In the southern end of Quintana Roo, very close to Chetumal (the state capital), there’s one of those places that are capable of surprising anyone. A natural paradise that offers truly incredible landscapes, at the height of sites such as the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve or the pink lagoons of Las Coloradas. It’s the Bacalar Lagoon, one of the few permanent surface water bodies in the Yucatan Peninsula and a true wonder of Mother Nature.
During your stay in Riviera Maya, organize a visit to this beautiful lagoon and enjoy one of the most spectacular landscapes in the area. Explore its surroundings, take a swim in its crystalline waters, discover its most curious corners, relax in one of the spas on its shores… You will see that visiting Bacalar is a very worthwhile experience.
The Lagoon of the 7 colors
Turquoise blue, greenish-blue, navy blue… Seven is the number of shades of blue that can be seen in the waters of the Bacalar Lagoon! And its multicolored beauty is just one of the charms of this strip of water nearly 30 miles long and just over a mile at its widest.
Beyond its impressive colors, caused by the different depths and types of materials that compose its bed, this lagoon is a place of enormous ecological and scenic value. An vast wetland, framed by a large system of minor lagoons, cenotes, rivers, and marshlands, that connects with the Bay of Chetumal and the Caribbean Sea. A magical landscape that’s home to all sorts of species, from several types of palms and red and white mangrove trees, to different species of birds, fish, small mammals, and reptiles. The characteristic pink snail is a symbol of the area.
Also among its most important environmental values, Bacalar contains one of the largest freshwater stromatolites collections in the world. These particular rock-like accumulations of sediment and organic material produced by bacteria (that is, “living stones”) were formed about 8 thousand years ago. But this type of life form goes way back to the origin of our planet and is mainly responsible for the beginning of oxygen production on Earth.
Things to do in Bacalar Lagoon
Visiting the Bacalar Lagoon allows you to do tons of activities. At different locations along the shore of the lagoon, but especially in the town of Bacalar, there are small restaurants, hotels, beach clubs, spas… Places where you can swim, have a drink, eat something delicious, and enjoy several water activities (kayaking, diving, snorkeling, etc.), among many other possibilities.
The Pirates’ Channel
As its name suggests, this historic canal was used by pirates to enter the Bacalar Lagoon. Through the Hondo River, the Chaac Estuary, the Mariscal Lagoon, and other small waterways, the pirates could connect the Chetumal Bay with Bacalar to attack the town. In colonial times, it was the most important settlement in the region. Today, there are boat tours that take you along this old route of corsairs and buccaneers, an incredible adventure in the middle of a landscape that will leave you breathless.
Black Cenote
One of the most peculiar characteristics of the lagoon is that its waters flow, to a large extent, from inside the earth. And they do so through several cenotes located within the lagoon itself, such as the Cocalitos cenote, the Esmeralda cenote, and the cenote de la Bruja or cenote Negro (Black Cenote). The latter is an almost 300 feet deep sinkhole that has become a quite popular place to swim and appreciate the intense blue of its waters.
Island of the Birds
Herons, snail hawks, parrots, cenzontles, calandrias…, the Bacalar Lagoon is home to all kinds of bird species, and the Island of the Birds, located right in the middle of the lagoon, is one of its favorite places. This islet covered with vegetation is protected to safeguard the nesting spots, but the boat rides through the lagoon usually get close enough to see the birds in their natural habitat.
Rápidos de Bacalar
Between the main water body of the Bacalar Lagoon and its southern part, known as the Xul-Há lagoon, there is a narrowing known as the Bacalar Rapids. Depending on the time of year, the current that connects the two lagoons may be more or less strong, but it’s always easy and super fun to cross it kayaking, for example, or simply by letting yourself be carried downstream by the current, floating on the crystal clear waters of Bacalar. A small spa offers access to the rapids and several other services, so you can enjoy this wonderful place with no worries.
Bacalar, Magic Town
Along the shore of the lagoon, there are several more or less inhabited places, private houses, boutique hotels, camping areas…, but the most important population center is Bacalar, a very special place that since 2007 has been part of the Pueblos Mágicos (Magic Towns) program. The fort of San Felipe (18th century), the main square, and the parish of San Joaquin are just some of the attractions of this beautiful place founded by the Maya in the 5th century AD and refounded by the Spanish conquerors in the 16th century. Also, don’t forget to take a look at some of the more than 100 murals that several street artists have painted in different parts of the town. Outstanding!
Tips for visiting the Lagoon: take care of it and take care of yourself
Carrying out activities in nature is, without a doubt, one of the main attractions of Riviera Maya, in general, and of the Bacalar Lagoon, in particular. But don’t forget that you are in a tropical area of enormous ecological value and, therefore, it’s vital to take some precautions.
First of all, take care of the environment and have especial respect for stromatolites. These structures only exist in a few places on our planet and Bacalar is one of those lucky spots. Lately, the pressure of tourism has started to leave its mark on the lagoon and its surroundings, increasing, for example, the levels of water pollution and the presence of garbage. It is everyone’s responsibility to take care of this natural wonder.
In addition, the lagoon tour can be done by sailboat or light catamaran, enjoying an even more beautiful experience. And by avoiding motorboats, you help protect the environment. If you are more adventurous and sporty, better explore Bacalar by kayak or SUP; there are different organized excursions. It is the most intimate and sustainable way to discover this incredible natural paradise.
Finally, take care of yourself too: protect yourself from the tropical sun. It hits hard! Especially if you visit Bacalar in the dry season, between November and April (the best time to enjoy the lagoon). There won’t be even the thinnest cloud to give you some shade. So, wear a hat, sunglasses, a neoprene shirt that protects you from the sun, etc. And, if you can, avoid sunscreen (even biodegradable ones) because the sensitive ecosystem of the lagoon is always affected. Also, stay well hydrated!
