Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon and Mayan Experience from Costa Maya
Back at the ship by about 2:06 pm, 2 h 24 min before all aboard. That keeps your 1 h safety margin with 1 h 24 min to spare.
Safety margin
- 8:00 amShip docks in Costa Maya20 min to get off the ship and through the terminal
- 8:20 amLeave the pierThis tour meets at the pier
- 8:28 amEarliest tour startTour runs 5 h 30 min. Latest sensible start: 9:52 am.
- 1:58 pmTour ends8 min back to the pier
- 2:06 pmBack at the gangway2 h 24 min before all aboard
- 4:30 pmAll aboardGangway closes; the ship won't wait for independent tours
Estimates based on the tour's longest published duration, our researched travel times and typical pier queues. Confirm the departure time on the booking page and keep your watch on ship's time.
Our verdict
This tour fits a typical Costa Maya call (8:00 am–4:30 pm). It runs 5 h 30 min; ashore by 8:20 am, you can start by 8:28 am and be back at the gangway around 2:06 pm — 1 h 24 min to spare on top of a 1 h safety margin.
Rule of thumb: it keeps the safety margin as long as all aboard is 3:06 pm or later. On a short call (ship leaving by 2:00 pm) skip it or ask for the first departure.
The meeting point is at the cruise pier or a short walk from it — the operator's own directions are written from Puerta Costa Maya (Costa Maya cruise pier). We allow 8 min to walk off and find them; usually no taxi and no transfer eating into your day.
Among the 100 Costa Maya shore excursions we track, this is about average in length (the median runs 5 h); 93% of them fit a typical call.
Computed from the tour's published duration, the distance from the cruise pier to its start point and the typical Costa Maya call. Adjust your ship's times above to recheck.
About this tour
Experience two very different sides of Costa Maya in one shore excursion, combining living Maya culture with the natural beauty of Bacalar’s Seven Color Lagoon.
Visit the village of Chacchoben and spend time with a local Maya family, discovering traditions that remain part of everyday life today. Learn about local ingredients and tortilla making, then share a traditional Maya meal prepared with fresh ingredients and family recipes passed down through generations.
Continue to Bacalar Lagoon, once a haven for pirates and today famous for its striking shades of blue and turquoise. Swim in the refreshing freshwater, relax by the lagoon, or simply enjoy the scenery and laid-back atmosphere.
From sharing a meal with a Maya family to swimming in the Seven Color Lagoon, the day brings together the culture, flavors, and natural beauty that make this part of Mexico so special.
Max 120 per group English, Spanish
What's included
- Two alcoholic drinks for guests 21+
- Enjoy authentic home-cooked Maya dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients and traditional flavors. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available upon request.
- Kayaks, tubes, and life jackets
- Access to Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon with loungers and facilities
- Round-trip transportation from Costa Maya in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Beverages at Bacalar including Horchata, Hibiscus & Iced Tea
- Authentic Mayan Experience with a local family, including traditional tortilla making
- Certified tour guide
Not included
- Gratuities
- Souvenirs
- Additional premium alcoholic beverages
Itinerary
- 1ChacchobenYour adventure begins one hour after your cruise ship arrives in Costa Maya. Travel to the village of Chacchoben, where you’ll meet a local Maya family and experience traditions that remain part of everyday life today. Spend time with your hosts, learn about local ingredients, and enjoy a hands-on tortilla-making demonstration where you can even try making your own. Then sit down for a traditional Maya lunch, prepared with fresh local ingredients and family recipes. Try classic dishes and tamales, with habanero sauces available for those who want to add a little extra Yucatán flavor. After your visit, continue to Bacalar for the second part of your experience.
- 2BacalarContinue to the beautiful Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon, famous for its striking shades of blue and turquoise. Spend approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes at the lagoon, with time to swim in the clear freshwater, relax on a lounger by the water, or enjoy the included facilities and beverages. Kayaks are also available, weather and operating conditions permitting. After your time at Bacalar, enjoy a smooth ride back to Costa Maya Port.
Meeting point and getting there
Start point
Your tour departs one hour after your cruise arrives at Costa Maya Port. Meet at Plaza Las Fuentes, just outside the port area. Allow 15 minutes to walk from your ship. Provide your full cruise ship name when booking. Detailed directions and a map will follow confirmation.
Your tour departs one hour after your cruise arrives at Costa Maya Port. Meet at Plaza Las Fuentes, just outside the port area. Allow 15 minutes to walk from your ship. Provide your full cruise ship name when booking. Detailed directions and a map will follow confirmation.
From the cruise pier
Meets at the pier
Allow 20 min to get off the ship first. Taxi fares and pier details.
Returns
Back to the start point
Good to know
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour will depart one hour after your cruise arrives to port from Plaza Las Fuentes, conveniently located just a few steps away from the main access of Costa Maya Port.
- Please note that the total walking time from your cruise ship to the meeting point is about 15 minutes.
- Maximize your afternoon in Costa Maya: Cruise guests arriving to port after 12 PM make the most of your limited time in port by booking our Ancient Mayan City of Chacchoben Tour
- Please provide your full cruise ship name and scheduled docking time when booking.
- Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available upon request. Please advise us in advance of any dietary requirements or food allergies.
- Late Arrivals / No-Shows: Guests who arrive late or fail to show up for their scheduled activity are not eligible for a refund.
- This experience is best appreciated by children ages 6 and older.
- Alcoholic beverages are available only to guests 21 and older.
- Life jackets are mandatory for all water activities and are provided.
- Children must be 10 years or older to paddle a single kayak alone. Children under 10 may kayak when accompanied by a supervising adult.
- Water activities may be restricted or temporarily suspended by local authorities due to wind, lightning, or other unsafe weather conditions.
- Bring a swimsuit, personal towel, change of clothes, hat, and biodegradable sunscreen.
- Bring extra cash for personal expenses, as credit cards may not be accepted outside the port area
- The tour operates rain or shine, so please dress according to the weather.
- Weight limit for a single kayak is 220 pounds or 270 pounds for a double kayak
- Kayaking is not permitted for pregnant guests.
Traveler reviews
Operated by Shore Excursions. Prices, availability and tour details come from the booking partner and can change; the booking page is authoritative.
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