CHACCHOBEN Ruins and BACALAR Lagoon Boat Excursion from Costa Maya

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Uncover the mysteries of the ancient mayans as you walk through the buildings and structures of Chacchoben. Weave through the winding, natural paths and experience the grandeur of this exciting archaeological site.

   1.5 hAdmission included

2. We’ll cruise out in our pontoon boat for relaxation and pampering by our attentive crew as you take in captivating views of Bacalar that will leave you breathless, where you will have the opportunity to splash in the clear waters of this stunning lagoon. As soon as we start our adventure in the lagoon you’ll be amazed by the different shades of blue and understand why is frequently referred as the 7 color lagoon. During the tour our crew will prepare a delicious and healthy fruit snack that will be perfect for the occasion.

   2 hAdmission included

3. After we are done with our boat tour we will take you to our favorite restaurant to enjoy some delicious and authentic mexican tacos (pork, beef or shrimp) served along guacamole. (We have vegetarian and vegan options upon request).

   45 minAdmission included

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 132 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Showing reviews written in English.

• 5Tons of fun with a professional, transparent, and well organized team!

  Everything was well arranged and the communication couldn't have been better. We were on Star of the Seas and unfortunately our debarkation was too early to both see the Chacchoben Ruins and do the Bacalar Lagoon Boat tour. We didn't realized this but the excursion group had the foresight to check and let us know the day before that they felt they only had time to do the Bacalar Lagoon Boat tour and confidently get us back in time. They graciously made the offer that we could cancel the excursion altogether and get a full refund or do just the boat tour and get a partial refund; we opted for the latter. Even with just half the anticipated experience, it was still a great time on the water with a delicious lunch at the end. We even stopped on the way and got fresh pineapple! The team was very professional, transparent, and well organized which made everything worry free and tons of fun. I know my daughters had fun and we'd gladly do an excursion with this group again!

  Joshua_IAugust 2026via Viator

• 4Support local

  Skip the cruise line excursions and support the locals instead. This tour is put together by local people combining resources. It's not fancy but it is nicely done. Our main guide, Nacho, was fantastic and stayed with us throughout the day. We also had a knowledgeable guide at the ruins, a boat guide for the stunning lagoon, and lunch was prepared by a charming local boutique hotel. Along the way, they provided drinks for the drive and even stopped to pick up fresh pineapple from a local vendor. One thing I didn't realize beforehand is that the ruins are recreations, not original ancient structures. This is definitely not a party excursion—it's relaxed, family-friendly, and well organized. Just be sure to bring cash for tips. I'd recommend this experience if you're looking to support the local community while seeing some beautiful places.

  2meredithfJuly 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Best excursion of our cruise

  I know not everybody likes to get off the beaten path, but we do and this excursion was perfect for us. Seeing the ruins and then spending time at Bacalar was wonderful. We wish we had more time at both places but there are only so many hours in port. 10 of us with a guide, felt like a luxury compared to the giant excursion groups from the cruise. Jhoanna was so fun to talk with and she truly made sure we had everything we needed. Lunch was fresh and delicious from a local restaurant. Our pontoon captain made sure we hit some highlights of Bacalar and also had time to swim. Fresh pineapple and drinks served while we enjoyed the amazing water of the lagoon was a real treat. A perfect day!!

  Maranda_PJune 2026via Viator

• 5Highly Recommend Tour

  The experience was amazing. Jhoana was our tour guide and she was the best. Very knowledgeable and super friendly. We felt completely taken care of the entire day. From the Mayan ruins to the Bacalar lagoon. I would highly recommend this tour.

  Journey26105029233May 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Jhoana is a gem!

  Jhoana was an amazing guide! I messaged with her colleague ahead of time on WhatsApp to get all of the details, as we booked a private tour. They answered all of my questions and helped accommodate our timing as we were coming from a cruise ship. The directions to the meeting point were very clear. Admittedly, the cruise port is a bit of a maze (likely on purpose), but we made it out and found Jhoana shortly after. She and our driver were ready for us. We were in a nice car with A/C and a cooler of drinks. We stopped along the way at a gas station for snacks and a bathroom break. Then we stopped once more to pick up the fruit for later. Jhoana explained everything as we were going and was very attentive and engaging. We enjoyed our tour at the ruins with a guide who was an expert on them, and Jhoana accompanied us. Then, we drove to Bacalar Lagoon, where we boarded a pontoon boat to go out on crystal clear waters. It was absolutely gorgeous and surpassed my expectations, which were already high. There was plenty of time to swim and enjoy the serene surroundings. Jhoana took pictures of us and went above and beyond. When we got back to the dock, tacos and horchata was waiting for us. It was exactly what we needed after a busy day. Jhoana is a friendly, clear and energetic guide, the stops are 100% worth it, and having a private tour was truly the icing on the cake as we felt so special and well taken care of.

  morganv837April 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5This excursion was...

  This excursion was perfect! Philip was friendly, entertaining, and knowledgeable. The group size was small and we appreciated that a lot. We spent just the right amount of time at the ruins and at the lagoon. We had the most delicious local fruit and lunch. I wouldn’t change anything. 10/10 highly recommend!

  Laura_CApril 2026via Viator

Know before you go

How it compares in Costa Maya

• Its from-price is 26% above the median of the 74 day trips we list in Costa Maya.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 4 of 74.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Costa Maya

Costa Maya is the southern Caribbean coast of Mexico's Yucatán, a quiet shoreline of white beaches and mangroves beside the reef, with Maya ruins inland.

Costa Maya is the name given to the southern stretch of Quintana Roo's Caribbean coast, south of the Riviera Maya and close to the border with Belize. Its shore is a quiet strip of white sand, palms and mangrove, backed by low forest, and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef runs just offshore. Mahahual, a small seaside village with a long boardwalk, is the main settlement and has a dock for cruise ships. Xcalak, a fishing village at the southern tip, sits beside a protected reef park.

See all 226 experiences in Costa Maya