Chacchoben & Bacalar Combo Excursion Costa Maya
Recommended by 97% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Costa Maya, Mexico
- 7 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Combine two top attractions while on shore at Costa Maya. Get picked up at the cruise port and travel by air-conditioned vehicle to the historic Mayan ruins at Cacchoben, which date to 200BC. Afterwards, head to Bacalar Lagoon, also know as the Seven Colors Lagoon, with stops at Cenote Emeralda, Black Cenote and the infamous Pirates Channel. Also included are lunch, snacks, water and alcoholic beverages.
- Explore both Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and Bacalar Lagoon in one day
- Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional guide
- Includes round-trip transfers from the Costa Maya Cruise Port
- Maximum group size of 14 means more personal attention from your guide
What's Included
- Snacks
- Alcoholic BeveragesBeer and Tequila
- Soda/Pop
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- Insurance
- Round trip transportation
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Av. P.º del Puerto 1300, Nuevo, 77976 Mahahual, Q.R., Mexico
There will be a guide outside the port waiting for you with a Chac Ek sign and a white board with your name on it.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Arranged start time
Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.
- 10/03/2019 - 05/12/2027
Monday - Sunday : 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday : 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday : 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Itinerary
1
Zona Arqueologica De Chacchoben
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
2
Lake Bacalar
2 hours 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Infant seats available
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Jeffrey_K
Top notch experience with professional and experienced guides. The Mayan historical sites are fascinating to see and the knowledgeable guide was very enthusiastic about explaining everything about them.
The Bacalar lagoon was magnificent in its clarity and color and is a natural wonder to behold.
Reviews
4.9
based on 348 reviews
Brenda_M, Apr 2026
Juan was our tour guide. He did an amazing job educating us about Chaccoben and the Mayan culture. We were spoiled with food and drink and we're able to have lunch on the beautiful lagoon. Juan did a great job making sure all our questions were answered and that we stayed on schedule. We arrived back to the port on time. Highly recommend. Only thing I would say is if you tend to get car sick maybe take some medicine beforehand as the drive is about an hour each way.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.
Lacey_H, Mar 2026
It was very rushed, but you had to drive for over an hour to get where we were going. The sites were breathtaking. The lunch was amazing. Our guide Leo was perfect. If I could give him 10 stars I would. He was very knowledgeable, very kind, very friendly and welcoming. He was great with our baby and our son too, which can be very quiet. He did a great job explaining things about Mexico and the Mayan culture and even other cultures. Thanks Leo and our driver for a great experience! Simply wish we had more time!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.
Debbie_D, Mar 2026
Everything was great. Be aware that finding them was tricky. Inside the port is a maze of stores that you have to weave thru to find an exit. Then outside, you pass thru security and pass by taxis. Keep going until to arrive at a tower. After that, the hosts were wonderful, friendly, knowledgable, and thoughtful. You will see a few ruins and Mayan culture. We then chose to do lunch before the lagoon. Lunch was good. Then off to a pontoon boat to discover 2 beautiful spots in the lagoon to swim. Our host, Carol was always asking if we need anything, from drinks to treats. Our boat driver cut up a pineapple and 2 mangos to serve us in the water. We had stopped along the way to pick those up. Rafael was our driver and kept us safe. I would recommend this tour thru this company.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.
Kathy_C, Mar 2026
This was a great tour. Well run and the guide was informative and funny. The lagoon was beautiful. Highly recommend.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.
Rachel_R, Feb 2026
We loved our full day exploring during this tour. Rafael, our guide did a great job showing us around and answering questions throughout the day. This is a great excursion option off the ship and in a small group that takes up the full day.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.
John_A, Feb 2026
We had such a great day! Unfortunately our cruise ship was late getting into port, so the first part of our excursion was cancelled. We did go to Seven Colors lagoon ands it was fantastic. Our guide was wonderful. He was very knowledgeable about the area and forthcoming with the information. Another guest specifically took this excursion because Seven Colors has a spot when the oldest living organism in the world is still thriving. Stromatolites. Wonderful excursion!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.
Johnson0660, Feb 2026
We had a lovely experience! The tour guide Juan was so nice, considerate, timely, and we loved it! Felt safe the entire time!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.
Alejandro_T, Feb 2026
Our combo tour to Chacchoben and Bacalar Lagoon was absolutely outstanding, and our guide, Juan Corona, made it unforgettable.
At Chacchoben, Juan brought the archaeological site to life. His knowledge of Mayan history and culture was impressive, and he explained everything in a way that was both engaging and easy to understand. We didn’t just walk through ruins, we understood what we were seeing and why it mattered.
After exploring the ruins, we headed to the breathtaking Bacalar Lagoon. Juan shared the fascinating history of the lagoon and its significance to the region, which made the experience even more meaningful. As if the views weren’t enough, he thoughtfully prepared fresh fruit for us to enjoy by the water. Such a refreshing and personal touch!
He was also a fantastic driver, navigating the roads safely and making us feel completely at ease throughout the entire trip.
If you’re visiting Costa Maya and considering this combo tour, don’t hesitate. And if you’re lucky enough to have Juan Corona as your guide, you’re in for an exceptional experience.
Highly recommended!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.
Jeffrey_K, Feb 2026
Top notch experience with professional and experienced guides. The Mayan historical sites are fascinating to see and the knowledgeable guide was very enthusiastic about explaining everything about them.
The Bacalar lagoon was magnificent in its clarity and color and is a natural wonder to behold.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.
Merrick_T, Jan 2026
I participated in the combo tour and it was excellent value for money with Carol our versed tour guide explaining the history of the Chacchoben Mayan ruins and then a wonderful experience on the Bacalar lagoon. Everything was well timed and time flew fast without feeling rushed nor bored. A delicious lunch is included at a local restaurant and we were even served exotic fruits as our group waded in the beautiful blue shades of the Bacalar lagoon. I strongly recommend this combo tour to cover two of the main regional sites.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.
Kailah_C, Jan 2026
What an amazing experience and day all around! Starting the day at Chacchoben did not disappoint — my husband and I were super excited to see the ruins, as we are history / architecture nerds and WOW it was AMAZING! Our tour guide Leo was super knowledgeable about the history, the culture, and provided lots of extra knowledge about the local plant and animal life which was wonderful! We got there right in time to stay ahead of the large crowds. Following the ruins, we got to eat at a local restaurant with authentic cuisine (included in the price) and it was a VERY cool atmosphere and the food was SO GOOD! Baccalar lagoon was absolutely breathtaking and the water was so clean and clear. Unbelievable experience from start to finish. Shoutout to Leo who did a phenomenal job, answered all of our questions, and made the experience that much better!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much for your feedback. It's wonderful to know you enjoyed the tour. We hope to see you on a future trip.
Traci_R, Jan 2026
Our tour was the ruins & lagoons. The ruins were magnificent! The lagoons were so beautiful and we had time to swim around. I always book excursions with local groups & not through the cruise ship because I prefer small tour groups. This did not disappoint! There was only 10 of us & it was perfect. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable of the ruins and the lagoons. He didn't rush us yet kept us on time. Wonderful day!!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much for your feedback. It's wonderful to know you enjoyed the tour. We hope to see you on a future trip.
Emily_B, Dec 2025
This was a fantastic tour. Our guide (Carol) was outstanding, so knowledgeable and nothing was too much trouble. Don't hesitate to book this tour. The cenote is breathtaking, truly stunning. The water is crystal clear and you get to swim in the lagoon. Our guide brought a local pineapple to eat in the lagoon and we had tequila shots, it was really good fun. The Mayan Ruins were so interesting too. This was a real highlight of the many excursions we had booked during our cruise, it will not disappoint! Thank you so much Chac Ek (especially Carol) for the fab day with with you, we felt very looked after. Easily a 10 out of 10.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.
Alan_S, Dec 2025
The boat trip on the water was really fun and we had a chance to swim. Afterwards had a delicious lunch. Really enjoyed the walk through the ruins at Chacchoben. Our guide was casual but informative.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.
Hilary_F, Dec 2025
This was a great excursion! You walk about 10 minutes outside the cruise port to the pick up spot, and then it’s about an hour drive to the first stop, which is the Mayan ruins. Once at the ruins, you walk around and explore and have time to take pics. We saw monkeys in the tree! Next up is a drive to Baccalar. It’s stunning!! The water is beautiful and you have about an hour to swim and float. They also served us the world’s best fruit with Tajim- omg it was SO GOOD! pineapple and mango, I need to go back just for more. Then you finish off with lunch- it was ok. And then about an hour drive back. It’s long but the van was comfortable and the tour guides were very friendly. I def recommend!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.
SHANNON_M, Dec 2025
This was a very well organized, well run tour! Would highly recommend to anyone! My one complaint had nothing to do with the company that runs the tour, but with the “directions” to get out of the port and get to the Taxi area to meet them. we had a short port day and we’re trying to hurry to get to the van for this tour. Everyone we asked in the cruise port for directions to the taxis told us we had to keep on walking all the way around the building buildings. This was just a way to get us to walk through the long “gauntlet” of people trying to sell things and shops trying to get us to go inside. Their directions literally took us 15 minutes out of our way and wrapped us all the way around in a circle basically. We were the last ones to find the van and held up the tour on and already rushed experience, which was disappointing. For a more direct route to the meeting area, stay to the right after getting off of the long pier from the cruise ship. Follow signs for tours, and it appeared there was a way to get into the parking lot where the vans and buses were to the right of all of the buildings, back behind where the tour groups were gathering. Then you can walk across that parking lot towards the back right corner, where there is a street to take you to where the taxis are, which was our meeting point. If you don’t see this exit as an option, just try to cut through any store that looks like it has a back exit to get behind that first row of buildings and go right as soon as you can. Follow the evacuation route.
Now back to the tour! Our guide was very knowledgeable, they picked us up in a nice van that was fully air-conditioned and had snacks and a cooler with water and beers for us. We were a bit rushed at the Mayan ruins, but that’s because of our ships early departure schedule. They assured us they would have us back in plenty of time to board the ship and they did! The lagoon was by far the highlight for us and our children! We absolutely loved it and wish we could’ve stayed longer! The freshly cut up watermelon and mango was delicious and served on a floating raft. The water was the prettiest I have ever seen and felt great on Thanksgiving! The restaurant where we ate lunch was fantastic. The guides were very thoughtful and took all of our orders ahead of time so the food would be ready when we got there. They were all very friendly and fun and we could not recommend this tour more! Do not hesitate to book it!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.
Mark_b, Dec 2025
We had a private tour (just the two of us) with Raphael. He was great. Very knowledgable, spoke good English, friendly, and was able to answer all of our questions. Armando was our boat captain and he was very friendly even though he spoke little English and was a good driver. We were able to swim in the colorful lagoon. Lunch was good at a local restaurant. Thoroughly enjoyed our tour and would highly recommend Raphael.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.
dana_P, Nov 2025
Absolutely wonderful from start to finish! Great pre-cruise communication, clean air-conditioned transportation with snacks and drinks, and a wonderful tour guide “1 (Juan) Corona”. He is Incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. Couldn’t have asked for better. Money and vacation day well spent!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.
shawn_g, Oct 2025
fantastic day. our guide, Daniel Morales was great. everyone loved our boat captain, Armando. got to see the ruins almost by ourselves and avoided the crowds. armando gave us a great tour of the lagoon and everyone enjoyed swimming there and having fresh pineapple and mango. restaurant with tacos and fajitas was excellent.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.
Kari_B, Sep 2025
So happy we chose this! When we got off the boat, we used Google maps to find the merting location. It was super easy to find. About a 15 min walk.
We met up with Frank, our driver and guide for the day. He was so friendly and spoke amazing English!! We signed our waivers and hopped right into his A/C car with cold beverages and snacks for us, and took right off. The drive to the ruins was about an hour. He chatted and educated us on the area, the culture, the history.... answered all of our questions! When we got there, we nearly had the ruins to ourselves. Thank you private driver and not a cruise bus with 80 people 😬. We walked around and a top the ruins for well over an hour with Frank while he guided us through those and teaching us all about the Mayans and the ruins. The walk around the ruins is on dirt paths, maybe not suitable for limited mobility people. Also bring BUG SPRAY. You are walking through the jungle, after all. Walking up the steps to the top of the ruins was steep and large steps. It is optional, we chose to and loved it. The view from above is nice. As we were leaving heading back to the car, there were 2 bus loads of passengers from cruise excursion coming in. Again, we were quite pleased to be ahead of that large group and on to the next. Before we left, we did shop at the tourist shop at the entrance of the ruins.
We then drove ~ 30-45 mins to the 7 colors lagoon. When we got there, we hopped straight onto a pontoon boat with Frank and a boat driver. They drove us around on the lagoon to see the various cenotes and areas of the lagoon. It was so beautiful and educational, again! They then took us to the backside of the lagoon where we could get out and swim for at least an hour. While we were out there, they chopped up fresh pineapple and mango and brought it to us in the water. It is a shallow area so we stood there and feasted on the delish fruit! Sooo yum! Several other boats came and joined in the shallow area to swim, but all were spaced out enough to feel like you had your own space. Families with kids brought floaties, balls, pool toys, goggles, .... Def a good idea!
We left the lagoon after a long while and headed to lunch about 10 mins out of town. Frank said that it's the place that they always use (of course), but I don't even care, it was some of the best food I have eaten. He had taken our order while we were in the lagoon and called it in so it would be ready when we got there. It was. I ordered the spicy shrimp tacos and my husband got the fajitas. Both were incredible. I would absolutely eat there again!
We left and headed back to the port, about an hour drive. This got us back to the meet up/drop off location with an hour and a half before we needed to be back on our boat. Plenty of time for us to browse through the private carnival pool party, shops, and food area. Good gelato!! The walk to there from the drop off was about 10 mins, but easy to find!! And from the shops, about another 10 mins to the boat. Also easy to find.
All in all, I am so glad we went with this Choc Ek for this private excursion that felt like a private tour. Absolutely worth the price and maximized our time in port. I highly recommend doing this to anyone considering!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.
Catalina_C, Sep 2025
Best excursion experience ever! It ended up just being me and my husband and it felt like we were on a VIP tour! Our guide Francisco picked us up on time in a nice air conditioned car with snacks and beverages. He was very informative during our visit to the ruins. The lagoon was the best part! We went on a small very nice boat to the lagoon and we were in heaven! The turquoise fresh water was such a treat to swim in. Loved that it was not swamped with tourist and we were even served fresh cut pineapple and mango in the water! Totally worth it. BOOK IT!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.
JaniceFosterGrant, Sep 2025
If I were to rate this experience solely based on the quality of what I received for a tour, it would be 5 stars. I enjoyed the excursion BUT it was not the full itinerary that I paid for. We did not visit the 3 cenotes and the tour was shortened (not at my request or with my agreement). I requested a partial refund on this basis, and the request was denied. In short, you may not get the experience that you paid for and there will be no compensation for changes made by the tour operator, so I would not recommend this particular excursion to others.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Good morning, we apologize for your experience, but regarding your tour, your ship's group decided to return to the port earlier. A consultation was held during the tour, and everyone decided to shorten it, hence the reason for the change.
Unfortunately, this is something we cannot change if the group wants to shorten the time for fear of missing the ship.
Gretchen_A, Aug 2025
Took this tour while on a cruise and it was by far the best/ most fun thing we did on the entire trip. Leo was an exceptional guide - knowledgeable about the Costa Maya region and Mayan ruins. Our bus and boat drivers were also very welcoming. The Bacalar Lagoon was beautiful and relaxing. Our hosts made sure we had everything we needed (drinks, snacks, music, etc) and our lunch was delicious. Best food we had in any of the ports we visited. I would be sure to give yourself as much time as possible to get to the meeting point as the Costa Maya port is a large and slightly confusing when leaving the ship. A map would have been helpful, but once we found them outside the second gate with the whiteboard, it was smooth sailing (pun intended). 100% recommend.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.
Russell_M, Jul 2025
I emailed with the operator several times before paying to make sure we could do both excursions within the time frame our ship would be docked and I was assured it was no problem. But the moment we met our driver he told us it was impossible and we had to pick one excursion or the other. Said we would get a refund but it has yet to show-up.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Hello, good afternoon. There are times when boat schedules vary upon arrival at the port, and sometimes they are delayed in allowing you to disembark at the port. For your comfort and safety, we recommend only one activity. We prefer that to exposing you to a rushed tour and not enjoying it at all. Regarding the refund, it has been made as agreed.
DLayne_K, Jul 2025
Great tour guide! Drove around a few highlights of the area for some photo ops and then headed to the temples. Got an great history lesson while taking in the sights. The shaded paths were nice despite the heat and humidity. We even saw a spider monkey and her baby playing in the trees! We then got snacks as we drove to the lagoon. It was absolutely stunning! Our boat captain was great too. He cut up fresh pineapple and mango and brought it to us in the water while we cooled off and enjoyed the serenity and surreal turquoise waters. The lunch was delicious and given to us immediately when we arrived. I highly recommend this tour and company!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.
Joe_C, Jul 2025
Leo was excellent and the food was great. Baccalar lagoon was very beautiful. Would recommend this company for your tour
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.
Laura_R, Jun 2025
This tour was perfect! We were on the excursion with a small group! Juan was our guide and made our experience perfect. He took us around the Chacchoben ruins telling us an immense amount of interesting information about anything we saw. We stopped by a roadside stand for fresh mango and pineapple as well as pineapple bread. Our guide Juan cut it up and shared it with all while we were in the water swimming at Bacalar! Our driver was awesome and boat captain too! We stopped at a local open air Mexican restaurant for an authentic lunch. It was a perfect way to spend our time in Costa Maya! I highly recommend this trip!
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.
Stephanie_D, Jun 2025
The whole crew really went above and beyond! Juan is extremely knowledgeable, Erick was a great driver, and Felipe, the boat captain was wonderful! The combo was a perfect balance of cultural exposure and fun in beautiful water. Lunch was delicious! Such a better experience than the cruise excursions. Kids and the adults all had a great time!
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.
Wiley_H, Jun 2025
A great tour to a beautiful place. Easy to find the company and a smooth ride down to the lake. We came back and used this company again.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.
John_S, Jun 2025
Local pick up outside the port, air conditioned van, small but comfortable for the size group we had. Tour guide and driver, did a really good job along g the entire tour. Juan Corona did an amazing job, he was very knowledgeable. He was born in the region, told us all about chacchoben and the history around the ruins, the restoration of the temples, and Maya mathematics. Took us to a local fruit stand, we had some fresh pineapple, mangoes, homemade cakes, and toasted pumpkin seeds/dried plantains. Love that they helped support several small local businesses. Took us to beach area and went out on a boat, snorkeling trip in area. Beach was alittle dirty at the time we visited, boat was alittle choppy on the water, group did see stingray, conch, shrimp, and some coral beds. We had lunch at a local beach front restaurant, really good and fresh, many choices to choose from. Had time to shop at local booths to find souvenirs.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you very much for your comments, it is a great reward for us to know that you really liked the excursion. We hope to see you on a next trip.
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$144.00
per personWas $160.00
up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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