Which Bacalar Photography Experiences To Choose? We Rank The 5 Best

Bacalar stands out as a top spot for photography thanks to its seven-colored lagoon, lush mangroves, and peaceful mornings. Whether you’re eager to paddle at sunrise or want professional drone shots, Bacalar offers options that suit all kinds of shutterbugs.

We’re particularly fans of the Bacalar Sunrise Stand Up Paddleboard Tour because it combines the beauty of the early morning light with a peaceful paddle, and the chance to swim at Cocos Island. Plus, the included breakfast makes it a full sensory experience.

If drone photography is your thing, the Photography and Filming with drone and camera tour provides a private, customizable shoot that captures Bacalar from above and at ground level—ideal for getting unique views of this tranquil paradise.

For those who want a more active start, the Bacalar at Sunrise: Kayak Adventure and Sunrise Kayaking Tour in Bacalar are excellent options. Both include breakfast and photos, making them perfect for travelers who want to combine adventure with memorable images.

With options ranging from group tours to private sessions, Bacalar’s photography experiences are versatile enough to fit different interests and budgets.

Quick Overview

This list covers five top photography experiences in Bacalar, each with its own unique appeal:
– Sunrise paddleboarding tours: calm waters, beautiful sunrise, and a swim at Cocos Island (Bacalar Sunrise Stand Up Paddleboard Tour)
– Drone and traditional photography sessions: private, customizable, aerial shots (Photography and Filming with drone and camera)
– Sunrise kayaking tours: active, scenic, with breakfast and photo ops (Bacalar at Sunrise: Kayak Adventure)
– Sunrise kayaking with breakfast: perfect for those who want a more relaxed, guided experience (Sunrise Kayaking Tour in Bacalar)
– Private photo sessions: personalized photos with drone and camera, tailored to your preferences (Bacalar Private Photography Session)

1. Bacalar Sunrise Stand Up Paddleboard Tour with Breakfast & Photos

Starting our list is the Bacalar Sunrise Stand Up Paddleboard Tour, a true feast for sunrise lovers and water enthusiasts alike. This 3-hour experience offers a peaceful paddle across Bacalar’s famous Lagoon of Seven Colors, with the added bonus of witnessing a stunning sunrise. You’ll paddle toward Cocos Island, making a swim stop in the mangroves—surrounded by endemic birds and lush greenery.

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of nature, activity, and photography. The calm waters and vibrant sky create perfect conditions for capturing videos and photos, especially if you bring along a GoPro. Plus, the included light breakfast of fresh fruit, toast, coffee, and water ensures you start your day feeling refreshed.

The guides are praised for their friendly professionalism, and reviews mention how well-organized and memorable the experience is. It’s especially suitable for those new to paddleboarding since no experience is needed.

Bottom Line: For a tranquil, scenic start with excellent photo opportunities and a touch of adventure, this paddleboard sunrise tour offers great value at just over $27 per person.

2. Photography and Filming with drone and camera

At number 2, this private photography and filming experience is perfect for travelers who want professional-quality images of Bacalar. For around $86, a skilled photographer will guide you through a personalized session, capturing stunning photos and videos with both a drone and a camera.

This private setup allows you to select locations around Bacalar’s city and lagoon, ensuring your pictures truly reflect your experience.

What’s special here is the aerial drone photography, which offers a fresh perspective of Bacalar’s crystal-clear waters and scenic landscape.

Guests consistently highlight the photographer’s professionalism and patience, with one reviewer mentioning that Mehran “got his clothes wet to take the perfect picture.” This session is ideal if you want to preserve your trip with high-quality, customized images that are both fun and artistic. The brief 2-hour window makes it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing.

Bottom Line: For those seeking a one-of-a-kind photo session that covers both aerial and ground shots, this private experience offers excellent value and a highly personalized service.

3. Bacalar at Sunrise: Kayak Adventure with Breakfast & Photos

If you prefer your photography experiences with a bit of paddling, the Bacalar at Sunrise: Kayak Adventure is a top pick. This 3-hour tour combines the serenity of kayaking with the beauty of dawn over Bacalar’s lagoon. Guided by local experts, you’ll explore the calm waters and the mangrove areas, with a stop at Cocos Island for a swim.

What makes this tour especially appealing is the combination of active exploration and photography. The early morning light casts a magical glow, perfect for capturing memorable images with your GoPro or camera.

Breakfast amid nature adds a special touch; a picnic in the middle of the lagoon makes for a peaceful, scenic meal. Reviewers appreciate the professionalism of guides and how easy it is to feel safe, even if you’re new to kayaking.

This tour is best suited for those who like an active start to their day without sacrificing the chance for great photos. The price point of $30 per person makes it an accessible option for many travelers.

Bottom Line: For a balance of adventure, stunning scenery, and photos, this sunrise kayaking tour hits the mark.

4. Sunrise Kayaking Tour in Bacalar with Breakfast and Photos

Another excellent kayaking option is the Sunrise Kayaking Tour, which shares many features with the previous experience but stands out with its highly positive reviews—earning a 5.0/5 from 26 travelers. Starting at just over $27, this 3-hour tour takes you over Bacalar’s shimmering lagoon with a guide explaining safety and kayaking basics, perfect for beginners.

The highlight is witnessing the first light of dawn while paddling quietly toward the mangroves and Cocos Island. Photos taken with a GoPro capture the tranquil beauty of the morning. Included breakfast offers a delicious way to fuel up after the paddle. Many reviewers praise the professionalism of the guides and the overall safety and comfort of the experience.

This tour works well for active travelers who value intimate, guided experiences combined with the chance to snap incredible sunrise shots. Its affordability makes it a compelling choice for budget-conscious travelers.

Bottom Line: With high ratings and a scenic route, this kayak tour suits those wanting an authentic, active start with great photo opportunities.

5. Bacalar Private Photography Session with camera and drone

Rounding out the list is the Bacalar Private Photography Session, which offers a tailored photoshoot experience with a professional photographer. For about $82 per group, you can customize your session in Bacalar’s lagoon and city, with the photographer using both drone and traditional camera.

This is perfect for travelers who want high-quality, personalized images—whether for social media, a special occasion, or just to remember your trip vividly.

The real advantage here is the diverse mix of shots—aerial views from the drone combined with ground-level photos—giving you a comprehensive collection of your Bacalar experience. Guests say the photographer captures moments beautifully, with reviews praising Mehran’s professionalism.

The 2-hour session allows enough time for multiple locations and plenty of photos, making it a good value for those who want professional images.

Bottom Line: If you’re after a customized, high-quality photo collection that captures all angles of Bacalar, this private session is a smart choice.

How to Choose the Best Photography Experience in Bacalar

When selecting among these options, consider your budget, interests, and fitness level. If you love active outdoor adventures, kayaking or paddleboarding tours (like this one) will serve you well. For those wanting a quick, professional set of images, the private photo sessions (see here) are ideal.

And if aerial shots or capturing Bacalar from above appeals to you, the drone photography (linked here) is hard to beat.

Timing also matters—early mornings are best for photos and sunrise paddling, so plan accordingly. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for private sessions and popular tours. Consider your physical comfort; paddling and kayaking tours are accessible for most, but check the level of activity involved.

To sum it up, Bacalar offers a range of photography experiences that cater to different tastes and budgets. For peaceful, scenic mornings, the paddleboard or kayak sunrise tours are hard to beat. For more personalized, high-quality images, private sessions with drone and camera are perfect.

Whichever you choose, be sure to arrive early to catch the best light—and don’t forget your camera or smartphone. Booking early will ensure you don’t miss out on these memorable ways to capture Bacalar’s stunning beauty.