Bacalar is a little town on Mexico’s Caribbean Coast, known for its Lagoon of Seven Colors. With crystal clear blue waters, Bacalar is being compared to the Maldives. There are very few crowds in town and it’s significantly more affordable.
Although Bacalar is 20 km from the coast, don’t let this fool you. The freshwater lagoon is 42 km long and 2 km at its widest point. It surrounds the town and is fed by underground springs. In the heart of Bacalar lays the historic Fortress de San Felipe. The fortress was built in the 1700s to defend the town against pirate attacks. Today, it serves as a regional landmark and museum.
As you stroll or drive around town you’ll notice many streets are dilapidated. Nonetheless, they are full of beautiful artwork adding to the charm of the small town. Many Mexican eateries dot the streets, as well as craft stores, and a park.
To take in the distinctness and beauty of the lagoon, it’s recommended to travel via boat. As you set off in the water you’ll see distinct shades of blue, seven shades to be exact.
The colors vary due to the vastly different water depths which exist because of the underwater cenotes, also called sinkholes. One minute you’ll observe a deep blue color resulting from a very deep cenote, almost 60 meters in depth. Then as you cruise a little farther along, the water shifts to an aquamarine shade. The water is as clear as bathwater allowing you to see the white sand below.
Swimming in a cenote in Bacalar is a much different experience than what you can have in other cenotes along the Caribbean Coast. Bacalar cenotes can be enjoyed without the presence of a dozen or more people. In most instances, you have the cenote all to yourself.
If you plan to reach Bacalar from the Cancun International Airport, it’s only a five-hour bus ride with ADO Autobuses. ADO offers stops in Playa del Carmen and Tulum, so visiting these cities along the way makes for a complete trip through the Mexican Caribbean.