1. Set sail on the Bacalar Lagoon

Setting sail with Bacalar Sailing was the perfect start to my time in Bacalar.

When the sail caught its first wind, the catamaran slowly started flowing over the water, it was a sensational experience.

Flooded by interesting facts from our passionate captain, we were guided to some of the most appealing corners of the lagoon.

All of this while we enjoyed fresh fruits and a couple of chilled Corona’s, lovely right?

Along the way, we’d stopped several times – meaning there was plenty of time to go swimming, snorkelling and relaxing.

By joining a boat tour in Bacalar, you’ll experience the exceptional Bacalar Lagoon in its full potential, while your body and mind come at ease, for that reason alone, I would highly recommend it.

Sailing the Bacalar Lagoon is after all one of the most popular things to do in Bacalar, and that’s for an excellent reason if you ask me.

Update | For those keen to sail the lagoon with a larger group, Bacalar Sailing recently bought a new sailboat, meaning they can now accommodate up to 10 people.

2. Take a kayak around the Bacalar Lagoon

If you’re an adventurous traveller like me, you most likely also desire to uncover the pristine Bacalar Lagoon at a slower pace. If that’s the case, I’d highly recommend renting a kayak.

Not only does it provide the freedom to discover the most mesmerizing corners of the lagoon, but it will also help to burn the extra calories you gained by indulging in the most delicious Mexican food – more on that later.

As I mentioned before, the Bacalar Lagoon has no shortage of fascinating things to see – some of my favourites include El Canal de Los Piratas, Cenote Negro and Bird Island, just to mention a few.

But it’s not solely the points of interest that make the Bacalar Lagoon the breathtaking spectacle that it is.

Along the way, you’ll notice how the lucid water beneath your kayak gently fluctuates between a wide array of turquoise and blue shades. The reason for this is a phenomenal play between the sun, clouds, and the lagoon’s idyllic limestone soil.

In my view, a trip to Bacalar simply wouldn’t be complete without an adventurous kayak trip on its stunningly appealing lagoon, so make sure you don’t miss out on this exciting activity.

3. Enjoy an exceptional lunch at Enamora Bacalar

For those who are interested in the best breakfast, brunch and lunch joint in Bacalar, look no further, Enamora Bacalar is exactly that – and more!

Located only a short walk from Bacalar’s lively main square is Enamora, a trendy coffee shop that has a clear purpose to let you walk away in a satisfied and joyful state of being.

This was clearly also the case when I stopped by for a late lunch.

Their comprehensive menu is full of incredible options. Think savoury sandwiches, nourishing smoothies, as well as high-quality coffee, including my absolute favourite, a coconut latte.

Although a lunch at Enamora Bacalar truly is a delight for the taste buds, the real draw for me was the fact that they serve lots of organic and vegan options. Not to mention that they serve exceptional freshly baked pastries.

For the aforementioned reasons, I cannot stress enough to visit at least once while you’re in Bacalar.

4. Paddle the lagoon during sunrise

When it comes to exciting things to do in Bacalar, stand-up paddling should definitely be on top of your list, especially when done during a marvellous Bacalar sunrise.

Stand Up Paddling rapidly made a reputation for itself over the last couple of years. As a result of this, you’ll find quite a lot of companies that provide this wonderful activity in Bacalar.

Luckily for me, Uziel from Yaxche Bacalar organized a phenomenal 2-hour sunrise excursion.

For someone who never set foot on a paddleboard before, it came as a welcoming surprise when I eventually ventured (slightly inconvenient though) over the untouched lagoon of Bacalar.

As I paddled my way into the unknown, the gentle morning sun slowly enlightened the lagoon. And I have to admit it, to this day, this is still one of the most spectacular travel experiences I’ve ever had.

Yes, you heard me right – it was bloody awesome!

For those on a tight time schedule, I believe this is the one thing you should definitely be doing in Bacalar – but I leave that up to you.

5. Get a dose of adventure at Los Rápidos Bacalar

Set within only 15 minutes of Bacalar Town is the unique Los Rápidos Bacalar, an unbeatable destination that is charmed by crystal clear waters and fascinating stromatolites.

But it is the natural current that really sets Los Rápidos apart from the far calmer Bacalar Lagoon, making it an excellent place for those after a more adventuresome travel experience.

The aforementioned natural flow of the water allows travellers to do interesting activities such as kayaking or drift snorkelling – both extremely entertaining and definitely worthy of your time.

However, If you’re not looking to be very active, I still recommend stopping by – the area is one of the most beautiful sceneries in Bacalar – plus it’s home to a bunch of hammocks, where you can easily chill away an afternoon.

Ooh, and the idyllic setting of Los Rápidos makes a superb backdrop for your next Instagram post.

6. Spend a day relaxing at the Bacalar Lagoon

The stillness that triumphs over the incredible Bacalar Lagoon is so enchanting, that it instantly invited me to do perfectly nothing.

Life is simple here, and I absolutely love it.

And though the activities on the lagoon are utterly amusing (and not to be missed), a lazy day spent next to the Bacalar Lagoon is easily one of my favourite things to do in Bacalar.

Therefore, I highly recommend setting down your towel at one of the many piers, bringing a good book – and of course, some of your favourite snacks, and only move when you believe it’s time to take a dive into the lagoon.

Additionally, there is Cenote Cocalitos, a beautiful part of the lagoon where you’ll notice a large range of exquisite stromatolites (living rocks that are considered among the oldest living organisms on the planet).

Cenote Cocalitos is a place where you’ll easily spend an afternoon – the water here is crystal clear and the swings are ideal for hanging out, making it perfect for those who prefer to combine relaxing and sightseeing.

Do however keep in mind that stromatolites are living rocks, meaning they should be left alone at all costs. Sadly, some people still feel the urge to touch the stromatolites, even with clear warning signs.