Boca de Agua

Bacalar offers more than its lagoon and you can discover its lesser-known side through a range of guided tours. Set out to explore the landscapes, small villages and natural areas that sit just beyond the water. One highlight is the nearby archaeological zone, where you can walk among Maya pyramids and structures built hundreds of years ago.

As you follow the paths, you’ll learn how people lived, traded and moved through this region long before Bacalar became a travel destination. These tours give you a balanced way to experience both nature and history, helping you understand Bacalar from a wider perspective.

Start or end your day on Bacalar Lagoon with a guided paddleboard tour that focuses on slow, steady movement and time on the water. A local guide leads you across the calm surface as the light shifts during sunrise or sunset, giving you space to settle into the experience at your own pace.

Along the way, you’ll take a break for a swim at Los Rápidos, a shallow, fast-flowing stretch known for its clear water. The tour includes water, coffee and small snacks to keep you comfortable. It’s a great way to spend time outdoors and see the lagoon from a fresh angle.

Explore San Felipe Fort right in the centre of Bacalar, a short trip from Boca de Agua. Built in 1733, the fort once protected the town from pirate raids along the Caribbean coast. As you walk through the stone corridors and open areas, you’ll get a clear sense of its past purpose and the strategic design behind its walls.

From the lookout points, you can see the lagoon and the narrow Pirate Canal, which once served as a route for incoming attacks. The fort is well preserved and easy to navigate, making it a great way to learn about Bacalar’s history while taking in steady views of the water.