Recreation around Chetumal centers on calm water: boat trips into the Manatee Sanctuary, paddling on the freshwater lagoons and swimming at Bacalar. The new daily Tren Maya run to Bacalar and water taxis to Belize’s cayes make easy day trips.
Each listing includes the location, a link and a map. Places change, so we review this list regularly; last reviewed October 2026.
Manatee Sanctuary Boat Tours
Chetumal Bay · Boat and wildlife tour
BahÃa de Chetumal, Othón P. Blanco, Q.R.
Website | View on map
Why we recommend it: Boat tours through the bay’s mangroves offer the chance to see marine manatees and learn about their conservation. The sanctuary’s managers planned public activities in October 2026 for its 30th anniversary.
Kayaking and Trails at Huay-Pix
Huay-Pix, Highway 307 · Kayaking, biking, birdwatching
Carretera Federal 307 Chetumal-Bacalar km 186, Huay-Pix, Q.R.
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Why we recommend it: On Laguna Milagros, about 15 minutes from Chetumal, visitors can kayak, take boat rides and swim in shallow water. The surrounding jungle offers mountain biking trails, birdwatching and camping.
Bacalar Lagoon Kayaking and Sailing
Bacalar · Water sports
Bacalar, Q.R. 77930
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Why we recommend it: The Bacalar lagoon is shallow and has no waves, which makes kayaking and paddling accessible to most visitors. Kayak rentals are offered through lakeside hotels, and sailing tours run on the lagoon.
Tren Maya Day Trip to Bacalar
Chetumal station · Train day trip
Estación Tren Maya Chetumal, Chetumal, Q.R.
Website | View on map
Why we recommend it: Since June 1, 2026 a daily train leaves Chetumal for Bacalar at 6:00 a.m. and returns at 2:30 p.m., designed for students, workers and visitors. Chetumal is the southern terminus of the Tren Maya line, which continues north toward Tulum and Cancún.
Water Taxi to San Pedro and Caye Caulker, Belize
Muelle Fiscal, Bulevar BahÃa · Ferry day or overnight trip
Muelle Fiscal, Bulevar BahÃa, Centro, Chetumal, Q.R.
Website | View on map
Why we recommend it: San Pedro Belize Express and Water Jets International run boats from Chetumal’s Muelle Fiscal to San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) and Caye Caulker, a trip of about 1.5 hours to San Pedro. Passengers clear Mexican and Belizean immigration, so operators advise arriving well ahead of departure.
Balneario Buenavista, Xul-Há
Xul-Há · Lagoon swimming park
Xul-Há, Othón P. Blanco, Q.R.
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Why we recommend it: On the Xul-Há lagoon between Chetumal and Bacalar, this recreation area has water slides, pools, lounge chairs and restaurants. Xul-Há belongs to the Ruta Ha network of lakeside ecotourism centers.
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.
