4.6 (397) · Costa Maya · By Next Experience Travel Free cancellation
Experience two of Costa Maya's most captivating destinations in a single day. Journey from the ancient Maya civilization to the era of pirates in Bacalar, blending two distinct facets of the region into one unforgettable adventure.
Explore Chacchoben, a significant Maya city established around 200 BC, featuring impressive temples and ceremonial sites nestled within the lush tropical jungle. Walk the ancient pathways once trod by Maya priests, nobles, and rulers as your expert guide unveils the history, mysteries, and legends of this remarkable city.
Transition from ancient temples to the vibrant turquoise waters of Bacalar's Seven Color Lagoon, a historical refuge for pirates. Enjoy swimming, kayaking, floating, or simply unwinding by the water with a tropical beverage, surrounded by stunning shades of blue.
Conclude your day with a delightful lakeside Mexican lunch and refreshing drinks, savoring the gentle breeze and panoramic lagoon views.
From the historical depths of Maya civilization to the pirate-trodden turquoise waters, immerse yourself in two of our most cherished locations—all within one extraordinary day.
✓ Two alcoholic drinks for guests 21+ (beer or select tropical cocktails)✓ Access to Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon✓ Bottled water✓ Guided tour of Chacchoben Mayan Ruins✓ Lagoon amenities (loungers, umbrellas, WiFi & facilities)✓ Refreshing drinks (iced tea, hibiscus tea & traditional horchata)✓ Certified Tour Guide✓ Lunch by the lagoon (Mexican tacos with chips & salsa)✓ Kayaks, tubes & life vests✓ Entrance fees to Chacchoben Archaeological Site✓ Roundtrip transportation from Costa Maya in an air-conditioned vehicle✕ A $5.00 USD copyright fee for camera usage at Chacchoben, payable directly at the site.✕ Personal souvenirs✕ Premium alcoholic beverages and additional cocktails✕ Gratuities for guides and staff1 Zona Arqueologica De Chacchoben
Your adventure commences one hour after your cruise docks at Costa Maya Port. Enjoy a pleasant 50-minute drive to Chacchoben, recognized as one of the Maya region's less-visited archaeological sites, with origins dating back to approximately 200 BC.
Follow your certified guide through ancient plazas and ceremonial areas where impressive structures emerge from the tropical jungle. Uncover the history, beliefs, and secrets of this ancient city as you tread the same paths once used by Maya priests, nobles, and rulers.
Discover the Gran Basamento and Temple One as your guide vividly recounts Chacchoben's history, traditions, and legends through its architecture. Along the route, observe native plant life and watch for tropical birds and spider monkeys in their natural environment.
From the ancient Maya world, proceed on a scenic 25-minute drive to the breathtaking Seven Color Lagoon in Bacalar, where a refreshing afternoon by the water awaits you.
· 2 h 25 min · Admission included
2 Lake Bacalar
Continue your journey to Bacalar's Seven Color Lagoon, a former pirate sanctuary, where striking hues of turquoise and blue define one of Mexico's most spectacular freshwater lagoons.
Make yourself comfortable by the water's edge. Take a dip in the refreshing lagoon, explore its expanse by kayak, float leisurely in a tube, or simply relax on a lounger, soaking in the breeze and the magnificent views.
When you're ready, indulge in a lakeside Mexican lunch, complete with chips and salsa, while enjoying views of the lagoon. Quench your thirst with iced tea, hibiscus tea, or traditional horchata. Guests aged 21 and above can select two alcoholic beverages, including beer, Tequila Sunrise, Blue Lagoon, Purple Rain, or Sangria.
During your time at the lagoon, you have the freedom to paddle, swim, float, sip a tropical drink, or simply unwind by the water—the choice is entirely yours.
After a morning exploring the ancient Maya civilization at Chacchoben and an afternoon enjoying the turquoise waters of Bacalar, relax during the one-hour return journey to Costa Maya—experiencing two distinct adventures in one incredible day.
· 3 h 5 min · Admission included
Your mobile or paper ticket is accepted. One ticket is required per booking.
Your tour commences one hour after your cruise arrives at Costa Maya Port. Please meet us at Plaza Las Fuentes, located just outside the port area. Factor in approximately 15 minutes to walk from your ship.
Kindly provide your full cruise ship name when making your booking. Detailed instructions and a map will be sent following your confirmation.
Your tour concludes with a return journey to Costa Maya Port, ensuring you are back with ample time before your ship's departure.
You will be dropped off at the original meeting point at Plaza Las Fuentes.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Specialized infant seats are available upon request. This tour is not recommended for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular health conditions. The tour is suitable for all levels of physical fitness. 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 arriving by cruise ship must provide the full name of their ship. For cruise guests arriving after 12 PM, maximize your limited port time by booking our Chacchoben Mayan City Tour or one of our beach break options. No port, no pay! You are guaranteed a full refund if your cruise ship does not call at Costa Maya port at all. Temple Access: For preservation purposes, climbing the temples is not permitted. Children: The historical portion of the tour is best appreciated by children ages 6 and older. Younger children are welcome to join. Water Activities: Life vests are mandatory for all water activities and are provided. Civil Protection authorities may restrict kayaking or other water activities due to wind, lightning, or unsafe weather conditions. Lagoon Conditions: Water clarity, color, and other natural conditions at Bacalar may vary depending on weather and environmental factors. Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages are served exclusively to guests aged 21 and older. The tour includes two select alcoholic drinks; premium and additional alcoholic beverages are available at an extra cost. Dietary Requirements: Vegetarian and gluten-free meal options are available upon request. Please specify any dietary needs in advance. Weather: This tour operates regardless of weather conditions (rain or shine). Please check the forecast and dress appropriately for the day's expected weather. What to Bring: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a swimsuit, a personal towel, a change of clothes, a hat, and biodegradable sunscreen. We recommend carrying some cash for souvenirs and personal expenses. Cameras: A fee of approximately $5 USD applies to dedicated video cameras and GoPros, payable directly at Chacchoben. Tripods and drones are prohibited within the archaeological zone. Wildlife: Sightings of wildlife, such as spider monkeys and tropical birds, cannot be guaranteed. Late Arrivals / No-Shows: Guests who arrive late or fail to appear for their scheduled activity will not be eligible for a refund. Single kayaks have a maximum weight limit of 220 lbs; double kayaks have a maximum combined weight limit of 270 lbs. Children under 10 may kayak when accompanied by a supervising adult and cannot paddle a single kayak alone. Guests should be comfortable walking along outdoor trails that may include occasional rocks, roots, and uneven terrain at Chacchoben. Transportation vehicles can accommodate foldable/collapsible wheelchairs only. Non-folding wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. Please note that the lagoon portion of the tour is not wheelchair accessible due to its natural access points. For safety reasons, kayaking is not permitted for pregnant guests. Guests may still enjoy the other lagoon activities. Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Bacalar Lagoon with Certified Guide
Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain. Bring a swimsuit, towel, and a change of clothes for water activities. Don't forget sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and biodegradable sunscreen. Carry some cash for optional souvenirs or extra drinks. Stay hydrated; bottled water is included, but bring extra if needed. Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. For a full refund, please ensure your cancellation is made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 169734P1
Activity offered by Next Experience Travel via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center History enthusiasts Nature lovers Adventure seekers Families with children ages 6+ Cruise ship passengers Explore ancient Mayan history at Chacchoben. Relax by the stunning Seven Color Lagoon in Bacalar. Enjoy swimming, kayaking, or simply lounging by the water. Includes a guided tour and entrance fees. Lunch and refreshing drinks are provided. Roundtrip transportation from Costa Maya included.
Currency peso
Official languages Spanish, Nahuatl, Yucatec Maya
Driving on the right
Power plugs A, B · 127 V
Emergency number 911
Capital city Mexico City Average temperatures 25° Jan 26° Feb 26° Mar 27° Apr 28° May 28° Jun 29° Jul 29° Aug 29° Sept 28° Oct 27° Nov 26° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the meeting point for the tour? + You will meet at Plaza Las Fuentes, just outside the Costa Maya Port area. Allow about 15 minutes to walk from your ship.
What should I bring for the tour? + We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes, a swimsuit, a personal towel, a change of clothes, a hat, and biodegradable sunscreen. Carrying some cash for souvenirs is also advised.
Are there any age restrictions for activities? + The historical portion is best for children ages 6 and older. Kayaking is not permitted for pregnant guests, and children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult in kayaks.
What happens if my cruise ship is cancelled? + If your cruise ship does not call at Costa Maya port at all, you are guaranteed a full refund ('No port, no pay!').
Can I bring a camera or drone? + A fee applies for dedicated video cameras and GoPros at Chacchoben ($5 USD, paid on-site). Tripods and drones are prohibited in the archaeological zone.
Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options for lunch? + Yes, vegetarian and gluten-free options are available upon request. Please provide your dietary requirements in advance when booking.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Fantastic Excursion with Native Choice Tours!
TravelingWatcher, October 2026
We had a fantastic experience with Native Choice Tours on the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Bacalar Lagoon excursion! Our guide, Joel, and driver, Oswaldo, were friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful throughout the day. Exploring the Mayan ruins was fascinating, and the beautiful blue waters of Bacalar Lagoon were the perfect place to relax afterward. Lunch at Holy Margaritas was delicious! A wonderful combination of history, sightseeing, and relaxation. Highly recommend Native Choice Tours when visiting Costa Maya!
★★★★★ Viator review
50% 50% experience
Tena_H, October 2026
Ruins were amazing to see in person. Baccular colors not seen well enough from dock but food was delicious.
★★★★★ Viator review
Really Great, funny, and...
Ricardo_R, September 2026
Really Great, funny, and friendly. Really good food and tour guide was knowledge. Tour was also safe
★★★★★ Viator review
Fantastic Local Owners Tour
jeffreyinps, September 2026
We had a great tour! The driver Edgar and the guide Romeo were fantastic. Super friendly and knowledgeable. We saw the ruins and a Mayan Expert provided so much information about the area and history. We then went on to Bacalar Lagoon where we had a very nice lunch and cocktails. The lagoon was refreshing for our afternoon swim. Kayaks were available but we didn’t use them. This is my second time using this tour group. We were in a small minivan with 17 people vs a massive bus that the cruise line will use.
★★★★★ Viator review
Firendly staff!
Harith_J, August 2026
Very nice tour, we enjoyed it a lot! friendly staff, we back on time and everything was planned carefully!
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