First off, this is absolutely not a stupid question, we should definitely be asking, “are there crocodiles in Bacalar Lagoon?” because it’s common sense to ask this about any body of open water in which we’re considering dipping our delicious, juicy, wriggly bodies.

This article will answer the crocodile question (tldr/ not something to worry about but also maybe) as well as aaaaaalllll the other questions you need answering before you book your trip to Bacalar. As a long time resident of Mérida who made it a personal mission to visit and get to know as much of the Yucatán Peninsula, and the rest of Mexico as possible, you can be sure that I know what’s what about Bacalar, la Laguna de 7 colores (the Lagoon of 7 Colors).

If you’re considering a vacation in Mexico, there’s a high chance you’re checking out Cancun, Cozumel or Tulum, as well as Bacalar, and wondering if they’re too touristy and over-hyped for you now (the answer, by the way, is that while they are super touristy, there are still many, many great things to do and see in both locations that aren’t over-touristed. So let’s look now at Bacalar and whether it’s a good place for your next trip (and talk about those pesky crocodiles!).

Bacalar Highlights

✅ Swimming in the crystal clear water of the laguna while surrounded by lush jungle

✅ Taking a boat tour to the incredible Pirates’ Canal and the cenotes

✅ Enjoying the Bacalar swings over the water at a beach club or balneario

✅ Feeling super-duper swanky staying in a lakeside hotel that doesn’t cost a fortune (or does, depending on your budget)

❌ FYI: You really aren’t going to see a crocodile in Bacalar lagoon, at least not if you read on and follow the smarts.

Is Bacalar a Lagoon, a Lake or a Beach?

💧 In Spanish, it is referred to as a “laguna”, a lagoon. It’s also regularly referred to as “La laguna de 7 Colores”, “the Lagoon of 7 Colors” but it’s actually a lake, not a lagoon or a beach.

💧 Bacalar is a fresh-water lake fed by underground rivers and cenotes. There are very few lakes on the Yucatan Peninsula so the Laguna de Bacalar is special both for its incredible colours and for its very existence. The peninsula is made of limestone and that is why there are cenotes and why, this lake has a white limestone bottom, which accounts for the striking bright blue clear water.

💧 If you look at a map you’ll see that actually, there are a series of interlinked lakes that eventually lead to the sea. It’s fascinating, check it! The primary lake, Laguna de Bacalar, is approximately 42 km long and about 2 km wide.

💧 While Bacalar is not on the beach, there are numerous lake-side beach clubs known as balnearios from where you can enjoy the beautiful Laguna de Siete Colores. If you really want beach-beach time then you’ll need to head up the coast to Cancun or Tulum or, even the incredible beaches of Yucatán, which are quieter and more gentle than those of Quintana Roo.

💧 Bacalar, as well as being this magnificent lake, is actually the name of the pueblo magico, that sits at the shore of the Laguna de 7 Colores. A pueblo magico (magic town) is so named by the Mexican government as a small town that’s attractive to visitors.

➕ Although Bacalar is not strictly a beach, it does feature, in my opinion as one of the most family friendly beaches in Mexico.

Is Bacalar Salt-Water or Fresh-Water?

💧 The lake is fed by cenotes and underground rivers so it is a freshwater lake – apparently it’s the second largest freshwater lake in Mexico after Lake Chapala in Jalisco.

Are There Crocodiles in Bacalar Lagoon?

🐊 For a long time it was thought that there were no crocodiles in Bacalar lagoon but recently the odd report of crocodile sightings have come to light. I read one newspaper article claiming someone saw a crocodile in Bacalar lagoon but it didn’t come with photos. 

🐊 There are crocodiles on the Yucatan Peninsula, we shouldn’t pretend there aren’t. Crocodiles sometimes show up in cenotes and on the beaches in both Yucatan and Quintana Roo. I’ve swum in a cenote that was known to be home to a crocodile (don’t ask why, please just don’t ask me why). So while there aren’t common sightings of crocodiles and there haven’t been any reports of crocodile attacks, I can’t say 100% they aren’t around.

🐊 Around the new park, Ecoparque Bacalar, there are signs warning of crocodile sightings and asking people to report if they do see any. The signs also remind people to NOT feed the crocodiles – who, for the love of all the gods, who needs reminding???

Do Other Animals Live in the Bacalar Lake?

🐠 Yes, absolutely. There are fish and stromatolites in the lake and of course, there are plenty of birds all around the area.

What are Stromatolites?

💧 Oh, only fossils of one of the earliest organisms on earth, and possibly the reason for the oxygenation of the atmosphere, hence the reason life as we know it, including humans, evolved. Stromatolites are super rare, this is one of the few places on earth where you can still find them. These things have been around for 3 billion years!

Please don’t touch them.

Can You Swim in Bacalar? 

💧 So, now we’ve answered the crocodile question, let’s consider swimming. Yes, the lake is great for swimming. There’s very little that’s more incredible than a swim in this beautiful lake of so many gorgeous colours. Not only is it stunningly beautiful but it’s also perfect for families as the shore areas offer shallow waters that are safe for kids.

💧 With regard to crocodiles, use common sense, ask in the hotels and the bars, ask locals and swim where the locals swim. 

Why is it called the Laguna de 7 Colores?

💧 The lake called the Laguna de 7 Colores because there are so many shades of blue in the water depending on how deep the water is. There are four cenotes in the Bacalar area, which also add to the startling colour differentiations.

Is Bacalar Worth Visiting and How Should I Behave While I’m There?

📌 In my opinion, everywhere is worth visiting but yes, Bacalar is truly somewhere to experience. 

📌 However, I do want to add a small caveat about the vulnerability of pristine environments and the responsibility we have as travellers and tourists, to treat everywhere with respect. Experts and locals have been reporting changes to the water colour over the past years. Tropical Storm Cristobal in 2020, for example, brought with it weeks of murky water for Bacalar. I read that every storm or influx of water like this causes changes to the water that are slower to reverse each time. 

📌 Mass tourism in an area with no adequate infrastructure to support it, like Bacalar (Tulum and Holbox too) can be problematic. 

📌 I get it, people want to see Bacalar, I did too. When the traditional Mexican Caribbean Coast destinations such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum are suffering from mass tourism, gentrification and sargassum, it’s only natural that people start looking for the ‘next cool spot’ but if everyone heads to the same place, what does that mean for a small town like Bacalar? I’m not saying don’t visit, I’m just asking people to be respectful.

📌 If you’re worried, head for the quieter areas of the Costa Maya or even to the gorgeous beaches of Yucatán Gulf Coast. We can all see the beautiful places as long as we’re thoughtful and respectful about how we do it.

📌 If you’re wondering about whether Bacalar has a sargassum problem, let me set your mind at ease right now. Sargassum is seaweed and since Bacalar isn’t on the beach, it isn’t a problem here. It is, however, an environmental disaster that Quintana Roo is facing more and more often now.

Easy Ways to be a Respectful Visitor to Bacalar

❌ Don’t wear suntan lotion in the laguna

❌ Don’t swim or take a boat in the laguna on Wednesdays. The local population is trying to give the lake’s fragile ecosystem a chance to recover by keeping people out on Wednesdays – play your part and abide by this

❌ Don’t drop litter anywhere

❌ Don’t overuse resources

⭐️ Check out our packing list for Mexico with kids to read more about what to pack for a trip to Bacalar

Quick History of Bacalar

The name Bacalar comes from the name of the original Maya city, Siyan Ka’an Bakjalal, which means, “Place surrounded by reeds where the sky is born” (remember, of course, there is a Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve up by Tulum, too). Isn’t that beautiful?

Bacalar was taken by the Spanish in 1543. It was the first city taken and held by the Spanish conquistadors on this side of the Peninsula. In 1545, the new town of Salamanca de Bacalar was established here. 

The series of waterways that lead to the ocean were a good passage for pirates and traders so eventually, in 1725, the San Felipe fort was built to combat piracy.  

Where is Bacalar?

🧭 Bacalar is located in the south of the state of Quintana Roo, near the Belize border. It’s about 2.5 hrs from Tulum and 40 minutes from Chetumal.

How to get to Bacalar

✈️ Chetumal International Airport or Cancun International airport 

🚗 Roads into Bacalar are fine. Across Quintana Roo there are potholes and topes (speed bumps) to watch out for but the roads are generally fine. Gas stations are few and far between so be sure to fill up your tank and refill when you have the chance

🚂 The Maya Train should be operational in early 2024, which offers yet more exciting experiences in this region and Bacalar will be one of the main stations on the route

Cancun 5hr 377 km

Campeche 6hr15 (420km) via Calakmul biosphere and ruins

Mérida  4hr20 345 km

Tulum 2hr30 210 km

Valladolid 3hr30 264km

Belize City 2hr50 180 km

Chetumal 40 mins 42 km

Check out car rental options here

🚌 There are ADO buses running to and from Bacalar from all the Mexican locations mentioned above. There is even the possibility of a direct ADO bus from Mexico City to Bacalar but I’m not sure I’d want to sit on a bus for 24 hours – better to fly from CDMX to Cancun airport or Chetumal airport and drive or pick up a bus. 

Check bus routes in Spanish on ADO or in English on Busbud

🚊 The Tren Maya is expected to stop in Bacalar but since it’s not finished yet, we don’t really know exactly what this will look like or mean for the small town.

🚢 Cruise Ships do not visit Bacalar but it is possible to pick up a tour to Bacalar if you’re cruising in the area and have a stop scheduled along the Costa Maya

How long do You Need in Bacalar?

I’d say three days is the minimum time to relax and see Bacalar but longer will work nicely too! 

When is the Best Time to Visit Bacalar?

🔆 Nov – May is considered the best time to visit Bacalar but pretty much all year round Bacalar will be lovely. January is coolest month, which just means locals might not be swimming (highs of 29C and lows of 19C)

🌦 June – October are the hottest months as well as officially being rainy season and hurricane season. This generally means an hour or so of rain a day if this is the only time you can come, it’ll be ok but while hurricanes are extremely rare, tropical storms do hit between August – October and tropical storms, as we’ve already seen, can change the water from gorgeous blues to murky browns. Hardly what you’re visiting for.

High season: the Christmas and Easter (Spring Break) are high season so expect higher prices and try to book in advance if this is when you want to visit.

What are the Best Things to do in Bacalar?

Most of the best things to do in Bacalar and the surrounding area are outdoor activities that give you a chance to appreciate the natural beauty of the region and play in the water. There are also a multitude of great places to relax in Bacalar including those famous Bacalar swings.  

There are a few options for accessing the water

➡️ Public access through Balnearios (a lake side space with designated laguna access)

➡️ Beach clubs, restaurants and hotel with day-passes

➡️ Take a boat tour of the laguna

➡️ Rent a house or stay in a hotel with lakeside access

Relax and Enjoy the Bacalar Lagoon at the Balnearios

There are a few balnearios around the shore of the laguna. Typically this is where locals and national tourists will go spend time in the laguna. There is generally a small entrance fee and it won’t feel as luxurious as a private beach club but it’s a great option for anyone without a huge budget. When we visited we spent time at both balnearios and beach clubs.

Balneario Ejidal Magico

This balneario is right in the town of Bacalar. It has a long wooden pier (there’s a reason Bacalar is sometimes called the Maldives of Mexico), diving rafts just off the shore, water slides and even hammocks and swings in the water. The cafe has good food.

Balneario Ecologico 

This balnerario is much quieter, there’s far less going on. If you want to access the laguna without the trappings of Instagram or any facilities at all, this is the gorgeous spot for you.

Ecoparque Bacalar

Keep going a few more blocks out of town and you’ll reach the new Ecoparque Bacalar – here you’ll find a new and long, sturdy wooden 1km walkway that takes you around a 5hectare section of the laguna.

$20 pesos per person (free for locals)

🐊 Note that there are signs here warning of crocodiles in specific sections (because not all of it is over clear blue water where you’d actually want to swim anyway)

Balneario Municipal El Asseradero

This balneario has a beautiful looking pier with a thatched covering at the end. You can also hire lancha tours from here. While we managed to hire our boat here, we weren’t actually permitted into this balneario because it can also be hired out for events. When we wanted to visit it was closed for a wedding.

Bacalar Beach Clubs, Hotels and Restaurants On The Laguna

Move away from the public access locations and you’ll find more luxury. Find your beach club, pull up a lounger, order a drink annnnnnd, relax.

Los Aluxes

This beautiful hotel and restaurant a few minutes outside of the town centre offers $200 day passes. We spent a very enjoyable time eating, drinking and swimming here. I’ve seen mixed reviews recently but we had a wonderful time here both times we went. The food is good, there are swings over the water, a water slide, beautiful views and lovely pier seating areas over the water.

La Playita

 One of the most consistently popular restaurants in Bacalar, we felt duty bound to try it out. On the laguna shore and extremely well regarded, what’s not to love? But please, make a reservation otherwise you’re likely to be disappointed. The food is excellent and the views, well they’re great too. The entire restaurant is built on wooden platforms around the laguna and wooden piers stretch out over the water.

Bacalar Beach Club

If you’re looking or somewhere with lakefront access and plenty of actions, this could be what you’re looking for. There’s a DJ, infinity pool, loungers, jacuzzi, mixology bar and plenty of water based activities for you including hammocks in the water and kayaks. There are even private jacuzzis for rent although they aren’t included in the basic day pass price.

$150 pesos per person for a day pass

Cocolitos – sadly, it seems that Cocolitos has permanently closed.

Taking a Boat Tour On The Laguna

Even if you are feeling lazy and have found the perfect spot to set yourself up for a day of drinking, nibbling and swimming, I do recommend taking the time for a boat tour of the laguna. You can have a great time at the shore but you won’t get to truly experience the full beauty of the place.

We took our tour from the municipal balneario. We hired a private lancha (local boat) because we were six people. It’s possible to pick up local boats (lanchas) or to take sail boats, or catamarans if you prefer. Local boats, are of course, cheaper.

Most the tours seem to be pretty well identical and involve riding around to see the various sights on the lagoon of seven colors:

⛵️ A cenote – we swam in Cenote Negro (also called Cenote La Bruja), which is about 90m deep

⛵️ Bird Island (Isla de los Pajaros) – you probably won’t see many birds as it isn’t permitted to dock and the birds roost here rather than spend their days here

⛵️ Canal de los Piratas (Pirates’ Canal) – an extremely shallow area of beautiful water where you can swim and play to your heart’s content. The canal is probably the most photographed part of Bacalar’s laguna and with good reason. The canal links Laguna de Bacalar with Laguna de Mariscal and was used by pirates in the 1700s

Mexico Cassie Tour Recommendations

⭐️ Book a private catamaran tour of the Laguna de Bacalar (includes wine)

⭐️ Take a 4-5 hour lancha tour of the Laguna de Bacalar that visits all three cenotes, Pirates’ Canal, Los Rapidos, Isla de los Pajaros, 2 other islands and 2 secret rivers!

Are you wondering if the boat tours are worth it? Let me tell you that emphatically, yes, they’re worth it. They’re really why you’re going to Bacalar. 

Visit the Cenotes 

There are four cenotes around the laguna; three form part of the laguna and one is a little removed. All four of these are fully open, mature cenotes and are a lot of fun for swimming and diving.

If you’re looking for a cave cenote experience, I recommend heading over to Yucatán to Mérida or Valladolid as they are the towns with the most cenotes to explore.

All four cenotes are located pretty close together.

Cenote Bruja  (also known as Cenote Negro)130m across and about 100m deep

Cenote Esmerelda – 70 m deep

Cenote Azul – 90m deep just off the main lake

Cenote Cocalitos – closed for now. This is one of the places to swim around the stromatolites

What Other Water Activities are There in Bacalar?

You can rent kayaks, paddle boards, and more all along the shore.

➡️ Take a guided paddle board sunrise tour with floating picnic for incredible views over the laguna

Visit Los Rapidos and the Stromatolites

It’s also possible to see the stromatolites at Los Rapidos, the most narrow point of the Laguna de 7 Colores. I haven’t personally been and reviews online are extremely mixed. Swimming in the water around the stromatolites seems to be popular but people are clear that the cafe is not great and the owners do not properly care for the area. There is an entrance fee and life jackets are required. 

What Else is There to do Around Bacalar?

Can I Pretend to be a Pirate at San Felipe Fort?

The fort was built in 1729 to defend the area against pirates (ooooh, imagine my shock when I realised that the pirates were the British! That was an eye-opener I can tell you).

There is a good museum in the fort about the region’s history. Be sure to go in.

Are There Archaeological Sites Near Bacalar?

It looks as if Ichkabal, the nearest ruin to Bacalar, is not currently open. I recommend asking in Bacalar before setting out for on the 1hr30 journey to this Maya ruin, especially since much of it is on an unpaved road.

If you have time and an interest in Maya ruins in Quintana Roo and beyond I recommend, instead, taking the time to

📌 Take a tour to Dzibanche and Kohunlich Ruins

📌 Drive north to see the archeological sites of Yucatán – think Chichén Itzá, Uxmal, Ruta Puuc

📌 Drive north to see the archeological sites of Quintana Roo – think Tulum, Cobá, and Muyil

📌 Drive west to see the archeological sites of Campeche – think Calakmul, Bamku, Chicanna or Edzná (Calakmul and Becán both make it onto the list of top 10 ruins to visit on the Yucatán Peninsula.)

📌 Even south to Palenque in Chiapas is possible from Bacalar

Are There Really Sunflower Fields Near Bacalar?

I have not seen them, but apparently there are now fields of sunflowers not too far from Bacalar. The field is just at km 22.5 on the Reforma – Bacalar Highway on a ranch called Perssa. You’re right to be a little surprised. Sunflowers are not native to Mexico but here we are, living in an Instagram World and yes, there are sunflowers. Just as there are outside Mérida too.

Where Should You Stay In Bacalar?

Modest Budget – Pata de Perro Hostel and Suites on the zocalo – walking distance from the laguna. The hostel restaurant is also excellent. We stayed here because we were feeling pretty poor when first visited and liked it very much.

Lakeside Camping – Ecocamping Yaxche offers reasonably priced rooms and tents just ten minutes outside Bacalar and even has its own hammocks and swings over the water!

5⭐️ Luxury in Bacalar town – Casa Chukum

5⭐️ Luxury apartment with Private Lake Access – Xoot Ka’Ana Villa Fantasia (yes, ok, I’ve had my eye on this one for a while because it looks super special, if massively out of my own budget)

Where Should Eat In Bacalar?

I definitely recommend Balneario Ejidal Magico, Pata de Perro, and Los Aluxes if you’re already there, all places I’ve mentioned above in this article.

La Playita, also mentioned above is definitely worth a meal.

Mango Y Chile is a delicious option for non meat-eaters.

Final Bacalar Questions

Which is better, Bacalar or Holbox?

That really depends on what you’re looking for. Holbox is a small idyllic island off the north coast of Quintana Roo. If you have time you could visit both and decide for yourself.

My view? Both are amazingly gorgeous, laid back places with plenty of luxury available. If you really want beaches, Holbox is for you. If you’re not fussed about the sand part and want to experience something completely different, Bacalar might work well.

Both locations are struggling with the realities of over-tourism. Neither has an infrastructure that can sustainably support the level of tourism its seeing so which ever you visit, please be aware of this fact.

Are there ATMs in Bacalar?

There are a few, yes. However, as is of then the way in small places that haven’t yet grown into tourist demand, there are not many and they are not always guaranteed to have money in them. Take cash, plenty of it and make sure it’s Mexican pesos.

Can I get married in Bacalar?

You can get married in Bacalar as long as you have some one to marry. You can’t just show up and expect someone to marry you. The correct questions you should be asking are, “can we get married in Bacalar?” or “can my fiance(e) and I get married in Bacalar?”

If you fancy a Bacalar wedding you’re not alone…

But seriously, yes, there are oodles of people out there just dying to help you get married in Bacalar. I’m not one of them. I don’t know much about weddings or the legal requirements for getting married in Quintana Roo except that queer marriage has been legal there since 2012 (queer marriage is legal across the whole of Mexico now, by the way, which is wonderful).

Even the tour aggregate site, Viator, has got in on the act and is offering Bacalar wedding packages.

A Final Word on Bacalar and its Crocodiles

So, despite the question that brought you here being, “are there crocodiles in Bacalar lagoon?” I hope I’ve persuaded you that Bacalar is somewhere you can safely have an absolutely magical time.