The Best Balnearios In Bacalar Mexico

Situated alongside a stunning blue lagoon, the town of Bacalar is without doubt one of the highlights of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. One of the best ways to relax and rejuvenate in this stunning destination is to spend the day in one of its many balnearios – spa clubs which are located along the lake. With that in mind, here is our guide to the very best balnearios the town has to offer.

1. Rancho Alegre Bacalar

Natural Feature

One of the most popular balnearios in Bacalar, Rancho Alegre boasts an excellent and affordable seafood restaurant, clean bathrooms and a pleasant seating area. Admission costs just 30 pesos ($1.60) and there are also basic but clean cabins available to rent overnight. The crystal clear waters surrounding Rancho Alegre are perfect for swimming, diving and snorkelling. Kayaks are also available to rent if you want to head further out into the lagoon.

2. Balneario Municipal El Aserradero

Natural Feature

Less than a 10 minute walk from Bacalar’s center, the Balneario Municipal is a favorite for visiting families and locals. The well-kept balneario boasts a long, elegant pier and is the perfect place to swim. It costs 10 pesos ($0.55) to enter if you bring a car, but is completely free if you walk. There is also the option to take a two hour boat tour for 250 pesos ($13). Bear in mind that there is no restaurant, so bring some food and enjoy a picnic alongside the famous lagoon.

3. Balneario Magico

Natural Feature

The first balneario that opened in Bacalar is still the most popular. The Balneario Magico has more of an amusement park feel, with an expansive area for swimming and bathing, water slides, dressing rooms and a seafood restaurant. The shallow lagoon never reaches a depth of more than 1 meter (3.3 feet), so this is a popular spot for families with young children. Entrance costs just 15 pesos ($0.80), but do expect big crowds on weekends and national holidays.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.