Is Bacalar Worth Visiting? My Honest Review in 2025

There aren’t too many hidden gems left in Mexico’s Yucatán, and while I’m not sure I’d call Bacalar one, it’s definitely still under the radar when it comes to vacation spots in Mexico. This magical town sits right on the edge of the famous Lagoon of Seven Colors, and it’s full of life, from great food and morning yoga to locals just going about their everyday routines.

But here’s the catch: it’s one of the furthest popular destinations from the Cancun Airport, and it’s not beachfront either. So, you might be wondering—is Bacalar worth visiting?

I’m here to answer that. And while I have a very strong opinion on this one (spoiler: yes, it’s worth it), I’ll do my best to keep things fair and lay out both sides. This travel guide shares what makes Bacalar amazing, and what might make you want to skip it. By the end, you’ll have a full picture of whether visiting Bacalar is the right fit for your next Mexico trip.

Is Bacalar Worth Visiting? My Quick Answer

I’ve been to Bacalar three different times now, usually as part of a bigger trip around the Yucatán and honestly, it always ends up being one of my favorite stops. The little town still feels like, well, a town. It hasn’t blown up into a commercialized destination like Tulum or Isla Mujeres. It still has that quiet, local magic that reminds you you’re actually in Mexico, but with plenty of good food, fun things to do, and beautiful places to stay.

The lagoon in Bacalar is one of the most stunning natural spots I’ve seen in Mexico. The water glows in shifting shades of blue thanks to the minerals and cenotes below, and it’s completely freshwater, no salt, no waves, just calm waters.

Like I mentioned in the intro, I’m definitely biased. I’m a sucker for destinations that still feel authentic and haven’t been completely taken over by tourism. But I totally get the hesitation. It’s not exactly quick to get to. A four-hour drive from Cancun isn’t nothing, especially when you could hop on a ferry to Isla Mujeres in under an hour and already be sipping a margarita.

So, is Bacalar worth visiting? My quick answer: absolutely, yes. There are very few places left in Mexico that still have that small-town charm, the space to slow down, and the kind of natural beauty that feels almost untouched. If you’re looking for something more peaceful, more real, and way less crowded, then Bacalar is worth every hour of that drive.

5 Things I Really Love About Bacalar Mexico

Bacalar is one of those places that it’s almost impossible not to fall a little bit in love. Between the glowing blue water, laidback vibe, and local charm, it’s one of my favorite spots in all of Mexico.

Here are my top 5 reasons to visit Bacalar!

1. The Lagoon of Seven Colors Is Unreal

The lagoon is the heart of Bacalar, pretty much everything here revolves around it. The water shifts between seven shades of blue, and it’s so clear you can see the sand ripples beneath you. 

The first time I visited, Oliver and I did a sunset sailing tour and it was pure magic. We swam straight off the boat, visited Cenote Negro, drank little Coronas, and learned about the lagoon’s history from our captain while the sky turned pink. (and it was only $30!!, you can book the exact one we did here!)

On other days we rented kayaks, went on a sunrise paddleboarding tour, and would just spend our days lazing on the docks sipping margaritas. Honestly, most of what makes Bacalar special starts and ends with this lagoon.

2. It Still Feels Like Real Mexico

Don’t get me wrong, I still love Isla Mujeres, Tulum, and all the other popular spots in Quintana Roo, but sometimes you just want to experience the real side of the country. Bacalar does that perfectly, without feeling like you’re in the middle of nowhere. 

Every street I walked down felt local, with people selling tamales from their doorsteps, kids riding bikes, and small homestays tucked between family homes.

The Bacalar town center still feels like a true community hub, with weekend events, marque­sitas (those crispy crepes filled with Nutella and cheese, they’re my favorite), and plenty of delicious local restaurants. It’s simple, it’s quiet, and it’s got that unpolished charm that makes Bacalar feel so special.

3. It’s Affordable but Still Feels Luxe

If you haven’t been to Mexico in a while, let me tell you, it’s not as cheap as it used to be. I went to Bacalar after my brother’s wedding with a group of girls, and it was such a relief to ditch the overpriced all-inclusive resort (with its mediocre buffet food) for 20-peso tacos and a stay that actually felt special.

Our apartment was gorgeous. It had a private plunge pool, a patio surrounded by massive palm trees, and it cost half of what we paid at the resort. Now, I wouldn’t call Bacalar cheap, but you can still have an amazing vacation here without blowing your budget. You get boutique-level beauty without the Tulum price tag, and that’s a win in my book.

4. There’s Plenty to Do Without Feeling Overwhelmed

Bacalar is that rare kind of place that keeps you entertained without exhausting you. It’s chill but not boring, adventurous but not chaotic, basically, everything I want in a vacation.

Every day felt different in the best way. Some mornings I’d join a yoga class, grab a smoothie (or chilaquiles, balance, right?), then spend hours reading on the dock before hopping in a kayak. Other days were for floating down Los Rápidos, which is this insanely blue river that feeds into the lagoon, or joining a sunset cruise with a drink in hand. It’s the perfect mix of relaxation and “let’s do something fun.”

5. It’s Eco-Friendly 

One of my favorite things about Bacalar is that it still feels small. Most of the hotels are boutique-style, built with natural materials and designed to blend in rather than take over. 

There are no giant resorts blocking the view, just eco-friendly stays, local restaurants, and people who actually care about keeping the lagoon clean. The lagoon even “rests” every Wednesday so it can naturally restore itself, which I think is so cool.

5 Things I Don’t Like About Bacalar

1. It’s Pretty Far from Everywhere

I think this is definitely the biggest reason not to visit Bacalar, and trust me, I get it. If you’re flying into Cancun and only have a few days, Bacalar might not be your best move. It’s a little over four hours away by car, and if you’re taking the ADO bus, it can stretch to five or even six with stops.

 It’s not exactly the kind of place you can just pop over to for a quick beach weekend. Once you’re there, it’s totally worth it, but getting there takes time and a bit of patience. So, if you only have a few days, I wouldn’t spend 2 of them riding a bus across the yucatan.

2. The Nightlife Is Pretty Chill (Maybe Too Chill)

Bacalar is a sleepy little town, especially compared to places like Tulum or Playa del Carmen. So if you’re chasing a proper party scene, this probably isn’t it. But that’s not to say you can’t have a good time. 

My friend Marissa and I went out one night, hit a couple of bars, and ended up at the Yak Lake House hostel where everyone was dancing, playing beer pong, and living their best backpacker lives. It was fun, but we were definitely the two oldest people there, ha! 

3. There’s No Actual Beach

For me, this is one of the biggest reasons Bacalar might not be worth visiting. Don’t get me wrong, the lagoon is stunning, but it’s not the same as having a beach. There are only a few public docks where you can swim, and outside of that, you’ll need to grab a drink or meal to access a private one. 

I love being able to just sprawl out on the sand, swim when I want, and do a proper beach day, but that’s a little harder here. There are a few beach clubs where you can lounge on the grass, but again, it’s usually a “pay to stay” situation. So if you’re craving real beach days, Bacalar might not hit that mark.

4. The Infrastructure Still Needs Some Work

I was working remotely during one of my trips to Bacalar, and let’s just say… it wasn’t ideal. I did find one café with decent Wi-Fi, but it was never fast, and I constantly felt like I was playing catch-up. 

Outside of that, internet can be spotty, roads are still a bit rough, and there’s construction popping up all over town. You can tell Bacalar is growing fast, which is exciting, but it also means it’s not quite built for digital nomads or anyone expecting city-level convenience just yet.

5. There’s Not a Ton to Do

This one can go either way depending on what kind of traveler you are. Bacalar is all about slowing down, being in nature, and actually relaxing, which is amazing if that’s what you’re after. But if you like to stay busy or explore something new every day, it might start to feel repetitive. 

I mentioned this one as a pro, and it definitely can be for some people (myself included), but you can pretty much do all the main Bacalar activities in a day or two. After that, it’s more or less the same routine of lagoon time, tacos, repeat.

Things to Do in Bacalar Mexico Travel Guide

Sail the Bacalar Lagoon – The absolute must-do in Bacalar. The lagoon looks unreal from the water, and a boat tour is the best way to see all the different shades of blue. I did a sunset sail, and it was hands down my favorite activity in Bacalar.

Float Down Los Rápidos – This was such a fun day trip! Los Rápidos is a narrow river that connects to the lagoon, and the current gently carries you downstream through crystal-clear water. You can grab lunch at the restaurant there, rent a life jacket, and just drift for hours.

Go Paddleboarding or Kayaking at Sunrise – The mornings in Bacalar are so peaceful, it’s the perfect time to paddle out onto the lagoon. The water is completely still, and the sun rises behind the water; it’s definitely worth the early morning wake up call. Book your paddle board here!

Visit Cenote Azul – A short drive from town, this cenote is deep. Like, 90 meters deep. The water is darker and cooler, which makes it the perfect midday stop when you need a break from the sun. 

Walk or Bike Around Town – Bacalar is super walkable and easy to bike around. You’ll find colorful murals, local food stalls, and friendly dogs that might join you for a few blocks. I loved grabbing a smoothie and just wandering through the quiet streets in the morning.

Hang at a Beach Club – Even though there aren’t true beaches here, beach clubs like Yak Lake House or Blu Beach Club have grass areas, sunbeds, and access to the lagoon. It’s an easy way to spend the day swimming, eating, and doing absolutely nothing.

Check Out the San Felipe Fort – Right in the center of town, this little fortress has a cool pirate history and great views over the lagoon. 

💡Check out my full guide on the Best Things to Do in Bacalar Here!

Who Bacalar Is For

Bacalar is for travelers who are craving authenticity and off the beaten path. It’s not flashy or fast-paced, and that’s exactly what makes it special. If you love nature, good food, and a slower rhythm, this place will be your jam. 

It’s perfect for couples looking for a quiet getaway, solo travelers who just want to read and recharge by the water, or groups of friends who’d rather sip margaritas on a dock than squeeze into a packed beach club.

It’s also a great spot for anyone who’s already done the classics, Tulum, Playa, and Isla Mujeres, and wants something more authentic and less touristy. 

Plus, if you’re backpacking through Mexico, Bacalar is an awesome stop before or after Belize, or a natural jumping-off point if you’re heading southwest into Chiapas and eventually crossing into Guatemala.

Who Bacalar Isn’t For

If your ideal trip includes all-inclusive resorts, nightclubs, and easy airport access, Bacalar probably isn’t for you. It’s quiet, spread out, and a little inconvenient to get to, which is part of the charm, but not for everyone. 

There’s no beach, nightlife is super mellow, and once you’ve done the main activities, the vibe shifts from “adventure” to “relax mode” really fast.

It’s also not the best pick for anyone who doesn’t have a lot of time. You’ll need to account for at least a half-day of travel at the beginning of your trip and then again at the end. 

And if you’re hoping to work remotely, maybe reconsider. Wi-Fi can be spotty, cafés are limited, and there’s still a bit of construction around town. If you need fast internet and strong coffee to survive, you might find yourself frustrated.

Basically, if you’re looking for a destination packed with energy, shopping, or a full itinerary, you’ll probably be happier somewhere like Playa del Carmen or Tulum. 

FAQ: Is Bacalar Mexico Worth Visiting?

How long does it take to get from Cancun to Bacalar?

It takes about 4 to 5 hours to drive from Cancún to Bacalar. If you’re taking the ADO bus, expect it to be closer to 5–6 hours. It’s a long ride, but totally doable if you plan it right (I usually break it up with a stop in Tulum).

Where to stay in Bacalar?

There are tons of amazing stays in Bacalar, from boutique hotels right on the lagoon to budget-friendly guesthouses in town. I’ve rounded up my favorite ones in my full Where to Stay in Bacalar guide, which you can check out here.

Can you swim in Bacalar?

Yes! The lagoon is freshwater and perfect for swimming. Just remember to wear reef-safe sunscreen to protect the delicate ecosystem. There are a few public docks, or you can grab a drink at a beach club to get access to a private one.

Best time of year to visit Bacalar?

The best time to visit Bacalar is between November and April when the weather is sunny, warm, and less humid. May through October is the rainy season, and while it’s still beautiful, expect some afternoon downpours.

How many days in Bacalar do I need?

You can see the highlights of Bacalar in 2–3 days. It’s a great stop on a Yucatán road trip—enough time to go on one of the boat tours around the lagoon, float down Los Rápidos, and soak up the slow pace before moving on to your next destination.

So… Is Bacalar Worth Visiting?

For me, absolutely yes. Bacalar is one of my top contenders when it comes to places to visit in this part of Mexico. It’s unlike anywhere else on the Yucatan Peninsula, it still holds onto that small-town magic that makes Mexico so special. 

That said, if you’re after a classic all-inclusive resort vibe where everything’s easy and close to the airport, there are definitely better options up near Cancún. But if you’re craving something a little different, somewhere that feels more adventurous, authentic, and a bit off the radar, then Bacalar is 100% worth the four-hour drive.

Check Out My Other Bacalar Guides

Is Bacalar Worth Visiting: My Honest Review

Things to Do in Bacalar: My Top Activities in Bacalar

Restaurants Bacalar: Top Food Spots in Bacalar

Bacalar to Caye Caulker: The Easiest Way to Get There

Where to Stay in Bacalar: The Best Areas and Hotels

Check Out My Other Mexico Guides

Is Mexico Worth Visiting: My Honest Review

Best Places to Visit in Mexico: My 11 Top Mexico Destinations