Bacalar Lagoon

Bacalar Lagoon, the Lake of Seven Colors in southern Quintana Roo, produces different blue shades across its 42-kilometre length from varying depths and dissolved minerals, creating Mexico's most visually spectacular inland water body. The 18th-century Spanish fort in Bacalar town, built to defend against English pirates from Belize, sits on a hilltop offering the finest panoramic view of these color gradients. It provides a wider spectrum of hues than #9 Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve's lagoons, with 50% more distinct color zones visible from the fort, including 7 clearly defined shades at sunrise.