Bacalar Lagoon & Chacchoben Ruins from Costa Maya

Ancient temples, jungle trails, and a freshwater lagoon once ruled by pirates: all in one port day

A full-day tour from Costa Maya combines two stops: the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins, where you walk jungle trails past temples and climb the Gran Basamento platform, and Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon, where you swim, kayak, or rest by the water. The tour departs one hour after your cruise arrives and includes a guide in English or Spanish, round-trip transport, entrance fees, lunch with tacos and aguas frescas, two drinks for guests 21 and older, and kayak and lounger access. The return is timed to get you back to port before your ship departs.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Chacchoben2h 45m · entry included
2. Lake Bacalar2h 45m · entry included

Explore Mayan ruins and Bacalar Lagoon

• Depart Costa Maya to Chacchoben ruins
• Explore Chacchoben Mayan Ruins with guide
• Climb Gran Basamento platform
• Travel to Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon
• Swim, kayak, or relax by lagoon
• Enjoy included taco lunch by water
• Return to Costa Maya Port

The experience

The day starts with a 50-minute drive from Costa Maya through local villages to Chacchoben, where you spend about an hour with your guide exploring the ancient Maya ceremonial center. You walk among temples and structures on jungle trails marked by rocks and roots, then climb the Gran Basamento platform for a wider view of the site and the forest around it. The guide explains the history and architecture while you watch for native plants, birds, and spider monkeys in the canopy.

After Chacchoben, a 25-minute drive takes you to Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon, where you have roughly two hours to move at your own pace. Swim in the freshwater, paddle a kayak (life jackets provided, children under 10 kayak with an adult), or settle into a lounger with a cold drink and the view. An included lunch of tacos (chicken fajitas, Spanish sausage with potato, or al pastor) arrives with chips, salsa, and your choice of horchata, hibiscus water, or iced tea. Guests 21 and older receive two alcoholic drinks. Additional premium options are available for purchase.

The return drive to Costa Maya takes about an hour and five minutes, and the tour operator times the whole day around your cruise schedule. You depart from Plaza Las Fuentes, a short walk from the port entrance. If your ship arrives after noon, shorter beach-break options are available instead. The tour runs rain or shine, so pack a swimsuit, hat, biodegradable sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes for the jungle sections.

What’s included

• Round-trip air-conditioned transportation from Costa Maya.
• certified tour guide in English or Spanish.
• Chacchoben Mayan Ruins entrance and guided tour.
• Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon access with kayaks and loungers.
• lunch with tacos, chips, salsa, and aguas frescas.
• two alcoholic drinks for guests 21 and older.
• bottled water and soda.
• life jackets for water activities.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 80

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availableNot for heart conditions

Operated by Costa Maya Shore Excursions

Is this one for you?At 5.5 hours total, this tour fits a single port day if your ship arrives within the first hour after docking: the operator times the return to your cruise schedule. If you're arriving later or want more time ashore, the shorter beach-break options work better.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What is the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins site actually like to walk through?

Chacchoben is an ancient Maya ceremonial center set in tropical jungle, with temples and structures you explore on trails that include rocks, roots, and uneven ground. You climb the Gran Basamento, a large ancient platform, for a different perspective of the ruins and surrounding forest. Visitors cannot climb the temples themselves, but the guide points out the history and architecture as you move through the site.

Can I swim and kayak at Bacalar Lagoon, or is it just for looking?

You can swim in the freshwater lagoon and kayak if you choose. Life jackets are provided and mandatory for water activities. Children 10 and older can paddle a single kayak alone. Younger children kayak with a supervising adult. You can also simply relax on a lounger by the water if you prefer not to be active in the water.

How much time do I actually have at Bacalar after the ruins?

You spend approximately two hours at Bacalar Lagoon. This includes time to swim, kayak, eat lunch, and rest, but the tour operator keeps the whole day timed to your cruise departure, so you won't have unlimited flexibility if your ship leaves early.

Is lunch included, and what are the options?

Lunch is included: tacos with your choice of chicken fajitas, Spanish sausage with potato, or al pastor, served with chips, salsa, and aguas frescas (horchata, hibiscus water, or iced tea). Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available if you request them in advance. Guests 21 and older also receive two alcoholic drinks. More premium beverages can be purchased.

What should I bring and wear for this tour?

Wear comfortable walking shoes for the jungle trails at Chacchoben. Bring a swimsuit, personal towel, hat, and biodegradable sunscreen for Bacalar. The tour operates in any weather, so dress for rain if the forecast calls for it. Kayak weight limits are 220 lbs for a single kayak or 270 lbs combined for a double.

How does the timing work with my cruise ship's schedule?

The tour departs one hour after your cruise arrives at Costa Maya port, from Plaza Las Fuentes just a few steps from the main port entrance. The return drive takes about an hour and five minutes, and the operator times the whole day to get you back before your ship leaves. If you arrive after noon, shorter options are available. If your ship doesn't call port at Costa Maya at all, you receive a full refund.