Best of Bacalar

In the far southeast of the Yucatan Peninsula, the tiny settlement of Bacalar perches along a crystal-clear lagoon of dazzling shades of blue. Located in a relatively remote part of Mexico (Cancun is about a five-hour drive north), the Laguna Bacalar draws only a handful of travelers, and the sleepy small-town vibe feels like the perfect antidote to the built-up resorts further north. Days are spent basking along the water, indulging in mouthwateringly fresh seafood, and paddling or sailing along the forest-lined shore.

Previous kimkim travelers have experienced the vibrant beauty of the lagoon on sailing adventures, with stops for swimming and snorkeling. You’ll also see first-hand why Bacalar is called the “laguna de siete colores” (lagoon of seven colors). As you pass over varying depths with light reflecting off the white-sand bottom, the water morphs into rich shades of blue, turquoise, indigo and aquamarine. A tour by kayak is another way to see the technicolor beauty, while also allowing you to visit rarely seen parts of the lagoon, accessible only to the smallest of watercraft.