Water activities in Bacalar
Whether it’s at a cenote or at a Balneario, you can find water activities in Bacalar besides the obvious choice of the extraordinary lagoon.
The cenotes of Bacalar
With such clear water, swimming in a cenote is a must in Bacalar. Cenotes are natural water wells (outdoor, underground or even hidden in caves). You can find them by the thousands all over the Yucatan Peninsula.
Cenote Azul: this is different from the cenote azul of Playa del Carmen. It is the darkest cenote in Bacalar. The tropical forest surrounds it. It is the only one without direct access to the lagoon.
Cenote Cocalitos: Cocalitos, which contains the cenote of the same name, is also called the sanctuary of los Estromatolitos. These are living fossils of 3500 million years old that should not be touched because they are fragile. On site: hammocks and swings in the water, kayaking, snorkeling.
Cenote Esmeralda: it is different from the others because it is located in the middle of the lagoon of Bacalar. It is unique in its kind and presents a nice contrast of blues where the water flows into the lagoon.
Cenote Negro or Cenote la Bruja: it is the perfect place to snorkel and observe the many rocks, plants and roots that are found there. It is the closest cenote to the center of Bacalar and is known for its 100m deep underwater abyss.
Water activities in Bacalar: Enjoying the balnearios
The “balnearios” are small seaside resorts located along the lagoon.
Balneario Municipal: one of the closest balnearios to the center of Bacalar, accessible in just a 10 minute walk and it’s free! Therefore, it is quite frequented by locals and families.
Balneario Municipal El Aserradero: located right next to it, it has a long wooden dock that makes it easy to swim in the lagoon. There is a picnic area with tables, very convenient to come with food and drinks (without alcohol). Free entrance, parking 10 pesos.
Balneario de los Azucareros: a large balneario frequented mostly by workers of the union to which it belongs and by locals, but very few tourists. It is an opportunity to see stromatolites like in Cocalitos! Entrance 15 pesos. It is located north of the Mirador, just after the police station in the path to the lagoon.
Balneario de Lasarch (or La Saarch): next to the Balneario de los Azucareros is this well-maintained and very quiet balneario that belongs to a workers’ union. The space is ample, with several shady areas and a long pier.
Balneario Ejidal Magico: this is the most famous in Bacalar because it is ideal for families with slides, a restaurant, a pier and pontoons, all under the supervision of a lifeguard. Kayaks can be rented and boat tours are also offered.
Ecological Beach: surrounded by mangroves that give it a wilder feel, it is more intimate and smaller than most other public beaches. It is one of the most popular beaches in Bacalar.
