About this tour
When Lily from our BugBitten team booked a photography and filming session in Bacalar, we got why this colonial town is a photographer's dream — the lagoon's turquoise water and pastel colonial streets make for genuinely striking shots. This two-hour session pairs a local photographer with drone and camera work, giving you both aerial perspectives and ground-level captures. You walk away with edited photos and videos, which beats scrolling through phone snaps at the end of a trip. Bacalar itself draws a mix of tourists and remote workers who've settled in; it's relaxed but becoming busier.
Highlights
- Drone footage captures the lagoon's wild colour shifts from above
- Local photographer knows the best light windows and quieter street angles
- Edited files handed over same day or shortly after
- Flexible route — you choose landmarks that matter to you
- Works for solo travellers, couples, and small groups alike
- Accessible to different fitness levels; no endurance hikes required
- Bacalar's colonial grid makes navigation straightforward between locations
What to expect
Lily met the photographer at an agreed spot in town and sketched out which locations mattered most — the lagoon foreshore, maybe a colourful street corner, perhaps the fort. The photographer moved efficiently between spots, switching between drone work (which took a few minutes to launch and frame) and handheld camera shots. The pace was unhurried; you're not power-walking a tick list. Bacalar's compact layout means you're never far from shade or a café if you need a breather.
The two hours moves quickly once the drone's airborne and you're reviewing framing options. The photographer gave clear direction without being bossy, and the edited package arrived within a couple of days — a real difference from the standard "here are your RAW files, sort it yourself" arrangement. One thing to note: the lagoon's light is best early morning or late afternoon, so timing your session around that sweet spot makes a real difference to the final shots.
Good to know
This is honest value if you want professional-grade photos without the wedding-photographer price tag. Bacalar's scenery does the heavy lifting, but having someone frame it properly and edit it afterward means you're not stuck with thousands of mediocre phone pictures. Couples love it; solo travellers get a guided tour vibe bundled in. The edited files are yours to keep and share.
Two hours sounds like a lot until you factor in drone setup time and travel between spots — you're not getting a full neighbourhood covered. Weather can slow drone work (wind grounding it for stretches). The session relies on decent light, so overcast days feel less dramatic. Bacalar gets busier mid-morning, so early starts help.
Bring sunscreen and a hat; you're outdoors the whole time. Water isn't included, so grab a bottle beforehand. Groups work, but intimate shots (couple portraits, solo traveller vibe) suit smaller numbers. Accessible for most fitness levels since there's no serious hiking. Service animals welcome. Book at quieter times (early morning or late afternoon) for the best light and fewer background tourists.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.