Costa Maya

Explore Costa Maya: Chacchoben Ruins and Bacalar Lagoon Tour

Badge of ExcellenceCosta Maya, Mexico
Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Amazing Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon from Costa Maya
  • 5 hours 30 minutes
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Explore our promoted experiences

Overview

Learn about Mayan and pirate history with a visit to both Chacchoben and Bacalar Lagoon. Dating to 200 BC, Chacchoben is one of the least explored Mayan sites in Mexico, while Bacalar, also called the Seven Color Lagoon, is famous for its beautiful waters in different colors and for being a haven for pirates. Relax by the water, swim or kayak, and enjoy a fajita lunch.
  • See the Mayan ruins of Chacchoben and Bacalar Lagoon in one trip
  • Learn about the history and culture from a certified guide
  • Includes lunch, bottled water and kayaks at the lagoon
  • Round-trip transfers from just outside the Costa Maya Port

What's Included

  • Certified Guide
  • Guided tour at Chacchoben Mayan Ruins
  • Lunch
  • Bottled water
  • Kayaks
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • $5.00 USD copyright fee for the use of cameras at Chacchoben. This is paid directly at the site.
  • The use of tripods and drones are prohibited at the Mayan Ruins
  • Gratuities
  • Souvenirs

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • Av. P.º del Puerto 1180, 77976 Mahahual, Q.R., Mexico

    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.

Start time

Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.

Opening hours

  • 12/24/2019 - 2/21/2025

    Monday - Sunday : 07:00 AM - 06:00 PM

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Zona Arqueologica De Chaachoben

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Lake Bacalar

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Infant seats available
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Most travelers can participate
  • 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
  • You will be back to the port before boarding time, guaranteed!
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 80 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Traveler Photos

See more
Featured review
Ed_H
Lorenzo had a lot of knowledge and was very personable. We really felt like his grasp of the Mayans was strong and gave us a good picture of what we saw and what was going on at the site. The lunch was local tacos and a beverage choice and then time on a lagoon at a private resort. We recommend this group and tour very much.

Reviews

4.5
39 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
0
0
0
0
0
Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 39 reviews
We loved learning about...
Leanne_L, Apr 2024
We loved learning about the history of the area! Bacalar, the lagoon of 7 colors was absolutely amazing!!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Hi Leanne! Thank you so much for choosing our Explore Costa Maya tour during your cruise onboard the MSC Seashore! We're thrilled to hear you had a great experience learning about the area's history and exploring the breathtaking Bacalar Lagoon. It truly is a gem with its seven colors! We'd love for you to share your amazing stories with us on Instagram and Facebook at @CostaMayaShoreExcursions. Can't wait to welcome you back for more adventures in the Mexican Caribbean! :) Tropical Regards, The Costa Maya Shore Excursions Team
Great experience
Ed_H, Apr 2024
Lorenzo had a lot of knowledge and was very personable. We really felt like his grasp of the Mayans was strong and gave us a good picture of what we saw and what was going on at the site. The lunch was local tacos and a beverage choice and then time on a lagoon at a private resort. We recommend this group and tour very much.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Dear Ed_H, Thank you for choosing us during your cruise vacation aboard the Virgin Voyages' Valiant Lady to spend a day at Costa Maya in the beautiful Mexican Caribbean! We're thrilled to hear you had a great experience exploring the Chacchoben Ruins and Bacalar Lagoon with Lorenzo. It's fantastic to know that his knowledge and personable approach added to your enjoyment, providing a strong grasp of the Mayans and their history. We're delighted you enjoyed the local tacos and beverage choices for lunch, followed by relaxing time at the private resort lagoon. Your recommendation means the world to us, and we can't wait to welcome you back for more unforgettable adventures in this beautiful destination! Feel free to share your amazing stories and tag us on Instagram and Facebook at @CostaMayaShoreExcursions, so other travelers can also enjoy the wonders of Costa Maya! Warm regards, The Costa Maya Shore Excursions Team
Reputabile company
Rick_P, Jan 2024
reputabile company , Ship did not make port and wasnt till 8 hours before docking before we got notice. They completely reefunded all moneys because it was not our fault. will book with them next time and hopefully our ship can make port.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Dear Rick_P, Thank you for choosing our Explore Costa Maya tour during your cruise vacation aboard the Norwegian Epic! We're delighted that you had a positive experience with our company. It's unfortunate that your ship couldn't make port, but we're glad to hear that you appreciated our full refund policy. We can't wait to welcome you back next time and show you the beauty of Costa Maya! Best regards, The Costa Maya Shore Excursions Team
We loved the tour. Well...
Matthew_C, Jan 2024
We loved the tour. Well staffed, well run, very professional. Our guide was amazing. The tour was a little confusing to find coming out of the port.
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Dear Matthew, Thank you so much for your wonderful 5-star review of your recent experience with us at Explore Costa Maya: Chacchoben Ruins and Bacalar Lagoon! :) We're thrilled to hear that you had a fantastic time exploring the beauty of the Mexican Caribbean with us during your cruise vacation on Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas. Your kind words about our amazing guide and the professionalism of our team mean the world to us. We strive to provide memorable and seamless experiences for our guests, and we're glad that we could make your day at Costa Maya a special one. We appreciate your feedback regarding the initial confusion in finding the tour. To assist our guests, we always send detailed meeting instructions in advance, including a map and a Google Maps link. We hope these resources were helpful in navigating the port and finding your way to an unforgettable adventure. We'd love to see any photos or stories you captured during your tour! Please feel free to share them with us on Instagram and Facebook at @CostaMayaShoreExcursions. Your experiences could inspire other travelers looking for their next adventure! Thank you again for choosing our tour and company for your vacation. We hope to welcome you back soon for more amazing experiences in the beautiful Mexican Caribbean! Tropical regards, The Costa Maya Shore Excursions Team
All about Maggie
Gina_M, Jan 2024
Maggie was an incredible guide she was friendly kind and made our trip. The kids had so much fun. More words for character minimum
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Dear Gina_M, Thank you so much for your fantastic 5-star review!:) We're thrilled to hear that Maggie's friendly and kind guidance made your trip to the Chacchoben Ruins and Bacalar Lagoon a memorable one, especially for the kids. It's always our goal to create unforgettable experiences for our guests, and we're delighted we could do that for you during your vacation on Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas. We'd love to see your captured moments! Please share your fun stories with us on Instagram and Facebook by tagging @CostaMayaShoreExcursions. We look forward to welcoming you again soon for more adventures in the beautiful Mexican Caribbean! Tropical regards, The Costa Maya Shore Excursions Team
Great excursion!
Deborah_S, Jan 2024
Our driver and guide were excellent and the tour of the ruins and lagoon were great. Would definitely book again. We had a little difficulty finding the starting point but it all worked out.
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Dear Debora, Thank you so much for your wonderful review of the Explore Costa Maya: Chacchoben Ruins and Bacalar Lagoon tour! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your experience with our driver and guide, and that the beauty of the ruins and lagoon made your day memorable. It's great to know that, despite a little hiccup in finding the starting point, everything worked out smoothly in the end. We're delighted you chose our tour and company to spend your day in the stunning Mexican Caribbean during your cruise vacation on Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Breakaway. Your positive feedback is incredibly valuable to us, and we can't wait to welcome you back for more adventures in the future! Don't forget to tag your stories on Instagram and Facebook with @CostaMayaShoreExcursions to share your amazing experiences with others! Tropical regards, The Costa Maya Shore Excursions Team
Perfect day
Natalie_R, Dec 2023
Tour guide Elliot was wonderful, very educational, kind, respectful and made the trip fun. Wonderful experience.
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Dear Natalie, Thank you so much for your fantastic 5-star review of our "Explore Costa Maya: Chacchoben Ruins and Bacalar Lagoon" tour! We're thrilled to hear that you had a perfect day with us. It's wonderful to know that Elliot, your guide, made your experience educational, enjoyable, and respectful. Your kind words mean a lot to us. We're honored you chose our tour and company to spend your day in the stunning Mexican Caribbean during your cruise vacation on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines' Icon Of The Seas. We'd love to see your photos and hear more about your experiences. Please feel free to tag your stories on Instagram and Facebook with @CostaMayaShoreExcursions. We can't wait to see them! Wishing you a very Happy New Year and we look forward to welcoming you back on your next adventure!:) Warm regards, The Costa Maya Shore Excursions Team
Ruins Trip Nov 2023
Shenice_C, Nov 2023
Great service. Loved Lorenzo! He was informative and polite. Everything ran smoothly. The lagoon after the ruins was beautiful and I left with a full a stomach and heart!
Response from Host, Nov 2023
Hello Shenice! Thank you so much for your glowing 5-star review of our Costa Maya Wonders tour! We're thrilled to hear that you had a fantastic time exploring the Chacchoben Ruins and relaxing by the Bacalar Lagoon with us. Lorenzo and the rest of our team are delighted to know they made your experience memorable. Your kind words truly mean the world to us, and we're so glad you left with a full stomach and heart! We hope your cruise on the NCL Jade is just as wonderful. Don't forget to share your beautiful memories on Instagram and Facebook, and tag us at @costamayashoreexcursions. We can't wait to see your stories! Warm regards, Costa Maya Shore Excursions Team
Best Day at Costa Maya
NIvia_C, Sep 2023
Our guide, Diego, was excellent with thorough knowledge of Maya history. Enjoyed every minute of the tour, it was on time, a very comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. The lunch taken at Bacalar was delicious, drinks included. This tour was worth every penny and more. Highly recommend it.
Response from Host, Sep 2023
Dear Nivia_C, Thank you so much for choosing our tour and company for your day at Costa Maya in the beautiful Mexican Caribbean during your cruise vacation on board Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas. We're thrilled to hear that you had the "Best Day at Costa Maya"! Diego is indeed an exceptional guide, and we're delighted to know that he provided you with a tour filled with thorough knowledge of Maya history. It's fantastic to hear that you enjoyed every minute of the tour, and that it ran smoothly and comfortably in our air-conditioned vehicle. We take pride in offering delicious meals, and we're pleased to hear that you enjoyed your lunch in Bacalar, complete with refreshing drinks. Your kind words about the value of our tour mean the world to us. Thank you for your enthusiastic recommendation! We hope to welcome you back soon for another incredible adventure in Costa Maya. Tropical regards, The Costa Maya Shore Excursions Team
Saddened and felt swindled
Lucille_W, Aug 2023
Unfortunately they left us. This was to be the trip for my son who graduated from high school and will be studying environmental science. The instructions were not clear. As soon as we were allowed off the boat we made our way to the designated location. We had to ask several times where to go. When we finally figured it out they had left us. The folks at Costa Maya were so helpful and let us use their phone to call the person. She would not come and get us and would not refund our $700 plus dollars. There were 6 of us in our group. We ended up paying for another group on the spot. We had plenty of time to see the Mayan ruins and go to the beach. There was no reason they could not have come to get us. Toucan Tours was so kind and worked with us. The price was far better. I would not advise this company
Response from Host, Aug 2023
Dear Lucille, We're truly sorry to hear about your experience, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience you faced. We understand how important this trip was for your son's graduation celebration and his interest in environmental science. We strive to provide clear and concise instructions to ensure our guests have a smooth experience. We apologize if there was any confusion regarding the meeting location. We do provide a detailed map, photos of the meeting point, and a Google Maps link in advance to assist our guests in finding us. We also waited for more than 15 minutes at the designated meeting location. Unfortunately, due to our commitment to respecting the time of all our guests and ensuring a hassle-free experience for everyone, we had to depart. Cruise schedules are tight, and timely departures are necessary to make the most of the available time in port for all guests. We're glad to hear that you were able to enjoy your time in Costa Maya and explore the Mayan ruins and beach with another company. We truly appreciate your understanding of the situation. While we're unable to offer a refund under these circumstances, we sincerely hope that you would consider joining us again in the future. We are constantly working to improve our services and ensure a positive experience for all our guests. Once again, we apologize for any disappointment and inconvenience caused. We're grateful for your feedback as it helps us enhance our services for the benefit of future travelers. Best regards, The Costa Maya Shore Excursions Team
Excellent option outside of cruise line!
Anne_H, May 2023
Wow! Great experience with this tour! The actual name of the tour company is Native Choice. When we left the port, the locals were very friendly and helpful in getting us to the meeting place. The guides were excellent. We had Eddard and Leandro was our driver. The van was very nice and air conditioned. They were so accommodating throughout the trip. The lunch was excellent! Just a wonderful experience overall. 10/10 would recommend!
Response from Host, May 2023
Dear Anne_H, Thank you so much for your amazing TripAdvisor review! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience with our Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon tour! It's fantastic to know that you found our guides, Eddard and Leandro, excellent and that our van was comfortable for your journey. We're delighted that you enjoyed the delicious lunch and had a wonderful overall experience. We truly appreciate you choosing our company as part of your cruise vacation and we're grateful for your recommendation. It was a pleasure serving you, and we hope to welcome you back for another incredible adventure in the future! :) Warmest regards, The Costa Maya Shore Excursions Team
Great tour! Enjoyed...
Kenneth_C, Dec 2022
Great tour! Enjoyed seeing the ruins and learning about them from our guide. Easy to find the starting location in town. Thanks.
Response from Host, Dec 2022
Dear Kenneth, Thank you for taking some time to send us a review! We are so glad you had a wonderful time with us and just generally being in Costa Maya :) We hope you can visit us again soon! Best wishes The Costa Maya Shore Excursions Team
Not the beautiful lagoon in the pictures
Chesley_W, Apr 2022
Mayan Ruins were interesting. I was expecting to actually see the pretty part of the Seven Color Lagoon, but we were taken to a private resort type area that looked more like a lake. In comparing the other Lagoon experiences, this looked nothing like the others. If you truly want to see Seven Color Lagoon, go with one of the others.
Response from Host, Jun 2022
Dear Guest, We would like to thank you for sharing these comments with us because we can only improve with the valuable feedback provided by our guests. Sometimes the water in the Bacalar lagoon isn't as blue as it normally is and that's due to a natural phenomenon that repeats every rainy season. When it rains heavily, creek streams flow to the lagoon and change the hue of the entire lagoon. This affection is natural, temporary and it usually takes the lagoon system some days to filter itself and to recover it's natural beauty. Also, it is important to mention that the size of Bacalar Lagoon is approximately 42 km (27mil) long, we only visit the part that is closer to Costa Maya to ensure we are back on time to the port. We regret your experience with us fell short of your expectations because the lake had not recovered it's natural colors completely at the time of your visit. We are committed to providing the best possible experiences and will continue touring the areas where the water is at its best, we'll also continue offering other activity choices to our guests when it rains or when any other factor out of our control affects the quality of the water. Hopefully, you will visit Costa Maya in the future and we will be delighted to show you the gorgeous colors of the lagoon you did not have the chance to experience this time. We hope you will give us another opportunity to demonstrate our high service standards and regain your trust during your next visit. Kind regards, The Costa Maya Shore Excursions Team
A super day at Chacchoben
Patrick_M, Dec 2021
We had a perfect day to learn of the Mayan people of today and from the times the temples were built and occupied. From 200 BCE to the times of the conquistadors. Our guide, Joel, did an outstanding job of integrating the story of his life and of the history of the "discovery" (actually, a recording) of the existence of the ruins. Joel was amazing in answering any questions. Very informative! We had to walk a short way to the company's office (Native Choice Tours) to catch the tour, but the directions we were given were quite easy to follow. The bus that took us from port to Chacchoben was very comfortable, the driver Abel, stopped the bus at a few places for us to photograph villages, cemeteries, etc. After touring the ruins, we were met by Maria who took us on to Bacalar Lagoon. Rain and clouds muted the colors, but the place was still beautiful to see. Lunch and drinks were excellent! We highly recommend this tour.
Response from Host, Dec 2021
Dear Patrick_M, Many thanks for your visit to Costa Maya and specially for taking the time to share your comments with us. We are glad that you enjoyed your Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and Bacalar tour and that you had an amazing experience with us at Mahahual, Mexico! We will definitely share your positive feedback and comments to Joel, Abel, Maria and the rest of the team! :) Once again, we appreciate your preference and on behalf of our team we hope to have the opportunity to see you again soon! Best regards and Happy Holidays! The Costa Maya Shore Excursions Team
Excellent!
FATIH_M, Nov 2021
Un grand merci à Joël, Candido et Adam pour leur accompagnement et les explications sur l'Histoire de ces magnifiques lieux!
Response from Host, Dec 2021
Cher FATIH_M, L'équipe de Costa Maya Shore Excursions, vous remercie de votre visite et surtout d'avoir partagé votre expérience avec nous! Nous sommes heureux de savoir que votre expérience a été remplie de moments mémorables, que vous avez apprécié notre service, que notre personnel était serviable et que vous vous êtes sentis bien pris en charge par eux! Nous apprécions vraiment vos commentaires et toute l'équipe de Costa Maya Shore Excursions se réjouit de vous revoir dans un avenir proche. Meilleures salutations! L'équipe de Costa Maya Shore Excursions

From $129.00

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Compare Similar Experiences

1 / 3
Current
No Photo
Explore Costa Maya: Chacchoben Ruins and Bacalar Lagoon Tour
36
5 hours 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$129.00
No Photo
Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and Bacalar Lagoon Combo Tour from Costa Maya
54
5 hours 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$129.00
No Photo
Chacchoben Mayan Ruins from Costa Maya
592
4 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$55.00

Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Explore Similar Things to Do

Help CenterCustomer CarePrivacy and Cookies StatementAbout ViatorNewsViator blog
© 1997-2024 Viator, Inc.
Terms & Conditions