A Single Sailboat...(Bacalar, Mexico)

Photographed from Canal de los Piratas (Pirate's Canal) in Bacalar, Mexico. This area is one of the true hidden gems of Mexico. It won't show up on tourism advertisements, and there likely will only be one bus route per day from the more popular Yucatan Peninsula destinations (like Cancun and Playa del Carmen) to Bacalar. But trust me...you do not want to miss this.

Bacalar is known as the Lagoon of Seven Colors, and for good reason, as you'll likely find something more like 15 different shades of blue in the lagoon, among emerald waters alike. Coupled with incredible sunsets over the lagoon, and some of the best authentic Mexican food you will taste, Bacalar really checks all the boxes.

One of the coolest things to experience is kayaking in the lagoon, as you can literally see the water change below your paddles as you move from deeper to shallower waters. I've seen this happen before from afar (or higher up on a ferry), but never at sea level while kayaking, and trust me, it's incredible to experience.

Pirate's Canal, pictured above, is the perfect spot for anyone who seeks out those perfect azure waters. The water in this area is very shallow, but of varying depths, thus creating the ultimate natural palette of different turquoise gradients.

Paradise is real. Go find it in Bacalar and you won't be disappointed! And while you're at it, you'll only be 30 km from the Mexican border with Belize, so make sure to take a day trip to another country...if you can pull yourself away from the epic blue hues of the lagoon!

All images are my original photography.