The Lagoon of the 7 Colors in Bacalar, this mystical and fascinating place, attracts travelers like a precious jewel of nature, a living painting with infinite shades of blue and green. Here, every moment spent near this clear water, every glance cast upon its shimmering waters, tells a story, whispers a secret of the earth.
The 7 Colors of the Lagoon: A Unique Natural Spectacle
The Bacalar Lagoon is famous for its seven distinct shades of blue that dance under the sun. This palette, resulting from the variation in water depth and the mineral richness of the bottom, ranges from the palest turquoise to the deep and hypnotic blue of cenotes. This color changes every moment, following the light and the breath of the wind. The shallow waters at the edge of the lagoon are a delicate azure blue, while the cenotes, these natural abysses, reveal darker and more mysterious shades.
The Lagoon's Ecosystem: A Fragile Balance to Preserve
The beauty of this lagoon also hides a fascinating complexity, a unique and delicate ecosystem. The lagoon is bordered by mangroves, reeds, and, above all, stromatolites: living, rare, and ancient calcareous formations. These stromatolites, which resemble rocks but are very much alive, are among the oldest forms of life on Earth. They have been producing oxygen for billions of years, capturing CO₂ to maintain the balance of our atmosphere. The Lagoon of the 7 Colors is one of the last areas in the world where these extraordinary creatures still thrive, and their presence here is vital for the ecosystem's health.
Ecological Protection of the Lagoon: A Treasure to Cherish
To preserve this lagoon's incomparable beauty, the inhabitants of Bacalar and nature enthusiasts engage in ecological protection actions. That is why it is essential to respect the strict rules to preserve the lagoon and its stromatolites:
- Avoid any sunscreen, even natural, before swimming: Sunscreen residues pollute the water and directly threaten the stromatolites and the water's balance.
- Never touch the stromatolites: These ancient formations are as fragile as they are precious. Touching or walking on them can severely damage them.
- Practice responsible swimming: One day a week, the lagoon is closed to human activities to allow it to regenerate. This ecological pause is crucial to maintain the environment's beauty and health.
Each visitor to the lagoon becomes, in a way, a guardian of this natural treasure. By following these protection practices, we ensure that future generations can also witness the magic of this place.
As sailors and lovers of Bacalar, we invite you to discover the lagoon with full awareness, to grasp its fragility, and to marvel at its endless shades of blue. Let us cherish this unique place, respect its tranquility, and protect this gem for the traveling souls who will come after us.