Bacalar in Mexico is truly one of the most up and coming destinations of the Caribbean, and a place you'll want to add to your bucket list if it isn't already on there.

While everyone flocks to places like Cancun and Tulum, Bacalar remains as one of the hidden gems of the Yucatán Península! Come here to swim in some of the most beautiful waters of Mexico, eat delicious seafood, and sail around the incredible seven colored lagood.

We used to visit Bacalar when we were working on cruise ships, while it was still unknown. Now it's becoming more and more popular, so you better get there before it becomes packed! Our complete travel guide will teach you everything you need to know for visiting Bacalar in Mexico.

Where is Bacalar, Mexico?

Bacalar is in the bottom of the Yucatan Peninsula, which is in the south east of Mexico, just north of Belize. This small town is 2 1/2 hours from Tulum, and 4 1/2 hours from Cancun.

Visiting Bacalar in Mexico: How to Get There

Bacalar in Mexico is a great place to get away for a few days. Here are the most popular ways to get here:

✈️ What is the Closest Airport to Bacalar in Mexico?

Bacalar does not have an airport itself, so the closest airports to choose from are either Chetumal, or Cancun. Chetumal is just over a half hour drive from Bacalar, making this the easiest option. The only two cities that do this flight are Mexico City or Houston.

The other option can be to fly into Cancun, and rent a car to get to Bacalar (a 4 1/2 hour drive).

Rent a car from Cancun:

How to Visit Bacalar From Tulum

If you are visiting Tulum, Bacalar is just three hours away. We got here on a bus from the main ADO station.

Here you can get tickets in person (cash only), or you can book right online. They have a few departures a day, and the ride takes about 3 1/2 hours, with tickets costing between $10-15 USD.

Want to book your tickets in advance? Here are 2 different options:

Coming from Tulum and want to know some of the best things to do there? Check out our full article below!

🛳 Visiting Bacalar On a Cruise

The reason we actually learned about the beautiful place of Bacalar was while we were working on a cruise ship. Costa Maya is one of the most popular cruise ports, and is only an hour and a 1/2 from Bacalar!

Entry Requirements for Mexico

Whenever traveling to another country it's important to know exactly the requirements for visiting. Here is all you need to know for when it comes to entry requirements in Mexico.

🛂 Visa Entry Requirements

Back in the day, Americans were able to travel to Mexico without passports. It's been a while since that has changed, but we think it's important to address since I have met hundreds of travelers thinking they could travel without a passport.

Whether you are visiting Mexico via cruise ship or on your own, you will in fact need your passport to enter.

Local Adjustments for Bacalar in Mexico

Whenever traveling somewhere new, there are things that you'll need to know before you go. Here are a few of the local adjustments to keep in mind while traveling to Bacalar in Mexico.

🗣 Language in Bacalar

The official language in Bacalar is the same as the rest of Mexico, which is Spanish. It definitely helps to learn a bit of the language beforehand when it comes to bargaining, especially for excursions. 

Don't worry though- if you do not speak Spanish it's nothing to worry about. Beoing that there are lots of tourists, many people do speak English as well.

💶 What Currency Does Bacalar Use?

The currency used in Mexico is the Mexican peso. Currently (September 2024) the exchange rate is 20 Mexican pesos for every 1 USD. 

Do You Need Cash in Bacalar?

There are a lot of places that only accept cash, including many local vendors, places of interest, and activities.

USD is accepted often, but if you have Mexican pesos things will actually be much cheaper. We always go to the ATM to take out the local currency, and there are plenty in Bacalar that you can find.

🔌 Electrical Outlets of Bacalar in Mexico

Mexico uses the same outlets as the rest of North America, which are for plug types A & B. The standard voltage in Mexico is 127 V with a standard frequency of 60 Hz. If you are from the US you will be able to use your electronics without needing an adapter or energy converter.

🚰 Can You Drink the Water in Bacalar?

The water is pretty notorious for not being very safe to drink in Mexico. While I've had the tap water, as well as ice in my drinks, I haven't had any issues. However, it is always advised to stick the bottled water here, which is why we'd recommend getting large jugs of water to refill your own water bottle.

💸 Tipping Culture in Bacalar, Mexico

The tipping culture in Mexico varies a bit, but is pretty similar to the US. It is common to tip between 15-20% in restaurants, and for services such as massages.

Things to Do in Bacalar, Mexico

First things first, why choose Bacalar? Well ,this place has a number of cool places to explore, as well as some fun activities. Here are just a few of the things you can do while visiting Bacalar in Mexico.

Laguna de Siete Colores

This is what Bacalar in Mexico is famous for and just can't be missed while visiting. This body of water is called "the seven colored lagoon" due to the many different shades of blue that you will find here. The water is absolutely stunning, and the best part? It is actually fresh water! Giving you the Caribbean vibes, but without the saltiness.

The lagoon can be accessed from many different locations, from private beach clubs  to public piers. So don't worry, because if you don't want to pay, there are plenty of ways to access the lagoon free of charge.

Cenote Azul

This cenote is located right in Bacalar, and just minutes away from the lagoon! This fresh water sinkhole has some of the bluest waters you will see, and makes for an awesome spot for crystal clear underwater photos. 

You can access here by the main entrance, which costs 100 pesos (about $5 USD), where you will have access to bathrooms, a restaurant, souvenir shop, and pier. We also found that locals access this cenote on the back end, which is right off the side of the main road that runs parallel to the seven colored lagoon.

Canal de los Piratas

This spot in Bacalar, Mexico is one of the most interesting places that we visited! Here you can find a large sandbar that includes an abandoned building covered in art, a small boat like structure to jump off of, and a shallow area to swim or even just walk around.

There is also a thick mud here, that can be applied onto your skin, making for the perfect DIY spa treatment. Canal de los Piratas can only be accessed by boat, so you will have to rent one or go on a shared excursion to reach here.

Since you do need a tour to go here, we've included some links to different boat options for you:

Cenote Cocalitos

This cenote is rather unique, because it is actually located on the Southern most end of the seven colored lagoon.

Cocalitos is famous due to its sanctuary of the 350,000,000 year old stromatolites. Here you can find hammocks, picnic tables, and a restaurant, making for the perfect place to hang out for a few hours,

Go on a Boat Ride

One of the best ways to experience Bacalar in Mexico is by boat. All along the lagoon you can find locals advertising trips around the lagoon, usually lasting around an hour.

This is a great way to see some of the highlights such as some cenotes, as well as the Pirates Channel (Canal de los Piratas).

They usually do trips per person, and the more people you have, the less people will be charged. There is no set rate for this, so make sure you bargain well to get the best deal for your group.

Want to book an boat excursion in advance? Here are a fun options you can look at:

Go Rafting

If you want to experience the lagoon in a more exciting way, you can actually go on a rafting or tubing trip through the river and down through the lagoon! Some cruise ships have this as an excursion from Costa Maya, but we're sure you can also find this if you're traveling separately from ships.

Los Rapidos de Bacalar

Looking for one of the most picture-perfect places of Bacalar in Mexico? Well, the rapids boast crystal clear waters surrounded by white limestone, and they act as a natural lazy river. 

Stay tuned for our upcoming article where we share all of the details for visiting Los Rapidos, Bacalar.

Other Cool Spots Nearby Bacalar in Mexico

The last time that we visited Bacalar in Mexico, we were pretty unlucky. Due to the huge storm that had passed, all of those beautiful shades of blue that Bacalar is famous for, had darkened greatly.

The lagoon was not what we knew it to be. But luckily we learned that the water is fed from two nearby lagoons, which are really hidden gems.

Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!

Laguna Bonanza

Just 15 minutes from Bacalar is the next lagoon, Laguna Bonanza. This gorgeous spot is barely touched at all, which will guarantee that you will have the place almost to yourselves! There are a few beach clubs that will charge a small fee to go in, but will include tables, bathrooms, and a restaurant on site.

Laguna Xul-Ha

Just a few minutes further than Laguna Bonanza, you will find the lagoon that actually feeds both Bacalar and Bonanza. Xul-Ha is a tiny town that has a lagoon with the most stunning waters!

It is pretty hard to find a restaurant or anything going on here, but if you bring your own food and drinks, this is truly a gorgeous place to enjoy the quiet and beautiful tranquil waters of Xul-Ha.

Local Food & Drink of Bacalar in Mexico

When it comes to food, all of Mexico has different specialties. Here are a couple of special recommendations we have while visiting Bacalar in Mexico.

Seafood

Being that it is close to the water, the seafood in Bacalar, Mexico is like no other. Many restaurants along the lagoon will serve fresh fish, as well as full platters of assorted seafood, accompanied by rice, salad, and tortillas.

We suggest if you are with a group to get large platters and enjoy all the seafood that Bacalar has to offer.

La Cabanita Grill & Cantina

Being that there are so many restaurants to choose from when traveling, it can be hard to figure out where to go. We found one restaurant that we absolutely LOVED while visiting. 

Even though it isn't on the water, it is just a short walk away, and we highly recommend it for a nice dinner. Not only is the food incredible, but the presentation and atmosphere is unrivaled in this area. 

The owner of this restaurant has the best hospitality out there, and we even got a free cocktail while dining. The cocktails were so unbelievably good that we just couldn't stop ordering!

Getting Around Bacalar in Mexico

Bacalar is a very small town, and doesn't have much public transportation. The only buses that you will find are on the main highway, and they run to the nearby towns, not directly within the town.

🚶🏻‍♀️ Can You Walk Around Bacalar?

Most of the town of Bacalar is walking distance. However, to get from one end of the lagoon to the other can take longer than expected (and is very uncomfortable due to the heat and humidity).

You can either get taxis within town by calling, or you can move around by car. There are no rental cars inside Bacalar in Mexico itself at the moment, but if you are coming from Tulum or Chetumal we definitely suggest renting a car from there, so that you can get around easily once in Bacalar.

Here is a company we use for renting cars:

Visiting Bacalar, Mexico: Where to Stay

Bacalar is a pretty small town, but the lagoon is pretty big. We suggest staying inside the town, so that you have plenty of dining options, and can walk around the streets. If you'd like to check the different accommodation options, you can simply check the map below:

The Best Hotels in Bacalar, Mexico

If you don't want to check the map above, no worries! We've picked out some of the best hotels in Bacalar organized by different budgets.

🤑 Budget-Friendly But Cool (under $50)

• Cayuco Maya: adorable cabins on the water with kayaks and swings inside the lagoon
• Glamping Asana Bacalar: beachfront property with A-frame huts, yoga, kayaks, restaurant, spa, and free bikes
• Yaxche Centro Hostal y Camping: super affordable camp site with tents and sleeping bags, and a shared kitchen
• Ecocamping Yaxche: lakeside property with both camping and simple room options

😎 Boujee on a Budget (around $100)

• Xcabal Hotel Boutique: lakeside hotel with a dock, kayaks, hammocks, and a restaurant on site
• Hotel Casa Lamat: an eco-friendly lakefront property with a dock, hammocks, restaurant, and spa services
• Zensus Eco Boutique Hotel: cabana-style rooms with a pool and great breakfast 
• Bluebayou Bacalar: cabanas on the water with a dock, hammocks, swings, kayaks, and SUP)

💃🏻 Unique & Epic (around $200-300)

• Khaban Bacalar Hotel Boutique: beautiful boutique hotel on the lake with free kayaks & paddleboards, a pier, free breakfast, a pool, and even floating breakfast options
• Akalki Hotel y Centro Holistico: waterfront property with holistic center and yoga classes
• Naya Bacalar Lagoon Front Hotel: Chic boutique hotel on the water with pools and a restaurant

Other Things to Know About Visiting Bacalar in Mexico

Now you know almost everything you need to know about visiting Bacalar, Mexico. But here are a few other things to keep in mind.

☀️ Weather in Bacalar, Mexico

Bacalar is located in the Caribbean area of the country, so it gets very hot and humid there. Actually, it never gets cold at all. However, there are two seasons in this area of the country- rainy and dry.

The dry season in Bacalar runs from mid to late October until April. The rainy season runs from May to October, with the later months being prone to large storms such as hurricanes.

📆 When is the Best Time to Visit Bacalar in Mexico?

The best time to visit Bacalar is definitely in the winter time, which is the dry season. Months like January and February have hot sunny days, and are the perfect time for a tropical getaway. 

We definitely suggest avoiding the months of September and October, as the Caribbean is notorious for having hurricanes at this time. Also, the lagoon doesn't have the bluest waters after storms, so it's also best to avoid this.

🧳 What to Pack For a Trip to Bacalar, Mexico

Bacalar is a place to enjoy the seven colored lagoon, and the cenotes around it. Here are a few things that we suggest bringing with you when visiting:

• Sunscreen
• Bugspray
• Towel 
• Bathing Suit
• Flip flops (or you can buy Havaianas)
• Power bank (we use Anker Homepage" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" class="" style="outline: none;">Anker power banks, as they are super long lasting and sturdy)
• Zippered bag or backpack (to secure your belongings) - check out these great backpacks
• Action Camera (for all water activities) we use the Insta 360 X3 because it's small & waterproof
• Drone (You can get epic shots of the river! We use the Mavic Mini 4 Pro because it's super light and high quality)
• Waterproof phone pouch (we use the Casemate Waterproof Phone Pouch)
• Travel Adapter if you are not from the Americas (we use Insignia travel adapters as they are affordable and reliable)
• Water Bottle (we use the 17oz Double Wall Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" class="" style="outline: none;">Cafago Insulated Water Bottle, as it holds the temperature well)

Our Gear

Is Bacalar, Mexico Worth Visiting?

Bacalar, Mexico is definitely worth visiting! It is one of our favorite places across the Riviera Maya. We are definitely scared that it will soon turn into the next Cancun or Tulum, so we recommend visiting as soon as possible before it gets too commercialized.

How Many Days Do You Need in Bacalar?

You can definitely see a lot of Bacalar in just one day. However, it's such a great place to relax, and because of the large size of the lagoon we'd definitely recommend spending a couple of days enjoying all that Bacalar in Mexico has to offer.

Bacalar, Mexico is a true beauty of the Yucatán península and should definitely be added to your bucket list! We suggest spending a day or two to enjoy all the lagoon has to offer.

Want to see some other awesome spots near Bacalar that are worth checking out? We have a ton of Yucatan Peninsula travel guides, as well as over 40 Mexico travel guides of other areas around the country.

Need help planning your next trip? We got you covered! Unlike most travel agencies, we work on a small flat fee, and and don't bank on you spending more for us to earn more. We want you to save, while exploring more. Want to learn more? Take a look at the different travel planning packages that we offer.

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