Discover the lagoon's secrets and public spots
Alphabetical list of places
A small biodiversity sanctuary in the heart of the lagoon, home to parrots, owls, and the rare snail hawk. As a protected area to preserve the natural habitat, landing on the island is strictly prohibited; observation is only allowed from boats. Open for visitors Monday to Sunday.
A natural sanctuary famous for its stromatolites (ancient living fossils) and its iconic hammocks and swings over the turquoise water. This shallow and peaceful area is perfect for relaxing and taking the most famous photos of Bacalar. Closed every Monday for maintenance.
Located around the Main Square and the Artisan Dome, you will find local producers offering leather goods, pottery, and jewelry carved from regional woods. It’s a colorful walk where you can appreciate the work of contemporary Mayan artisans. Open Monday to Sunday.
A beautiful wooden boardwalk surrounded by mangroves that leads you directly to the crystal-clear waters of the Lagoon of Seven Colors. It is the perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and observing local wildlife in a protected and sustainable environment. It is one of the most iconic public access points in Bacalar.
Located in the charming village of Huay-Pix, this lagoon offers a peaceful and family-friendly alternative to Bacalar. It is known for its stunning emerald green waters and a laid-back atmosphere. The area is famous for its fresh seafood restaurants right on the waterfront, where you can dine with your feet almost in the water. Open daily from Monday to Sunday.
A stunning open-air cenote, 90 meters deep and over 200 meters wide. Its deep navy blue waters offer a unique contrast to the turquoise lagoon nearby. Surrounded by lush vegetation, it features an on-site restaurant and full facilities, making it a perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling, or professional diving.
A peaceful area focused on conservation and enjoying the lagoon in its natural state. Unlike other spots, it lacks large buildings to protect the mangrove ecosystem. It’s the perfect place for those seeking a rustic, quiet access point with plenty of natural shade. Open Monday to Sunday.
This iconic 18th-century church is the spiritual heart of Bacalar. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, it features a majestic ceiba tree in its atrium, a sacred tree to the Maya. It is dedicated to Saint Joachim, the city's patron saint and grandfather of Jesus. Historically, the church was a crucial site of refuge and protection for the inhabitants during the violent Caste War, witnessing some of the most intense episodes of local resistance. Open to the public Monday through Sunday.
This impressive 18th-century military fortification, was built to protect the town from pirate raids. Its limestone and coral walls now house the Piracy Museum, featuring ancient maps, colonial weaponry, and a stunning mural depicting regional history. Its four bastions provide the most complete panoramic views of the Seven-Colored Lagoon.
A natural waterway steeped in history, once used by the Mayans for trade and later by legendary pirates seeking precious timber. It features very shallow, pale turquoise waters and white sand with a high mineral content, ideal for a natural skin exfoliation mud mask.
The social heart of this "Pueblo Mágico." This elevated square offers a unique view of San Felipe Fort and the lagoon in the distance. Surrounded by restaurants, ice cream parlors, and craft shops, it’s the place to find the colorful "Bacalar" signs for your souvenir photo. Open every day.
Located inside the lagoon, this cenote is the deepest point in Bacalar, featuring a vertical drop of nearly 100 meters. It is visually stunning due to the sharp contrast where the water shifts from bright turquoise to a navy blue so deep it looks black. Please note: Access is closed on Mondays.
Explore the "sleeping giant" of the Mayan world, a monumental city recently opened to the public that is older and larger than Chichén Itzá. Its massive pyramids reach up to 46 meters in height, emerging from the untouched jungle. Please note: The site is closed every Monday for conservation work.
Known as "the people's beach," this is the most iconic and comprehensive public spa in Bacalar. It features a main pier and three wooden islands perfect for swimming and sunbathing, surrounded by lush vegetation including ceiba and mango trees. It’s ideal for families, as most of the swimming area is only about one meter deep. Facilities include water slides, spacious green areas for picnics, and constant lifeguard surveillance.
A site with deep historical roots where mahogany timber was once processed. It features a long wooden pier extending into the lagoon, perfect for swimming in calm waters. It is a favorite public access point for locals due to its relaxed atmosphere and very low entry fee. Open Monday to Sunday.
A crystal-clear natural channel with a gentle current connecting Bacalar and Xul-Ha lagoons. It is a sanctuary for stromatolites (ancient living fossils) where you can float downstream or kayak through mangroves in turquoise waters. Closed every Monday for maintenance.
The morning social hub of Bacalar. Here you will find fresh tropical fruits, local honey, and authentic food stalls. It is the best place to experience a real local breakfast, such as cochinita pibil tacos or roasted pork. Open Monday to Sunday.
The most significant and extensive Mayan settlement in the Lake Region. Its structures, dating back to 700 AD, are nestled within a thick, high jungle where it is very common to spot spider monkeys and toucans in the wild. The site features impressive stepped pyramids and ceremonial plazas emerging from among sapote and ceiba trees. Open daily from Monday to Sunday.
