Bacalar Lagoon & Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Adventure from Costa Maya
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 8 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Bacalar Lagoon & Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Adventure from Costa Maya worth booking?
Bacalar Lagoon & Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Adventure from Costa Maya is a 5.5-hour experience in Costa Maya, Mexico, from $114 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 8 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (8)
- Duration
- 5.5 hours
- From
- $114 per person
Experience two of Costa Maya’s most spectacular destinations in one adventure, combining the ancient Maya world of Chacchoben with Bacalar’s famous Seven Color Lagoon. Journey into the jungle to explore Chacchoben, an ancient Maya city dating back to around 200 BC. Walk among temples and ceremonial structures as your guide brings its fascinating history to life. Continue to Bacalar Lagoon, once a haven for pirates and today famous for its brilliant shades of blue. Swim in the refreshing waters, paddle by kayak or simply relax by the shore and take in the scenery. Complete your day with an authentic Mexican taco lunch and drinks overlooking the lagoon, with time to relax and enjoy the views. History, adventure and relaxation come together in one unforgettable Costa Maya experience — from ancient Maya temples hidden in the jungle to the breathtaking Seven Color Lagoon.
What you get
About this experience
Experience two of Costa Maya’s most spectacular destinations in one adventure, combining the ancient Maya world of Chacchoben with Bacalar’s famous Seven Color Lagoon. Journey into the jungle to explore Chacchoben, an ancient Maya city dating back to around 200 BC. Walk among temples and ceremonial structures as your guide brings its fascinating history to life. Continue to Bacalar Lagoon, once a haven for pirates and today famous for its brilliant shades of blue. Swim in the refreshing waters, paddle by kayak or simply relax by the shore and take in the scenery. Complete your day with an authentic Mexican taco lunch and drinks overlooking the lagoon, with time to relax and enjoy the views. History, adventure and relaxation come together in one unforgettable Costa Maya experience — from ancient Maya temples hidden in the jungle to the breathtaking Seven Color Lagoon.
What's included
Included
- Carbonated beverages
- Lunch
- Bottled water
- Lounge chairs, umbrellas & complimentary WiFi at the lakeshore club
- Roundtrip transportation from Costa Maya
- Guided tour of Chacchoben Mayan Ruins
- Two alcoholic beverages for guests 21+ — choice of beer or select classic cocktails
- Chacchoben archaeological site admission & entrance fees
- Access to a Bacalar lakeshore club with direct lagoon access
- Certified Tour Guide
- Non-alcoholic drinks — horchata, hibiscus tea & iced tea
- Kayaks & life vests
Not included
- $5.00 USD copyright fee for the use of cameras at Chacchoben. This is paid directly at the site.
- Souvenirs
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
What you'll see and do
Zona Arqueologica De Chacchoben
Begin your adventure at Plaza Las Fuentes, just outside Costa Maya Port, departing one hour after your cruise ship arrives. Board your transportation for an approximately 50-minute journey into the Mayan jungle toward the ancient city of Chacchoben. After a brief facilities break, follow your guide into this fascinating archaeological site, with origins dating back to around 200 BC. Walk along jungle trails as ancient temples and ceremonial structures emerge through the tropical vegetation, while your guide shares the history, traditions and stories of the Maya who once called Chacchoben home. Discover the contrast between restored monuments and archaeological structures still covered by the jungle, and explore highlights including the Gran Basamento, where you can walk up to discover the temples above.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Lake Bacalar
From Chacchoben, continue approximately 25 minutes to Bacalar, trading ancient temples and jungle trails for the brilliant blue waters of the famous Seven Color Lagoon. Arrive at a lakeside club with direct lagoon access and enjoy approximately two hours your way. Swim in the refreshing freshwater lagoon, grab a kayak and paddle across its colorful waters, or simply relax by the shore and take in the incredible views. Enjoy an authentic Mexican taco lunch with your choice of chicken fajitas, Spanish sausage with potato or traditional al pastor, served with chips, salsa and homemade sauces. Non-alcoholic drinks are included, while guests 21 and older can enjoy two included beers or classic cocktails. After your time at Bacalar, relax during the approximately 1-hour 5-minute ride back to Costa Maya, wrapping up an adventure that takes you from an ancient Maya city hidden in the jungle to the refreshing waters of the Seven Color Lagoon.
210 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Costa Maya
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.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
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.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Cruise Port Adventures
Know before you go
- 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
- Chacchoben Site Rules: Climbing the archaeological monuments is prohibited
- Video Recording Permit: A $5 USD fee applies to dedicated personal video cameras such as GoPros and camcorders and is paid directly at the archaeological site. This does not apply to standard personal photography.
- Children of all ages may participate, although the historical content and jungle walk are generally best enjoyed by children ages 6 and older. Children must be supervised during water activities.
- Alcoholic Beverages: Guests must be 21 years or older to receive the two included alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly and enjoy the experience in moderation.
- What to Bring: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a swimsuit, towel, hat, biodegradable sunscreen and extra cash for optional purchases. Cards are not accepted at Chacchoben.
- Water Activities: Water activities may be restricted by local authorities due to wind, lightning, or other unsafe weather conditions.
- Rain or Shine: This tour operates rain or shine. Please check the forecast and dress appropriately for the day’s 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
- Guests should be comfortable walking outdoors on jungle trails with uneven terrain, including rocks and roots. Swimming and kayaking require additional physical ability.
- Guests participating in water activities should know how to swim and feel comfortable in the water. Life vests are mandatory for all water activities and are provided.
- For safety reasons, pregnant guests may not participate in kayaking.
- Food & Dietary Requirements: Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available upon request. Please provide any dietary requirements at the time of booking so arrangements can be made in advance.
- Transportation vehicles can accommodate foldable/collapsible wheelchairs only. Non-folding wheelchairs cannot be accommodated.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 8 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
8 verified traveler reviews for Bacalar Lagoon & Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Adventure from Costa Maya. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Good Service
At first we weren’t sure about booking outside Celebrity Xcel, but this turned out to be the highlight of our stop in Costa Maya. Luis was friendly and really knew the Mayan ruins. Small group, no rushing, no waiting around. Bacalar was gorgeous and relaxing. Would 100% do it again.
Response from the operator: Hi Donald, Thank you for taking a chance on us while on board Celebrity Xcel, and for choosing Cruise Port Adventures in Costa Maya! We'll tell Luis that his knowledge of the ruins made the day, and we're so glad the small group, the relaxed pace and Bacalar made it the highlight of your stop. Hope to see you on your next cruise! Warm regards, The Cruise Port Adventures Team
via Tripadvisor
We were back with plenty of time before all-aboard — no stress at all.
Honestly, we were a little nervous about booking outside the cruise, but after meeting Mike right outside the Costa Maya port, we knew we made the right choice. Sailing on Allure of the Seas, the cruise option was more expensive and way bigger. Walking through the Chacchoben Mayan City felt relaxed and personal, and later floating in the Bacalar Lagoon was unreal. We were back with plenty of time before all-aboard — no stress at all.
Response from the operator: Hi there, Thank you for choosing Cruise Port Adventures in Costa Maya while on board Allure of the Seas! We're so glad meeting Mike right outside the port put you at ease, that Chacchoben felt relaxed and personal, and that floating in Bacalar was unreal. Back with plenty of time before all-aboard, just as we like it! Hope to see you on your next cruise! Warm regards, The Cruise Port Adventures Team
via Tripadvisor
More organized tour
Lagoon was for us alone, with good authentic food, Joshy, the guide, fulfilled all the wishes of the holidaymakers. Driver with good new minibus
Response from the operator: Hi Hubert! So happy to hear you had such a great time exploring Bacalar Lagoon and the Chacchoben Mayan City with us during your MSC World America cruise vacation. Having the lagoon almost to yourselves, enjoying authentic local food, and being well taken care of by Joshy and our professional driver is exactly the experience we love to deliver in Costa Maya, Mexican Caribbean. Thanks for choosing Cruise Port Adventures to spend your day ashore in Costa Maya. Feel free to share your amazing stories and tag us on Instagram or Facebook @NextExperienceTravel so other travelers can discover this beautiful destination too! Hope to welcome you again on another unforgettable shore excursion. Warm regards, The Cruise Port Adventures Team
via Viator (translated)
Horrible experience as we...
Horrible experience as we booked Costa Maya ruins and lagoon combo. Upon arrival I was told there was a mistake made and we will not be able to compete both as their vans are full.
Response from the operator: Hi Maria_V, Thank you for choosing us during your vacation in the beautiful Costa Maya in the heart of the Mexican Caribbean. We’re sorry to hear the experience didn’t meet your expectations. However, we’d like to clarify that your group arrived over an hour late to the scheduled meeting time. Our team had been in contact with you that morning and even waited as long as possible before the Bacalar tour had to depart. As a gesture of goodwill, we offered to accommodate your group on the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins tour, which was the only remaining option given your limited time at port. We also made every effort to assist your large party, despite the challenges and some unfortunate behavior toward our staff. We hope to welcome you again in the future—hopefully with a smoother start—so you can fully enjoy everything Costa Maya has to offer. Warm regards, The Cruise Port Adventures Team
via Viator
Our great excursion.
Joel was a great tour guide. Full of knowledge. Very kind and efficient. Our return to the ship was very timely.
Response from the operator: Hi Donna, We’re thrilled you had a great time exploring Bacalar Lagoon and the Chacchoben Mayan City with us during your cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas! Joel will be so happy to hear your kind words—he’s truly passionate about sharing the magic of Costa Maya, and it shows! Thanks for choosing to spend your day with us in the beautiful Mexican Caribbean. Don’t forget to share your amazing memories and tag us on Instagram or Facebook at @NextExperienceTravel—your story could inspire fellow travelers to explore this hidden gem too! Until your next adventure, The Cruise Port Adventures Team
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 5.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $114 to $120
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Cruise Port Adventures, who run 19 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 53.4.
See everything Cruise Port Adventures runsWhy this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Bacalar Lagoon & Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Adventure from Costa Maya: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Costa Maya.
How much does Bacalar Lagoon & Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Adventure from Costa Maya cost?
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Prices start at $114 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Costa Maya usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Bacalar Lagoon & Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Adventure from Costa Maya take?
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Plan for about 5.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Costa Maya is not rushed.
Is Bacalar Lagoon & Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Adventure from Costa Maya worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 8 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Costa Maya, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Bacalar Lagoon & Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Adventure from Costa Maya?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Bacalar Lagoon & Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Adventure from Costa Maya suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Bacalar Lagoon & Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Adventure from Costa Maya?
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Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Costa Maya can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Costa Maya and add a light layer if any part of the 5.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Bacalar Lagoon & Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Adventure from Costa Maya start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Costa Maya within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Costa Maya?
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On Outty we rank every Costa Maya experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Chacchoben & Bacalar Combo Excursion Costa Maya, Costa Maya Shore Excursion Chacchoben Day Trip, Chacchoben Mayan Ruins from Costa Maya. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Costa Maya?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Costa Maya?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Bacalar Lagoon & Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Adventure from Costa Maya?
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Included: Carbonated beverages; Lunch; Bottled water; Lounge chairs, umbrellas & complimentary WiFi at the lakeshore club; and Roundtrip transportation from Costa Maya. Not included: $5.00 USD copyright fee for the use of cameras at Chacchoben. This is paid directly at the; Souvenirs; Gratuities; and Alcoholic beverages. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Bacalar Lagoon & Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Adventure from Costa Maya?
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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. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Bacalar Lagoon & Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Adventure from Costa Maya offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Bacalar Lagoon & Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Adventure from Costa Maya?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Bacalar Lagoon & Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Adventure from Costa Maya wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available; For safety reasons, pregnant guests may not participate in kayaking; and Transportation vehicles can accommodate foldable/collapsible wheelchairs only. Non-folding. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Bacalar Lagoon & Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Adventure from Costa Maya if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Costa Maya. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Bacalar Lagoon & Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Adventure from Costa Maya?
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Across 8 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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