Chetumal’s outdoor life faces the water: the bayfront Bulevar Bahía, the protected Manatee Sanctuary and the Calderitas shoreline are all minutes from downtown. Within half an hour to the north, a chain of freshwater lagoons runs from Laguna Milagros to Bacalar, where Cenote Azul and the lagoon of seven colors draw swimmers and paddlers.
Each listing includes the location, a link and a map. Places change, so we review this list regularly; last reviewed October 2026.
Bulevar Bahía (Malecón)
Centro · Waterfront promenade
Bulevar Bahía, Centro, Chetumal, Q.R. 77000
Website | View on map
Why we recommend it: The bayfront boulevard is the city’s main gathering place, with the ‘Aquí Inicia México’ monument, the Explanada de la Bandera and open views of Chetumal Bay at sunset. It is also the stage for the Carnaval parades and many public events during the year.
Santuario del Manatí, Bahía de Chetumal
Chetumal Bay · Protected natural area
Bahía de Chetumal, Othón P. Blanco, Q.R.
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Why we recommend it: Created in 1996, this state reserve protects Chetumal Bay, the Río Hondo and Laguna Guerrero as habitat for the Antillean manatee and is managed by IBANQROO. Visitors can explore its mangroves on boat tours, and the reserve marked its 30th anniversary in 2026.
Calderitas Bayfront
Calderitas · Bayfront park and beach area
Bulevar Bahía de Calderitas, Calderitas, Q.R. 77900
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Why we recommend it: About 8 km north of downtown, Calderitas has a renovated bayfront with artificial beaches, palapas and a 1.3 km strip of seafood restaurants. The state promoted it in its 2025 to 2026 winter campaign for southern Quintana Roo.
Laguna Milagros (Huay-Pix)
Huay-Pix, Highway 307 · Freshwater lagoon
Carretera Federal 307 Chetumal-Bacalar km 186, Huay-Pix, Q.R.
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Why we recommend it: This turquoise lagoon sits about 14 km from Chetumal, roughly 15 minutes from the capital and 20 from Bacalar. Its shallow water suits swimming and kayaking, and lakeside restaurants serve regional food.
Cenote Azul
Bacalar · Cenote
Carretera Federal 307 Chetumal-Cancún, southern entrance to Bacalar, Q.R.
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Why we recommend it: At about 90 meters deep, Cenote Azul is one of the deepest cenotes in the region and sits right on the highway at Bacalar’s southern entrance. Access is through the on-site eco restaurant, and visitors are asked not to wear sunscreen or repellent in the water.
Laguna de Bacalar
Bacalar · Lagoon
Bacalar, Q.R. 77930
Website | View on map
Why we recommend it: Known as the lagoon of seven colors, Bacalar’s shallow, wave free lagoon is about 40 minutes north of Chetumal. Kayaks and sailing tours are widely available, and the town is now also reachable on the daily Tren Maya service from Chetumal.
Zoológico Payo Obispo
Chetumal · Zoo and ecological park
Av. Insurgentes, Chetumal, Q.R.
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Why we recommend it: The city zoo reopened in March 2025 on its 45th anniversary after a nine month closure, including the return of its small train. Its enclosures recreate jungle habitat and focus on regional wildlife education for families.
Living in Chetumal
Thinking about buying in Chetumal? Playa Realtors is a licensed boutique brokerage that has represented buyers in Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and across Quintana Roo since 2008, and we never represent developers.
