Some places sound like an exaggeration until you see them with your own eyes. Bacalar's lagoon of seven colors is one of them: a freshwater mirror stretching nearly forty kilometers, where the blue unfolds into seven shades, from the near-white turquoise of the sandy shallows to the deep indigo of the deeper zones. Bacalar is a Pueblo Mágico for good reason, and although it lies far from Cancún, it is one of those destinations that completely justify the journey. Here we tell you what to do in Bacalar and how to enjoy it without rushing.
Why Bacalar has seven colors
The phenomenon is no marketing gimmick: the lagoon changes color depending on the depth of the water, the white composition of its gypsum-and-sediment bottom, and the way the sunlight reflects off each area. That is why the tones shift throughout the day, and the very same waters look different in mid-morning than they do at sunset. Bacalar is also a freshwater lagoon fed by springs and cenotes, not a sea beach, so the experience is serene, warm and crystal clear, very different from the open Caribbean.
The town itself is quiet and shaded, with streets of low houses, small cafés and a pace of life without the crowds of the Riviera Maya. That calm is part of its charm: this is a place to slow down.
What to do in Bacalar: water, boats and sunrise
The star plan is heading out onto the lagoon. You can take a shared or private boat ride, or hop aboard a sailboat to glide silently between the different blues; both usually include stops for swimming. If you prefer something more intimate, rent a kayak or a SUP board and set out at sunrise, when the water is like glass and there is barely any wind. It is the best moment of the day, with no boats and a soft light that makes the first paddle unforgettable.
- Book the boat or sailboat ride a day in advance during high season.
- Head out by kayak or SUP very early: flat water, less heat and perfect light for photos.
- Bring water, a hat and light clothing; the sun over the lagoon is strong even when you don't feel it.
The cenotes of Bacalar
Around and within the lagoon there are several cenotes that give Bacalar its character. The most famous is the Cenote Negro (or Cocalitos, depending on the area), a deep well of dark water that contrasts with the turquoise all around it; the Cenote Esmeralda and others are also mentioned, adding to the mosaic of colors. The Cocalitos area is very popular for its hammocks strung over the water and its living formations. If cenotes are your weakness, our guide to cenotes near Cancún has options closer to the hotel to round out your journey across the peninsula.
Stromatolites: the oldest life, which must be protected
What many people don't know is that Bacalar holds one of the largest freshwater stromatolite reefs in the world: rocky structures formed by microorganisms that have been on Earth for billions of years. They are living, fragile organisms, and poorly managed tourism has damaged them. That is why there is a golden rule every responsible visitor must respect: do not step on them, do not touch them, and do not use sunscreen or tanning lotion inside the lagoon, because the chemicals harm them. Protecting the stromatolites means protecting the very reason Bacalar is so special.
- Do not step on or lean against the rocky formations along the shores and shallows.
- Use only biodegradable sunscreen, and preferably none at all while in the water.
- Stick to the marked zones and follow the instructions of local guides.
The Pirates' Channel and the San Felipe Fort
Two history-laden stops complete the visit. The Pirates' Channel is a narrow stretch of shallow, intensely turquoise water that connects the lagoon with the Mariana lagoon; its name comes from the era when corsairs used it to reach the town. Today it is one of the most photographed corners and the point where many boats stop to swim. The San Felipe Fort, meanwhile, right in the center of town, was built in the 18th century to defend Bacalar from those very pirates; today it houses a small museum and offers splendid views of the lagoon. Check current hours and rates before you go, as they tend to change.
When to go and how to plan the trip from Cancún
The best time for Bacalar is the dry season, roughly from November to April, when there is less rain and the colors shine their brightest under the sun. Summer brings heat and afternoon showers; there is always the chance that a cloudy day will dull the tones, so it pays to leave yourself a couple of days' margin. Keep in mind that Bacalar sits in the south of Quintana Roo: it is a long journey from Cancún, several hours by road, and it is not worth attempting as a same-day round-trip excursion.
Our honest recommendation is to stay one or two nights in Bacalar so you can experience sunrise on the lagoon and not spend the whole day driving. Before you set off, look into transportation options and the route details in our guide on how to get from Cancún to Bacalar. Remember that Mezcal Hotel Boutique is in the heart of Cancún, on Avenida Nader: it is your ideal base to rest before and after the getaway, with its cenote-style pool surrounded by jungle. Once you have your dates, you can book directly with us and return to a haven of calm after discovering the lagoon of seven colors.