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What is the Bacalar Lagoon?

Along the edges of Bacalar’s sleepy town lies the 42-kilometer-long Bacalar Lagoon, the largest freshwater lake in Mexico. Long ago, this body of water didn’t exist. Instead, there were individual cenotes (one of the best features of the Yucatan). Eventually, some of these collapsed and filled with clear groundwater. Together, they now form the enormous Bacalar Lagoon, the perfect place for a boat tour.

The lagoon was an essential part of the Mayan civilization that lived along its shores, enabling easy trade with the rest of Central America. However, its accessible route eventually also led to pirate attacks, who managed to sneak into town and raid it. 

Although its history dates back many centuries, the Bacalar Lagoon remains an important part of locals’ lives. Visitors come to witness the stunning hues, spot incredible wildlife, and relax by the water. The changing depths (the reason for its different shades of blue), white sand, and stromatolites make it the ideal location for a boat trip.

Visiting the Bacalar Lagoon

The best way to see Laguna Bacalar, Mexico, is on a boat tour. This way, you can perfectly witness the incredible turquoise lake and all its different sites. Besides looking out over the vast blue, you also get to swim, snorkel, and learn something new.

Bacalar Boat Tours

There are many tour companies around the lake that offer similar options with set prices. An experienced guide will tell you about the lagoon’s history and interesting facts about the stops you visit. From dark navy and deep turquoise to translucent blue, there’s a striking difference in the water’s color! 

The classic is a 2-hour tour in a lancha (small boat) or ponton (pontoon), but you can also hop on a sailboat or small catamaran for 3-4 hours. (Book that tour here) Tours are either in Spanish or English and are typically shared with a group of other people. However, there are also private tour options you can book. (We booked this private tour)

The main difference between the tours is usually what they include. Some offer drinks with a limit (some without), others offer food, and others only snacks. Because of this, it’s important to carefully read the tours’ descriptions so you know exactly what to expect.

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Costs of a Bacalar Lagoon Boat Tour

Explore the lagoon’s main highlights, like the Pirates’ Canal, and snorkel in the open-air cenotes. Depending on what type of tour (and boat) you go on, prices differ. The standard is the following: 

• Boat tour in a lancha: 250 – 300 MXN (15 – 18 USD)
• Pontoon boat tour: 350 – 400 MXN (21 – 24 USD)
• Group sailboat tour: 600 – 1000 MXN (36 – 60 USD)
• Private boat tour of Bacalar: 2.500 – 3.500 MXN (150 – 211 USD)

Tip: Make sure to ask the boat tour company if the tour will be with an English guide or when the next boat tour will be in English. (See all boat tours here)

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The Best Spots on the Bacalar Lagoon, Mexico 

A Bacalar boat tour showcases many beautiful spots, from expansive views across the turquoise water to little island crops, secret passages, and deep cenotes. Most tours visit the same places, though some include a few extra stops or allow you to customize your trip. Keep your eyes peeled for incredible wildlife, like howler monkeys, hummingbirds, and even crocodiles (!).

Cenote Negro (the Black Cenote)

Cenote Negro, locally known as Cenote de la Brujas (the Witch’s Cenote), is the deepest cenote of the Bacalar Lagoon. With a depth of 90 meters, it forms a dark hole in the lagoon, distinct from the white sand beside it. You can see where the lake floor falls away, dropping very suddenly from 2 meters to 90 meters deep.

This open-sky cenote gives the lake a navy blue section, one of the lagoon’s seven shades. The edges are lined with jungle trees, adding to its beauty. The nickname, ‘Witch’s Cenote’, stems from the legends of a Mayan witch living on its shores – wow!

Cenote Esmeralda

At slightly less deep (70m), Cenote Esmeralda adds a stunning blue-green color to the lagoon’s mix. Surrounding it, there are a few sandy banks that are perfect for relaxing. Just like the Black Cenote, it’s part of the lagoon where its water feeds directly into the lake. 

From here, you also have some of the best views across the lagoon and of the resort-dotted shoreline. Gently float by the deep cenote, admiring how the hole appears drastically next to the vibrant turquoise. 

Isla de Los Pájaros (Bird Island)

Most Bacalar boat tours include a stop at Bird Island, or ‘Isla de Los Pájaros’ in Spanish. Though it’s actually an extension of the mainland, it’s surrounded by water on all sides, giving it more of an island feel. 

This little outcrop in the blue of Bacalar’s Lagoon is a bird sanctuary. Every year, many different species flock here during the migratory season (from parrots to hawks). Most tours do a quick drive-by of the island. Some stop for a quick swim, though this is usually further away to respect the nesting birds. This way, you can admire the parrots from afar!

Cenote Cocalitos

Though this is referred to as a cenote, it’s more of a beautiful small beach located on the lagoon’s shore. It’s a perfect place for a swim, though it tends to get a little busy with people accessing it through land.  

There are some facilities here, like a few restaurants, bathrooms, lounging areas, and hammocks. However, if you’re on a boat tour in Bacalar, you’ll make a quick stop to swim in the beautiful, almost translucent water. 

Note: The whole area has collections of stromatolites, which is one of the highlights. Though these look very much like rocks, they’re actually the oldest living beings on earth and responsible for filtering the lagoon’s water. For this reason, don’t touch or walk on any of them!

Canal de Los Piratas (Pirate Canal)

We found Canal de Los Piratas one of the most interesting stops on our Bacalar boat tour. This incredible spot is where Laguna Bacalar meets the parallel Laguna Mariscal through a small canal. 

There’s a little passageway that was part of a trade route and was later used by pirates to sneak into the lagoon for attack (hence the name!). Nowadays, it’s a highlight of the Bacalar Lagoon and a popular spot to relax, swim, and enjoy the scenery with a beer in hand.

Top Tips for a Boat Tour on the Bacalar Lagoon

In order to have an incredible experience on the Bacalar Lagoon (and preserve its beauty), here are some tips for your boat tour:

• Don’t wear any sunscreen (yep, not even reef-safe sunscreen) when entering the water. This is because the oils and chemicals in sunscreen can negatively impact the lagoon’s pH balance, leading to the loss of its beautiful colors and impressive stromatolites. 
• Pack alternative sun protection to cover yourself in the water. For example, a swimming t-shirt or long-sleeved surf top. For on the boat, bring a hat, sunglasses, and a waterproof bag for your belongings. 
• Don’t touch any of the stromatolites. These rock look-a-likes are incredibly fragile, rare, and the oldest living organism on earth. Therefore, don’t grab or step on them. 
• Apart from boat tours, you can also paddleboard or kayak in Bacalar. These activities are great to do during sunrise or sunset! (Book your paddleboard tour here)
• Get a local SIM to stay connected in Bacalar. Telcel is the best mobile data company; for only 200 MXN (~12 USD), you have 30 days of unlimited social media data and 5GB for all other browsing. The card itself costs only 80 MXN (or you can buy an e-sim in advance).

Where to Stay near the Lagoon

We found the best places to stay in Bacalar, Mexico, either to be in the center of town or directly on the lagoon. In town, you’ll find the Bacalar Park and most restaurants; at the shore, you’ll have private piers and stunning views over the water. From luxury Bacalar hotels to guesthouses in town – there’s no bad choice!

Our favorite hotels in Bacalar

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Hotel Sun Ha Bacalar

Bacalar

Hotel CasaBakal

Bacalar

Hotel & Suites Oasis Bacalar

Bacalar

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Bacalar

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How to Visit Bacalar, Mexico

Although Bacalar lies further away from other hotspots in the Yucatan Peninsula, we didn’t find it not difficult to get to! Depending on where you’re visiting from, there are a few transportation options. 

There is no airport in Bacalar itself, but there is one in Chetumal (45 minutes away). If you’d rather fly, you can take a short commuter flight from Cancun or Mexico City. Alternatively, you can drive or bus there for a more environmentally friendly option.

Find flights to Bacalar Lagoon

By Car

One of the best ways to get around Mexico is by renting a car. Easily drive south from Cancun or Tulum, passing through some of the most stunning jungle roads. 

From Cancun, it’s about 4 hours driving and about 3 hours from Tulum. If you’re coming from Tulum, make sure to fill up your tank before leaving the boho town, as you’ll find no gas stations in between. You can also hop on a taxi, though this can be quite expensive. 

By Bus 

Alternatively, hop on one of the ADO buses that depart directly from Tulum and Cancun. Though time-consuming (5+ hours), the buses are comfortable, safe, and easy to use.

We recommend booking your seats online in advance. The bus drops you off on the main road, which lies about 15 minutes from Bacalar town.

Tip: Make sure to bring snacks, water (there’s a bathroom on the bus), and something to do on the journey.

Best Time for a Bacalar Lagoon Boat Tour

Unlike other coastal areas like Playa del Carmen or Tulum, Bacalar is slightly cooler. Therefore, the best time to visit this Mexican gem is between November and April. During these months, the weather is good and usually dry (with minimal rainfall), making it the perfect time to explore the lagoon by boat.

Best

Good

Mixed

Poor

Partly cloudy

26°C

Jan

Mostly sunny with a few clouds

27°C

Feb

Mostly sunny with a few clouds

28°C

Mar

Mostly sunny with a few clouds

29°C

Apr

Scattered rain showers with some sun

30°C

May

Rainy

30°C

Jun

Rainy

31°C

Jul

Rainy

31°C

Aug

Rainy

30°C

Sep

Scattered rain showers with some sun

29°C

Oct

Scattered rain showers with some sun

28°C

Nov

Partly cloudy

27°C

Dec

°C
°F

This period also falls outside the region’s hurricane season, which typically runs from June to October. However, remember that December – April is also the peak tourist season. Try to visit at the beginning or end of this period for fewer crowds and good weather.