Costa Maya: Chacchoben Ruin, 7 Colors Lagoon Shore Excursion

Exploring Costa Maya: A Look at the Chacchoben Ruins and 7 Colors Lagoon Tour

If you’re considering a day trip from Costa Maya, this tour offers a chance to see some of the area’s most fascinating sights — ancient Mayan ruins and the breathtakingly colorful Bacalar Lagoon. It’s a package that appeals to those wanting a mix of history, nature, and a little adventure.

What really draws us in are the knowledgeable guides who bring history alive and the stunning views you get from the boat ride in Bacalar. On the flip side, the group size can sometimes be a concern, as some travelers have experienced larger buses and less personalized service.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy cultural exploration combined with natural beauty, and who are comfortable spending a good chunk of time on transportation. If you’re okay with a full day out and want to see diverse sights, this could be a solid option — just keep an eye on the reviews for a balanced view.

Key Points

• Cultural insight: The guided tour of Chacchoben offers a peek into one of the ancient civilizations.
• Scenic boat ride: The two-hour cruise in Bacalar’s Seven Colors Lagoon showcases stunning scenery and unique Cenotes.
• All-in-one package: Transportation, entrance fees, drinks, and snacks are included, making it a convenient choice.
• Group size considerations: Some guests found the tour to be less intimate due to larger groups.
• Pricing: At $109 per person, it’s a fair value considering the variety of activities.
• Guides in two languages: They speak both English and Spanish, which improves the experience for most travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What to Expect and Why It Matters

Starting point at Costa Maya

The adventure kicks off right outside the cruise port, where you’ll find the meeting point marked with the Toucan Tours logo. From there, the journey begins with a 55-minute van ride through lush green landscapes. While this might seem like a long drive, it’s a good chance to relax and get a glimpse of the local scenery.

Chacchoben Mayan Ruins

Once you arrive at the archaeological site, you’ll spend about one hour and ten minutes exploring the ruins with a guide. This is a highlight for those interested in history and culture, as the guides are quite knowledgeable. Expect to learn about one of the oldest civilizations in the area, with plenty of storytelling to bring the stones to life.

One of the reviews highlighted the guide’s expertise, with a traveler from Israel mentioning it was a “perfect day” thanks again to the guide’s knowledge. However, keep in mind that the ruins are mostly walking and standing, so comfortable shoes are a must.

Transition to Bacalar Lagoon

After the ruins, your driver will take you for about 1.5 hours to Bacalar. The scenic drive is a relaxing part of the day, giving you time to settle in before the next activity.

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Bacalar Lagoon experience

The highlight here is the two-hour boat cruise in the Seven Colors Lagoon. You’ll marvel at the changing hues of the water, which is truly as striking as it sounds. The boat tour includes snacks with local fruit and a life vest, making it comfortable and safe. You’ll also get to see some of the lagoon’s famous Cenotes, adding an element of natural wonder to the trip.

One guest praised the boat ride’s beauty, saying it’s “very nice” and full of “beautiful colors,” which makes it clear this is a visual treat. The guide’s commentary can enrich the experience, helping you understand what makes Bacalar unique.

Return to Costa Maya

After the boat ride, you’ll head back to the port, completing about 1.5 hours of travel. The entire tour lasts around 7 hours, making it a full day but packed with memorable sights.

What’s Included and What to Expect

Included in the tour are:
– All transportation between the port, ruins, and lagoon
– Entrance fees to Chacchoben
– Guided tour at the archaeological site (English & Spanish)
– Beverages: water (unlimited), soda, beer, and tequila shots — perfect for loosening up after a long day of sightseeing
– The two-hour boat cruise, with snacks and life vests

Things not included are meals (other than snacks in the lagoon) and other optional extras. This means you’ll want to plan for lunch either before or after the tour, or bring some extra snacks.

The Experience: Pros and Cons in Detail

What We Love

The guides are a clear highlight. Multiple reviews praised their knowledge and enthusiasm, making the cultural bits of the tour much more engaging. The boat ride in Bacalar is another standout, offering stunning views that are hard to match elsewhere. The scenery is genuinely breathtaking, with the Lagoon’s colors shifting with the sunlight.

What Could Be Better

The main concern for some travelers is group size and organization. One review pointed out that instead of a small group, they ended up with about 50 people on one large bus, which made the day less intimate and a bit chaotic. Plus, issues like a lack of snacks on the boat or insufficient space for children were mentioned, so if traveling with kids or looking for a more personalized experience, this might be worth considering.

Price and Value

At $109 per person, this tour offers a decent value for the breadth of sights and activities. Transportation, entrance fees, drinks, and snacks are included, which simplifies budgeting. However, if you’re after a more boutique or private experience, you might find other options with smaller groups or more tailored service.

Practical Considerations

The tour is suitable for most, but if you’re prone to seasickness or have mobility issues, keep in mind that certain parts involve boat rides and walking around ruins. Also, the tour starts 30 minutes to an hour after your ship docks, so be sure you’re ready to be flexible with timing.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits those interested in Mayabean history and natural beauty. It’s ideal for travelers who don’t mind a longer day on the move and appreciate guided insights and scenic boat rides. It’s not the best fit if you’re seeking a very intimate, private, or family-specific experience, especially given some feedback about large groups.

If you’re looking for a well-rounded exploration that combines cultural sights with stunning natural views, this tour hits the right notes. Just be prepared for a full day, and perhaps manage expectations about group size and organization.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a comprehensive taste of Costa Maya’s highlights, from ancient ruins to one of the most Instagram-worthy lagoons around. The guided tours bring a lot of value, especially if you’re into learning about Mayan civilization or simply want a visually striking experience. The boat ride in Bacalar is definitely the star of the show, providing unforgettable scenery.

However, organization and group size seem to be the biggest sticking points for some guests. If you prefer more personalized service or traveling with kids, it’s worth weighing these factors. For many, the beauty of Bacalar’s lagoon and the historical intrigue of Chacchoben outweigh the logistical quirks.

This tour is a good choice if you want a full, active day with plenty of visual rewards and knowledgeable guides, especially if you’re comfortable with larger groups.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transportation from the Costa Maya port, including the van ride to and from the ruins and lagoon.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts about 7 hours, starting roughly 30 minutes to an hour after your cruise docks.

Are drinks included?
Yes, you’ll have access to unlimited water, soda, beer, and a shot of tequila.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and beachwear are recommended, along with sunscreen and a hat for sun protection.

Can I bring food?
The tour provides snacks at the lagoon, but you should plan to eat before or after, as meals are not included.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, it may be suitable for older children comfortable with walking and boat rides. Be aware of group size and logistics.

Are guides bilingual?
Yes, guides speak both English and Spanish.

What’s the main highlight?
The boat cruise in Bacalar with its vivid colors and the guided tour of the Chacchoben ruins.

What if I’m prone to seasickness?
The boat ride might be challenging; consider this before booking.

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

In the end, this tour offers a good balance of history, scenery, and convenience, perfect for those wanting a well-rounded day out from Costa Maya. Just keep in mind the potential for larger groups and organize accordingly, and you’ll likely find it a satisfying way to see some of the best sights in the region.

You can check availability for your dates here: