Forget The Sargassum! Why You Should Visit The 'Maldives' Of Mexico

Forget the endless seaweed cleanup and the nose‑wrinkling smell—there’s a new contender on the scene calling all sun chasers: Bacalar, the “Maldives” of Mexico.

While the Riviera Maya battles one of its worst sargassum seasons yet, we at The Cancun Sun have set our sights inland, where the waters stay crystal clear and the vibe stays laid-back.

Ready to trade in brown mats of seaweed for seven shades of blue? Read on for everything you need to know to plan your own Bacalar escape.

🌊 Why Bacalar? No Sargassum, All Serenity & Laid-Back Charm

Let’s get right to it: Bacalar’s main draw is its freshwater lagoon—nicknamed the “Lagoon of Seven Colors”—and it’s totally immune to the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt that’s been wreaking havoc on the coast.

Because the lagoon is a closed freshwater system, those smelly seaweed blooms that roll into Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum simply can’t make it here.

What you get instead is guaranteed, year-round clarity and calm, plus zero rotten-egg odors.

But it’s not just about the crystal water. Bacalar feels like a secret hideaway—no mega-resorts, no crowds of spring breakers, just small-batch luxury and boho-chic boutique stays tucked into the jungle.

The town itself is cozy. Pastel-colored streets lined with cafecitos, local artisans selling handcrafted hammocks, and a handful of family-run eateries dishing up fresh ceviche and tacos al pastor.

Evenings here move at island time: think hammocks strung between palm trees, cocktails with names you can’t pronounce, and stars so bright you’ll feel like you’re floating in the lagoon yourself.

If you’re craving real relaxation (and an Insta-worthy backdrop), Bacalar’s laid-back charm can’t be beat.

Female Tourist Lounging in a Hammock in the Bacalar Lagoon in Bacalar, Mexico

🚗🛤️ How to Get There: Your Options, Your Adventure

No matter how you slice it, Bacalar is about a four-and-a-half-hour journey from Cancun. Here’s the lowdown:

By Car: Hit the highway, follow the signs for Chetumal/Bacalar, and enjoy a scenic drive through Quintana Roo’s jungle and farmland. You’ll pass the southern tip of the Riviera Maya, then roll into Bacalar just in time for sunset over the lagoon.
On the Maya Train: The new Tren Maya makes it supremely easy—board in Playa del Carmen or Tulum, sit back in an air-conditioned car, and let the tracks do the work. It’s about a 4½-hour trip, too, and you’ll disembark right in Bacalar town. The benefit of this method vs. a car is that the ride will be WAY more comfortable!
By Air + Shuttle: If you’re crunched for time, you can catch a flight from Mexico City or Cancun to Chetumal International Airport (about a 1.5-hour hop). From Chetumal, it’s just a 45-minute shuttle or taxi ride south to Bacalar.

Whatever route you choose, you’ll find it well worth the journey once you dip your toes into those tranquil turquoise waters.

🛶 What to Do: Lagoon Life and Laid-Back Luxury

Bacalar’s tempo is a far cry from the buzzy beach clubs of its coastal cousins. Here’s how to make the most of your stay, all while soaking up that exclusive, boutique-town energy:

Lagoon Tours & Cenote Hopping: Board a traditional “panga” boat and explore the lagoon’s hidden cavities—Cenote Negro, Cenote Esmeralda—and glide through the Canal de los Piratas, a narrow channel once frequented by buccaneers.
Stand-Up Paddle & Kayak: Rent gear right from your hotel dock and paddle across glass-smooth water. With zero waves, it’s beginner-friendly and postcard-perfect.
Los Rápidos Drift: Jump in at the canal near the town pier and drift with the lazy current—think natural waterslide, Bacalar style.
Fuerte de San Felipe: Step back in time at this 18th-century fortress built to guard against pirate raids. The onsite museum offers a peek at colonial artifacts and local lore.
Sunset & Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, Bacalar’s evenings are made for rum cocktails lakeside and marveling at the Milky Way.

🏨 Where to Stay: Boutique Bliss & Eco-Chic Vibes

Bacalar’s accommodation scene is all about small-batch luxury—no massive high-rises here.

Between 2018 and 2022, the town added over 480 rooms—an 83% increase—yet kept things intimate and eco-minded.

Expect boutique hotels, eco-lodges, and lakeside cabins that feel exclusive but unpretentious. Top picks include:

MÍA Bacalar Luxury Resort & Spa: Chic, minimalist design with a spa, swim-up suites, and direct lagoon access.
Casa Hormiga: A boho hideaway where handcrafted hammocks, earthy palettes, and jungle-meets-lakeside style reign supreme.
Eco-Cabins & Glamping: For a back-to-nature feel, several lodges offer rustic-meets-luxury tents steps from the lagoon—perfect for disconnecting in style.

Rooms can fill up fast—especially during summer when the coast is bogged down by seaweed—so book at least a month in advance to score the best deals.

Why Bacalar Might Be The Best Choice For Travelers This Busy Winter Season

☀️ When to Go: Summer’s Secret Season

Here’s the twist: while the Playa del Carmen–Tulum corridor may get sargassum in summer, Bacalar is at its prime.

The lagoon’s water levels and clarity are stable year-round, but June through August bring fewer crowds and often lower rates.

You’ll find the coolest breezes off the water, plus that boutique-town calm, no mega-resort chaos here.

💡 Tips & Tricks from The Cancun Sun

Pack Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Protect your skin and the delicate stromatolite reefs in the lagoon.
Bring Cash: Some local eateries and paddleboard rentals are cash-only.
Learn a Little Spanish: A few phrases go a long way in town—locals love the effort.
Support Local: From handcrafted hammocks to mole dipping sauces, buying local crafts helps the community thrive.