Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Bacalar Lagoon from Costa Maya

Ancient temples and a seven-color lagoon in one port day

A guided tour from Costa Maya combining Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon, with round-trip transport, entrance fees, lunch and water access included. The tour departs one hour after your cruise ship arrives, timed to fit your port schedule. A certified guide leads the ruins walk in English or Spanish. At Bacalar you swim, kayak or relax by the water for roughly two hours before returning to port.

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 port
• Drive 50 minutes to Chacchoben
• Explore Chacchoben Mayan Ruins with guide
• Walk jungle trails and spot wildlife
• Drive 25 minutes to Bacalar Lagoon
• Swim, kayak, or relax by lagoon
• Enjoy included taco lunch by lagoon
• Drive 1 hour 5 minutes back to Costa Maya

The experience

The day starts with a 50-minute drive from Costa Maya through local villages to Chacchoben, where you walk the ruins with your guide for about an hour. The site sits in tropical jungle: temples and ceremonial structures rise among native plants, and you may spot spider monkeys or colorful birds along the trails. The guide explains the history of this ancient Maya city while you move through the structures. Climbing the temples is not permitted, but the walking paths let you see the architecture up close and in context.

After Chacchoben, a 25-minute drive takes you to Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon, where you have roughly two hours at your own pace. The water is freshwater and changes shade across blues and turquoise depending on depth and light. You can swim, paddle a kayak (life jackets provided), or sit on a lounger with a cold drink and watch the water. Children under 10 can kayak with a supervising adult. Solo paddling is for ages 10 and up. A weight limit of 220 pounds applies to single kayaks and 270 pounds to doubles.

Lunch is included and served by the lagoon: freshly made tacos with your choice of chicken fajitas, Spanish sausage with potato, or al pastor, plus chips, salsa and homemade sauces. Soft drinks, water, horchata, hibiscus water and two alcoholic drinks per guest (age 21+) are included. Additional premium beverages are available for purchase. Vegetarian and gluten-free meals can be arranged with advance notice. The return drive to Costa Maya takes about an hour and five minutes, and the tour keeps your cruise departure in mind throughout.

What’s included

• Round-trip air-conditioned transport from Costa Maya.
• entrance fees and guided tour of Chacchoben Mayan Ruins with a certified guide in English or Spanish.
• access to Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon with loungers and facilities.
• kayaks and life jackets.
• lunch by the lagoon with tacos, chips, salsa and homemade sauces.
• soft drinks, water, horchata and hibiscus water.
• two alcoholic drinks per guest age 21+.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (1 to 4 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 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availableNot for heart conditions

Operated by Caribbean Cruise Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if your ship docks at Costa Maya and you want to combine Mayan ruins with lagoon swimming in one day: departure syncs with your arrival, and the itinerary fits a standard port window.

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 (5 to 11 years); Infant (1 to 4 years): free.

How long is the walk through Chacchoben Mayan Ruins?

The guided walk through Chacchoben takes approximately one hour. You move along jungle trails with some rocks, roots and uneven surfaces, but the pace is set by the group and your guide explains the site as you go.

Can I swim and kayak at Bacalar Lagoon, or just relax?

You can do all three. Bacalar gives you roughly two hours to swim in the freshwater lagoon, paddle a kayak with a provided life jacket, or lounge on a chair by the water. Kayaks and life jackets are included. Children under 10 must kayak with an adult, and weight limits are 220 pounds for a single kayak or 270 pounds for a double.

What is included in the lunch at Bacalar?

Lunch includes freshly made tacos with your choice of fillings (chicken fajitas, Spanish sausage with potato, or al pastor), chips, salsa and homemade sauces. Soft drinks, water, horchata and hibiscus water are included, plus two alcoholic drinks per guest age 21 and older.

When does the tour depart from Costa Maya, and how do I get to the meeting point?

The tour departs one hour after your cruise ship arrives in port, from Plaza Las Fuentes just a few steps from the main Costa Maya Port entrance. The walk from your ship to the meeting point takes about 15 minutes. You must provide your ship's full name when booking.

What should I know about the water activities if weather turns bad?

Water activities including kayaking may be restricted or cancelled by local authorities if wind, lightning or other unsafe weather develops. Life jackets are mandatory for all water activities and are provided. Kayaking is not permitted for pregnant guests.

Is there a camera fee at Chacchoben?

A $5 USD copyright fee applies for camera use at Chacchoben Mayan Ruins. This fee is paid directly at the site when you arrive.