What to do in Bacalar: places, activities, and experiences
Last updated September 2026 by Ricardo R.
What to do in Bacalar? The must-do experiences are sailing on the Lagoon of Seven Colors, swimming in the Pirate Canal, visiting its cenotes and stromatolites, visiting the San Felipe Fort, exploring the center of the Magical Town, swimming in a water park, visiting Los Rápidos, trying the local cuisine, and watching at least one sunrise by the lagoon.
But Bacalar deserves more than just a list of places.
Most people arrive attracted by a photograph of turquoise water. They then discover that around that lagoon there are cenotes, mangroves, pirate stories, small docks, restaurants hidden among trees, quiet streets, and corners that can completely change the travel experience.
This guide brings together 25 things to do in Bacalar, from the places that practically every visitor should know to simple plans that we who live here usually recommend.
If you are organizing your first trip, start with this page.
And then let yourself be carried away.
What to do in Bacalar? 25 experiences to discover the destination
Now comes the interesting part: what makes each one special.
1. Sail on the Bacalar Lagoon
You can spend several days in Bacalar without getting on a boat.
But you would be missing out on a huge part of the story.
From land you can admire the lagoon. From the water you begin to understand it.
A tour allows you to observe how the tones change as the depth changes and to know several of the most emblematic places of the lagoon system in a single experience.
Depending on the tour you can visit places like the Pirate Canal, Emerald Cenote, Black Cenote, Bird Island, and different areas of stromatolites.
You can do it on a pontoon, sailboat, catamaran, or private boat.
Ideal for: practically anyone visiting Bacalar for the first time.
Recommended time: about 3 hours for a classic tour.
→ SEE TOURS OF THE BACALAR LAGOON
Local recommendation
If you only have one day in Bacalar, organize the rest of your itinerary around your lagoon tour and not the other way around.
It is the experience that will allow you to discover more places that are difficult to appreciate only from land.
2. Swim in the Pirates' Canal
There are places you know from a photograph.
And others whose history completely changes what you are seeing.
The Pirates' Canal belongs to the second group.
This narrow aquatic connection is part of an ancient route that linked the lagoon system with other navigation routes in the region. Its location has historically been associated with trade movements and episodes related to pirates.
Today the scene is completely different.
Shallow waters and turquoise hues make this area one of the most recognizable stops in Bacalar.
Many tours of the lagoon make a stop here to swim when conditions and regulations allow.
→ DISCOVER THE HISTORY OF THE PIRATES' CANAL
3. Discover the Black Cenote
You are sailing on relatively clear and shallow water.
Suddenly, dark blue appears beneath you.
Very dark.
That contrast announces the arrival at the Cenote Negro, one of the most impressive places in the lagoon system.
Unlike a traditional cenote surrounded by jungle, this one is part of the lagoon itself. Its depth causes a drastic change in the color of the water and helps to better understand why Bacalar presents so many different shades.
It is also locally known as Cenote de la Bruja.
→ READ OUR GUIDE TO THE CENOTE NEGRO OF BACALAR
4. Sail over the Cenote Esmeralda
The Cenote Esmeralda offers a completely different experience.
It is spacious, integrated into the lagoon, and its variations in depth create shades that can be especially well distinguished from a boat.
It is a frequent stop on tours of the Bacalar Lagoon and a good opportunity for a guide to explain the relationship between the cenotes and the lagoon system.
→ DISCOVER THE CENOTES OF BACALAR
5. Swim in the Cenote Azul
Here you will find an experience much closer to the traditional image of a cenote.
The Cenote Azul de Bacalar is visually separated from the lagoon and is surrounded by vegetation.
Its intense dark color immediately reveals its depth.
It is a good option to combine a swim with a meal and can be visited as an independent activity before or after touring other places in southern Bacalar.
Ideal for: swimmers, families, and travelers who want to learn about different types of cenotes.
→ COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE BLUE CENOTE OF BACALAR
6. Observe the Bird Island
In the middle of the water appears a small area covered with vegetation.
And around it, depending on the season and time, birds coming in and out.
The called Bird Island serves as a refuge for different species and is one of those places where it is advisable to lower the volume, look around, and simply observe.
Responsible tours keep their distance and avoid interfering with the birds.
You don't need to disembark to enjoy it.
In fact, part of its charm consists precisely in contemplating it from the water.
→ DISCOVER THE BIRD ISLAND OF BACALAR
7. Learn about the stromatolites of Bacalar
They look like rocks.
But they are much more interesting.
The stromatolites of Bacalar are structures formed by microbial communities and constitute one of the most extraordinary and delicate natural elements of the lagoon system.
They can be observed in different areas of Bacalar, including Cocalitos.
The rule is very simple:
look at them, photograph them, learn about them, but never step on them, touch them, sit on them, or lean on them.
→ WHAT ARE THE STROMATOLITES OF BACALAR AND WHY SHOULD WE PROTECT THEM
8. Climb to the Fort of San Felipe
To understand why there are so many pirate stories around Bacalar, you have to leave the water for a moment.
In the very center you will find the San Felipe Fort.
Its position facing the lagoon is not a coincidence.
From here you can begin to understand the strategic importance that Bacalar had and observe the landscape from a completely different perspective.
In addition to its historical value, the area around the fort is one of the best points to start a walking tour of the town center.
Recommended time: approximately one hour.
→ HISTORY OF SAN FELIPE FORT AND THE PIRATES OF BACALAR
9. Spend a few hours at a swimming area
You don't need to stay at a hotel by the water to enjoy the lagoon.
Bacalar has swimming areas, parks, docks, and public access, from free alternatives to establishments with restaurants, bathrooms, shade, and areas to spend several hours.
Among the known options are the Ecological Park, Ejidal Mágico Water Park, Cocalitos, El Aserradero, Lasarch, and various public docks.
Each one offers a different experience.
→ CHECK OUR GUIDE TO WATER PARKS, PRICES, HOURS, AND PUBLIC ACCESS IN BACALAR
10. Visit Los Rápidos de Bacalar
To the south of the town, the landscape begins to change.
The lagoon narrows and the water flows through natural channels among vegetation and extensive areas where stromatolites can be found.
This area is known as Los Rápidos de Bacalar.
Despite the name, don't imagine rafting rapids.
The attraction lies in the landscape, the natural movement of the water, and the opportunity to explore another part of the lagoon system that is very different from what is seen in front of the center of Bacalar.
It's a good activity to dedicate several hours to.
And remember: the stromatolites should not be touched or used as platforms for walking or sitting.
→ COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE RAPIDS OF BACALAR
11. Eat at a restaurant by the lagoon
After spending several hours in the water, something inevitable happens:
hunger.
And in Bacalar, eating can also become part of the journey.
There are restaurants by the lagoon where you can extend the experience among tropical trees, docks, and water views.
One of the classics is La Playita, near the center, with a tropical atmosphere and Latin-inspired cuisine.
But it is not the only option.
From Mexican cuisine to seafood, tacos, breakfasts, and contemporary proposals, the gastronomic offer in Bacalar has grown considerably.
→ DISCOVER WHERE TO EAT IN BACALAR: RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS
12. Eat a marquesita in the park
When evening falls, Bacalar changes.
The heat decreases, people start to walk around the park, and small food stalls appear.
It's the perfect time to try a marquesita.
This typical craving from the Yucatán Peninsula consists of a thin, crispy dough rolled around different fillings.
The traditional combination of ball cheese with something sweet may seem strange until you try it.
And that's precisely the charm.
Order one, sit near the park, and watch how an ordinary night unfolds in Bacalar.
Sometimes getting to know a destination also means doing things as simple as this.
13. Look for the murals of Bacalar
Not all attractions are marked on a map.
Walk through the streets around the center and you will find different murals of Bacalar on facades, small businesses, and walls.
Some talk about the lagoon.
Others about nature, Mayan culture, animals, or characters from the region.
Instead of turning it into a race to find them all, integrate them into a walk through the town.
The reward is precisely in discovering them without looking too hard.
→ MURAL ROUTE AND PLACES TO TAKE PHOTOS IN BACALAR
14. Rent a bicycle and ride along the Costera
Bacalar is enjoyed at a different pace.
And a bicycle fits perfectly with it.
You can ride part of the Costera Avenue, stop at access points to the lagoon, visit the center, look for a place to have breakfast, and continue to less crowded areas.
The distances that can feel long walking under the sun become much more comfortable by bicycle.
Bring water and avoid the hottest hours when possible.
→ HOW TO GET AROUND BACALAR: TAXI, BICYCLE, WALKING, AND TRANSPORTATION
15. Get up to see the sunrise
Yes, you are on vacation.
Yes, you probably want to sleep.
Make an exception one morning.
The orientation of Bacalar allows you to contemplate the sunrise from numerous points on the western shore of the lagoon.
First, the sky changes.
Then the silhouette of the vegetation begins to appear.
Finally, the light gradually reveals the colors of the water.
All of this happens while a good part of the town is still asleep.
Local recommendation
If you want to experience a Bacalar completely different from the midday photographs, leave before the sun appears.
Look for an authorized access in front of the lagoon, bring something to drink, and stay a few minutes after sunrise.
That moment afterwards is often as beautiful as the sunrise itself.
16. Paddleboarding at sunrise
Now combine the two previous experiences.
Sunrise + lagoon + silence.
Paddleboarding allows you to start the day on the water when the conditions often feel especially calm and the sun has not yet dominated the landscape.
It is a more physical activity than a boat ride, but also much more intimate.
Some guided experiences combine paddle or kayak with cenotes, bird watching, and breakfast or picnic.
→ SEE PADDLE AND KAYAK EXPERIENCES IN BACALAR
17. Sailing on a sailboat
There is a huge difference between touring the lagoon and sailing it.
On a sailboat, the wind is part of the experience.
When the conditions are right, the boat moves propelled by the sails and the journey takes on a completely different rhythm.
It is especially recommended for couples, families, or travelers who prefer a calm experience.
And if you have always been curious about sailing, you can even learn some basic principles during a private experience.
→ SEE SAILING TOURS IN BACALAR
18. Explore the lagoon by kayak
A kayak places you practically at water level.
You don't go fast.
And precisely because of that, you start to notice different things.
The movement of the water, the roots of the mangroves, small birds, and changes in depth are perceived differently when you are the one setting the pace.
It's an excellent activity to do early, always respecting the allowed areas and navigation conditions.
→ SEE KAYAK EXPERIENCES IN BACALAR
19. Walk through the center of Bacalar
Not everything has to be organized.
Set aside an hour to simply walk.
Start around the Fort of San Felipe, pass by the central park, photograph the letters of Bacalar, enter a shop, look for handicrafts, and continue through the nearby streets.
The center is small and can be easily explored on foot.
Moreover, doing so helps to understand something that is sometimes lost among so many photographs of the lagoon:
Bacalar is not just a body of water. It is also a town.
20. Visit the Church of San Joaquín
A few streets from the park is the Church of San Joaquín, one of the traditional points in the center of Bacalar.
You don't need to dedicate a whole morning to it.
That's exactly why it's worth including during your walk.
Step in for a few minutes, observe the building, and continue exploring the neighborhood.
It's a small cultural pause among so many water-related plans.
21. Swim from a public access
One of the best-kept secrets for those researching Bacalar for the first time is quite simple:
you don't always have to pay to get to the lagoon.
There are public accesses and docks along the Costera.
They are simple spaces.
Do not expect necessarily restaurant, lockers, loungers or waiter service.
But if you only want to enter the water for a while, they can be exactly what you need.
→ DISCOVER THE PUBLIC AND FREE ACCESS TO THE LAGOON OF BACALAR
22. See the lagoon from above
Most of the trip takes place viewing Bacalar from the water level.
Changing the perspective helps to understand it.
From elevated points like the observation tower of Casa China Bacalar or Casa Árabe you can better appreciate the color changes, the deep areas, and the enormous expanse of the lagoon.
It is also an excellent time to take panoramic photographs.
After seeing it from above, you will probably want to get on a boat even more.
Both houses are neighbors so you can choose the perspective you like the most, or even try both!
FIND THEM HERE
23. Venture beyond the Pirate Canal
Most visitors arrive at the Pirate Canal.
Many turn back there.
But the system continues.
Beyond there are channels, mangroves, and much less traveled areas that help to imagine the ancient water routes of this region.
For travelers who already know the main attractions of Bacalar, exploring this area in a guided experience allows you to discover a different side of the destination.
It is Bacalar without the list of must-see places.
More nature.
More silence.
More exploration.
→ DISCOVER THE PIRATE ROUTE EXPERIENCE
24. Discover what to do on a Wednesday without navigation
Here is something important that many visitors discover too late.
Bacalar has Wednesdays without navigation, intended for the rest of the lagoon.
However, not all Wednesdays of the year necessarily have the same conditions, so it is important to check the calendar corresponding to the date of your trip.
When a day without navigation applies, the restriction also includes recreational activities used to move over the water, such as kayaking and paddleboarding.
But that doesn't mean staying locked up in the hotel.
You can swim from permitted access points, visit a spa, see the Fort of San Felipe, ride a bike around the town, eat by the lagoon, or explore nearby places on land.
→ CHECK THE BACALAR NAVIGATION CALENDAR
→ WHAT TO DO IN BACALAR ON A WEDNESDAY WITHOUT NAVIGATION
25. Do absolutely nothing
This recommendation probably won't appear on many '25 things to do' lists.
But it should.
Look for a hammock.
A dock.
A table by the water.
Order something cold.
Put your phone away for twenty minutes.
And look at the lagoon.
Bacalar is one of those destinations where trying to do too much can make you lose precisely what was worth coming for.
You don't need to fill every hour.
You also came to slow down the pace.
What activities can you not miss in Bacalar?
If you are visiting Bacalar for the first time and have limited time, prioritize these experiences:
⛵ Sail on the Lagoon of Seven Colors to see several places in one trip.
🏴☠️ Swim in the Pirate Canal and learn the history behind this famous place.
💧 Discover the cenotes and observe how the color of the water changes radically.
🪨 Learn about the stromatolites and understand why the Bacalar ecosystem needs protection.
🏰 Visit the San Felipe Fort to discover the history of the town.
🌅 Watch a sunrise to experience the lagoon in one of its quietest moments.
What to do in Bacalar according to the type of trip
How many days do you need to get to know Bacalar?
One day in Bacalar
You can enjoy Bacalar in one day.
Combine the historic center with a tour of the lagoon and end by eating or dining by the water.
→ CHECK OUR ITINERARY: WHAT TO DO IN BACALAR IN ONE DAY
Two days in Bacalar
Two days allow for a more relaxed travel experience.
Dedicate one mainly to the lagoon and another to Cenote Azul, Los Rápidos, swimming spots, biking, and the town center.
Three days in Bacalar
For many travelers, three days allow for a balance of activities and rest.
You can dedicate one day to sailing, another to exploring by land, and a third to enjoying the lagoon without watching the clock.
Four days or more
This is where a different type of trip begins.
You no longer need to rush to the famous spots.
You can revisit your favorite dock, discover restaurants, explore the surroundings, sail in a different way, and start experiencing the daily rhythm of the town.
What to do in Bacalar for free
Bacalar can also be enjoyed on a budget.
You can:
walk around the center;
visit the park;
look for murals;
contemplate the Fort from the outside;
explore some areas of the waterfront;
watch the sunrise from a permitted access;
use free public accesses to the lagoon;
swim from public docks where allowed.
→ CHECK OUR GUIDE TO SWIMMING SPOTS AND PUBLIC ACCESS
What to do in Bacalar with children
Bacalar can be an excellent family destination if you choose activities appropriate for the children's age.
The pontoons often offer a comfortable alternative for families because they allow you to explore the lagoon with space and make stops to swim.
The spas with services and shallow areas can also be practical.
There are beach clubs like Carmelita Lagoon Club that offers days dedicated to children with games and activities included for them each week.
Remember that minors must always be under adult supervision, especially in or near the water.
What to do in Bacalar when it rains
A tropical rain does not necessarily mean you have lost the day.
The weather can change quickly.
You can take the opportunity to have a leisurely breakfast, visit the Fort, explore restaurants and cafes, or wait to see how the conditions evolve.
Water tours depend on safety conditions and the indications of maritime authorities.
Do not confuse rain with navigation closure: they are different situations.
How to enjoy Bacalar responsibly
Bacalar is spectacular.
It is also fragile.
During your visit:
never touch, step on, or sit on the stromatolites;
respect mangroves and vegetation;
do not leave trash;
avoid feeding wildlife;
use reusable bottles;
respect the designated areas;
follow the instructions of guides and authorities;
wear UV protection clothing to protect yourself from the sun;
respect the established days and hours of navigation.
Preserving Bacalar does not only depend on large projects.
It also depends on millions of small decisions.
Frequently asked questions about what to do in Bacalar
What is the main thing to do in Bacalar?
Touring the Lagoon of the Seven Colors is the most representative activity. Many tours allow you to visit places like the Pirate Canal, Emerald Cenote, Bird Island, and other areas of the lagoon system.
What places to visit in Bacalar?
Among the most well-known places are the Bacalar Lagoon, Pirate Canal, Black Cenote, Emerald Cenote, Blue Cenote, Bird Island, stromatolites, San Felipe Fort, The Rapids, and the center of Bacalar.
How many days are recommended to stay in Bacalar?
You can see the main attractions in one or two days, but three days allow you to combine navigation, cenotes, gastronomy, the town, and relaxation without rushing.
What to do in Bacalar in one day?
Visit the Fort of San Felipe and the center during part of the day, take a tour of the Bacalar Lagoon and end with a meal in front of the water.
What to do for free in Bacalar?
You can walk around the center, observe murals, watch the sunrise, and use some public docks and free access points to the lagoon.
Can you swim in Bacalar?
Yes. There are swimming areas, docks, and designated access points where you can swim. Many lagoon tours also include stops to enter the water.
What is the best time to visit the lagoon?
The experience changes throughout the day. The early hours usually offer tranquility and pleasant temperatures, while with the sun higher, some color contrasts can be appreciated more intensely.
Can you navigate every Wednesday in Bacalar?
No. Bacalar has a navigation calendar that includes Wednesdays without navigation and certain exceptions. Always check the calendar corresponding to the year and date of your trip before organizing your water activities.
Can you use a kayak or paddleboard during a Wednesday without navigation?
Not during Wednesdays subject to the navigation restriction. The measure includes recreational equipment used to move across the lagoon, although it is possible to swim from permitted access points.
What to do in Bacalar at night?
You can have dinner, walk around the center, visit the park, try a marquesita, or have a drink at one of the restaurants and bars in the town. Bacalar at night has a considerably quieter rhythm than destinations like Cancun or Playa del Carmen.
What to do in Bacalar with little money?
Combine public access to the lagoon, historical center, sunrise, murals, and biking. Then you can choose one main paid activity, such as a tour of the lagoon.
Does Bacalar have a beach?
Bacalar is not a seaside destination. Its main attraction is a freshwater lagoon. Instead of beaches, you will find water parks, docks, public access points, and establishments facing the Lagoon of Seven Colors.
Is there sargassum in Bacalar?
Not like on the beaches of the Caribbean, because Bacalar is located inland and its main attraction is a freshwater lagoon, not the Caribbean Sea.
→ READ: SARGASSUM IN THE CARIBBEAN AND WHY BACALAR IS AN ALTERNATIVE
Is it worth visiting Bacalar?
Bacalar offers an uncommon combination of nature, water activities, cenotes, history, gastronomy, and a relatively compact town that can be easily explored. The experience can be adapted for both a day visit and a stay of several days.
So, what to do first in Bacalar?
If you just arrived and are looking at the lagoon wondering where to start, our recommendation is simple:
get to know it from the water.
Afterwards you will have time for cenotes, bicycles, spas, restaurants, murals, and forts.
But when you sail over different depths, cross in front of a cenote, and finally reach the clear waters of the Canal de los Piratas, many of the things you have read about Bacalar will start to make sense.
And you will probably also understand why so many people arrive thinking they will stay one night...
and end up wishing they had stayed three.
Discover Bacalar with DayTour Bacalar
DayTour Bacalar is a local operator and member of the Nautical Association of the Bacalar Lagoon, specialized in experiences to discover the Lagoon of Seven Colors.
You can explore Bacalar by pontoon, sailboat, catamaran, kayak, or paddleboard, choose shared or private experiences, and discover some of the most emblematic places of the lagoon accompanied by local guides.
→ SEE TOURS AND EXPERIENCES IN BACALAR
Are you still planning your trip?
Don't stop here.
Bacalar holds many more stories, places, and secrets than can fit on a single page.
→ CONTINUE DISCOVERING BACALAR IN OUR TRAVEL GUIDE
Your trip to Bacalar is just beginning.
Traveling to Bacalar?
Complete your experience by exploring the Lagoon of Seven Colors with DayTour Bacalar.
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