Bacalar Lagoon & Chacchoben Mayan Ruins from Costa Maya
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.3/5
Based on 63 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Bacalar Lagoon & Chacchoben Mayan Ruins from Costa Maya worth booking?
Bacalar Lagoon & Chacchoben Mayan Ruins from Costa Maya is a 5.5-hour experience in Costa Maya, Mexico, from $129 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 63 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 63 / 100
- Rating
- 4.3/5 (63)
- Duration
- 5.5 hours
- From
- $129 per person
Travel from the world of the ancient Maya to the old pirate routes of Bacalar, all in one day from Costa Maya. Your adventure begins in the tropical jungle at the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins, where ancient temples and ceremo
What you get
About this experience
Travel from the world of the ancient Maya to the old pirate routes of Bacalar, all in one day from Costa Maya. Your adventure begins in the tropical jungle at the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins, where ancient temples and ceremonial structures tell the story of a Maya city that flourished centuries ago. Explore the site with your guide while discovering its history, architecture, and the nature that has surrounded Chacchoben for generations. Then leave the jungle behind and head to Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon, once a haven for pirates and now one of the most beautiful places in the region. Swim in its refreshing freshwater, explore by kayak, or simply relax by the lagoon with a cold drink. And because a day like this deserves good food, enjoy an included taco lunch with chips and salsa right by the water before heading back to Costa Maya.
What's included
Included
- Carbonated beverages
- Kayaks, loungers, and lagoon facilities
- Bottled water
- Two alcoholic drinks for guests 21 and older
- Lunch
- Chacchoben Maya Ruins entrance and guided tour
- Round-trip air-conditioned transportation
- Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon access
- Certified tour guide
Not included
- $5.00 USD copyright fee for the use of cameras at Chacchoben. This is paid directly at the site.
- Gratuities
- Souvenirs
- Alcoholic beverages
What you'll see and do
Zona Arqueologica De Chacchoben
Your adventure begins with transportation from Costa Maya, departing approximately 1 hour after your cruise ship arrives in port. Enjoy the approximately 50-minute drive to Chacchoben, passing through local villages on 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 to the Gran Basamento, where you can climb the ancient platform for a different perspective of the archaeological site and surrounding jungle. Along the way, enjoy the tropical setting and keep an eye out for native plants, colorful birds, and spider monkeys. After exploring Chacchoben, continue approximately 25 minutes to Bacalar Lagoon for the second part of your adventure.
165 minutes here · Admission included
Lake Bacalar
After 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.
165 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Costa Maya
Your tour will depart one hour after your cruise docks, starting from the conveniently located Plaza Las Fuentes, just outside the Port. Please consider the total time to walk from your cruise to the excursion office is about 15 minutes.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Your tour will depart one hour after your cruise docks, starting from the conveniently located Plaza Las Fuentes, just outside the Port. Please consider the total time to walk from your cruise to the excursion office is about 15 minutes.
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 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Costa Maya Shore Excursions
Know before you go
- 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.
- 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 Ruins
- This tour involves walking outdoors on jungle trails, with some rocks, roots, and uneven surfaces.
- This experience is best appreciated by children ages 6 and older.
- Visitors are not permitted to climb the temples.
- Life jackets are mandatory for water activities and are provided.
- Children must be 10 or older to paddle a single kayak alone. Younger children may kayak with a supervising adult.
- Water activities may be restricted by local authorities due to wind, lightning, or other unsafe weather conditions.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for Chacchoben.
- Bring a swimsuit, personal towel, hat, and biodegradable sunscreen for Bacalar.
- The tour operates rain or shine, so please dress according to the weather.
- Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available upon request.
- Guests 21 and older receive two alcoholic drinks; additional premium beverages are available for purchase.
- Late Arrivals / No-Shows: Guests who arrive late or fail to show up for their scheduled activity are not eligible for a refund.
- Kayak weight limit: 220 lbs for a single kayak or 270 lbs combined for a double kayak.
- 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.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 63 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
6 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Organization
4 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
63 verified traveler reviews for Bacalar Lagoon & Chacchoben Mayan Ruins from Costa Maya. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Wonderful experience
We had a wonderful experience on this tour! Rosey, our tour guide, was absolutely amazing—extremely knowledgeable, patient, kind, and friendly. She shared so much interesting information about the Mayan ruins, history, and culture and took the time to answer all of our questions. Her knowledge and passion made the experience even more special. Jesús, our driver, was excellent as well. He drove safely, was courteous and attentive, and made sure we had water throughout the tour. Since we were visiting from a cruise ship, timing was very important to us, and Rosey and Jesús made sure everything ran smoothly and got us back to the cruise port on time, so we never had to worry about missing our ship. We had an amazing time visiting Chacchoben and Bacalar Lagoon and would highly recommend this tour. If you get Rosey as your guide and Jesús as your driver, you are in great hands! Thank you both for making our day so memorable!
via Viator
Best and Safe Excursion!!! Not crowded
Very safe and efficient excursion offering an authentic culturally immersive experience. The tour guides love their jobs, the local food was amazing especially the Horchata and Hibiscus drinks offered at bacalar lagoon!! Got us back to the cruise port in time.
via Viator
It was amazing from the...
It was amazing from the start of the tour to ending. I loved that our tour guide was a local that was telling the historic events and current culture. My kids and I loved the lagoon and the Mexican tacos and drinks provided after the tour!!!!
via Viator
Easy instructions, Great Staff, Secluded Area…. Just wanted more at Bacalar
The instructions were clear to get to the Native Choice building. Check in was super smooth! Alandra (probably butchering her name), pretty pink bow is what I called her was super informative and accommodating. There were only 8 of us total on the tour which made it super intimate and loved not being in a big group. The Mayan ruins were interesting to look at. I loved that we got a private, secluded area on the Bacalar lagoon with plenty of food and our two drinks waiting. I do wish we had more of an open area in the lagoon and got to experience more of the lagoon as that was my purpose for the trip. We were able to stop to get pineapple on the way back which was a nice treat for $2. We were not late to get back to our ship even with the additional stop. Our driver, guide, bartender and chefs were remarkable! Only suggestion would be adding to the Bacalar experience. Bring mosquito spray for Ruins!!!!!!
via Viator
Ozzy & Yoshi were a great...
Ozzy & Yoshi were a great driver & Maya guide. Yoshi explained all about the Chacchoben ruin, and we enjoyed our 4 types of tacos & swim in the picturesque Balacar Lagoon. Loved the small group size.
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
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 22
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 63
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Bacalar Lagoon & Chacchoben Mayan Ruins 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 from Costa Maya cost?
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Prices start at $129 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 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 from Costa Maya worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 63 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 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 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 from Costa Maya?
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Around 22 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 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, Bacalar – 7 Colors Lagoon Excursión 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.
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