Chacchoben Ruins & Bacalar Lagoon: Costa Maya shore excursion

Mayan temples in the jungle, then swim in Bacalar's seven-color lagoon

A Costa Maya shore excursion that pairs a guided walk through Chacchoben Mayan Ruins (an ancient city dating to around 200 BC) with swimming and kayaking at Bacalar Lagoon, the Lagoon of Seven Colors. The tour departs one hour after your cruise arrives, includes round-trip transport from port, lunch with drinks, and runs 5.5 hours total, fitting comfortably inside a port call.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Chacchoben1h 30m · entry included
2. Lake Bacalar2h · entry included

Explore ruins and relax at lagoon

• Disembark and meet tour guide
• Travel to Chacchoben Mayan Ruins
• Explore Chacchoben ruins with guide
• Travel to Bacalar Lagoon
• Swim or kayak at Bacalar Lagoon
• Enjoy fajitas and drink by lagoon
• Return to Costa Maya

The experience

Chacchoben sits in tropical jungle about an hour inland from Costa Maya port. Your guide leads you through temples and ceremonial structures, explaining the history of the Maya civilization that built this city centuries ago. The ruins themselves are surrounded by native flora and wildlife: tropical birds and other animals may appear, though sightings aren't guaranteed. You'll walk outdoor paths that include rocks, roots and uneven surfaces, so wear comfortable shoes. Climbing the temples isn't permitted, but the walk through the site gives you a real sense of the scale and layout of an ancient Maya city.

After Chacchoben, the tour continues 30 minutes to Bacalar Lagoon, famous for its seven distinct shades of blue and green water. Here you swim in the lagoon, use a complimentary kayak (life jackets provided), or simply sit by the water. Lunch arrives (fajitas and a refreshing drink) eaten by the lagoon before the return trip to port. The whole excursion is built around the port schedule: you meet at Plaza Las Fuentes, just steps from the main Costa Maya access, one hour after your ship docks, giving you time to disembark and walk the 15 minutes to the meeting point.

Round-trip transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, entrance fees to Chacchoben, access to the lagoon facilities and loungers, a certified guide in English or Spanish, and two alcoholic drinks for guests 21 and over are all included. Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available if you request them when booking. Bring a swimsuit, towel, hat and biodegradable sunscreen. Extra cash helps for souvenirs at the ruins.

What’s included

• Round-trip transport from Costa Maya port in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• guided tour of Chacchoben Mayan Ruins with a certified guide in English or Spanish.
• entrance fees and tickets to Chacchoben.
• access to Bacalar Lagoon with loungers and facilities.
• lunch with fajitas and refreshing drinks by the water.
• complimentary kayaks and life jackets.
• two alcoholic drinks for guests 21 and over.
• aguas frescas including horchata, hibiscus and iced tea.

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 3 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availableNot for heart conditions

Operated by Caribbean Shore Excursions

Is this one for you?Book this excursion if your cruise docks before noon and you want to combine Mayan history with water time: the one-hour port delay and 5.5-hour total duration fit inside a typical port call, and the fixed schedule means you won't miss your ship's departure.

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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.

How much walking is involved at Chacchoben Mayan Ruins?

Chacchoben requires walking on outdoor paths with rocks, roots and uneven surfaces as you move through the temples and ceremonial structures with your guide. The site itself is moderate in difficulty, and climbing the temples is not permitted, so the walk stays at ground level through the archaeological area.

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

You can swim in Bacalar Lagoon's refreshing waters and use a complimentary kayak when available. Life jackets are provided for all water activities. If you prefer not to swim, you can relax by the lagoon and take in the views while you eat lunch.

What happens if my cruise ship arrives after noon?

The tour departs one hour after your ship arrives in port, so if you dock after 12 PM, you'll have limited time in port. The operator offers shorter beach break options for late arrivals, though this full excursion may not fit your schedule.

Is lunch included, and what if I have dietary restrictions?

Lunch is included (fajitas and a refreshing drink by the lagoon) plus aguas frescas like horchata, hibiscus and iced tea. Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available upon request. Provide your dietary requirements when you book so they can be prepared in advance.

What's the Lagoon of Seven Colors, and why is it called that?

Bacalar Lagoon is famous for its seven distinct shades of blue and green water, created by varying depths and the mineral composition of the lagoon. It was once a strategic route and haven for pirates, and today it's one of the region's most visited natural attractions for swimming and water activities.