Mexico · TOURS IN COSTA MAYA

The 15 Tours in Costa Maya That Earn Their Price

41 tours  ·  from $20 a head

Good tours in Costa Maya fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

Costa Maya Shore Excursion: Chacchoben Day Trip - Meeting outside the Costa Maya cruise terminal
1-Day Tours, Archaeological Sites in Costa Maya, Mayan Ruins & Archaeological Sites, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Costa Maya

Costa Maya Shore Excursion: Chacchoben Day Trip

1.Costa Maya Shore Excursion: Chacchoben Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,109 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $64Our pick

Travel by air-conditioned minivan from Costa Maya to Chacchoben, where guides such as Ismael and Octavio explain the temples, pigments, hieroglyphics, and jungle wildlife. Expect about 50 minutes each way, 90 minutes at the ruins, uneven paths, steep steps, bottled water, and a small-group feel for $64.11.

“After multiple excursions, my family finally found one that was all around amazing. Like alot of reviews on here, Octavio was our tour guide. He did an excellent job explaining all the history to us. I was watching the ship ran tour groups and felt we were getting alot more info. Lucky for my family of 4, the other family cancelled and we got private tour of the ruins. We never felt rushed, we got to explore by ourselves when we wanted, and Octavio helped us take family photos. After having 2 shore excursions where we were begged for tips, and had mediocre experiences at best, this shore excursion was…”

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Bacalar – 7 Colors Lagoon Excursión Costa Maya - Finding the pickup beyond the port shops
Tour Reviews, Tours in Costa Maya

Bacalar – 7 Colors Lagoon Excursión Costa Maya

2.7 Colors Lagoon Excursión Costa Maya

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 408 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $135

Travel from Costa Maya to Bacalar for a small-group pontoon ride, swimming in clear lagoon water, cenote viewing, fresh fruit, drinks, and a Mexican lunch. Guides such as Adan, Carol, Juan, Leo, and Erick add local stories and careful timing. Allow roughly one to one and a half hours each way.

“Very good excursion for all ages. Carol our guide was fabulous. She was very informative and very responsible about keeping time so that we could enjoy without worry about missing the ship ( the lagoons are located about an hour's drive from the port) They really do take care of everything!”

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Chacchoben Mayan Ruins from Costa Maya - Meeting outside Costa Maya port
Archaeological Sites in Costa Maya, Mayan Ruins & Archaeological Sites, Tour Reviews, Tours in Costa Maya

Chacchoben Mayan Ruins from Costa Maya

3.Chacchoben Mayan Ruins from Costa Maya

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 381 reviews · 4.5 hours · from $58

Ride from Costa Maya to Chacchoben for a 70-minute guided walk among Maya temples, jungle, and possible spider monkey sightings. Guides such as Carlos, Eliseo, and JC are known for lively cultural explanations. Finish with up to 1.5 hours at Mahahual Beach before returning to port. Price: $58 per person.

“Eliseo and Victor were great, very hot in May but we were given complimentary iced water. Your was very informative and we even saw some Spider monkeys.”

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One Day Tour to Chacchoben Mayan City and Bacalar Lagoon with a Certified Guide - Bacalar is about water, not a beach day
1-Day Tours, Archaeological Sites in Costa Maya, Guided, Mayan Ruins & Archaeological Sites, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Costa Maya

One Day Tour to Chacchoben Mayan City and Bacalar Lagoon with a Certified Guide

4.One Day Tour to Chacchoben Mayan City and Bacalar Lagoon with a Certified Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 372 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $119

Travel from Costa Maya to Chacchoben, where guides such as Erick, Yoshi, Joel, and Diego explain Maya history among jungle-covered ruins. Then relax at Bacalar Lagoon with fajitas or tacos, aguas frescas, kayaking, swimming, and time by the water. The air-conditioned ride takes about an hour each way, so plan for a full outing with limited free time at the ruins.

“It was a great tour. Lots of good information. It was interesting and I learned some things I did not know.”

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Chacchoben & Bacalar Combo Excursion Costa Maya - The drive is part of the deal
Archaeological Sites in Costa Maya, Mayan Ruins & Archaeological Sites, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Costa Maya

Chacchoben & Bacalar Combo Excursion Costa Maya

5.Chacchoben & Bacalar Combo Excursion Costa Maya

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 338 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $160

Spend about seven hours combining Chacchoben’s jungle temples with a boat ride on Bacalar’s Seven Colors Lagoon. Guides such as Juan Corona, Leo, Carol, and Francisco are praised for clear English and strong local knowledge. Expect air-conditioned transport, lunch, drinks, fresh fruit, and time to swim.

“This tour is well worth it. Being ab out to tour the ruins with a small group made a big difference in the experience. All the staff were wonderful that we interacted with.”

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Mahahual Snorkeling Adventure: Turtle Encounter - The boat ride and first reef area
Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours in Costa Maya, Turtle Snorkeling Tours

Mahahual Snorkeling Adventure: Turtle Encounter

6.Mahahual Snorkeling Adventure: Turtle Encounter

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 213 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $32

From Mahahual, you’ll boat 15 minutes into a shallow reef lagoon for an hour of guided snorkeling at two sites. Look for hawksbill turtles over sandy grass beds, then coral heads and tropical fish near the reef crest. Mar Adentro provides equipment and patient guides, with groups capped at 12.

“Was a fantastic experience and our guide was so incredibly helpful. Would do again in a heartbeat! Thank you so much for a great day”

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Private beach, all inclusive. - The 25 to 35 Minute Ride to Xahuayxol
Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Costa Maya

Private beach, all inclusive.

7.Private beach, all inclusive.

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 210 reviews · 3 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $119

Escape Costa Maya’s cruise-port crowds for a private beach day at Xahuayxol, about 25 to 35 minutes away. Teresa and her team serve Mexican food, ceviche, tacos, margaritas, beer, and soft drinks. Snorkel gear and kayaks are available, but bring water shoes and expect possible seaweed.

“We were whisked away by personal taxi to the most beautiful beach. Sitting at tables, a swing, or a beach chair you can enjoy the view and the breeze. Kayaks and snorkel gear were available if you wanted to venture out towards the reef. The reef breaks the waves coming in, so the ocean is so calm in this area. While you are enjoying the beach, you are being brought margaritas or Pina coladas. The food starts with wonderful nachos and homemade salsa and guacamole. Following the nachos are some conchinita tacos and beef tacos. The tacos are fabulous. The ride is about 25 mins to get there, but it…”

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Chacchoben Mayan Ruins with Local Experience Costa Maya Excursion - The drive inland is part of the experience
Archaeological Sites in Costa Maya, Mayan Ruins & Archaeological Sites, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Costa Maya

Chacchoben Mayan Ruins with Local Experience Costa Maya Excursion

8.Chacchoben Mayan Ruins with Local Experience Costa Maya Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 191 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $80

Travel from Mahahual to Chacchoben in a small group of up to 14, with an English-speaking local guide such as Juan, Rafael, or Francisco. Expect a 1.5-hour guided visit, air-conditioned transport, drinks and snacks, plus possible stops for fresh fruit or local hot sauce before returning to the meeting point.

“Our guide was Frank with driver Miguel. We had a wonderful time learning about the history of the Chacchoben people. Frank was very knowledgeable and went out of his way to answer all our questions. He was kind and helped me up the stairs so that i can could keep my balance. On our ride to Chacchoben Ruins he told us about the people that now live in the area. We recommend Frank and Miguel should you visit the ruins. This personal tour was the way to go then being in a large group. We were never rushed and did what we wanted.”

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Costa Maya, snorkeling on the reef with fish, looking for turtles - What you see below the surface
Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours in Costa Maya, Turtle Snorkeling Tours

Costa Maya, snorkeling on the reef with fish, looking for turtles

9.Costa Maya, snorkeling on the reef with fish, looking for turtles

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 181 reviews · 1 hour 20 minutes (approx.) · from $30Best value

Meet at La Diosa del Mar in Mahahual for a guided reef snorkel lasting about 1 hour 20 minutes. Guides such as Marcos, Daniel, Cesar, Andre, and Taidor have helped families spot turtles, rays, eels, and colorful fish. Equipment, bottled water, GoPro photos, a beach club, and extra snorkel time if no turtle appears are included.

“This was a great tour for families and kids. The people were very nice and helpful and tried their best to find a turtle, which we did! It was a bit confusing upon arrival to find the correct spot though. Instructions were to meet at the hotel across the street, but no one was there. We eventually found the place, but we had to ask a few locals.”

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Chacchoben Mayan Ruins with Local Village - The walk through Chacchoben’s temples
Archaeological Sites in Costa Maya, Mayan Ruins & Archaeological Sites, Tour Reviews, Tours in Costa Maya

Chacchoben Mayan Ruins with Local Village

10.Chacchoben Mayan Ruins with Local Village

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 159 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $80

Travel from Puerto Costa Maya to Chacchoben with a bilingual guide such as Carlos, Octavio, Ishmael, or Genesis. Walk among jungle-covered temples, learn about Maya society and architecture, taste honey pineapple, enjoy drinks, and pass through a traditional local village. The advertised private format offers a flexible, personal outing, though group arrangements can vary.

“It was a great tour. Our tour guide Octavio did a great job and was very knowledgeable regarding the history of the town and the ruins. It was quite a history lesson. We got back in plenty of time for the ship and the refreshments were an added bonus. You do need to walk quite a distance through the entire port off the main property before meeting your guide.”

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Salsa & Salsa cooking lessons + Beach day - Getting from the cruise port to Poncho’s
Tour Reviews, Tours in Costa Maya

Salsa & Salsa cooking lessons + Beach day

11.Salsa & Salsa cooking lessons + Beach day

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 138 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $98

Meet at Poncho’s beach restaurant in Mahahual for a hands-on salsa and guacamole class led by Eric or another local instructor. You’ll taste your creations with chips, enjoy two hours of selected drinks, try salsa dancing when offered, and have time on the beach. A taxi from the cruise port costs about $4 per person each way.

“Really nice few hours with the family making salsa, learning some salsa steps and taking a quick dip.”

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Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Excursion - Walking among the temples and jungle
Archaeological Sites in Costa Maya, Mayan Ruins & Archaeological Sites, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Costa Maya

Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Excursion

12.Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 122 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $59

Travel from Costa Maya to Chacchoben for a two-hour guided walk among restored Mayan temples and jungle. Guides such as Octavio, Rafael, Ismael, and Victor bring local history to life, while air-conditioned transport, drinks, site admission, and small groups keep the outing simple. Allow about three and a half hours, plus a walk to the meeting point.

“Excellent, very interesting and informative. Our guides were excellent and extremely knowledgeable. Loved it.”

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Two tanks local diving for certified divers, SCUBA gear included - The beach surface interval
Scuba Diving, Tour Reviews, Tours in Costa Maya

Two tanks local diving for certified divers, SCUBA gear included

13.Two tanks local diving for certified divers, SCUBA gear included

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 122 reviews · 3 hours 45 minutes (approx.) · from $100

Join Mar Adentro Diving in Mahahual for two boat-based reef outings, with equipment, bottled water, and a small guide-to-guest ratio included. Guides such as Etienne, Barry, Brenda, Rickie, Patrick, Gala, and David have helped beginners and returning certified scuba guests. Expect warm water, fish, turtles, lobsters, and changing visibility.

“Great dive all around. Staff was fun and knowledgeable, great sites, good turn around between dives. ~40 min bottom time at 45 feet”

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2 Tank Dive (for certified divers) - What happens before the boat leaves
Scuba Diving, Tour Reviews, Tours in Costa Maya

2 Tank Dive (for certified divers)

14.2 Tank Dive (for certified divers)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 120 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $95

Join Doctor Dive Costa Maya for two guided scuba descents along the Meso-American Barrier Reef. Experienced guides such as Cesar, Luca, Antonio, and Charlie help new and solo divers feel at ease. Expect reef canyons, coral, turtles, rays, eels, and tropical fish, with water and soft drinks included.

“We had a great day diving. We arrived on a cruise ship and took a taxi to the dive shop. Our 13 year old was diving with us and he is new to diving. Cesar, our dive master, was great and helped our son when needed. They were upfront about the weather not being great and the visibility not being the best. But I’m glad we were still able to dive because the reef is beautiful and we saw plenty of marine life including a turtle, an eel, lobster, crabs and so many fish. I would definitely recommend and we would dive here again.”

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CHACCHOBEN Ruins and BACALAR Lagoon Boat Excursion from Costa Maya - Walking the forest paths at Chacchoben
Archaeological Sites in Costa Maya, Cruises & Boat Tours, Mayan Ruins & Archaeological Sites, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Costa Maya

CHACCHOBEN Ruins and BACALAR Lagoon Boat Excursion from Costa Maya

15.CHACCHOBEN Ruins and BACALAR Lagoon Boat Excursion from Costa Maya

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 117 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $169

Travel from Costa Maya to Chacchoben with guides such as Jhoana, Ivan, or Charlie, then swim from a pontoon boat in Bacalar’s seven-color lagoon. The six-hour outing includes transport, an archaeological guide, fruit, tacos, bottled water, soda, beer, and tequila. Expect a long day with rewarding sights and some road time.

“We had a great time with our guide and driver.. they were very helpful and the lagoon was beautiful.. they stopped when we wanted to get some street food on route and helped get a cake for my cousin’s birthday.. only item was that restroom facilities were a little challenging in Bacalar but the overall experience was great..”

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New in Tours in Costa Maya

★ 5.0Private sport fishing in costa maya, mahahual 4 hrs38 reviews
★ 4.5All Inclusive VIP Beach Break Pass at Nacional Beach ClubFrom $15592 reviews
★ 5.0Lagoon of 7 colors from Costa Maya – Boat Tour and transportationFrom $15049 reviews
★ 4.5Costa Maya Snorkel TourFrom $4053 reviews
★ 4.0Beach Break Costa Maya with Lunch and Open Bar50 reviews
★ 5.0Mahahual and Costa Maya Birdwatching76 reviews
★ 5.0Mahahual Private Tequila TastingFrom $1962 reviews
★ 5.0Experience Guided Snorkeling in Costa MayaFrom $3045 reviews
★ 5.0Day excursion to a PRIVATE LUXURY BEACH CLUB with transportation.92 reviews
★ 4.5Costa Maya Sport Fishing64 reviews
★ 5.0Snorkel Tour on the Costa Maya with experienced GuidFrom $3642 reviews
★ 5.0Costa Maya E-Bikes RentalFrom $2036 reviews
★ 5.0Authentic Beachfront Mexican Cooking Class Cafe Jaguar Costa MayaFrom $7950 reviews
★ 4.0Costa Maya Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Mexican Lunch at the BeachFrom $8578 reviews
★ 4.5Bacalar Lagoon & Chacchoben Mayan Ruins from Costa MayaFrom $12955 reviews

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