Chacchoben Ruins & Snorkeling in Costa Maya: Reef, Jungle & Beach

Three ecosystems in six hours: temple, reef, and sand

A guided tour from Costa Maya port combining a walk through Chacchoben Mayan Ruins, a snorkeling trip on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, and time at a beach club in Mahahual with lunch and open bar. The tour departs one hour after your ship docks and returns well before departure, with all transport, equipment, entrance fees and meals included. Snorkeling is designed for all experience levels; the archaeological site involves walking jungle trails with uneven terrain.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Mayan ruins, snorkel reef, beach time

• Board vehicle near cruise port
• Drive 1 hour through Pedro Santos village
• Explore Chacchoben Mayan ruins with guide
• Arrive at Mahahual Caribbean coast
• Snorkel along Mesoamerican Barrier Reef
• Return to Mahahual beach club
• Enjoy traditional Mexican lunch and open bar
• Relax on beach or stroll boardwalk
• Return to Costa Maya Port

The Experience

Your guide meets you just outside the Costa Maya Port entrance about 15 minutes after you leave the ship. From there, an air-conditioned vehicle takes you inland for a 1-hour drive through the Riviera Maya, passing pineapple plantations around Pedro Santos before you arrive at Chacchoben. The ruins sit in tropical jungle—you walk beneath ceiba trees and explore well-preserved temples while your guide explains what you're standing in front of. The site is an outdoor archaeological space, so the ground is uneven in places, but the walking is manageable for most fitness levels.

After Chacchoben, you head to the coast at Mahahual and board a boat for the snorkeling portion. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef—the world's second-largest barrier reef system—runs along this stretch of Caribbean water. You enter the turquoise shallows with snorkeling gear and a life jacket, moving above colorful coral formations while tropical fish and other marine life move around you. The guide leads the experience and it's built for all abilities, so whether you've snorkeled before or this is your first time, the reef works. You spend time in the water, then return to the beach club in Mahahual.

The beach club is where the day slows down. You get a traditional Mexican lunch and an open bar with beer, juice, soft drinks and water. The Caribbean is steps away—you can swim, relax on the sand with a drink, or walk the colorful boardwalk and shops nearby. The whole tour is designed to fit inside a port day, so the timing is built around your ship's schedule. You head back to Costa Maya Port in plenty of time to reboard.

What’s included

• Roundtrip transport from Costa Maya Port in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• guided tour of Chacchoben Mayan Ruins with entrance fees.
• snorkeling equipment and life jackets.
• guided snorkeling on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
• access to a Caribbean beach club in Mahahual.
• traditional Mexican lunch.
• open bar with beer, juice, soft drinks and water.
• fresh fruit and snacks.
• certified tour guide in English or Spanish.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availableNot for heart conditions

Operated by Next Experience Travel

Is this one for you?Book this if your port day is short and you want to see three distinct landscapes—jungle ruins, living reef, and beach—in one outing rather than choosing just one.

Top questions

How long is the drive to Chacchoben from the Costa Maya port?

The drive inland takes about 1 hour in an air-conditioned vehicle. You'll pass through the village of Pedro Santos on the way, known for pineapple plantations.

What's the snorkeling like on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef?

You snorkel above colorful coral formations and tropical fish along the world's second-largest barrier reef system. The experience is designed for all levels—beginners and experienced snorkelers both go. A guide leads the group and you wear a life jacket and snorkeling gear provided by the tour.

Is there time to relax after snorkeling, or is the day packed the whole time?

After snorkeling, you have free time at the beach club in Mahahual. You can swim, relax on the beach, grab a drink from the open bar, or walk the boardwalk and shops. Lunch is included, so you eat there before heading back to the port.

What should I bring for a day that includes both jungle ruins and water activities?

Wear comfortable walking shoes for the temple ruins and bring a swimsuit, personal towel, change of clothes, hat and sunscreen. The tour provides snorkeling equipment and life jackets. Bring cash if you want to buy souvenirs or use the shops in Mahahual. A video camera at Chacchoben costs about $5 USD, paid on-site.

What happens if my ship arrives late or the weather is bad?

The tour departs one hour after your ship docks, so if you're delayed getting off the vessel, let your guide know at the meeting point. The tour operates rain or shine, but snorkeling and water activities may be modified or restricted if there's lightning, high wind or other unsafe conditions. Check the weather forecast and dress for the day ahead.

Are the Chacchoben ruins difficult to walk through?

Chacchoben is an outdoor archaeological site with jungle trails that have occasional rocks, roots and uneven ground. The walking is suitable for most fitness levels, but you should be comfortable on natural terrain. Infants and small children can use a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available.