Bacalar is a photographer’s paradise. The shimmering Laguna of Seven Colors offers endless opportunities for capturing stunning images, especially at sunrise when the water turns a brilliant turquoise. One of our favorite experiences is the Bacalar Sunrise Stand Up Paddleboard Tour with Breakfast & Photos, which combines a peaceful paddle through mangroves with the chance to snap photos during the magical early hours. It’s a great way to connect with nature while creating memorable shots of the vibrant lagoon. Whether you’re into nature, adventure, or capturing the perfect sunrise shot, Bacalar’s scenic waters and tranquil mornings shine through in each experience.
If you want to turn your trip into a professional photo shoot, the Photography and Filming with drone and camera offers a personalized session with a drone, capturing stunning aerial views and traditional images. For those seeking a more active start, kayaking tours like the Bacalar at Sunrise: Kayak Adventure with Breakfast & Photos and Sunrise Kayaking Tour in Bacalar with Breakfast and Photos combine adventure and photography, giving you a chance to paddle while snapping photos of the dawn. Lastly, for a fully private experience, the Bacalar Private Photography Session with camera and drone provides customized shots around the lagoon and city, perfect for couples or small groups wanting professional-quality photos.
Here’s a quick overview of the top options:
– Sunrise paddleboarding with breakfast and photos, ideal for peaceful mornings and nature lovers (details here)
– Private drone and camera photography sessions, perfect for personalized, high-quality images (details here)
– Kayak adventures with breakfast and photo stops, great for active travelers who want a mix of fun and photos (details here)
– Sunrise kayaking with breakfast and GoPro photos, another energetic option for early risers (details here)
– Private photo sessions with drone, customizable for intimate moments or families (details here)
1. Bacalar Sunrise Stand Up Paddleboard Tour with Breakfast & Photos
Starting with a balanced mix of adventure and tranquility, this 3-hour tour provides an early morning paddle across Bacalar’s famed lagoon. The tour includes a breakfast of fresh fruit, toast, coffee, and water, making it a relaxing way to fuel up before hitting the water. The highlight is paddling towards Cocos Island for a swim surrounded by mangroves and birds, offering excellent photo opportunities. As you glide through the Lagoon of Seven Colors, you’ll witness a breathtaking sunrise that turns the water into a painter’s palette of blues and greens.
What makes this tour special is the combination of nature, photography, and well-organized guides. Many reviewers praise Amir AdvenTours for their friendliness and professionalism, with one saying, “Miguel was our guide and an incredible host,” emphasizing the personable approach. The tour is suitable for all skill levels, with safety instructions provided. For just around $27, this experience offers excellent value, especially considering the inclusion of breakfast and photo opportunities with a GoPro.
Bottom line: If you’re after a peaceful, scenic start to your day with plenty of photo ops, this paddleboard sunrise tour is hard to beat.
2. Photography and Filming with drone and camera
For travelers who want to create lifelong memories, the Photography and Filming with drone and camera provides a private, customizable session. It’s perfect for capturing unique aerial shots of Bacalar’s lagoon and town, as well as more traditional photos taken by a professional photographer. The session lasts about 2 hours and can be tailored to any preferred locations, whether that’s the shimmering lagoon, the vibrant town square, or nearby natural spots.
This tour is a fantastic choice for small groups or couples wanting high-quality images without the hassle of figuring out how to take good photos themselves. Mehran, the photographer, is noted for his professionalism and patience, with reviews mentioning his willingness to get wet and go the extra mile for perfect shots. The aerial drone shots are particularly eye-catching, adding a cinematic dimension to your collection. The cost is $86.43 per group, which is well worth it for the diversity of images you’ll receive.
Bottom line: If capturing Bacalar from the air with professional quality photos is your goal, this private session offers unmatched flexibility and results.
3. Bacalar at Sunrise: Kayak Adventure with Breakfast & Photos
For active travelers, this 3-hour kayak tour combines physical activity with stunning photography opportunities. The tour kicks off early, with a guide explaining safety and paddle basics, making it accessible even for beginners. The group paddles toward the mangroves and Cocos Island, where you can enjoy a swim stop amid the natural scenery.
The real magic happens at sunrise, when the tranquil waters reflect the changing sky, creating ideal conditions for photos. Participants often praise the delicious picnic breakfast served mid-lagoon, adding a relaxing pause to the adventure. The tour includes photo stops with a GoPro, capturing moments of paddling, swimming, and the dawn’s glow.
A reviewer notes, “Very nice tour. Easy to find, English speaking, great breakfast,” highlighting its practicality and friendly vibe. The 3-hour duration is perfect for active travelers who want a mix of exercise, nature, and photography, all at a reasonable price of $30.
Bottom line: If you enjoy paddling and want to photograph the early morning serenity of Bacalar, this kayak adventure hits the sweet spot.
4. Sunrise Kayaking Tour in Bacalar with Breakfast and Photos
Another fantastic kayaking option, this 3-hour tour combines a sunrise paddle with a hearty breakfast and photo opportunities. The guide, Amir, is known for being attentive and safety-conscious, making it suitable for all skill levels—even first-timers. The tour begins with a safety briefing before heading out onto the calm, turquoise waters of Bacalar lagoon.
As you paddle toward the mangroves and Cocos Island, you’ll witness the early light illuminating the lagoon, offering ideal conditions for both photos and video. The included breakfast in the middle of the lagoon is a highlight, providing a peaceful setting for enjoying the scenery. Many reviews mention the professionalism of the staff and the quality of the equipment, including GoPro cameras for capturing the experience.
This tour is especially good for travelers who want an active morning coupled with beautiful imagery. At around $27.43 per person, it offers excellent value for a memorable sunrise experience.
Bottom line: For those who love kayaking and want a memorable sunrise with breakfast, this tour combines both seamlessly.
5. Bacalar Private Photography Session with camera and drone
Finally, for couples, families, or small groups interested in a tailored photo shoot, the Bacalar Private Photography Session is ideal. Costing around $82 for up to 4 people, this 2-hour session is a flexible way to get high-quality images in both the town and lagoon.
The photographer offers a customized experience, capturing stunning aerial drone shots and traditional photos personalized to your preferences. Whether you want romantic shots, family portraits, or souvenir images, the photographer’s professionalism ensures a natural, enjoyable session. The reviews highlight how Mehran was dedicated to capturing perfect moments, even getting wet for the best angles.
This experience is perfect if you want high-end, personalized images without the hassle of trying to take photos yourself. It’s particularly suited for special occasions or just those wanting a keepsake of their trip.
Bottom line: If you prefer private, tailored photos with professional quality and lots of options, this tour is your best bet.
$82 per group up to 4
How to Choose the Best Photography Experience in Bacalar
When selecting your perfect photography tour, consider your budget, time available, and photography goals. If you want a peaceful start to your day with scenic photos, the Sunrise Stand Up Paddleboard Tour offers great value. To immortalize your trip with stunning aerial images, opt for the Drone and camera photography session. Active travelers who love paddling should choose a kayak tour, while those seeking personalized images might prefer the private photo shoot.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred time and guide. Think about whether you want a relaxed, nature-focused experience, or a more energetic, photo-centric adventure. Also, consider weather conditions, as early mornings are cooler and often clearer for photography.
Bacalar offers an impressive variety of photography experiences, catering from serene sunrise paddles to professional drone shoots. Whether you’re after stunning landscape shots, active adventures, or personalized photos, the options are plentiful. For most travelers, balancing budget and expectations will help you choose the best fit. If you’re serious about capturing your trip, booking early ensures you don’t miss out on these memorable moments. Happy shooting!