Costa Maya Shore Excursion: Chacchoben Ruins & Bacalar Lagoon
Back at the ship by about 2:20 pm, 2 h 10 min before all aboard. That keeps your 1 h safety margin with 1 h 10 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 pierAbout 15 min to the start point
- 8:35 amEarliest tour startTour runs 5 h 30 min. Latest sensible start: 9:45 am.
- 2:05 pmTour ends15 min back to the pier
- 2:20 pmBack at the gangway2 h 10 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.
About this tour
Discover two of the area’s favorite destinations in one Costa Maya shore excursion! Start your day exploring the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins, an ancient Maya site surrounded by tropical jungle. Walk among temples and ceremonial structures while your guide shares the history of Chacchoben and the Mayan civilization that once called this region home.
After exploring the ruins, continue to Bacalar Lagoon, the famous Lagoon of Seven Colors, where it’s time to relax. Swim in its refreshing waters, enjoy a complimentary kayak, or simply sit back and take in the view.
While at the lagoon, enjoy fajitas and a refreshing drink before heading back to Costa Maya.
This shore excursion combines two of the region’s highlights—Mayan history and the beautiful Bacalar Lagoon—in a single day.
Max 80 per group English, Spanish
What's included
- Two alcoholic drinks for guests 21+
- Kayaks and life jackets
- Entrance fees and tickets to Chacchoben Mayan Ruins
- Access to Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon with loungers and facilities
- Round-trip transportation from Costa Maya in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Guided tour of Chacchoben Mayan Ruins
- Lunch by the Bacalar Lagoon with refreshing aguas frescas — Horchata, Hibiscus & Iced Tea included
- Certified tour guide
Not included
- $5.00 USD copyright fee for the use of cameras at Chacchoben. This is paid directly at the site.
- Souvenirs
- Gratuities
- Additional premium alcoholic beverages
Itinerary
- 1Zona Arqueologica De ChacchobenYour adventure begins one hour after your cruise ship arrives in port, giving you enough time to disembark and make your way to the meeting point. Travel from Costa Maya into the tropical jungle to explore the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins, an ancient Maya city dating back to around 200 BC. Follow your guide through the archaeological site as you discover impressive temples and ceremonial structures while learning about the history and culture of the Maya civilization. Along the way, experience the surrounding jungle and keep an eye out for the native flora and wildlife that make Chacchoben much more than an archaeological visit.
- 2Lake BacalarAfter exploring Chacchoben, continue your journey to Bacalar Lagoon, located approximately 30 minutes from the archaeological site. Visit Bacalar Lagoon, the famous Lagoon of Seven Colors, once a strategic route and haven for pirates. Enjoy time to swim in its refreshing waters, use one of the complimentary kayaks when available, or simply relax by the lagoon and take in the views. During your visit, enjoy delicious fajitas and a refreshing drink by the water before beginning the journey back to Costa Maya. Así queda mucho más transparente: Costa Maya → traslado a Chacchoben → visita → traslado a Bacalar → visita → regreso a Costa Maya.
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
About 15 min by taxi
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.
- 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.
- IMPORTANT: Travelers coming by cruise ship must provide the full name of the ship.
- Cruise guests arriving after 12 PM. Make the most of your limited time in port by booking our Chacchoben Mayan City Tour or our beach break options
- The use of tripods and drones are prohibited at the Mayan City.
- Travel time is included with the total tour duration.
- This tour operates rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, operations may be modified or canceled to ensure the safety and comfort of our guests.
- Late Arrivals / No-Shows: Guests who arrive late or fail to show up for their scheduled activity are not eligible for a refund.
- Chacchoben is surrounded by natural vegetation and wildlife. Tropical birds and other animals may be seen during your visit, but wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
- Climbing the archaeological temples is not permitted.
- Life jackets are required and provided for all water activities. Water activities may be restricted by local authorities due to wind, lightning, or other unsafe weather conditions.
- Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available upon request. Please provide dietary requirements at the time of booking so they can be prepared in advance.
- Bring a swimsuit, towel, comfortable walking shoes, hat, and biodegradable sunscreen. Extra cash is recommended for souvenirs or personal purchases.
- No Port, No Pay! If your cruise ship doesn’t call at the port, you’ll receive a 100% full refund guaranteed.
- Weight limit for a single kayak is 220 pounds or 270 pounds for a double kayak
- Wheelchairs: Transportation vehicles can accommodate foldable wheelchairs only. Vehicles are not wheelchair-adapted, and non-folding wheelchairs cannot be accommodated.
- Guests should be comfortable walking on outdoor paths and trails that may include rocks, roots, and uneven surfaces. Swimming and kayaking require a moderate level of physical fitness.
Traveler reviews
Operated by Caribbean Shore Excursions. Prices, availability and tour details come from the booking partner and can change; the booking page is authoritative.
More Costa Maya tours that fit a typical call
Back with at least an hour to spare on a 8:00 am–4:30 pm call.
Fits your dayBacalar – 7 Colors Lagoon Excursión Costa Maya
Back by 2:20 pmfrom $135
Fits your dayChacchoben Mayan Ruins & Bacalar Lagoon with Certified Guide
Back by 2:20 pmfrom $120
Fits your dayCHACCHOBEN Ruins and BACALAR Lagoon Boat Excursion from Costa Maya
Back by 2:50 pmfrom $169
from $113Check dates & book