Have you ever dreamed of a paradise where crystal-clear waters embrace your body, hammocks sway gently above the water, and warm sunlight caresses your skin? Mexico offers not only stunning beaches but also magical freshwater lakes where you can swim to your heart’s content and enjoy unspoiled natural beauty. Let’s explore the most beautiful lakes in Mexico, starting with the gem of Bacalar!
Bacalar Lake: The Magical Lagoon of Seven Colors
Lake Bacalar, also known as the “Lagoon of Seven Colors,” is a breathtaking freshwater lagoon with stunning turquoise waters. It offers countless opportunities to cool off from the Mexican heat. Just a 2-hour drive from the bustling town of Tulum, Bacalar offers a completely different atmosphere: relaxed, peaceful, and enchanting. It’s no wonder it was officially recognized as a Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) in 2006. Bacalar is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the Yucatan Peninsula.
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination in Mexico, Lake Bacalar is a perfect choice. But what makes it so special?
Discovering the Magic of Bacalar Lake
The Yucatan region is famous for its cenotes, essentially sinkholes formed by the area’s porous limestone bedrock, filled with fresh groundwater. These cenotes have been incredibly important throughout thousands of years of history. They provided the Maya people with a stable source of drinking water and were used in religious rituals, including human sacrifices.
The Bacalar Lagoon is actually a system of interconnected, collapsed cenotes, forming a lagoon that is 42km long! This might be the largest freshwater lake in Mexico. The fine white sand bottom and crystal-clear water at varying depths create the lagoon’s seven vibrant colors.
You’ll witness countless shades of blue, from pale turquoise to sky blue and deep indigo. This difference comes from the varying depths of the water. The shallow areas are clear mint-colored, while the deepest points display a captivating deep blue.
Lake Bacalar is a lagoon, meaning it’s a saltwater lake formed by the action of sea waves. Lagoons are therefore usually close to the sea. There are nearly 2 million lakes in the world, but lagoons are very rare, making them incredibly unique.
To protect the lagoon and preserve its vibrant colors, you need to follow certain rules when entering the water. Most importantly, do not use sunscreen (even reef-safe or biodegradable types), as they can negatively affect the water’s pH balance and harm the fragile ecosystem.
Bacalar Lake has many areas with different colors
The town of Bacalar is small and easily walkable. However, the lagoon itself is vast, and you’ll need a boat or kayak to explore different areas. Most guesthouses and hotels offer kayak rentals or free use.
Although Lake Bacalar is a year-round destination, the best time to visit is from January to March, when temperatures are more pleasant and there are fewer tourists. Avoid hurricane season from August to October and peak season in December, when prices are higher. The rainy season lasts from June to November, with the heaviest rainfall in September and October.
Lake Bacalar has many accommodation options, but it’s still quite rustic and infrastructure is fairly basic. Even luxury hotels may not have good Wi-Fi, and most guesthouses don’t serve breakfast.
Stunning lagoon in Mexico from above – Bacalar Lake
Must-Do Activities at Lake Bacalar
1. Explore the Blue Cenote (Cenote Azul)
Although the entire lagoon is comprised of a series of cenotes, there are still a few distinct cenotes located along the lagoon’s edge, including Cenote Azul Bacalar, also known as Cenote de las Brujas (Witches’ Cenote).
Blue Cenote Lake Bacalar
Cenote Azul is huge, one of the largest cenotes in Mexico. True to its name, it’s filled with deep blue water. You can simply swim to cool off on a hot day, or snorkel or scuba dive to explore underwater caves that reach depths of 90 meters!
Blue Cenote Lake Bacalar from above
2. Take a Boat Trip
The first thing you should do in Bacalar is definitely take a boat trip. This is the best way to see the most beautiful parts of the lagoon in just 3 hours. The lagoon is most beautiful at midday, so opt for a trip around 11 am.
Speedboat tours depart every hour, and you can easily book one with locals on the street. Prices are usually fixed, so you don’t need to worry about haggling. If you want a more private experience, opt for luxury sailboat tours. In peak season, pontoon and sailing tours often sell out quickly.
If you don’t fancy a boat, another popular option is to rent a kayak or SUP (stand-up paddleboard). If you’re staying in town, all the popular spots on the lagoon are only a 15 to 30-minute paddle away. Pack a cooler with drinks and snacks, and you can easily spend a whole day kayaking around. Most hotels offer kayak and SUP rentals or free use.
Multi-colored lagoon at Lake Bacalar
3. Relax at Pirate Channel (Canal de los Piratas)
This is perhaps the most famous spot on Lake Bacalar. If you take a boat trip, you’ll definitely stop here. Its location is also very convenient, located on the lagoon shore opposite the town, only about a 15-minute kayak paddle away.
This channel was once a hideout for pirates in the 18th century. Today, it’s a stunning destination with very shallow water for wading. In the middle of the channel, you’ll find an abandoned structure shaped like a ship. It’s believed to have been a restaurant, but it was abandoned before it opened.
Pirate Channel Lake Bacalar
This is a shallow area for swimming in Lake Bacalar
4. Experience Los Rapidos
Located at the southern tip of Lake Bacalar, Los Rapidos is a natural “lazy river” where you can float along with the current. Floating down the rapids here is truly amazing. Los Rapidos is a 20-minute drive from Bacalar and is only accessible by car or bike, but it’s well worth the trip. There’s an on-site restaurant, but prices are a bit steep.
5. Swim at Cenote Cocalitos
Another popular spot on Lake Bacalar, Cenote Cocalitos is a balneario (swimming spot) famous for its water swings and colorful hammocks. The shallow water here is crystal clear and perfect for swimming, especially for children. There’s also an on-site restaurant serving delicious caldo de camaron (shrimp soup).
6. Admire Stromatolites
On the shores of Lake Bacalar, you’ll see many rocks that look like pancakes. These are called Stromatolites, a type of rock formed by ancient bacteria. In fact, they are the oldest ecosystems on earth!
Stromamatolites – a type of rock formed by ancient bacteria – Lake Bacalar
Stromatolites have existed for up to three billion years, and these fossils still exist today! Living stromatolite rocks are only found in a few saltwater bodies on earth, and Lake Bacalar is one of the rare places where you can find them. Some of the best spots to see Stromatolites in Bacalar are at Cenote Cocalitos and Los Rapidos. As they are living fossils, be careful and avoid stepping on them!
7. Stroll Around Bacalar Town
Designated as one of Mexico’s pueblo magicos (magical towns), Bacalar town is a small and quiet place that you can easily explore in a day. Like most Spanish colonial towns, the center of Bacalar is the main square/park, with streets running parallel and perpendicular to it. The town’s main square is where you’ll find the colorful Bacalar sign.
Colorful Bacalar sign in town – Lake Bacalar
Although the town seems small now, it’s hard to imagine that Bacalar was once an important city in the Mayan civilization in pre-Columbian times. It was the first city in the region to be captured by the Spanish conquistadors in 1543. Today, Bacalar is a quaint town that still offers a charming glimpse into old Mexico life.
Explore the small town of Bacalar – Lake Bacalar
Beyond Bacalar: Other Stunning Lakes in Mexico
Mexico is not just about Lake Bacalar. Here are a few other suggestions for those who love swimming and exploring nature:
- Lake Chapala (Jalisco): Mexico’s largest lake, famous for its stunning scenery and traditional fishing villages.
- Lake Patzcuaro (Michoacan): A picturesque lake with small islands and unique indigenous culture.
- Lagunas de Montebello (Chiapas): A biosphere reserve with many stunning turquoise lakes surrounded by pine forests.
Conclusion
Mexico is a country with countless wonders to discover, and its beautiful lakes are an indispensable part of that diverse natural tapestry. Lake Bacalar is certainly a gem, but don’t forget to explore other lakes for memorable swimming and nature exploration experiences. Plan your trip today and immerse yourself in the clear waters of Mexico’s most beautiful lakes!