Bacalar Lagoon’s Weekly Boating Ban Explained

Bacalar, Mexico — Municipal authorities will maintain navigation restrictions on the Bacalar Lagoon until the start of the Holy Week holiday season, Mayor José Alfredo Contreras Méndez reported. The measure aims to preserve the environmental balance of the ecosystem.

The mayor explained that this strategy is primarily applied during the low tourist season and is upheld through agreements with nautical service providers and local business owners. These groups participate in coordinated actions designed to protect the lagoon ecosystem.

Currently, navigation is suspended on Wednesdays. This day is dedicated to cleaning and maintenance work throughout the lagoon system, with participation from both boat operators and local hotel owners.

"During the low season, there is no boating on the lagoon on Wednesdays. On that day, the nautical service providers carry out cleaning work throughout the lagoon system, which helps to keep the Bacalar Lagoon in good condition," he noted.

The restriction seeks to reduce the environmental impact from tourism activity, especially given the significant growth Bacalar has registered as a tourist destination in recent years. Mayor Contreras Méndez announced that regular navigation will resume with the arrival of the Holy Week season, when visitor numbers to the municipality increase.

As part of broader preservation efforts, the City Council is promoting the expansion of the sanitary drainage network in the coastal area. This addresses the fact that some homes still operate with sealed septic tanks or biodigesters.

Regarding this issue, the mayor noted that a campaign is underway to encourage residents and businesses to connect to the sanitary sewer system. The goal is to reduce the risk of contamination in the so-called Lagoon of Seven Colors.

He also announced that the municipality is managing a comprehensive project to modernize the southern coastal area of Bacalar. The project includes sanitary drainage, drinking water, sidewalks, and electrical wiring, requiring an investment of more than 400 million pesos.

This comprehensive project has already been presented to the Federal Government through the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation. The City Council is now seeking to secure state and federal resources for its implementation.