Swimming Areas in Bacalar: prices, hours, and public access to the lagoon
Last updated: September 2026 by Ricardo R.
Where to swim in Bacalar without staying in front of the lagoon?
Bacalar has swimming areas, parks, and public access points where you can swim in the Lagoon of Seven Colors without staying in a hotel by the water. There are free and low-cost options, as well as swimming areas with restrooms, restaurants, palapas, and areas to spend several hours. Among the most well-known access points are the Ecological Park, Ejidal Mágico Swimming Area, El Aserradero, Cocalitos, and the public docks.
In other words: you don't need to pay for a hotel in front of the lagoon or an expensive beach club to enjoy the water in Bacalar.
There are options for practically every budget.
In this local guide from DayTour Bacalar you will find the main swimming areas and public access points, how much it costs to enter, approximate hours, services, and, above all, what makes each place special.
Updated information as of September 2026: prices, hours, and services may change without prior notice. When we do not find a sufficiently reliable current rate, we prefer to indicate it rather than publish outdated information as if it were current.
Swimming areas and public access in Bacalar: prices and hours
This table allows for a quick comparison of some of the main options to enter the Lagoon of Bacalar.
TRAVEL TIP: the special rates for residents of Bacalar or Quintana Roo are not consistently published by all establishments. If you are a resident, bring an identification and ask directly for the local rate.
1. Bacalar Ecological Park: nature, mangroves, and a great boardwalk
The Bacalar Ecological Park —also known as Ecopark— is one of the most interesting places to enjoy the lagoon without needing to visit a beach club.
Its main attraction is a long wooden boardwalk that crosses mangrove areas and continues over the water, allowing you to closely observe one of the characteristic ecosystems of Bacalar.
Don't expect a beach club.
Here, the main focus is the natural environment.
Price of the Bacalar Ecological Park
Reference entry: $20 MXN per person.
Schedule
Recent references from 2026 indicate operation approximately between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
What makes it special?
The walkway between mangroves and over the Bacalar Lagoon.
It is one of the most interesting accesses for travelers who want to combine landscape, nature, and water without spending too much.
Ideal for: nature, photography, walking, swimming, and budget travelers.
Local tip: visit it early. In addition to avoiding the hottest hours, the morning light allows for better appreciation of the different shades of the lagoon.
→ VIEW LOCATION OF ECOLOGICAL PARK ON GOOGLE MAPS
2. Ejidal Mágico Bacalar Water Park: a family option near the center
The Ejidal Mágico Bacalar Water Park is one of the most well-known traditional water parks in the town.
It is located along the Costera and is convenient for those who want to spend several hours by the lagoon without straying too far from the center.
Unlike a small public dock, it has areas to rest, access to the water, a restaurant, and various services.
How much does it cost to enter Ejidal Mágico Bacalar Water Park?
Recent sources do not completely agree.
During 2026 we found published rates of approximately $100 to $150 MXN per person, so we recommend checking the current price directly before entering.
Some additional services may be charged separately.
Schedule
Current references show schedules that vary by source, approximately between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM.
What makes it special?
It is a practical alternative for families who want to spend several hours by the water.
It has shallow areas, resting spots, and services that you won't find at the small public accesses.
Ideal for: families, children, groups, and travelers looking to spend a good part of the day by the lagoon.
Local tip: arrive early if you want to find a good shaded spot.
→ VIEW LOCATION OF EJIDAL MÁGICO WATER PARK ON GOOGLE MAPS
3. Cocalitos: stromatolites and shallow waters
Cocalitos is one of the most recognizable places in Bacalar thanks to the stromatolites that can be seen along the shore.
Although it often appears online as 'Cenote Cocalitos', the experience for visitors is more like a natural access to the Lagoon of the Seven Colors.
The water in front of the establishment is generally shallow and there are green areas to rest.
How much does it cost to enter Cocalitos?
Visitor references from August 2026 indicate:
General admission: $100 MXN per person.
There are also recent references of a fee of $50 MXN for residents of Quintana Roo
Schedule
Approximately 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
What makes it special?
The stromatolites.
Cocalitos allows you to observe these natural structures very closely, which are part of the Bacalar ecosystem.
But seeing them up close also implies a responsibility:
Never touch, step on, sit on, or lean against the stromatolites.
Use only the designated areas to enter the water and respect the boundaries.
Ideal for: families, nature, photography, and travelers interested in learning about the stromatolites.
→ VIEW COCALITOS BEACH LOCATION ON GOOGLE MAPS
Do you want to know what stromatolites are?
These structures are one of the most interesting natural features of Bacalar and also one of the most fragile.
→ DISCOVER WHAT THE STROMATOLITES OF BACALAR ARE AND HOW TO HELP PROTECT THEM
4. El Aserradero: public access in the heart of Bacalar
El Aserradero is one of the most well-known public accesses in Bacalar and is located in the area of Avenida Costera with Calle 14.
Its main advantage is the location.
If you are staying in the center, you can easily walk or bike there and enjoy the lagoon without traveling to the more distant areas.
Price of El Aserradero
The Aserradero Bacalar it is a public and free access to the Bacalar Lagoon, open every day from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It is an excellent option for those looking to enjoy the lagoon without paying an entrance fee and, thanks to its hours, it is one of the best places to contemplate the sunrise over the Lagoon of Seven Colors.
What makes it special?
Its central location and direct access to the lagoon.
It is especially practical for travelers who simply want to get close to the water, swim, or spend some time in front of the Bacalar Lagoon without dedicating the whole day to a spa.
Ideal for: swimming, short visits, travelers staying in the center, and enjoying the sunrise.
→ VIEW LOCATION OF ASERRADERO SPA ON GOOGLE MAPS
5. Lasarch Swimming Area: gardens, palapas, and local atmosphere
Lasarch is a lesser-known alternative among international travelers and offers a simpler, more local experience.
Traditionally, it has had green areas, gardens, palapas, and spaces for families.
Price and schedule
Schedule: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Lasarch is an economical option to enjoy the Bacalar Lagoon in a calm and family-friendly environment. The entrance fee is $30 MXN per person, and you can rent a palapa with a table for $200 MXN.
The place does not offer food or drink service, but you can bring your own cooler, food, and drinks, a good alternative to organize the day to your liking and keep the budget in check. It also has palapas for events with a grill, ideal for spending the day with family or friends, relaxing by the lagoon, and enjoying Bacalar without overspending.
What makes it special?
Its green areas and less touristy atmosphere.
It can be a good alternative for families or groups looking for a simple place to relax by the lagoon.
Ideal for: families, picnics, shade and tranquility.
→ VIEW LOCATION OF LASARCH BACALAR ON GOOGLE MAPS
Public and free access to the Bacalar Lagoon
Can you enter the Bacalar Lagoon for free?
Yes. Bacalar has public access points from where it is possible to reach the Lagoon of the Seven Colors without paying the entrance fee of a hotel or beach club.
These places are much simpler than a water park.
Do not expect necessarily a restaurant, showers, lockers, lounge chairs or parking.
In exchange, they are an excellent alternative if you simply want to swim, contemplate the lagoon or spend some time by the water.
Public dock on Calle 18
From the Costera, at the height of Calle 18There is a public access that leads to the lagoon.
It has a walkway with benches and shade before reaching a wooden dock.
What makes it special?
Its location near the center and the combination of shade, dock, and access to the lagoon.
It is especially practical for those who are walking around Bacalar.
Cost: public access at no cost.
Ideal for: swimming, resting, and short visits.
Find here the location of the public dock on 18th Street on Google Maps
Public dock on 36th Street
Continuing along Costera Avenue to the north, you will find the public access of 36th Street.
It is another alternative to reach the lagoon directly without using the facilities of a hotel.
What makes it special?
The color of the water and its location in a different area of the town.
It can be a good option for travelers who want to learn more about a point on the Costera.
Cost: public access at no cost.
Ideal for: swimming, contemplating the lagoon, and meeting other travelers.
Find the location of the public dock on 36th Street here on Google Maps
What is the best spa in Bacalar?
It depends on what you are looking for.
🌿 If you want to spend little and enjoy nature, consider the Ecological Park.
👨👩👧👦 If you are traveling with children and want services, the Ejidal Mágico Water Park may be more practical.
🪨 If you want to observe stromatolites, consider Cocalitos.
🏊 If you just want to swim for a while near the center, El Aserradero or the public accesses may be enough.
🌴 If you prefer a less touristy environment, check the current conditions of Lasarch or Azucareros.
⛵ And if you want to explore different areas of the lagoon in a single experience, consider taking a water tour during a day of navigation.
How much does it cost to enter the Laguna de Bacalar?
Entering the Laguna de Bacalar can be free. There are public access points where you do not need to pay the entrance fee of a hotel or beach club.
The spas and parks with facilities may charge an entrance fee and some services such as food, palapas, chairs, parking, or equipment rental may have an additional cost.
As a reference, there are budget options starting at approximately $20 MXN, while some spas with more services currently range around $100–$150 MXN per person.
Are there public beaches in Bacalar?
Bacalar does not have sea beaches because the Laguna de Bacalar is a body of freshwater.
However, when someone searches online “public beaches in Bacalar”, you are generally looking for a place to enter the water, swim, and spend some hours by the lagoon.
In Bacalar, these places are mainly found in:
swimming areas · parks · public docks · public access points · establishments by the lagoon
So, if you are looking for a “public beach” in Bacalar, what you probably need to find is a swimming area or public access to the Lagoon of the Seven Colors.
Where to swim for free in Bacalar?
To swim for free in Bacalar, look for the public access points located along the Costera.
They are especially practical for budget travelers or people who just want to take a bath and continue exploring the destination.
Remember that a free access point may not have restrooms, showers, restaurant, parking, lockers, or shaded areas.
What to bring to a spa in Bacalar?
To spend the day comfortably, we recommend bringing:
swimsuit;
towel;
water in a reusable bottle;
cap or hat;
sunglasses;
UV protection clothing;
sandals;
cash;
bag to take your waste with you.
Remember that you are visiting a natural ecosystem.
Everything you bring with you must return with you.
How to take care of the Lagoon of Seven Colors
Enjoying Bacalar also means helping to conserve it.
During your visit:
do not touch or step on the stromatolites;
respect the mangroves and vegetation;
do not feed or disturb the wildlife;
avoid leaving any type of waste;
use reusable bottles and containers;
preferably wear UV protection clothing;
respect the boundaries and conservation areas.
Small decisions by thousands of visitors can have a big impact on the lagoon.
Frequently asked questions about swimming areas and public access in Bacalar
Are there public swimming areas in Bacalar?
Yes. Bacalar has swimming areas, parks, and public access points where residents and visitors can enjoy the Lagoon of the Seven Colors.
Can you enter the Lagoon of Bacalar for free?
Yes. There are public access points where you can reach the lagoon without paying the entrance fee of a hotel or beach club.
Where can I swim for free in Bacalar?
There are docks and public access points along Costera Avenue. Among the known spots are the access points at Calle 18 and Calle 36.
How much does a swimming area cost in Bacalar?
It depends on the place. There are economical options and public access, while swimming areas with facilities and services may charge around $100–$150 MXN or more. Prices may vary.
What is the cheapest swimming area in Bacalar?
Among the options with recent rates that we have been able to verify, the Ecological Park is one of the most economical alternatives, with references of approximately $20 MXN per person.
What is the best swimming area to go with children?
Establishments with shallow areas, bathrooms, food, and shade are usually more practical for families. The Ejidal Mágico Spa is one of the well-known options with this type of services.
Where can I see stromatolites in Bacalar?
Cocalitos is one of the places known for the presence of stromatolites by the lagoon. There are also formations in other parts of the lagoon system.
Can I touch the stromatolites?
No. You should never touch, step on, sit on, or lean on the stromatolites.
Do the spas accept cards?
Not all of them. It is advisable to carry cash, especially for entrance fees, small establishments, and additional services.
Do I need to book to visit a spa?
Generally, spas and public accesses do not require a reservation for a normal visit, although policies may change during events or peak seasons.
Do you want to know more about the Bacalar Lagoon?
Spas and public accesses are an excellent way to enjoy the lagoon from the shore.
But the Lagoon of Seven Colors is much more extensive.
During the days allowed for navigation, it is possible to know different areas such as the Pirate Canal, Black Cenote, Emerald Cenote, Bird Island, mangroves, and stromatolite areas.
In DayTour Bacalar we offer shared and private tours on sailboats and pontoons, as well as experiences to discover different areas of the lagoon.
→ DISCOVER OUR TOURS IN BACALAR
Keep discovering Bacalar
Are you planning your trip?
Continue discovering the destination on our Bacalar Guide, where you will find local information on what to do, how to get there, cenotes, stromatolites, restaurants, public access, navigation, and recommendations to organize your visit.
→ CONTINUE DISCOVERING BACALAR IN OUR OFFICIAL GUIDE
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