Chacchoben Ruins & Bacalar Lagoon Tour from Costa Maya

Ancient ruins, a lagoon with seven shades of blue, and lunch in one morning

A full-day tour from Costa Maya combines a guided walk through Chacchoben's ancient Mayan structures with a private boat cruise on Bacalar Lagoon, where you swim in clear water and eat fresh fruit snacks aboard before finishing with authentic Mexican tacos at a local restaurant. The tour runs 6 hours total, including 1.5 hours of travel time, and includes all transport, a live guide in English or Spanish, water, snacks and lunch.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore ruins, lagoon, and enjoy lunch

• Walk through Chacchoben ruins
• Boat tour on Bacalar Lagoon
• Enjoy Mexican tacos lunch

The experience

How do you fit two major stops into one morning without feeling rushed? This tour leaves Costa Maya and drives to Chacchoben first, where you walk through the ancient Mayan city on natural paths winding between buildings and structures. The site sits inland, away from the cruise ports, so the crowds thin out fast. After an hour or so exploring the ruins, you head back to the vehicle and drive to Bacalar Lagoon on the coast.

The boat part is where the day changes shape. A private boat takes you out onto water that shifts through seven distinct shades of blue depending on depth and light: the reason locals call it the 7 Color Lagoon. You swim in the clear water while the crew prepares fresh fruit snacks on board, then cruise back as the morning light hits the lagoon at its best angle. The boat is small enough that you're not jostling for space, and the crew handles everything.

Lunch happens at a local restaurant on the way back to Costa Maya: authentic Mexican tacos with your choice of pork, beef or shrimp, plus guacamole, with vegetarian and vegan options available. The tour wraps by early afternoon, which leaves the rest of your day open. Transport is air-conditioned, water and soda are included throughout, and beer and tequila are available on the boat if you want them.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned transport from Costa Maya.
• guided walk through Chacchoben ruins.
• private boat cruise on Bacalar Lagoon.
• fresh fruit snacks prepared on board.
• lunch with tacos and guacamole.
• bottled water and soda throughout the day.
• beer and tequila available on the boat.
• live guide in English or Spanish.
• tour insurance.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

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.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 13 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Bacalar Experiences Costa Maya

Is this one for you?The private boat and small group size mean you're not competing with dozens of other tourists for space or the crew's attention, which suits anyone who wants to move at their own pace between the ruins and the water without the feel of a large organized tour.

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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 (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): 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 there to see at Chacchoben?

Chacchoben is an ancient Mayan city with buildings and structures spread across natural paths. You walk through the site with a guide who explains the history and layout of the ruins.

Can I actually swim in Bacalar Lagoon during the boat tour?

Yes. The boat stops so you can splash in the clear water. The crew stays on board and prepares fruit snacks while you're in the lagoon.

Is the 6-hour duration the whole day or just the tour itself?

The 6 hours includes 1.5 hours of travel time from Costa Maya to Chacchoben and back, so the actual time at the ruins and on the boat is shorter.

Are meals included, or do I pay separately at the restaurant?

Lunch is included. You eat tacos at a local restaurant as part of the tour, with meat, vegetarian and vegan options all available.