Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Bacalar Lagoon Adventure 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
Two of our favorite places in a single day. Travel from the world of the ancient Maya to the old pirate routes of Bacalar, all from Costa Maya.
Explore the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins, where ancient temples and ceremonial structures rise among the tropical jungle. Walk through the site with your guide, discovering the story of this Maya city while surrounded by native plants, tropical birds, and the sounds of the jungle.
Then leave the ancient city behind and continue to Bacalar’s Seven Color Lagoon, once part of old pirate routes and today famous for its clear freshwater and changing shades of blue. Swim, kayak, or simply relax by the lagoon with a cold drink while taking in the breeze and views.
And because a day like this deserves good food, enjoy an included lunch right by the lagoon before heading back to Costa Maya.
Max 80 per group English, Spanish
What's included
- 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
- Soft drinks and bottled water
- Beverages including horchata, hibiscus water, and two alcoholic drinks for guests 21+
- Certified tour guide
- Lunch by the lagoon with freshly prepared tacos, chips, salsa & homemade sauces
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 with transportation from Costa Maya, departing 1 hour after your cruise ship arrives in port. Enjoy the approximately 50-minute drive to Chacchoben, passing through local villages along the way. Spend approximately 1 hour exploring the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins with your guide, discovering an ancient Maya ceremonial center surrounded by tropical jungle. Walk among impressive temples and structures while learning about the history and secrets of this fascinating city. Follow the jungle trails and enjoy the combination of ancient Maya architecture and tropical nature, with native plants, colorful birds, and even the possibility of spotting spider monkeys among the trees. After exploring Chacchoben, continue approximately 25 minutes to Bacalar Lagoon for the second part of your adventure.
- 2Lake BacalarAfter exploring Chacchoben, continue to the beautiful Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon, once a haven for pirates and today famous for its crystal-clear freshwater and incredible shades of blue and turquoise. Spend approximately 2 hours by the lagoon enjoying it at your own pace. Take a refreshing swim, grab a kayak and explore the water, or simply relax on a lounger with a cold drink while enjoying the breeze and views. Take a break for an included taco lunch with chips and salsa, choosing from fillings such as chicken fajitas, Spanish sausage with potato, or traditional al pastor. After your time at Bacalar, sit back and relax on the approximately 1 hour and 5-minute return drive to Costa Maya Port, with your cruise schedule always kept in mind.
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
- No port, no pay! Guaranteed full refund if your cruise ship does not call port in Costa Maya at all
- The use of tripods and drones are prohibited at the Mayan City.
- This experience is best appreciated by children ages 6 and older.
- Visitors are not permitted to climb the temples.
- Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available upon request. Please advise us in advance of any dietary requirements or food allergies.
- Guests 21 and older receive two alcoholic drinks. Additional premium beverages are available for purchase.
- Life jackets are mandatory for all water activities and are provided
- Water activities may be restricted by local authorities due to wind, lightning, or other unsafe weather conditions.
- Children must be 10 years or older to paddle a single kayak alone. Children under 10 may kayak with a supervising adult.
- 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.
- Transportation vehicles can accommodate foldable wheelchairs only. Vehicles are not wheelchair-adapted, and non-folding wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. The Bacalar Lagoon portion is not wheelchair accessible due to the natural terrain and water access points.
Traveler reviews
Operated by Caribbean Cruise Tours. Prices, availability and tour details come from the booking partner and can change; the booking page is authoritative.
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