near the lake, offers beds in a 4-bed or 8-bed mix dormitory room with free Wifi, making it perfect for solo travelers.

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What to do in Bacalar Lagoon (Laguna de Bacalar)

There is no shortage of things to do in Bacalar Lagoon. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, you can also enjoy a variety of water sports, including kayaking and paddleboarding.

Many tour operators also offer boat tours of the lagoon, which is a great way to take in the natural beauty of the area.

For those looking for a more relaxing experience, there are plenty of bars and restaurants along the shoreline, where you can enjoy a refreshing cocktail while taking in the stunning views.

Can you visit Bacalar Lagoon without a tour?

Since most of the lakeside area is private and there is no public beach, it’s difficult to find a spot to lounge and tan. It’s best to stay at a hotel by the lake (such as Mia Bacalar Luxury Resort & Spa) or book a tour to fully enjoy the lagoon.

For a quick visit, you can relax at the public pier Balneario Municipal El Aserradero in the middle of Bacalar. The pier is made of wooden beams and straw palapas where you can take a break from the sun and heat but note that it may get really crowed during the day.

Do you need to book a Bacalar Lagoon tour in advance?

There are a lot of people selling tours at the pier and on the lakeside of Bacalar Lagoon. However, these tours tend to be overpriced and you may have a hard time finding a guide that can speak English fluently. As a result, I would highly recommend booking a tour in advance.

⛵Book Cheapest Bacalar Lagoon Sightseeing Boat Tour with Open Bar and Snacks

This half-day sightseeing boat tour is the perfect way to experience Bacalar Lagoon. You’ll start by cruising through the Pirates’ Channel, then make a stop to make mud masks from the sulfurous mud.

After that, you’ll head to the Black Cenote and Cenote Esmerelda to go snorkeling. Before heading back to shore, you’ll navigate to the Island of Birds, which is a haven for migratory birds, where you can try to spot rare birds in their natural habitat or go for one last swim.

⛵Book Private Sailboat + Captain for a Day Experience (up to 8 people)

If you have more than five people in your group, you will find that it’s actually cheaper and more fun to charter a private boat than buying individual Bacalar boat tour tickers.

You can choose to customize your itinerary with cenotes, Island of Birds, Pirates’ Channel, or stop wherever you like for swimming and kayaking. Kayak rentals are included with the private sailboat tour.

🏄Book Sunrise Stand Up Paddle Board Tour with Breakfast

This guided stand-up paddleboard tour is cheap and really worth the money as it is just slightly more expensive than renting the paddleboards by itself. You will get to explore Bacalar Lagoon with a guide during sunrise before the crowd.

If it’s your first time trying this activity, the guide will explain the safety rules and help you learn the basics of stand-up paddle. After breakfast, you will paddle to the Black Cenote (Cenote de la Bruja), an open-air cenote and the deepest point of the lagoon.

Can you see fish in Bacalar Lagoon?

Bacalar Lagoon doesn’t have a variety of fish because of its mineral-rich water. If you want to explore the underwater world with turtles, colorful fishes, and stingrays, consider stopping in Tulum and Akumal for more snorkeling opportunities.

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Restaurants in Bacalar

Bacalar is home to a number of great restaurants, each of which offers its own unique take on Mexican cuisine. Whether you’re looking for traditional Mexican fare with classic dishes like enchiladas and tacos, or some seafood specialties, you won’t be disappointed. Here are a few notable restaurants that you may want to check out:

Los Rapidos laguna de Bacalar

For tourists and locals alike, Los Rapidos laguna de Bacalar is the perfect place to enjoy Bacalar’s natural beauty and delicious food.

Located on the southern end of the lake, Los Rapidos has a beautiful view of the lake and fast-moving rapids that visitors can play in. There are kayak rentals, water hammocks, and swings for relaxation as well.

Mango y Chile

This lakefront vegan restaurant in Bacalar is known for its veggie burger delicious dishes using fresh and colorful ingredients.

The menu also features a variety of tacos, donuts, and smoothies. The portions are large and hearty, making Mango y Chile the perfect place to go for a filling meal.

La Playita

Located on the lakeside with jungle plants and hammocks, La Playita is the perfect place to watch the sunset with a drink in hand. The food is not only delicious, but the presentation is also very nice.

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Top Things to do in & near Bacalar

In addition to swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding, there are plenty of other activities to keep you entertained. Here are just a few of the top things to see and do around Lake Bacalar:

1. Canal de los Piratas (Pirate’s Channel)

This is one of the most popular attractions in Bacalar. The Pirate’s Channel is a narrow waterway that connects the Bacalar Lagoon and the Hondo River.

In the past, it served as a point of connection between Europe and America and became a commercial point where pirates were active.

These days, it’s a popular spot for swimming thanks to its beauty and high content of minerals, which is perfect for exfoliating skin.

2. Zocalo de Bacalar (Bacalar’s Main Square)

Zocalo de Bacalar is the main square in the town center and a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike. The square is surrounded by colonial-style buildings, including the Parish Church of San Joaquin and the Fort of San Felipe.

3. Fuerte de San Filpe de Bacalar (Fort San Felipe)

The San Felipe Fort is another popular tourist attraction in Bacalar. Built in the 18th century, the fort was designed to protect the town from pirates and other invaders.

Today, the fort is open for tourists to explore its well-preserved watchtowers and walls, which were made of marine and volcanic rocks as well as limestone.

The museum at the fort houses a collection of Mayan and colonial archaeological artifacts, including ammunition, weapons, and maps.

4. Parroquia de San Joaquin (San Joaquin Parish Church)

The Parish Church of San Joaquin is a beautiful Catholic church located in the town center of Bacalar. The church was built in the 18th century and is one of the most important historical buildings in Bacalar. Its facade is made of limestone, while its interior is decorated with baroque-style paintings and sculptures.

5. Cenote Azul (Blue Cenote)

Located just 3 kilometers from the town of Bacalar, Cenote Azul is one of the most popular cenotes in the area. This is a fully-open cenote with a diameter of approximately 200 meters and a depth of 90 meters. It’s perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sailing with amazing views of the jungle.

6. Cenote Cocalitos

Cenote Cocalitos is a natural sinkhole and a sanctuary of stromatolites, coral-like structures that are believed to be about 3,500 years old. During your visit, try not to touch the stromatolites and use biodegradable sunscreen to protect this natural beauty.

7. Archaeological Zone of Kohunlich

Kohunlich is a large archaeological site of an ancient Maya civilization that’s located about an hour away from Bacalar. This site is most famous for its “Temple of the Masks”, a temple consisting of five chambers set on a four-tiered pyramid base. During your visit, you may encounter howler monkeys in the surrounding jungles.

The Maldives of Mexico FAQs

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Bacalar Lagoon – Maldives of Mexico.

Final Thoughts: The Maldives of Mexico – Bacalar Lagoon

Whether you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty or you’re interested in exploring the historical and archaeological sites, Bacalar is a great destination for you.

In recent years, Bacalar has gained more attraction due to social media platforms like Instagram and Youtube.

Visitors to Bacalar can enjoy activities like swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply relax on the beach and take in the stunning surroundings.

With its beautiful setting and laid-back atmosphere, Bacalar is the perfect place to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life – definitely worth adding to your Mexico bucket list.

Cancun Travel Resources

1. Travel Insurance:
   • No one wants to think about what could go wrong on a vacation, but the truth is that accidents can happen anywhere, at any time. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have travel insurance, so you can relax and enjoy your trip knowing that you’re covered if something does go wrong. Don’t take the risk when you can be covered for cheap.
   • Safety Wing is a great option for budget-conscious travelers, as policies start at just $40 USD for a whole month! Basic policies cover travel emergencies, medical costs, and medical expenses while you’re in Mexico as well as transportation back to your home country under circumstances.
2. Getting around Cancun
   • Best Car Rental in Cancun: How to Find it & What to Expect!
   • How to Get from Cancun to Tulum, Mexico: Is there Uber/Lyft?
   • How to Get to Cozumel from Cancun and Playa del Carmen
3. Car Rental Scam
   • Don’t fall for car rental scams in Mexico! Make sure you have full coverage when you make the reservation so car rental agencies can’t upsell their insurance.
   • Discover Cars offers the cheapest car rental rates in Mexico and full coverage insurance for as low as $7 per day. 
4. Best Places to Stay in and near Cancun
   • Where to Stay in Cancun: Best Non All-Inclusive vs All-Inclusive Hotels
   • Best Value & Affordable All-Inclusive Resorts in Cancun, Mexico
   • Best Hotels and Resorts to Stay in Cozumel, Mexico
   • Temptation Cancun Resort – Best All-Inclusive Resort for Nightlife
   • Hotel Xcaret Arte Review – Best Overall Value Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resort
   • Hotel Xcaret Mexico Review – Best Overall Value Family All-Inclusive Resort
   • La Casa de la Playa by Xcaret – Best Luxury Boutique Hotel
5. Best Attractions & Activities in Cancun
   • 37 Top Things to Do & Best Places to Visit in Cancun
   • Thrilling Cancun Activities: Spinnaker vs. Parasailing!
   • Xplor vs Xplor Fuego Adventure Cancun Park Review!
   • Xelha Water Park Review, Coupons & Tips for a Perfect Day!
   • What to See & Do in Cozumel on A Day Trip!
   • The Maldives of Mexico: Is Bacalar Lagoon worth visiting?

Bonus: 61+ Best Cancun Quotes for Instagram & Social Media Captions!