Travel bucket list idea:

Laguna Bacalar [swimming & kayaking]

Quintana Roo, Mexico

Last updated: 15 May, 2025

This beautiful freshwater lake, set in tropical forest and wild orchid meadows, was called ‘the place where the sky is born’, by the Maya. Its brilliant blue, chalky waters – which are fed by a series of giant cenotes – look like a cloud-filled sky. There’s wonderful kayaking and swimming here.

The lake is home to one of the world’s largest numbers of stromatolites, coral-like organisms found in only a handful of places and regarded by biologists as one of the earliest lifeforms on earth.

The best way to explore Bacalar is by kayak. Kayakers should head to the far eastern shore of the lake, where the orchid meadows begin, and to the lake’s southern extremities where there is wonderful shallow-water swimming.

While you’re there

There are a series of spectacular, little-visited Maya cities set in the rainforest near Bacalar. The best are at Dzibanche, Kinichna and Kohunlich, all set in wildlife-filled rainforest parks.

The Mayan Cultural Museum in nearby Chetumal town is also a must-see, with precious artefacts and state-of-the-art exhibits offering real insight into Maya life and culture.

Logistics

Price: Free

Minimum age: 0

Age suitable: 8+

When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Bacalar is 210 km south of Tulum (3-4 hours’ drive). Numerous daily buses run between Cancun and Chetumal, stopping at Bacalar town from where it is straightforward to organise hotels. There are simple restaurants in Bacalar town.

If you want to stay the night, Botadero Paraiso is a rustic, but beautifully-located camp set in orchid-filled forest on the lakeshore. They also offer conservation-orientated kayak trips, visits to ruins and forest walks.

Rancho Encantado is an authentic lakeside hotel and the ideal base for exploring the area. They can also organise trips on and around the lake.

When to do it

The lagoon can be visited all year round. Kayaking and swimming can be done anytime.

The weather in the Mayan Riviera is generally good all year round, and the water is always warm enough for swimming.

Who to go with: organised tours

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Bacalar Lagoon Sightseeing Boat Tour with Open Bar and Snacks

Bacalar

Viator

Navigate through the fascinating waters of Bacalar Lagoon and experience on an unforgettable adventure. Our expert bilingual guides will take you to explore the most iconic spots of the Lagoon of Seven Colors: the Pirate's Channel, Bird Island, the Black Cenote, the Emerald Cenote, and the Cocalitos Cenote. While you learn about its most curious facts and you enjoy a magical day with your family and friends. For 4 hours, swim in crystal-clear waters, be amazed by stunning landscapes, enjoy great music, an open bar, and a delicious picnic. Choose the schedule that works best for you and enjoy a refreshing morning or a dreamy sunset. Join us and create unforgettable memories in this natural paradise!

Price CA$70

Min age 0

Rating 4.88 / 5 [1019 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Bacalar Boat Tour and Visit to Cenotes

Bacalar

Viator

Sail with people who share your passion for adventure! You will explore fascinating places along the lagoon of the 7 colors. Our small groups guarantee you excellent attention and service from our crew. When you return to the port you can enjoy the beach club facilities or take a kayak to continue enjoying this incredible destination. All aboard!

Price $28

Min age 0

Rating 4.92 / 5 [842 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Bacalar 101- Private Tour of the Lagoon of the 7 Colors

Bacalar

Viator

Enjoy comfortable boats in optimal condition. You will visit places away from crowds where you can enjoy the sounds of nature or play your music on the bluetooth sound system. You will swim in low and crystalline waters where you will get incredible photos. We will prepare a picnic of fresh seasonal fruit for you to taste aboard our covered boat. Tour the famous "Canal de los Piratas", the 3 cenotes, stromatolites and the island of birds. At the end of your activity, continue enjoying the lagoon by kayak until sunset.

Price $114

Min age 0

Rating 4.94 / 5 [741 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Sunrise Paddle Quest: Embrace the Dawn on Bacalar's Waters

Bacalar

Viator

Relax, paddle, and enjoy a breathtaking sunrise over the beautiful Bacalar Lagoon first thing in the morning. You'll be greeted with world-class views, tranquility and peaceful natural sounds right from your SUP (Stand-Up-Paddleboard). Upon arriving at Black Cenote, you'll be greeted with a relaxing break and a serene spot to soak up the views. Best of all, we will be sure to take even more high-quality photos you can cherish forever. This adventure sport is a return to nature, which means there will be no disturbing noises from boats or other tourists. Feel free to join whether you are an absolute beginner or a seasoned pro. With one bilingual instructor per 5 participants, you will be sure to receive the service you deserve.

Price MX$641

Min age 18

Rating 4.91 / 5 [521 ratings]

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Bacalar – 7 Colors Lagoon Excursión Costa Maya

Costa Maya

Viator

The first place to visit in the Bacalar Lagoon is “Cenote Esmeralda”, where you’ll be amazed by the different shades of blue and understand why the Bacalar Lagoon is frequently referred as the 7 colors lagoon. Our next stop is “Cenote Cocalitos”, home of stromatolites, that are known as living stones and are considered the oldest form of life in the planet. The third point to enjoy will be “Black Cenote” which is an open sky cenote and also the deepest point of the lagoon. The final spot to is the Pirate Channel, as you’ll be explained that day, pirates used to enter Bacalar by using this channel to steal local precious wood. You’ll also have a beautiful view of the different shades of blue of the Lagoon.

Price $135

Min age 0

Rating 4.86 / 5 [351 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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