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This Hugely Popular Destination South Of Cancun Launches New Security Operation To Keep Tourists Safe

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Officials in the emerging hotspot of Bacalar recently announced a massive new security operation to protect travelers over the summer.

Aerial view of a boat on a colourful lagoon in Bacalar

The coastal destination is most famous for its stunning azure lagoons, where travelers can find unique bungalow accommodations and scenic nature trails. With the destination exploding in popularity this summer, authorities are keen on protecting a growing number of travelers from crime and other risks. 

As the massively popular destination continues to grow, here’s what authorities are doing this summer to protect travelers.

A swing in a colourful lagoon in Bacalar

Officials Ramp Up Security Amid Travel Frenzy

Bacalar is a Magical Town as well as an eco-tourism hotspot situated in the southern portion of the Mexican Caribbean state of Quintana Roo. It lies in a scenic region that is well-known for its verdant nature and especially the Lagoon of 7 Colors, a massive lake that derives its name from its different shades of blue.

The destination is mainly booming on the back of a growing supply of online rentals and Airbnbs, as well as a handful of unique overwater bungalows, which attract travelers in droves.

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@travelsbytash Make sure to visit Bacalar on your next trip to Mexico! The colour of the water here is insane 😍 #backpackingmexico #solofemalebackpacker #bacalarmexico #visitmexico🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽 #mexicotips ♬ Walking On a Dream – Empire of the Sun

According to recent estimates, the tropical designation is welcoming as many as 20 busloads of travelers each day this summer, with some five to six thousand travelers setting foot in the city. 

With so many travelers keen to visit one of the most gorgeous eco-hubs in the region, officials have launched a security operation over the summer to protect visitors. 

Aerial view of bacalar in mexico

Aside from offering plenty of land-based activities, Bacalar is a hub for aquatic sports and tours, which allow travelers to experience the thrilling beauty of its tropical waters.

With some 300 to 400 boats, speedboats, and other watercraft operating in the locale, swimming safety is one of the major issues officials are targeting this summer. 

That’s why the city will be launching new units to oversee tour and excursion operators in the thriving destination. Although most firms comply with strict regulations, officials are concerned about the potential of informal operators that may lack safety equipment, potentially putting travelers at risk. 

A police pick up truck in Playa del Carmen

Another key measure being taken to bolster security is the launching of a new land-based tourism police unit that will assist travelers and help deter organized crime from targeting tourists.

Travelers will also be able to benefit from several new bilingual officers who can provide directions and guidance when needed. 

Reflecting on the new security mission, Ramón Javier Padilla Balam said the following: “We have reinforced safety in Bacalar, especially because of the busy summer season, and we’ve deployed new units in water and on land”.

@photomanana #bacalar#bacalarmexico#losrapidos#traveltiktok#podrozemaleiduze#meksykanin#onewayticket#dronevideo#dji#dronelife ♬ Porcelain – Moby

Being a smaller destination compared to the likes of Tulum or Playa del Carmen, which have also launched their own security operation for the summer, Bacalar is set to receive reinforcements from the Chetumal, the capital of the Mexican Caribbean state of Quintana Roo, as well as the state-run Secretariat for Citizen Security (SSC). 

Bacalar is expected to smash travel records this year, with some estimates predicting the coastal destination could welcome up to 50,000 visitors over the coming months, a considerable jump compared to the 38,000 travelers that set foot in the destination in the summer of 2019.

An overwater bungalow in the Mexican Caribbean

Some of the trendiest activities this summer in Bacalar include this top-rated, 4-hour boat tour of the famous Pirates’ Channel. The $49.99-per-person ticket also includes snorkeling and swimming and an open bar to boot.

Although travelers can find hundreds of tours in the popular destination, visitors are urged to check and verify reviews to ascertain the safety of their tour operator.

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