Fort San Felipe Bacalar
A 1729 stone fort with a moat, housing a museum of pirate defense history and Mayan artifacts, offering stunning lagoon views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Fort San Felipe Bacalar
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 1729 stone fort with a moat, housing a museum of pirate defense history and Mayan artifacts, offering stunning lagoon views.
"A must visit if you are in Bacalar, as it is time well spent."
🎯 Small Entry Fee
There's a small fee to enter the fort, which is well worth it for the history and views.
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Take your time walking around the fort and reading the storyboards for a deeper historical understanding.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fort San Felipe Museum
Inside the fort
Discover artifacts, weapons, and murals detailing Bacalar's pirate defense history and Mayan heritage.
+1
Lagoon Views from the Fort
East side of the fort
Enjoy panoramic views of the stunning Lagoon of Seven Colors, a perfect photo opportunity.
Pirate Defense History
Fort grounds and museum
Learn about the fort's construction and its role in protecting Bacalar from Caribbean pirates.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Fort San Felipe
Understanding Fort San Felipe's Role
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Small Entry Fee
There's a small fee to enter the fort, which is well worth it for the history and views.
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Take your time walking around the fort and reading the storyboards for a deeper historical understanding.
📸 Capture the Views
The fort offers fantastic vantage points for photos of the Lagoon of Seven Colors.
⏳ Allow an Hour
Plan for about an hour to fully appreciate the museum and the fort's surroundings.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Small Entry Fee
There's a small fee to enter the fort, which is well worth it for the history and views.
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Take your time walking around the fort and reading the storyboards for a deeper historical understanding.
📸 Capture the Views
The fort offers fantastic vantage points for photos of the Lagoon of Seven Colors.
⏳ Allow an Hour
Plan for about an hour to fully appreciate the museum and the fort's surroundings.
⚠️ Environmental Concerns
Be aware of ongoing environmental concerns regarding illegal dredging affecting the lagoon.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Fort San Felipe to be a charming historical site with a small but informative museum and stunning views of the Lagoon of Seven Colors. It's a worthwhile stop for understanding Bacalar's past, though some wish for more time to explore the surrounding lagoon activities.
"The fort has a scenic position overlooking the Bacalar Lagoon and the Pirates Passage. The small bilingual museum inside is extremely informative. We spent about an hour and enjoyed learning the history of the area."
Becky Marchant
"Truly beautiful, so much to see and do. We only spent a few hours there and it was not nearly enough time to see everything."
Lily Tovar
"Cool place to walk around and learn a little history. Small museum has some interesting displays. It must have been a massive project back in the day. Small entry fee."
Guy Huffman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fort San Felipe is located in the heart of Bacalar town, easily accessible by car or on foot if you're staying nearby. Parking is available.
Yes, the fort is strategically located on the shores of the Lagoon of Seven Colors, offering beautiful views.
From Tulum, it's about a 2-hour drive to Bacalar. From Cancun, it's a longer journey, typically 4-5 hours by car or bus.
Yes, ADO buses are a popular and affordable option to reach Bacalar from major cities like Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
If your accommodation is in or near Bacalar town, walking to Fort San Felipe is very feasible and recommended to soak in the atmosphere.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a small entry fee for Fort San Felipe, making it an affordable historical site to visit.
Opening hours can vary, but it's generally open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check locally or online for the most current times.
Advance booking is typically not required for Fort San Felipe, as it's a historical site with a small entrance fee.
The entry fee usually covers access to both the fort grounds and the museum within.
While not explicitly stated, local piers sometimes offer discounts for residents. It's best to inquire at the entrance.
📸 📸 Photography
The east side of the fort offers stunning panoramic views of the Lagoon of Seven Colors, perfect for photography.
Photography is generally allowed inside the museum, but it's always good to check for any specific restrictions.
Drone usage is often restricted in historical sites and protected areas. It's best to check local regulations before flying.
Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour lighting for capturing the fort and the lagoon. Early mornings are also great for fewer crowds and soft light.
The cannons, the fort's architecture against the lagoon backdrop, and the museum's murals are all popular photo subjects.
🎫 🏛️ History & Culture
Fort San Felipe was built between 1725 and 1733, designed to defend Bacalar from pirate attacks.
It was constructed to protect the region from pirates and now houses a museum detailing this history and local Mayan artifacts.
The museum features Mayan archaeological pieces, weapons, tools, maps, and murals depicting the area's history.
While the area was inhabited by Mayans, the fort itself was not built on top of known Mayan structures.
It's a key historical landmark representing Bacalar's past as a strategic defense point and a symbol of its resilience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The open grounds provide space for kids to explore, and the views of the lagoon are always a hit. Remember to bring water and sun protection, as it can get warm. 🏛️ History Buffs
+1 The fort's architecture and its strategic importance in defending against pirates are fascinating aspects to explore. Allow ample time to absorb the information presented. 📸 Photographers
Capture the fort's architecture, the cannons, and the vibrant blues of the lagoon. The museum also offers interesting subjects for detail shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Fort San Felipe
+1Inside its walls, a small but informative museum offers a glimpse into this history. Visitors can explore a collection of Mayan archaeological artifacts, colonial-era weapons, tools, and maps, all contributing to a richer understanding of Bacalar's heritage. The museum also features murals that vividly depict the area's past, making history come alive for visitors.
+2The fort's strategic location on the shores of the Lagoon of Seven Colors not only provided a defensive advantage but also offers breathtaking panoramic views. Learning about the fort's construction and its role in protecting Bacalar provides valuable context for understanding the town's development and its enduring charm.
Experiencing Bacalar's Lagoon from the Fort
While the fort itself is a historical site, its proximity to the lagoon allows visitors to appreciate the natural beauty that has shaped Bacalar. The lagoon is known for its distinct color variations caused by different depths and underwater cenotes, a phenomenon that can be observed and appreciated from the fort's elevated position.
It's important to note that while the fort provides a beautiful view, the lagoon itself offers numerous activities like swimming, kayaking, and boat tours. The fort serves as a historical anchor point from which to admire and understand the natural wonder that surrounds Bacalar.
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