Chacchoben Ruins & Bacalar Lagoon Boat Tour from Costa Maya

Ancient stones and seven shades of blue in one morning

This 6-hour tour from Costa Maya combines a guided walk through Chacchoben, an archaeological site of Mayan structures and natural pathways, with a pontoon boat cruise on Bacalar Lagoon, where you swim in clear water and eat lunch at a local restaurant. The guide speaks English. Transport, meals, drinks and insurance are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Chacchoben and Bacalar Lagoon

• Walk through Chacchoben ruins
• Enjoy pontoon boat cruise on Bacalar Lagoon
• Snack on fresh fruit during boat tour
• Eat authentic Mexican tacos at restaurant

The experience

Chacchoben sits inland from the coast, and the tour starts there. You walk through the winding natural paths that connect the site's buildings and structures: no climbing required, and the pace suits all fitness levels. The guide explains what you're standing in front of as you move through the grounds. After an hour or so on foot, you head to the lagoon.

The pontoon boat launches from a dock on Bacalar Lagoon, and the crew runs the show from there. You'll see why locals call it the 7-color lagoon: the water shifts between shades of blue depending on the depth and the light. The boat stops so you can jump in and swim. The crew prepares fresh fruit while you're in the water. Lunch comes next at a restaurant the operator favors, with tacos (pork, beef or shrimp), guacamole, and vegetarian or vegan options if you request them ahead. Beer and tequila are available during the boat portion if you want them.

Transport runs the whole day, and the tour wraps by early afternoon. Bottled water and soda are included throughout.

What’s included

• Transport from your hotel or meeting point.
• entrance to Chacchoben archaeological site with a guide.
• pontoon boat cruise on Bacalar Lagoon.
• fresh fruit snack during the boat tour.
• lunch with tacos and guacamole at a local restaurant.
• bottled water and soda throughout the day.
• travel insurance.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (under 5): free

Live guideEnglish

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.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Eco Experience México

Is this one for you?Book this if you want both Mayan ruins and lagoon scenery in one day with meals included. You'll visit Chacchoben, then cruise Bacalar Lagoon, with lunch and drinks provided throughout.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is Chacchoben, and how much walking is involved?

Chacchoben is an ancient Mayan archaeological site with buildings and structures connected by natural pathways. You walk through the site with a guide explaining the structures, but the terrain is flat and the pace is easy. It suits all fitness levels and there's no climbing required.

Can I swim in Bacalar Lagoon during the boat tour?

Yes. The pontoon boat stops so you can jump in and swim in the clear water. The crew stays on board and prepares a fresh fruit snack while you're in the lagoon.

What's included for lunch, and are there options if I don't eat meat?

Lunch is at a local restaurant and features authentic Mexican tacos with your choice of pork, beef or shrimp, plus guacamole. Vegetarian and vegan options are available if you request them when you book.

Is a guide included, and what language do they speak?

Yes, a live guide in English leads both the Chacchoben walk and the boat tour, explaining the site and the lagoon as you go.

What drinks are available during the boat tour?

Bottled water and soda are included. Beer and tequila are available for purchase during the boat portion of the day.