Costa Maya: Chacchoben Ruin, 7 Colors Lagoon Shore Excursion

If you’re stopping at Costa Maya and craving a blend of history, nature, and vibrant scenery, this tour offers a well-rounded day for curious travelers. From exploring the impressive ruins of Chacchoben to floating in the vividly hued waters of Bacalar’s Seven Colors Lagoon, it promises a diverse Mexican adventure.

What we love about this excursion is the chance to learn about one of the world’s most fascinating civilizations, enjoy a scenic boat ride that captures the lagoon’s mesmerizing tones, and savor regional snacks along the way. It’s a well-organized trip that balances cultural discovery and relaxation.

One thing to consider: the tour’s timing depends on your ship’s docking schedule, so punctuality is key. The itinerary is tailored for those who appreciate a mix of history, natural beauty, and comfortable group tours. This experience suits travelers looking for an engaging, value-packed day that doesn’t involve strenuous activity or long hours.

Contents show

Key Points

Educational Guides: Knowledgeable guides in both English and Spanish make the history of Chacchoben come alive.
Stunning Scenery: Expect breathtaking views of Bacalar’s Seven Colors Lagoon and its unique cenotes.
Comfortable Transport: Round-trip transportation simplifies logistics, with scenic drives and convenient pickup points.
Balanced Itinerary: Includes archaeological exploration, lagoon boat ride, and regional snacks for a full experience.
Value for Money: At $114 per person, the tour covers entrance fees, beverages, and a two-hour boat cruise.
Timing Flexibility: Starts about 30 minutes to an hour after your ship docks, with options to check availability.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

This Costa Maya shore excursion offers a compelling mix of cultural history and natural beauty, making it ideal for those wanting a taste of both worlds without the hassle of planning multiple activities independently.

Looking for more options in Bacalar? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Meeting and Departure

The day kicks off outside the cruise port, in an accessible parking lot where toucan-themed transportation awaits. The choice of a central meeting spot one block from the Mayan temple ensures easy access. The tour operator, Toucan Tours, emphasizes comfort and simplicity, with transportation provided from the port to the archaeological site and later to Bacalar Lagoon.

Upon arrival at their office, travelers are greeted with a complimentary drink—water, soda, beer, or a shot of tequila—setting a relaxed tone. This small gesture makes waiting more enjoyable and helps boost energy for the day ahead.

Exploring Chacchoben Ruins

The journey from Costa Maya to Chacchoben takes about 55 minutes, during which you’ll enjoy views of the lush, green landscape that characterizes the region. The archaeological site itself offers a guided walk lasting approximately 70 minutes, led by a bilingual guide proficient in both Spanish and English.

Guests have praised guides like Luis and Carmen for their articulate storytelling and welcoming attitude. One reviewer mentioned, “Luis brought the ruins to life with his detailed explanations and passion for Mayan culture.” You’ll walk among towering pyramids, plazas, and ancient structures, getting a glimpse into the lives of one of the most influential Mesoamerican civilizations.

While the ruins are not as expansive as others like Tikal or Chichen Itza, they are significant and relatively uncrowded, allowing for better photo opportunities and personal reflection. The guide will highlight key features, such as the architectural styles and the probable functions of different structures, making history tangible.

Transition to Bacalar Lagoon

Post-ruins, your driver will take you to Bacalar, a drive of about 1.5 hours. This scenic route introduces you to the region’s rural charm and burgeoning tourism scene. Once at Bacalar, you’ll enjoy regional snacks—fresh local fruit—before heading onto the boat for the highlight of the day.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Seven Colors Lagoon Boat Tour

The boat cruise lasts around two hours, offering a leisurely way to admire Bacalar’s famed hues. During the ride, your guide will point out key features such as the lagoon’s cenotes—natural sinkholes that are part of its unique ecosystem—and the way sunlight creates the striking color shifts across the water’s surface.

Most reviewers appreciated the boat’s safety features, including life vests, and the chance to relax and take photos. The calm waters and gentle breeze make this a peaceful yet visually stunning experience.

In addition, the boat ride includes regional fruit snacks, which travelers found refreshing amid the heat. Some also noted the opportunity to marvel at the lagoon from different angles, capturing photos that truly do justice to its vibrant spectrum.

There's plenty more to explore in Bacalar

Final Return

After the boat cruise, the driver will take you back to Costa Maya, allowing for a relaxed journey with scenic views along the way. The entire day wraps up comfortably, with the tour ending back at the original meeting point.

Practical Details and What to Expect

Transportation and Timing: The round-trip transport is smooth and well-coordinated. Expect the tour to start about 30 minutes to an hour after your ship docks, depending on your schedule. The total duration is approximately 7 hours, perfect for travelers wanting a full but manageable day.

What You Should Bring: Pack comfortable shoes for walking on the ruins, beachwear for the lagoon, and sunglasses or hats for sun protection. Since beverages are provided, you don’t need to carry extra drinks, but it’s always smart to have a water bottle handy.

Inclusions and Extras: The tour is quite comprehensive at $114 per person, covering entrance fees, guide services, beverages, snacks, and the boat cruise. The only extras are your meals, which aren’t included, and optional personal purchases.

Limitations: Not suitable for those with mobility scooters or non-folding wheelchairs, as walking around ruins and boat access might be challenging. Also, travelers prone to seasickness should consider this before booking the lagoon cruise.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers seeking a balanced mix of history and nature without overextending the day. History buffs will enjoy the guided tour of Chacchoben’s ancient structures, while nature lovers will appreciate the stunning visuals of Bacalar’s lagoon.

It’s especially ideal for those who enjoy scenic boat rides, regional food, and engaging guides. Families with older children, couples, or solo travelers wanting a well-organized, culturally enriching day will find this tour highly satisfying.

The Sum Up

This shore excursion from Costa Maya offers a truly rewarding day of discovery, blending archaeology with natural beauty. The bilingual guides add depth to the ruins visit, helping you understand Mayan culture in a relaxed setting, while the Bacalar lagoon boat ride delivers breathtaking views and a sense of tranquility.

For those who value thoughtful organization, authentic experiences, and scenic landscapes, this tour provides excellent value. It’s a balanced choice for travelers who want a diverse, memorable day without the stress of planning every detail themselves.

If you’re in port and ready for a mix of history, vibrant waters, and expert guides, this trip is likely to exceed your expectations.

FAQ

How long is the drive from Costa Maya to Chacchoben?
The drive takes approximately 55 minutes, offering scenic views of the region’s lush greenery.

What’s included in the tour price?
The $114 fee covers round transportation, entrance fees, guide services in both Spanish and English, beverages (water, soda, beer, tequila shot), regional snacks, and a two-hour boat cruise in Bacalar Lagoon.

Is food included?
No, meals aren’t included, but regional snacks are provided during the lagoon stop. You may want to bring extra snacks or a packed lunch if desired.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking, beachwear for the lagoon, sunglasses, sunblock, and a hat. Don’t forget your camera for capturing the scenery.

Are there any restrictions?
Yes, the tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility scooters or non-folding wheelchairs. Also, those prone to seasickness might want to consider their comfort with the lagoon boat ride.

What language are guides available in?
Guides are bilingual and speak both English and Spanish, making the experience accessible for most travelers.

This detailed review aims to give you all the essentials for deciding if this Costa Maya tour matches your travel style. Its combination of history and natural beauty, paired with attentive guides and organized logistics, makes it a reliable choice for a memorable port day.