28 Best Things to Do in Bacalar And Beyond

A complete list of unique things to do in Bacalar and the surrounding area, from tourist attractions to hidden gems.

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A peaceful town tucked away in Mexico’s southern Yucatán Peninsula, Bacalar is best known for its striking Lagoon of Seven Colours, a freshwater lake with shimmering shades of turquoise, blue, and green. Despite its growing popularity, Bacalar has maintained its authentic vibe, with activities focusing on nature, wellness, and slow travel. There are plenty of fun things to do in Bacalar, from kayaking through sunrise mist and sailing to nearby cenotes to exploring the small town’s cafés, craft shops, and local history. With easy access to both the lagoon and inland adventures, Bacalar is perfect for travellers seeking relaxation with a touch of exploration. We’ve listed all the best Bacalar activities, attractions, recommendations, and tips in this guide.

What to do in Bacalar

Bacalar is one of the Yucatán Peninsula’s most underrated destinations, offering a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and authentic culture. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, Bacalar has a variety of activities to suit every traveller. Some of the top things to do in Bacalar include:

Bacalar Activities Map

Discover the top activities and attractions in Bacalar, pinned on our interactive map.

The best things to do in Bacalar

From sailing on the stunning lagoon to exploring ancient Mayan ruins, Bacalar’s best activities highlight its unique landscapes and heritage. We’ve listed the top things to do in this ‘pueblo magico‘ (magic town) below.

Unique things to do in Bacalar

Looking for something to do in Bacalar that’s off the beaten path? With unique adventures like swimming among stromatolites, visiting eco-conscious cenotes, or joining traditional festivals that connect you to local culture, here are the most unique activities on offer.

1. See the stromatolites

Stromatolites are living rock-like formations created by colonies of microorganisms, primarily cyanobacteria. These fascinating and fragile natural formations are among the oldest forms of life on Earth, dating back over 3.5 billion years, and they still grow slowly today in the shallow, mineral-rich waters of Bacalar Lagoon. They played a critical role in producing the oxygen that made life possible on Earth.

Bacalar is one of the few places in the world where living stromatolites are still found, and they’re easily accessible. Stromatolites thrive in the alkaline, low-nutrient conditions of the lagoon, forming dome-shaped clusters that look like fossilised underwater boulders but are alive and essential to the ecosystem.

However, stromatolites are extremely delicate and vulnerable to pollution, excessive tourism, and physical contact. Sunscreens, soaps, and even walking on them can damage or kill these formations. That’s why ecological rules are in place in Bacalar to protect them, including no touching, no standing, and ideally, no swimming near stromatolite zones unless guided.

The best places to see stromatolites in Bacalar are Los Rápidos, where they line the canal in shallow, fast-moving water, Cenote Cocalitos, a local beach club, and Ecoparque Bacalar, a protected eco-park with mangrove boardwalks, where guided tours highlight these ancient organisms responsibly.

2. See the cenotes

While the Yucatán region is known for its cenotes (deep sinkholes formed by collapsed limestone), Bacalar’s cenotes are unique, open, unlike narrow cavern cenotes, lake-like, and dramatically deep, often surrounded by jungle or accessible directly from the lagoon. Here are some of the best centoes in Bacalar:

3. Swim in Cenote Azul

Cenote Azul is Bacalar’s only open cenote, meaning it’s not connected to the lagoon. It is perfect for swimming and freediving thanks to its clear, deep waters and is one of the best things to do in Bacaalr on a hot day. There’s a restaurant on site with views of the water, and on-site amenities include restrooms and changing rooms, but there are no lockers, so bring minimal valuables.

Life jackets are required if you’re not a strong swimmer, and there’s a safety rope across the width of the cenote that you can use for aid. Sunscreen, lotions, and bug spray are not allowed to protect water clarity and ecology.

4. Chill out at Cenote Cocalitos

Cenote Cocalitos, also called Playa Cocalitos or ‘Stromatolite Sanctuary‘, is as close to a beach as you’ll find in Bacalar. A semi-open cenote directly connected to Bacalar Lagoon, it’s a private eco-park that’s cheaper than other beach clubs. It contains one of the region’s most extensive and accessible living stromatolite colonies, protected by ropes and signage and strictly off-limits to avoid touching or stepping on.

The cenote itself is about 60 metres (197 ft) deep, with clear, shallow turquoise waters near the shore that make a dramatic transition to deeper, more intense blue hues. With hammocks, swings, and shoreline, it’s ideal for swimming or swinging in a hammock. The site was closed for two years, and many blogs still report it as shut, but it has fully reopened.

5. Sail on the lagoon

Sailing is the best way to experience the Bacalar Lagoon. A quiet, eco-friendly way to explore, sailboats leave the water undisturbed and are much more peaceful than motorboats. On a sailing tour of Bacalar Lagoon, you’ll glide past mangroves and stromatolites, stop at swimming spots, and visit famous landmarks, like:

Many tours also include snacks or lunch and drinks, with both private and group options available. You can even learn to sail on a tour, which was an experience Dan loved as a surprise for his birthday.

6. Ride the rapids

Los Rápidos (the rapids) is a narrow channel of the Bacalar Lagoon where a gentle current flows between mangroves and stromatolites, creating a natural lazy river effect. Here, you can don a lifejacket and float down the stream, or hop in a kayak and paddle down even faster.

Los Rápidos is ecologically delicate, lined with living stromatolites, which filter water and help create the lagoon’s signature blue. Strict rules prohibit touching, stepping on, or wearing any sunscreen or lotions to preserve these ancient formations. On-site amenities include platforms, a swing, hammock platforms in the water, a boardwalk through mangroves, a restaurant, restrooms, showers, and locker rental.

Just down the road, Laguna Bonanza is a quiet beach-club-style access point to Bacalar Lagoon that’s connected to the currents flowing toward Los Rápidos. Modest amenities include ramadas (palapas), picnic tables, swings in the water, and basic restrooms, and it’s considered a quieter alternative to Los Rápidos, although it doesn’t have the same strong current as Los Rápidos, so you can’t really float along like on a natural lazy river.

7. Relax at a beach club

Bacalar doesn’t have any traditional beaches, but hanging out on the lake’s shore is one of the best ways to spend a day. Docks replace sandy shores, and activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, swinging in hammocks, and jumping into the lagoon from platforms, offer fun for all ages.

Much of the lagoon’s shore has been privatised by hotels and restaurants, but beach clubs, called balnearios, are some of the best spots for exploring Bacalar Lagoon. We’ve already mentioned Balneario Cocalitos, but here are some other great lakeside beach club access points:

8. Try kayaking or paddleboarding

Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular activities and the best things to do on Bacalar Lagoon for self-guided exploration. Navigate the turquoise waters and see lush mangrove channels up close, as you glide over the lake’s calm surface. Sunrise experiences are particularly popular as the golden light bathes the lagoon – plus, the water’s calmest first thing in the morning. You can also paddle out to landmarks like the Pirates’ Canal and Bird Island (stay outside the ropes that mark the protected zone), if you’re feeling adventurous.

Rentals and guided kayak tours of Bacalar Lagoon are widely available around town, making it convenient to experience this unique natural wonder. Many accommodations offer kayak and paddleboard rentals, or you can head to Maya SUP on the shoreline. DayTour Bacalar are a great option for rentals and tours, and we had a wonderful sailing experience with them.

9. Explore the mangroves

Bacalar’s mangroves form a vital ecosystem along the edges of the lagoon, providing essential habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, including birds, fish, and crustaceans. These dense mangrove forests help protect the lagoon’s delicate water quality by filtering pollutants and preventing erosion, while also acting as natural buffers against storms and rising waters.

Exploring the mangrove channels offers visitors a unique chance to experience this rich biodiversity up close and appreciate the crucial environmental role mangroves play in Bacalar’s ecosystem. The best way to see Bacalar’s mangroves is to take a boat or kayak tour, or to walk the boardwalks in Ecoparque Bacalar.

10. Go birdwatching

Bacalar is home to over 200 bird species, making it perfect for birdwatching. The Bacalar Lagoon and surrounding wetlands, especially the mangroves and shallow shores, provide ideal habitats for both resident and migratory birds.

One of the best spots for wildlife watching in Bacalar is Isla de los Pájaros (Bird Island), located within the lagoon. It’s a protected area where large numbers of egrets, herons, ibis, and other wading birds nest and feed, especially visible at sunrise and sunset. Quiet approaches by kayak or paddleboard are possible, and many boat tours stop here, but it’s important to stay behind the protective rope and observe respectfully from a distance.

Other great areas for spotting birds include the mangrove channels along the lagoon’s edges and places like Los Rápidos and Ecoparque Bacalar. These locations attract a variety of species such as mangrove swallows, tropical kingbirds, neotropic cormorants, and boat-billed herons.

Early morning and late afternoon are generally the best times to go birdwatching in Bacalar, with peak bird activity. Local eco-tour operators offer guided birdwatching excursions in Bacalar with knowledgeable naturalists, or you can simply bring your binoculars and go out on your own (we use Nikon Prostaff 3S 10×42 Waterproof Binoculars with a 7° field of view: Browse UK / Browse US).

11. Get zen with yoga

Yoga in Bacalar has steadily grown from a niche activity offered by a few eco-conscious hostels like Casa Lamat into a core part of the town’s wellness culture. In the early 2010s, as Bacalar began attracting more travellers seeking tranquillity and nature-based experiences, yoga classes started appearing at lakeside guesthouses and boutique eco-hotels.

Purpose-built retreat centres like Kapok Bacalar emerged, blending traditional yoga with Mayan spirituality, aquatic therapies, and environmental education. Paddleboard yoga (SUP yoga) became particularly popular thanks to the calm, shallow waters of the Bacalar Lagoon, perfect for balance-based practices in a surreal setting.

Wellness retreats, sunrise flows, breathwork workshops, and lagoon-side meditations are now widely available at studios and hotels. Ask your accommodation about local classes or find your zen and pop into a class at Laguna Yoga Bacalar (Yoga en La Laguna), which offers sunrise vinyasa flow and paddleboard yoga directly on the lagoon.

12. Indulge in a massage

Bacalar is known for its serene setting and attracts visitors seeking relaxation and restoration. There’s no better way to relax than with a massage. Wellness centres use traditional massage techniques, natural ingredients, and lagoon-based therapies in tranquil lakefront settings for ultimate tranquillity.

One of the most revered places is Laguna Spa Bacalar, located in the Hotel Villas Bacalar plaza, but many Bacalar hotels offer their own on-site therapies. Resort spas such as Ixchel Spa at MÍA Bacalar Luxury Resort & Spa provide a premium experience, including Swedish, reflexology, and sports massage, while Our Habitas Bacalar integrates Mayan-inspired spa rituals, including the aquatic Janzu therapy, temazcal sweat lodge ceremonies, honey and cacao treatments, and customised deep-tissue or aromatherapy massages.

13. Stare at the stars

With minimal light pollution and broad expanses of open water, Bacalar is a rare spot in the Yucatán for stargazing. Stare at ancient celestial constellations like the Milky Way and spot shooting stars, which reflect beautifully across the still lagoon’s surface.

The cool, clear months of January to March are ideal for night sky visibility in Bacalar, with lower humidity and fewer rainy nights. Walking the lagoonside docks near Balneario Municipal El Aserradero offers unobstructed sky views over calm water that mirror stars above, while lagoon spots like Los Rápidos and Canal de los Piratas offer secluded spots with open skies.

14. Get up for sunrise

As Bacalar faces east, the town and most of the lagoonfront are perfectly positioned to catch the first light of day as it rises over the calm surface of the lagoon. It’s so worth waking up early to watch the sunrise from your accommodation – even better if you can get out onto a dock or pier.

Some accommodations and studios even offer sunrise yoga or early morning rentals, so you can take a kayak or paddleboard on Bacalar Lagoon and really make the most of it. Early mornings are peaceful and quiet, often accompanied by the distant sound of birds and the gentle lapping of water.

15. Visit ancient Mayan Ruins

Bacalar is not only known for its lagoon but also for its proximity to ancient Mayan ruins that offer a glimpse into one of the most advanced civilisations of the pre-Columbian Americas. While the town itself doesn’t host major ruins, it makes an excellent base for exploring several significant archaeological sites in southern Quintana Roo.

The closest and most visited ruin near Bacalar, Chacchoben features restored temples and ceremonial structures surrounded by lush greenery. It’s compact and easy to explore, making it a good half-day trip. The site has signs in English and Spanish and offers insight into local flora and Mayan astronomy.

Oxtankah (one of the best things to do near Chetumal) is another great option. A small but scenic site with a mix of Mayan and Spanish colonial elements, including a chapel built atop a Maya platform, it’s about 1 hour from Bacalar.

Other, more famous sites are possible to visit from Bacalar, but require a lot more time due to their more remote natures, so we’ve included them in the day trips section down below.

Things to do in Downtown Bacalar

Downtown Bacalar is home to colourful markets, historic architecture, and lively street art, perfect for exploring on a budget. Stroll through its colonial streets to find quaint cafés, artisan shops, and cultural landmarks. Here are the best things to do in Bacalar town – no transport required!

16. Get a picture with the Bacalar sign

The Bacalar sign, located near the town centre and San Felipe Fort, is one of the town’s most iconic photo spots. Like many colourful town signs across Mexico, it features large letters spelling BACALAR, decorated with imagery representing local culture, such as the lagoon’s ecosystems, Mayan symbols, and wildlife. Snapping a photo with the sign may be touristy, but it’s one of the best things to do in Bacalar.

17. Explore the Fort of San Felipe

Located directly beside Bacalar’s main square and overlooking the lagoon, Bacalar’s Fort of San Felipe (Fuerte de San Felipe de Bacalar) provides a perfect vantage point for photos and historical exploration.

Built between 1725 and 1733 under the direction of the Italian engineer Juan Podio, the fort was commissioned by then-governor Antonio de Figueroa y Silva to defend Bacalar from repeated pirate raids, particularly by English, French, and Dutch corsairs seeking the region’s valuable palo de tinte (valuable logwood).

The site is home to a small piracy museum, and you can explore the fortress for a small fee. It doesn’t take too much time, but it is one of the most historical sites in town and one of the best things to do in Bacalar for history buffs.

18. People watch in Zócalo

Bacalar’s Zócalo (main square), also called Parque de Bacalar, is the town’s beautifully landscaped centre. The square is lined with artisan stalls, alfresco cafés, and historic landmarks. Take a moment in the shaded gardens, admire the traditional central gazebo, and grab a snack from a local pop-up vendor. There’s also a playground perfect for kids to burn off some energy.

In the evenings, especially on weekends, the Zócalo comes alive with food vendors selling treats like marquesitas and churros, live music, dancers, and community events, making it the go-to spot for people-watching.

Key landmarks around the square include the Casa de la Cultura, a 19th-century mansion hosting art exhibitions and performances, and the imposing Fort San Felipe, which overlooks the lagoon and anchors the square on the water’s edge. There are also plenty of bars, restaurants, street art, and colourful colonial-style houses to explore.

19. Spot street art

Bacalar has cultivated a vibrant street art culture, largely shaped by the annual Bakalarte Festival, a celebration of urban art and poetry that began around 2016. This event left a legacy of over 100 murals that now grace the town, turning walls into canvases of local identity and ecological awareness.

Spend some time scouting out these beautiful artworks, which make great backgrounds for a photo shoot. One standout series of murals depicts the endemic chivita snail, painted by the artist Sr. Papá Chango. You’ll find most paintings around the Zócalo and located along Avenida 7 and Adolfo López Mateos.

20. Witness the Danza de Los Voladores

The Danza de los Voladores, or ‘Dance of the Flyers’, is a revered Mesoamerican ritual featuring five performers: four who descend gracefully from a tall pole while bound by ropes, and one (the caporal) who remains on top playing a flute and drum. Originating over 2,500 years ago in central and eastern Mexico and strongly associated with the Totonac people of Veracruz, the ceremony symbolises fertility, the four winds, cardinal directions, and cosmic harmony.

While Bacalar is not a traditional centre for this ceremony, occasional performances do take place during local festivals or cultural events, often led by visiting groups from Veracruz or cultural troupes invited to major towns. It’s worth checking if there are any events on during your visit, and then heading to the location for the Danza de Los Voladores for the spectacle.

21. Attend an event

Attending a local event or festival in Bacalar is a great way to connect with local culture. Here are some of the top annual events that take over the town, so you can check if your trip coincides:

Year-round wellness retreats and yoga gatherings are also popular, featuring sound baths, SUP yoga, and eco-retreats hosted by local centres like Kapok Bacalar.

22. Eat your way around town

With fresh, local ingredients, lakeside views, and a relaxed atmosphere, restaurants in Bacalar range from upscale seafood and international bistros to casual taco stands, vegan cafés, and brunch hotspots.

Being close to the lagoon and surrounded by nature, Bacalar offers abundant seafood dishes like freshly caught fish, shrimp, and ceviche, often prepared simply to highlight their natural flavours. Local specialities include cochinita pibil (slow-roasted marinated pork), tacos filled with regional meats or fish, and traditional Yucatecan dishes bursting with spices and herbs. While fresh tropical fruits like mango, papaya, and pineapple appear in everything from smoothies to desserts.

Beyond classic Mexican cuisine, Bacalar has a range of eateries from casual street food stalls serving tacos, tamales, and pupusas, to cosy cafés and trendy restaurants offering vegetarian, vegan, and international menus. From authentic Mayan recipes to creative twists on classic dishes, it’s worth spending some time eating your way around the best restaurants in Bacalar.

Day trips from Bacalar

Bacalar’s location and connections via the Tren Maya network make it an excellent base for exploring nearby attractions. Take day trips to remote Mayan ruins, pristine beaches, or even cross the border into Belize for a change of scenery. Here are the best day trips from Bacalar.

23. Wildlife watch in Sian Ka’an

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere Reserve located along the Caribbean coast of Mexico, just south of Tulum. Its name means ‘Origin of the Sky’ in the Mayan language, reflecting its sacred significance to the ancient Mayans. Covering over 1.3 million acres, Sian Ka’an is one of the largest protected areas in Mexico and boasts a remarkable diversity of ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, mangroves, marshes, savannas, and a barrier reef.

This vast natural sanctuary is home to countless species of wildlife, including jaguars, howler monkeys, turtles, dolphins, and hundreds of bird species, making it a paradise for nature lovers. Visitors can explore its pristine lagoons and canals by boat, snorkel along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, hike through lush jungles, or visit nearby Mayan ruins. Visiting Sian Ka’an on a tour was one of our favourite things we did in Mexico, and we’d highly recommend it as a day trip from Bacalar, despite the 3-hour journey – it’s worth it!

24. Visit remote Mayan ruins

We’ve already mentioned Mayan ruins earlier, but there are some iconic sites that can’t be missed. While they’re a little further from Bacalar, they’re easily visited on a day trip. Here are the best Mayan ruins to visit from Bacaalr:

25. Lounge on Mahahual Beach

An easy 1-hour drive from Bacalar, Mahahual is a serene coastal town located on Mexico’s Costa Maya. This beach destination offers a refreshing alternative to the bustling beaches of Cancún and Playa del Carmen, providing visitors with a laidback atmosphere, sandy shores, and a variety of activities. Mahahual is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches, where you can enjoy swimming, snorkelling, and diving in the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world. The calm waters make it an ideal spot for kayaking and paddleboarding, too.

Beach clubs such as Malecon 21, Pitaya Beach Club, and La Pancha offer comfortable loungers, refreshing drinks, and delicious meals, but often have a minimum spend requirement. The town’s main boulevard stretches along the beach, lined with local shops, restaurants, and bars. On cruise ship days, the town becomes livelier, with more visitors exploring the area, but it’s still a peaceful escape from some of the busier areas in the region.

26. Visit Xcalak National Marine Park

Located at the southern tip of Quintana Roo near the Belize border, Xcalak National Marine Park is a secluded destination that offers diverse marine ecosystems. Established in 2000, the park spans nearly 18,000 hectares (44,500 acres) and is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System.

Divers and snorkellers can explore over 20 official dive sites, including the renowned La Poza, where schools of tarpon gather. If you prefer being on the water, you can explore the park’s coastal habitats, including mangroves and lagoons, by kayak or stand-up paddleboard.

To protect the park’s delicate ecosystems, visitors are required to purchase a daily access bracelet. These can be obtained through local accommodations or tour operators and are often included in guided tours of Xcalak National Marine Park.

27. Explore Chetumal

Chetumal, the capital of Quintana Roo, is situated on the border with Belize and serves as a gateway to both Mexican and Central American influences. The city is known for its laid-back atmosphere, diverse cultural heritage, and proximity to significant Mayan archaeological sites. Stroll the Malecón, learn about the area in the museum (Museo de la Cultura Maya), and explore its shops and markets. Just a 30-minute drive south of Bacalar, a tour to Chetumal is one of the best day trips from Bacalar.

28. Go ziplining

Ziplining is a popular adventure activity near Bacalar, offering thrilling experiences amidst the jungle with scenic views of the lagoon. Approximately 12.5 km north of Bacalar on Federal Highway 307, Tirolesas Kan Kin is a popular site, with a 1,500-metre (4,920 ft) circuit featuring five zip lines that traverse the jungle canopy, providing panoramic views of the lagoon below. It takes around 2 hours to complete the course, but there is more to do in the area, with trails suitable for cross-country biking, too.

Bacalar Travel Information

Now you know the best things to do in Bacalar, you may be wondering about the logistics of planning your trip. We’ve covered everything you need to know about visiting in our traveller’s guide to Bacalar, including transportation information, where to eat, how to get there, and more. We’ve also created a list of the best places to stay in Bacalar, from budget options to lakefront hotels, as well as a travel guide to Bacalar Lagoon, to help you plan your trip.

Things to do in Bacalar: FAQs

To help you plan your trip to Bacalar, we’ve answered these frequently asked questions.

Is there much to do in Bacalar?

Bacalar offers a wide range of activities despite its laidback vibe. Between sailing on the lagoons, visiting cenotes, kayaking through mangroves, exploring Mayan ruins, and relaxing in eco-friendly beach clubs, there’s plenty for nature lovers, culture seekers, and adventure travellers alike.

Are there any free things to do in Bacalar?

For free things to do in Bacalar, swim in the lagoon from public docks, catch the sunrise over the water, stroll through the town and admire street art, visit the Bacalar sign, fort, and central plaza, or watch the Danza de los Voladores in the Zócalo during local events. Some balnearios (local waterfront parks) also offer free or low-cost access.

What to do in Bacalar with kids?

Bacalar is family-friendly with gentle lagoon waters perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or floating in inflatables. Kids will also enjoy ziplining, visiting Fort of San Felipe to learn about pirates, playing in Ecoparque Bacalar, or exploring shallow areas like Los Rápidos and Cenote Cocalitos.

What to do in Bacalar when it rains?

Rainy days in Bacalar are ideal for exploring cultural sites like the San Felipe Fort and its museum, indulging in a spa treatment or massage, enjoying local cafés and bakeries, taking a cooking class, or simply hanging out at your accommodation. Brief tropical rains often pass quickly, so you might still catch sunshine later in the day.

Read next:

A Traveller’s Guide to Bacalar

Where to Stay in Bacalar: 14 Top Hotels

Bacalar Lagoon of 7 Colours Guide

How to Visit Los Rápidos Bacalar

A Comparison of Bacalar’s 4 Cenotes

How to Visit Cenote Cocalitos Beach Resort

How to Visit Ecoparque Bacalar

A Guide to Bacalar’s Fort of San Felipe

Our Eco-hotel Casa Lamat Review