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Standing proud in the centre of town, the Fort of San Felipe (Fuerte de San Felipe) is one of Bacalar’s most historic landmarks. Overlooking the lagoon, it was built to defend the town from pirate attacks, and now it serves as both a historic monument and a cultural museum. Spend a few hours here, admiring the architecture, enjoying panoramic views, and exploring the exhibits inside. With well-preserved stone walls, bastions, and a moat, the fort provides an insight into the region's coloni...| Thoroughly Travel
Not to be confused with the Lagoon of Seven Colours (which is itself a protected area), Ecoparque Bacalar is a small lakefront access point, also known as a balneario or beach club. A beautifully designed environmental park right within the town, Ecoparque Bacalar provides both ecological education and peaceful lagoon access. It features a long wooden pier in a perfect square, with elevated walkways that preserve the stromatolites and mangroves within. Visiting this slice of paradise is one o...| Thoroughly Travel
A narrow channel of crystal-clear water with a strong current that creates a natural lazy river effect, Los Rápidos is one of the most unique natural attractions in Bacalar. Located on the southern edge of the lagoon, this serene spot is perfect for floating, swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the water. What makes it even more special is the presence of ancient stromatolites, rare living rock-like formations that thrive in Bacalar’s mineral-rich waters. With facilities like a resta...| Thoroughly Travel
Just south of Bacalar, Cenote Cocalitos is one of the region’s most photogenic and laidback swimming spots. Unlike traditional deep pit cenotes, Cocalitos blends seamlessly with the edge of the Lagoon of Seven Colours, offering shallow, crystal-clear water perfect for floating, sunbathing, and snapping iconic swing-in-the-water photos. As close to a beach experience as you'll find in Bacalar, it’s especially famous for its rare stromatolites, ancient, living rock-like formations that make...| Thoroughly Travel
While Bacalar is best known for its stunning Lagoon of Seven Colours, the region is also home to several remarkable cenotes. These natural freshwater sinkholes offer some of the best swimming and exploration in the area. Whether you’re looking to swim in the dramatic depths of Cenote Azul, see the water change colour at Cenote Negro, experience the unique biodiversity of Cenote Esmeralda, or chill out in a hammock at Cenote Cocalitos, there are plenty of amazing cenotes to discover in Bacal...| Thoroughly Travel
Often referred to as the 'Maldives of Mexico', Bacalar's Lagoon of Seven Colours is a stunning freshwater lake system, known for its vivid colour palette created by limestone beds, submerged cenotes, and varying depths. The lagoon includes several notable landmarks, including three of Bacalar's cenotes, Negro, Esmeralda, and Cocalitos. With ecosystems ranging from wetlands to sandy beaches, Bacalar Lagoon is one of the most peaceful and visually stunning places to visit in Mexico. We’ve inc...| Thoroughly Travel
From affordable glamping and budget hostels to boutique hotels and luxury retreats, Bacalar offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every travel style and budget. Whether you’re looking for an all-inclusive resort with all the amenities, a rustic glamping experience surrounded by nature, or an eco-friendly hotel with sustainability at heart, Bacalar has something for everyone. Staying on Bacalar Lagoon provides stunning views and easy access to water activities, while accommodatio...| Thoroughly Travel
Despite its growing popularity, Bacalar has maintained its authentic vibe, with activities focusing on nature, wellness, and slow travel. There are plenty of fun things to do in Bacalar, from kayaking through sunrise mist and sailing to nearby cenotes to exploring the small town’s cafés, craft shops, and local history. With easy access to both the lagoon and inland adventures, Bacalar is perfect for travellers seeking relaxation with a touch of exploration. We’ve listed all the best Baca...| Thoroughly Travel
Often referred to as the 'Maldives of Mexico', Bacalar is a laidback town in Quintana Roo best known for its stunning Lagoon of Seven Colours, a freshwater lake so brightly turquoise and clear it’s often mistaken for the Caribbean Sea. Despite growing in popularity, Bacalar has retained its slow-paced vibe, offering a tranquil alternative to the busier beach towns of the Riviera Maya. The town’s unique setting on the edge of a vast, shallow lagoon makes it a haven for paddleboarding at su...| Thoroughly Travel
A popular vacation destination nestled at the southern tip of a long and narrow peninsula on Belize’s east coast, Placencia is known for its sprawling white sand beaches, luxury resorts, and immediate access to the Belize Barrier Reef. There are plenty of fun things to do in Placencia, from exploring the town with its colourful buildings and narrow main street to snorkelling and SCUBA diving off remote cayes. With easily accessible day trips inland and on the water, Placencia is the perfect...| Thoroughly Travel
If you’re planning to travel between San Pedro on Ambergris Caye and its neighbouring island of Caye Caulker, you’ll find you have two choices: plane and boat. While flying is tempting, it's more expensive and no faster. Water taxis (ferries) run frequently throughout the day, offering a quick and scenic way to hop between these two popular Belizean islands. At only 20 miles and a smooth 30-minute ferry journey apart, it's easy to take a day trip from San Pedro to Caye Caulker or vice ver...| Thoroughly Travel
Isla Contoy is a small, uninhabited island just off the coast of the Mexican Riviera. Protected since 1961 and designated a National Park in 1998, it is a pristine ecological reserve jointly managed by the Mexican government and the non-profit 'Amigos de Isla Contoy'. The island is known for its pristine environment and diverse ecosystem, which includes white-sand beaches, mangroves, lagoons, and tropical forests, with over 95% of its vegetation untouched. Surrounding coral reefs and seagrass...| Thoroughly Travel
A deep blue marine sinkhole in the middle of the turquoise-coloured Belize Barrier Reef, the Blue Hole isn't just one of the best things to do in Belize but is the main reason many travellers visit this small Central American country in the first place. Visitors are attracted by the possibility of SCUBA diving in the hole, which is filled with stalactites and stalagmites, and has been deemed 'one of the best dive sites in the world'. Another option, flying over the Blue Hole, provides panoram...| Thoroughly Travel
Belize’s Caribbean coast is dotted with stunning islands, but none draw more attention than Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Just a short boat ride apart, these two islands offer very different experiences - one buzzing with activity and the other defined by its 'Go Slow' motto. Whether you're planning a snorkelling trip to the Barrier Reef, dreaming of sunsets with a cocktail in hand, or just looking for an island escape, choosing the right island can shape your entire Belize adventure. In...| Thoroughly Travel
A blissfully laidback island, Caye Caulker is known for its relaxed vibes and 'Go Slow' motto. A set of two islands, Caye Caulker is located off mainland Belize, near the diverse Belize Barrier Reef, meaning it has lots of fun activities on land and at sea. With sandy streets, local restaurants, ocean activities, and rasta-Caribbean culture, it is home to lots of fun activities and attractions. From slow-paced sunbathing to thrilling snorkelling and diving, there are plenty of fun things to d...| Thoroughly Travel
A set of two islands off the coast of mainland Belize, Caye Caulker is known for its relaxed way of life. Despite being a hugely popular place to visit in Belize, Caye Caulker has managed to avoid most of the overcrowding and mass development that its neighbour, Ambergris Caye, has seen. Its position near the diverse Belize Barrier Reef puts it in a prime position for exploring the underwater world, whether you're swimming with manatees, stingrays, and turtles, sailing to remote cayes (island...| Thoroughly Travel
Often regarded as "sea cows", manatees are ethereal and elusive creatures. Belize, home to one of the largest populations of these gentle giants in the Caribbean, offers a rare and unforgettable chance to swim alongside them in their natural habitat. Whether you're an avid marine enthusiast like us or simply in search of a unique wildlife experience, swimming with manatees in Belize is both humbling and exhilarating. With strict conservation efforts in place, visitors can witness these peacef...| Thoroughly Travel
Swimming with sharks and stingrays in Shark Ray Alley is one of the hottest attractions in Belize. It's a small part of Hol Chan Marine Reserve, which is situated in the wider and incredibly diverse Belize Barrier Reef. You've probably seen snorkellers surrounded by gentle nurse sharks and giant southern stingrays on social media, but many people don't know it can be unethical. Unfortunately, a lot of tour companies feed the marine life, encouraging visitors to touch the animals, which can ha...| Thoroughly Travel
San Pedro, Belize, is also a top food destination, offering a diverse range of dining options. From bustling cafés and beachside bars to authentic Belizean eateries and upscale restaurants, the town serves up everything from fresh seafood and Caribbean classics to international flavours. We basically ate our way around town, discovering local and further-afield spots perfect for a casual breakfast, quick street food bite, or romantic dinner with ocean views. Here are the top restaurants in S...| Thoroughly Travel
Golf carts are the primary mode of transportation on Ambergris Caye, offering a fun and flexible way to explore the island's diverse attractions. Whether you simply want a convenient way to get around or to explore lesser-visited parts of the island like Secret Beach, renting and driving a golf cart is one of the best things to do in San Pedro & Ambergris Caye. We've covered everything you need to know about renting and driving a golf cart in San Pedro and Ambergris Caye, from companies and p...| Thoroughly Travel
Belizean Shores Resort is a locally owned, oceanfront hotel complex that provides a variety of comfortable and spacious suites, with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and easy access to the beach.| Thoroughly Travel
If you're seeking a slice of paradise, there's nothing better than joining a combined day trip to these two stunning islands in the Mexican Caribbean. We booked a tour with Ocean Tours Mexico to explore both Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres and have included everything you need to know about the trip in this honest review.| Thoroughly Travel
Renting a car and driving in Costa Rica is the most freeing way to get around. We loved cruising our way through the volcanic and tropical landscapes of Costa Rica but driving in a new country can be daunting at first. We have compiled everything you need to know about hiring a car in Costa Rica and driving yourself in this thorough guide.| Thoroughly Travel
Camping in Costa Rica is one of the best ways to authentically see the country. Being able to sleep in a different location every night is incredibly freeing and allows you to truly get off the beaten path. Camping is even better if your tent is combined with your transport, like in a 4x4 camper rental, as you have your very own home on wheels. We’ve camped in a camper car in Australia, New Zealand, and now Costa Rica, and can truly say it’s an experience you’re going to want to add to ...| Thoroughly Travel
We've compiled this thorough guide to the best time to visit Costa Rica for the best weather, based on your interests, including surfing, hiking, snorkelling, and SCUBA diving. We've also detailed all the best times for wildlife watching in Costa Rica, including mating, nesting, and migration seasons, as well as where and how to see the country's most exotic and exciting animals.| Thoroughly Travel
Nestled on the southern coast of the rugged Nicoya Peninsula, Montezuma is a charming beach town that's relatively untouched by mass tourism. If you're looking for empty beaches, remote campsites, hikes through the jungle, secret swimming spots, and native wildlife, you're in the right place. We've compiled this complete travel guide to Montezuma with everything you need to know about visiting the town, from how to get here to the best hotels and restaurants. We've also listed the best things...| Thoroughly Travel
To get to the Nicoya Peninsula from mainland Costa Rica you have two options: take the main road (Paso del Tempisque) around the north of the Gulf of Nicoya (Golfo de Nicoya) or take the Naviera Tambor Ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya. Finding out information about the Nicoya Ferry, like times, prices, and how to buy tickets, can be stressful and frustrating. We've put together this thorough guide to taking the Puntarenas-Paqurea ferry based on our own experiences - and mistakes - and included...| Thoroughly Travel
There are so many exciting destinations to explore in Costa Rica and it can be hard to whittle your list down to a manageable route. If you're looking for a mixture of exotic wildlife, beautiful beaches, pristine natural areas, volcanic landscapes, and adrenaline activities, you're in the right place. We've compiled this ultimate Costa Rica road trip itinerary based on our own experience, with optional stops and suggested detours depending on the amount of time you have and your interests.| Thoroughly Travel
