Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Bacalar Lagoon from Costa Maya

Ancient temples and turquoise waters in a single port day

A guided tour from Costa Maya that combines Chacchoben Mayan Ruins, an ancient city hidden in jungle, with Bacalar's 7 Colors Lagoon, where you swim, kayak or relax by the water. The tour departs one hour after your cruise arrives and returns you to port in 5.5 hours, with a certified guide, lunch, two drinks, and all transport included.

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

• Travel to Chacchoben Mayan Ruins
• Explore temples and jungle wildlife
• Travel to Bacalar 7 Colors Lagoon
• Swim, kayak, or relax by lagoon
• Enjoy fajitas and drinks by water
• Return to Costa Maya Port

The experience

Your ship docks at Costa Maya and you have a few hours to explore. This tour meets you at Plaza Las Fuentes, a 15-minute walk from the main port entrance, and departs one hour after arrival. A 50-minute drive through the southern Yucatán countryside brings you to Chacchoben, an ancient Maya city dating back around 200 BC, where temples rise through the tropical jungle. Your certified guide leads you beneath the canopy to walk ceremonial plazas and restored structures, pointing out the contrast between temples fully uncovered and ruins still half-hidden by growth. Spider monkeys and tropical birds often move through the trees overhead.

After Chacchoben, a 25-minute drive takes you to Bacalar's 7 Colors Lagoon, where the pace shifts completely. The lagoon's shades of turquoise and blue stretch across water once used by pirates and now one of the most striking natural sites near Costa Maya. You choose how to spend your time: swim in the clear water, paddle a kayak with a life vest, or settle into a lounger under an umbrella and watch the lagoon. Lunch arrives at the water's edge: fajitas and your choice of aguas frescas (horchata, hibiscus or iced tea), along with two alcoholic drinks if you're 21 or older. Wi-Fi is available if you need it. The return drive to port is comfortable and air-conditioned, timed to get you back before your ship departs.

Wear comfortable walking shoes with grip for jungle trails that have rocks and roots. You won't climb the archaeological structures, but you will walk beneath them. Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen and a hat for Bacalar. The tour runs rain or shine, so check the forecast and dress for the weather. Kayaks accommodate up to 220 pounds solo or 270 pounds as a pair. If you're arriving by cruise ship, provide your ship's full name when you book: the "no port, no pay" guarantee means a full refund if your ship doesn't call Costa Maya at all.

What’s included

• Round-trip air-conditioned transport from Costa Maya Port.
• guided tour of Chacchoben Mayan Ruins with a certified guide in English or Spanish.
• entrance to Chacchoben.
• access to Bacalar's 7 Colors Lagoon with loungers, umbrellas and Wi-Fi.
• kayaks and life vests.
• lunch with fajitas and choice of aguas frescas.
• two alcoholic drinks for guests 21+.
• bottled water throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Infant (1 to 5 years): 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 9 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availableNot for heart conditions

Operated by Cruise Shore Expeditions

Is this one for you?Book this if you're docking for just a few hours and want to see both ruins and lagoon in one trip. The departure is timed to your ship's schedule, so you'll be back in time to reboard.

Traveler reviews

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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 (6 to 12 years); Infant (1 to 5 years): free.

Can I take photos at Chacchoben?

Yes, though there's a $5 USD copyright fee for camera use at the site, paid directly there. Tripods and drones are not permitted at the ruins.

How much walking is involved at Chacchoben?

You'll walk beneath the jungle canopy to explore temples and ceremonial plazas with your guide, but the exact distance depends on which structures you visit. Wear shoes with good grip for occasional rocks and roots on the trails.

What if my cruise ship arrives after noon?

This tour departs one hour after your ship arrives, so if you dock after 12 PM, you'll have limited time in port. The operator offers a shorter Chacchoben tour or beach-only options for late arrivals.

Is Bacalar lagoon safe for swimming?

Yes, the lagoon is a popular swimming spot. Water activities depend on weather and lagoon conditions on the day you visit, so the operator may adjust your time there if needed.

What's included in the lunch at Bacalar?

Lunch consists of fajitas served at the lagoon's edge, plus your choice of three aguas frescas: horchata, hibiscus water or iced tea. Guests 21 and older also receive two alcoholic drinks.