What to do in Bacalar

To visit Bacalar is to enjoy its large 7-color lagoon, explore its beautiful cenotes and Pirate Channel, before witnessing a breathtaking sunset. To help you plan your stay, here are some tips on what to do in Bacalar.

What to do in Bacalar: Lagoon of the 7 Colors

The Lagoon of Bacalar, also known as the Lagoon of the Seven Colors, owes its nickname to its seven shades of blue due to different depths.

With its 45 km length, it is the main lake of Bacalar which contains some islands and 4 cenotes. It is the most important attraction of Bacalar because you can do a multitude of activities: kayaking, sailing, catamaran, swimming, snorkeling and stand-up paddle.

There is no beach here, but the lagoon is lined with beach clubs called “balnearios” as well as hotels and restaurants that allow easy access with docks and different facilities.

The Pirate Channel

During the colony, the Pirates’ Channel served as a connection between Europe and America and became the scene of numerous clashes with pirates and privateers, from which it takes its name.

Among them were great names like Henry Morgan and Francis Drake. Today, it is a must-see and one of the favorite places for travelers because you can admire the many shades of blue and green, swim and naturally exfoliate your skin in its sulfurous sand.

Fort San Felipe

Built to protect itself from the numerous pirate attacks, the fort of Bacalar offers today a beautiful panoramic view of the whole lagoon and its cenotes.  Its museum is a must-see in Bacalar, as it presents the history of the city, with Mayan artifacts as well as pieces from the colonial era (ammunition, weapons, maps, etc.).

What to do in Bacalar: explore the lagoon by kayak

This activity gives you a front row seat to the scenery, with more stability than a paddle board, which makes it easier to go further. It is therefore possible to go to the cenotes, the Pirate Channel, the Bird Island, etc., with or without a tour. You can easily find places to rent kayaks all along the lagoon with prices around 300 pesos for 2 hours.

See the sunset over the lagoon

With its multitude of orange tones rising over the lagoon, watching the sunset is a must do activity in Bacalar. Of course, you can do the activity on your own with no problem, but there are also several outings offered that take you all the way to the Pirates Channel: the best place to watch the sunset in Bacalar.