Top Things to do in Mexico
10 Bodies of Water in Mexico That You Shouldn't Miss
With 26 UNESCO-declared world heritage sites, charming colonial towns and dozens of thrilling cities, there's plenty to explore in this country of 109 million. Outside the cities, stunning Pacific beaches, stark deserts, mangrove swamps and swimming holes provide all you need for a relaxing, romantic or adventurous vacation. Captivating, cosmopolitan and chaotic Mexico City and the 32 states offer an incredible abundance of experiences, from laid-back and leisurely to upbeat to adrenalin-charging.
Restaurants in Mexico
1. Lago Bacalar (Lake of the Seven Colors)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 229 reviews
Large, crystal clear lake fed by underwater cenotes and surrounded by dense tropical rainforest.
Reviewed By Gena47
Amir Tours did a magnificent job of sharing the magic of the Barcalar Lagoon. The Captain Filipe and Sailer Luna were organized, friendly and competent. The nine of us boarded on time and set out to explore this fresh water lake fed by cenotes. After a safety lecture, we visited the “Pirate Island” where pirates would come in from the Caribbean to plunder. Next we visited three cenotes and learned how they supplied water for the lagoon. We learned how the colors were created depending on the depth of the water and what was on the bottom. We were served a delicious lunch of fresh fruit and bread. And the drinks were not stop! Our last stop was at the bird sanctuary where birds come to rest on the yearly migration paths. The boat was stable and large enough for you to move around. Access into and out of the water was easy and the crew both assisted if needed. Several of us agreed that this was the most enjoyable and relaxing afternoon. I would highly recommend you book this tour to have an informative and magical experience.
2. Lake Bacalar
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,594 reviews
Reviewed By 389florka - London, United Kingdom
Pueblo magico - truly is !!! There are different shades of blue from the lightest to dark dark blue . We took a boat with tour guy which cost about 260 peso it took about 2.5 h all around lake with few stops when we could jump in the water and enjoy this beautiful place . Water is sweet which made the experience even better:) , would highly recommend it . We stayed near Playa del Carmen and it took us 3.5 h drive , the best is to early morning so can make most of it . Plenty shops and restaurants around to get some snacks or food.
3. Tangolunda Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 572 reviews
Reviewed By 59ML
Beautiful islands in the view of our Barcelo Huatulco.The Bay is particularly beautiful at night with the lights in the distance & stars shining above the palms. We took Jose'Lopez Lopez tour to see the other bays with white sand beaches & variety of wave action. We did see sea turtles, dolphins, & others saw whales on the previous day. Its a great idea to limit resorts to a small area to reserve the natural beaches & habitat.
4. Sea of Cortez
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
Body of water formed where Baja California broke away from the Mexican mainland over 20 million years ago.
Reviewed By MaryannL521 - Fair Oaks, United States
We recently returned from a small ship 11 day cruise on the Sea of Cortez. It was an inaugural season for the classic ship, Astoria. Embarkation was in Puerto Penasco, known locally as Rocky Point. There were 7 other ports of call..Topolobampo, near Los Mochis, Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, Loreto, Santa Rosalia and Guaymas with disembarkation at Puerto Penasco. We enjoyed spectacular views of the mountains and islands in the Sea of Corez and were treated to many whale sightings. The sea was calm and the colors of the sea changed often from dark blue to green and turquoise. The ship was warmly greeted in all of the ports. We were met by Mariachi bands and entertained by young singers and dancers in beautiful Mexican dress. The Sea of Cortez is a truly beautiful place with natural wonders, wildlife and culture.
5. Lake Chapala
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,097 reviews
Many Americans and other foreigners help make up the 20,000 people living near this picturesque lake, the country's largest inland body of water.
Reviewed By RealDS - London, United Kingdom
Prior to coming here, we didn’t know what exactly to expect. In an Uber it is jut shy of an hour from Guadalajara and it’s the closest you’ll get to a beach experience of staying in Guadalajara. I must say this is one of the most beautiful lake experiences I’ve had. There were a few Mariachi bands playing both by the lake and in a local beer garden. To add, there were some nice landmark features of which you can see in my picture illustrations. Everything in this area was inexpensive. To add there were various market stools along the beach area. The highlight of our visit here was our boat ride in the lake. It was the most perfect way to cool down at sun rise.
6. Yal-ku Lagoon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,044 reviews
Reviewed By MinnesotanTraveler
Yal-ku lagoon is an estuary where fresh and salt water meet, so the biodiversity in the lagoon is incredible. The water is teeming with fish. You can rent a snorkel or bring your own. The park around the lagoon features interesting art statues. There is a small snack bar, clean restrooms, and lockers.
7. Cenote Jardin del Eden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 473 reviews
Beautiful, crystal-clear lagoon surrounded by lush rainforest and containing underwater caves: a great destination for snorkelers and scuba divers.
Reviewed By MVD68 - Somerset, Canada
My wife and I just returned from the Mayan We absolutely love this area of Mexico!!! We always try new Cenote’s when we are here. We just took our rental car from Playacar to Eden We find it’s much more relaxing then going with a tour It was very nice and actually not that busy. Very cheap if you just pull up on your own and explore I think it was like only 150-200 pesos per person It’s an open Cenote with a rock ledge to dive or jump off. Lots of fun I highly recommend going to Eden.
8. Cenote Azul
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,533 reviews
Freshwater lagoon perfect for swimming.
Reviewed By mattd72 - Mexico City, Mexico
Great experience. Get there early as it in the peak season it fills fast and they don't let anymore people in. There are changing rooms and toilets, but no lockers. Entrance is 120 pesos. You can rent life jackts for 40 pesos and snorleking equipment (not sure price). There are plenty of different pools to discover, plenty of fish to discover (and they'll happily nibble at your feet!) and a platform to jump off. Great experience.
9. Laguna de Manialtepec
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 601 reviews
Lagoon a few miles away from Puerto Escondido featuring lush plant life and pristine beaches.
Reviewed By 98chips - Calgary, Canada
Look! Look! Look! Wherever you turn, there is a new bird and this was in March, off of breeding season for many species when song activity is not high. It's local folks who are making their living here. Support them and see nature up close. It's the only way to really SEE this extensive mix habitat. Go early. Take the 6:30 launches and avoid the heat. Best for pics, too. Be sure to bring binoculars. Funny how many people think that they'll see everything like on TV.
10. Aktun Chen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,063 reviews
An underground cave with spectacular rock formations.
Reviewed By jordyguth - Logan, United States
We thoroughly enjoyed our day at this unique and authentic site. It was fun to be off the beaten path in a relaxed setting that hasn't been overrun by tourists. It is a very well run establishment, and the entire staff was friendly and accommodating. The guides were upbeat and patient with us, as well as being very knowledgeable about the caves and the ecology. The prices were very reasonable, and we got a package deal when we went to the Tulum ruins that included a guided tour of the Tulum ruins plus the Aktun Chen cave tour and cenote swim for around $54/each (3 adults, two teens, and two 12 year olds). We tacked on the zipline for a discounted price. We spent all day and enjoyed every aspect of the experience, including the restaurant (reasonable prices and good local fare) and the animals (mostly animal rescues in a semi natural enclosures). We also saw several native butterflies (blue morphos and black/orange longwings) in their natural jungle setting. The absolute highlight was swimming in the underground cenote among the cave formations, fish, and the clearest water I have ever seen. It is incredibly dramatic with the natural light from above through holes in the limestone ceiling. All of the guides we had were wonderful and seemed to love their "office" setting. I would definitely rank our day at Aktun Chen as one of the main highlights of our trip! Thank you for a wonderful experience.
