Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and Bacalar Lagoon Combo from Costa Maya
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
Explore two of Costa Maya’s highlights in one shore excursion, on a journey from the ancient Maya to the pirates of Bacalar.
Discover the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins, an ancient city dating back to around 200 BC and surrounded by tropical jungle. Walk among impressive temples and ceremonial structures while your guide brings the history of the Maya civilization to life, with native flora and wildlife all around you.
Continue to Bacalar’s Seven Color Lagoon, once a haven for pirates and today famous for its remarkable shades of blue and turquoise. Swim, kayak, or simply relax by the lagoon before enjoying fajitas and a refreshing drink overlooking the water.
From ancient Maya temples surrounded by jungle to swimming in the waters of Bacalar, this experience combines history, nature, and time to relax in two of Costa Maya’s most fascinating destinations.
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
- Gratuities
- Souvenirs
- $5.00 USD copyright fee for the use of cameras at the Mayan City. This fee is paid directly at site.
- Additional premium alcoholic beverages
Itinerary
- 1Zona Arqueologica De ChacchobenYour adventure begins one hour after your cruise ship arrives in Costa Maya. Travel 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, enjoy the surrounding jungle and keep an eye out for native flora and wildlife. After exploring Chacchoben, continue to Bacalar Lagoon for the second part of your adventure.
- 2Lake BacalarContinue to Bacalar’s Seven Color Lagoon, once a haven for pirates and today famous for its striking shades of blue and turquoise. Spend time by the freshwater lagoon where you can swim, relax by the water, or enjoy a kayak ride, while taking in the scenery. During your stay, enjoy fajitas and a refreshing drink by the lagoon. 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
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.
- 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 after 12PM make the most of your limited time in port by booking our Ancient Mayan City of Chacchoben Tour
- No port, no pay! Guaranteed full refund if your cruise ship does not call port in Costa Maya at all
- Please provide your full cruise ship name and scheduled docking time when booking.
- This experience is best appreciated by children ages 6 and older.
- Visitors are not permitted to climb the temples.
- Tripods and drones are not permitted inside the archaeological zone.
- Wildlife sightings, including spider monkeys, cannot be guaranteed.
- 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.
- Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available upon request. Please advise us in advance of any dietary requirements or food allergies.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for Chacchoben.
- Bring a swimsuit, personal towel, change of clothes, hat, and biodegradable sunscreen for Bacalar.
- Bring extra cash for personal expenses, as credit cards may not be accepted at Chacchoben.
- The tour operates rain or shine, so please dress according to the weather.
- Late Arrivals / No-Shows: Guests who arrive late or fail to show up for their scheduled activity are not eligible for a refund.
- Weight limit for a single kayak is 220 pounds or 270 pounds for a double kayak
- This tour involves walking outdoors on jungle trails, with some rocks, roots, and uneven surfaces.
- 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.
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 dayPrivate beach, all inclusive.
Back by 1:50 pmfrom $129
from $116Check dates & book