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Top Family-Friendly Activities to do in Bacalar, Mexico with Kids!

9/27/2023

 
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​Bacalar, Mexico is a perfect family-friendly destination that offers an amazing array of activities for adults and kids. To make your family trip truly successful, it is important to plan activities that cater to the interests and needs of your children. We have three kids of varying ages (17, 10, and 8 years old) so we wanted to make sure we chose activities that would be fun and engaging for all of them!

Activity 1: Visit the Balneario Ejidal Magico Bacalar


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A sunny day at the Balenario, lots of families
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Another view from the Balenario, older kids played on the ropes and dove off the dock

Av 1 & Calle 28, Centro, 77930 
Bacalar, Quintana Roo, Mexico
+52 983 131 6427
Facebook Page for Balneario ejidal Mágico Bacalar
Balneario Ejidal Magico Bacalar is a fun beach club and full-service restaurant and bar that lies on the  shores of the Bacalar Lagoon. They charge a small amount for parking (about 30 pesos) and they charge entry to the beach club, which is also affordable. The beach club stretches far alongside the lagoon, and kids can play, swim  while parents can enjoy eating, drinking, and sunbathing. The club restaurant offers traditional Mexican dishes, including ceviche, and usually has live music or a DJ for entertainment. 

There are water slides, swings, hammocks, diving platforms, etc, as well as little shops to rent life vests or buy floatation devices and other things, so don't worry if you forget your water shoes or sunblock. It's an affordable and good place to enjoy a day at the lagoon, don't expect anything super-fancy, but the kids will enjoy their day and you won't break your wallet!

It is imperative to bring towels and a change of clothes for the whole family. There are bathrooms and changing rooms for men and women.

Tip: It is advisable not to leave any valuable personal belongings unattended!

​Activity 2: Visiting the Fort of San Felipe


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Outside the fort of San Felipe
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Inside the small museum, there were many interesting exhibits

Av 3, Centro, 77930 Bacalar, Q.R., Mexico
TripAdvisor Listing for the Fort of San Felipe
Fuerte de San Felipe de Bacalar (Fort of San Felipe of Bacalar) is a Spanish fortress that is located in  Bacalar, Mexico. Visiting the Fort of San Felipe is an exciting way of introducing children to Mexico’s rich history. The fort was constructed by the Spanish military in 1729 to protect Bacalar from pirate attacks. Children will be fascinated by the cannons, pictures, and the architecture of the fort.

The Fort of San Felipe is open daily and cost to enter is 50 pesos per person (about $3 USD). It is located in the town center and can be easily reached walking or by bike. The best time to visit the fort is in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense sun. Wear comfortable shoes for walking over the uneven surfaces of the ruins. The fort is a fantastic spot for a photo op with a traditional Mexican background.

​Activity 3: Discovering the Cenote Azul


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Follow the signs!
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The entrance to the Cenote, it's inexpensive to get in, fees help keep the Cenote clean

Carr. Federal 307 Chetumal - Cancun Km 34, Bacalar 77930 México
+52 983 119 9948
Facebook Page for Cenote Azul
We went to the ​Cenote Azul and the Cenote Azul Restaurant (they are basically the same place) twice on this trip. By the second trip, our teenage son was trying to charm some local girls by diving into the Cenote head first!

The Cenote Azul is a natural sinkhole with crystal-clear water. It offers an extraordinary experience for families. Children can snorkel, swim, and learn about different fish species, while parents can lounge around and enjoy the beauty of the cenote. There is a full restaurant and bar. Sometimes they will have live music, but generally only on weekends. My wife ordered a cappuccino after lunch and said it was one of the best she had ever had. 
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Delicious octopus at Cenote Azul
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Our kids loved the bacon-wrapped shrimp!
Cenote Azul is located on the outskirts of Bacalar, and it is best to get there by car. Admission costs about 30 MXN per person, and snorkelling equipment and life vests can be rented by the hour.

It is essential to follow the instructions of the cenote staff, avoid touching any marine creatures and, limit the exploration to the indicated areas. You can bring your snorkelling gear or rent one at the venue. ​
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​Activity 4: Kayaking by Private Tour on the Bacalar Lagoon of Seven Colors

Kayaking in the Lagoon of Seven Colors is an exceptional experience for the whole family. The crystal-clear water and the beautiful natural surroundings of the lagoon are stunning and peaceful. The activity is safe for kids and also an opportunity to introduce them to a waterborne sport. Kayaking trips can be booked through several companies located around the lagoon. Most of the tours are around two hours, cost 200 pesos per person (about $10 USD at current exchange rates).

​Life jackets should always be provided by the tour company! It is advisable to bring water, sunscreen, and wear comfortable clothes, longer sleeves helps prevent chafing from the life jackets (it happened to our daughter, lesson learned!). You can also bring an underwater camera or rent one to capture the beautiful views during kayaking.

Final Tips for Family Fun in Bacalar!

Exploring the town of Bacalar is an opportunity to know and explore rural Mexican culture in a beautiful setting. Bacalar, Mexico offers an amazing array of activities for families to experience together. From kayaking in the Lagoon of Seven Colors to enjoying the colors and flavors of hundreds of shops and restaurants, Bacalar has something for everyone.

​We hope this guide has been informative and helpful in your planning, and we encourage you to experience the magic of Bacalar with your children!

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