Chacchoben Ruins and Bacalar Lagoon Boat Tour from CostaMaya

If you’re heading to Costa Maya and looking for an experience that combines history, stunning scenery, and a bit of relaxation, this tour might catch your eye. It’s been praised for its well-organized itinerary, knowledgeable guides, and opportunities to truly enjoy two of Quintana Roo’s most captivating sites. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just someone craving a scenic day out, this trip offers a lot.

What really stands out for us is how smoothly the day flows—from the quick, comfortable transport to the ruins, to the relaxing boat ride across Bacalar’s famous “7 color lagoon.” We also appreciate that the tour includes plenty of good-value extras like drinks, snacks, a delicious taco lunch, and all entrance fees. However, it’s worth noting that the cost is $185 per person, which might seem steep but often reflects the quality and inclusiveness of the experience.

One thing to keep in mind is the start point: since local tour operators can’t pick you up inside the cruise port, you’ll need to follow specific instructions to meet your guide just outside. While this isn’t a major hassle, it’s good to be prepared so you aren’t caught off guard. This tour seems best suited for travelers who appreciate a mix of history, scenic beauty, and comfort—especially those on a cruise looking to maximize their day.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Experience: Combines Mayan archaeological exploration with a scenic lagoon boat tour and local cuisine.
• Expert Guides: Bilingual guides enhance understanding and connection to the sites.
• All-Inclusive Feel: Drinks, snacks, entrance fees, and a tasty taco lunch are included.
• Comfortable Transport: Air-conditioned vehicles make the drive between sites pleasant.
• Timing: At 6 hours, it’s a full but not overwhelming day—ideal for cruise passengers.
• Authentic Food: Fresh, authentic Mexican tacos with vegetarian and vegan options available.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Close Look at the Itinerary and What You Can Expect

Starting Out: Meeting Outside Costa Maya Port

The trip begins outside the Costa Maya cruise-ship terminal, not inside. You’ll need to follow the specific instructions provided—think of it as a mini adventure just to find your guide. Once located, you’ll hop into a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. The ride to Chacchoben takes around 50 minutes, giving you a chance to settle in and maybe chat with fellow travelers.

Exploring Chacchoben Ruins: A Peek into the Past

Arriving at the Mayan archaeological site, you’re in for about an hour of walking through history. The ruins are naturally woven into the landscape, with winding paths that invite exploration. Our impressions from travelers are that the site’s grandeur is impressive, and guides are well-informed—adding context to the structures without overwhelming. One reviewer mentioned, “Jhoana was super-sympathetic, she made sure we felt comfortable,” highlighting how personalized guiding can make a difference.

Expect to see the remains of temples and structures that once belonged to a thriving civilization. The ruins aren’t the largest in the region, but their setting and details are captivating enough to justify the visit, especially if you’re interested in the past. The site also charges a $5 fee for video recordings—so be prepared if you want to film.

Transition to Bacalar: The Scenic Drive

After soaking in the history, your group will head to Bacalar, which takes around 30 minutes. This drive is an opportunity to enjoy the lush scenery of Quintana Roo and get excited for what’s next: the lagoon and its famed shades of blue.

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The Famed Bacalar Lagoon Boat Tour

Once at the marina, the highlight begins. The boat ride lasts about two hours—an ideal length for relaxation and sightseeing. The boat, usually a pontoon, offers plenty of space to lounge and take in the views. The crew is attentive, ensuring you’re comfortable and entertained.

When you hit the water, the real magic unfolds. The lagoon’s waters are often described as having seven different shades of blue, a phrase that truly captures its beauty. It’s easy to see why Bacalar is dubbed the “7 color lagoon”—it looks like a painter’s palette. The water is crystal-clear, inviting you to splash around or just bob in the calm, warm waters. The boat tour also includes a snack of fresh fruit, which complements the scenery and keeps everyone happy.

Many reviews praise the guides’ local knowledge and their ability to enhance the experience. Kelly, a traveler from the US, told us, “Jaasiel was an incredible guide, full of interesting knowledge that deepened our understanding of the area while experiencing its beauty.”

Lunch Break: Tacos and Guacamole

Post-boat, it’s time to fuel up with some authentic Mexican tacos—pork, beef, or shrimp, served with fresh guacamole. Vegetarian and vegan options are available if requested, which is great for dietary needs. The lunch is typically a quick 40-minute stop, but it’s enough to satisfy and prepare you for the final stretch back to Costa Maya.

Return Journey: Relaxing Drive Back

After a full day of exploration and relaxation, you’ll head back to Costa Maya, which takes about an hour. The return trip is a good opportunity to unwind and reflect on the day’s highlights.

The Value of This Tour

At $185 per person, this experience offers a lot of inclusions: entrance fees, guided tours, boat ride, food, drinks, and transportation—all in one package. Considering the transportation alone, the scenic stops, and the personalized guidance, many travelers find the price justified. For those on a cruise, it’s a convenient way to see notable sites without the hassle of planning individual tickets or transport.

The reviews consistently praise the organization and the guides’ knowledge. Efstratios from Greece summed it up perfectly, saying, “Everything was perfect, it was a great experience.” The attention to detail, like providing life jackets and bilingual guides, adds to the overall comfort and safety.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re someone who appreciates a blend of history, scenery, and a touch of leisure, you’ll enjoy this tour. It’s perfect for cruise travelers wanting a well-rounded day that’s not overly strenuous. The inclusion of food and drinks makes it family-friendly for those traveling with older children, especially if they’re curious about Mayan history or enjoy boat rides. But if you’re looking for a deep archaeological exploration or an adventure-focused trip, you might find this tour on the more relaxed side.

Final Thoughts

This tour strikes a good balance between education, relaxation, and flavor. The combination of Chacchoben’s ruins and Bacalar Lagoon’s stunning waters makes it a compelling choice for anyone wanting to get the most out of their day near Costa Maya. The guides’ knowledge and the well-organized flow of the day are enough to make it stand out, especially for first-timers or those short on time.

The experience isn’t perfect—cost may be a consideration, and meeting outside the port requires some coordination. But for those who value a smooth, inclusive day that covers archaeology, scenery, and local cuisine, this tour delivers on its promises.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the tour is not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, the scenic boat ride and cultural sites can be enjoyable for older children who are interested in history and nature. Keep in mind the overall duration and walking involved.

What is included in the price?
The $185 fee covers entrance to the archaeological site, the guided tour, boat ride, drinks (beer, tequila, juice, sodas, water), snacks, a taco lunch, life jackets, and transportation between Costa Maya, Chacchoben, and Bacalar.

Do I need to pay extra for anything?
You might need to pay a $5 fee if you want to record videos at the ruins. Tips for guides and optional purchases are not included.

Where do I meet the tour?
You’ll meet outside the Costa Maya cruise port, just past the shops and security, following instructions provided in your booking confirmation.

How long is the bus ride?
It’s approximately 50 minutes from Costa Maya to Chacchoben, and about 30 minutes from there to Bacalar.

How long is the boat tour?
The boat ride lasts around 2 hours, which is usually enough to relax and enjoy the views without feeling rushed.

What about the lunch?
The lunch features authentic Mexican tacos with options for pork, beef, or shrimp, served with guacamole. Vegetarian and vegan options are available if requested.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour bilingual?
Yes, guides speak both English and Spanish, making the experience accessible for most travelers.

This tour offers a satisfying day out, especially if you’re keen to blend a little history with scenic beauty and good food. It’s well-organized, flexible, and provides a genuine taste of what Quintana Roo has to offer.

You can check availability for your dates here: