Looking for the best Costa Maya cruise excursions? Look no further! I’ve compiled my picks for the best Costa Maya excursions for cruise passengers, so you can be sure to have an amazing time while you’re at this tropical cruise port.
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Looking For The Best Cruise Excursions In Costa Maya?
You’ve come to the right place! All the best Costa Maya cruise excursions are featured right here, so you are sure to find the one that fits your particular needs. Every single one of these tours comes very highly rated, and we’ve even highlighted user reviews to help guide you in making your choice.
My husband and I have been to Costa Maya many times over the years while on Caribbean cruises. We know the breathtaking beauty and the thrilling adventures found in Costa Maya firsthand, as we’ve done so many of these ourselves. To experience it yourself, all you have to do is book a tour, and enjoy this beautiful port of call!
Don’t have time to read this whole article? Book this Chacchoben Ruins and Bacalar Lagoon tour now. It has a perfect ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating!
Costa Maya is a versatile destination that caters to a wide spectrum of travelers. Adventure enthusiasts can dive into thrilling activities like snorkeling or scuba diving. History buffs can explore some of Mexico’s ancient Mayan ruins such as Chacchoben and Kohunlich, providing insights into Mayan culture.
For relaxation, the area offers pristine beaches and luxurious resorts, with spa facilities that offer rejuvenation and stunning ocean views. Culinary explorers will appreciate the diverse food scene, combining local and international flavors.
Costa Maya truly has something to captivate every traveler, whether it’s adventure, culture, relaxation, or culinary delights. This is why we continue to come back to this cruise port, time after time!
Our Top 3 Picks: Best Costa Maya Excursions For Cruise Passengers
As always, check the pickup/dropoff times and length of the cruise excursion and cross-reference it with the amount of time that your specific cruise allots you in Costa Maya. Make sure you have plenty of time to make it back to the port before your ship is scheduled to leave. Inform the tour guides of the time you need to be returned to the port.
Chacchoben Ruins & Bacalar Lagoon
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Chacchoben Day Trip
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Mahahual and Costa Maya Birdwatching
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Top Costa Maya Cruise Excursions
#1. Chacchoben Ruins and Bacalar Lagoon Boat Excursion
Rating: 5 Stars | Tour Length: 7 hours | Check Rates And Availability
Our number 1 top pick gives you a fantastic day of exploration and relaxation! With this Mayan ruins and Lagoon tour, you’ll get to uncover the wonders of the ancient city of Chacchoben and bask in the beauty of Mexico’s stunning Bacalar Lagoon, all without blowing your budget.
Whether you’re into history or simply want to soak up the natural beauty, this tour has you covered. And don’t worry about hunger or thirst – you’ve got lunch and a variety of refreshments available, from snacks to beer and tequila.
Leo, our tour guide, was amazing! So incredibly knowledgeable. It was a small group- our family and one other family. The ruins are not to be missed and the lagoon is stunning. It was an amazing day!
Marina (see more reviews)
This incredible Chacchoben Ruins and Bacalar Lagoon tour is all about making the most of your day without stressing about the cost. Oh, and did we mention tacos? You get to experience the absolute best of Costa Maya in our top excursion pick for cruise passengers.
#2. Chacchoben Day Trip In Costa Maya
Rating: 5 Stars | Tour Length: 3 and 1/2 hours | Check Rates And Availability
If you’re looking for a shorter adventure during your time in Costa Maya, this Chacchoben Day Trip Excursion is perfect for you. Your driver and your guide are both local residents, and experts in the local history and significance of the sites.
You get to see incredible Mayan ruins, temples, and pyramids, and learn all about the fascinating history of the Mayan people. Your guide will point out the local wildlife, and you may even get to see any number of exotic creatures. Typically, you’ll also get to stop at a local spot for some fresh pineapple.
This excursion was excellent! It was well organized, comfortable, and our tour guide was native to the area and knew a tremendous amount about Mayan history and the tour sites! The tour guide and the drivers were lovely, knowledgable, and friendly — a real highlight of our trip!
Vivian (see more reviews)
This Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Tour takes about 3 and 1/2 hours, making it perfect for a quick adventure during your time in Costa Maya. They provide bottled water during your tour as well, which you always need in the hot Mexican sun!
#3. Mahahual and Costa Maya Birdwatching
Rating: 5 Stars | Tour Length: 5 hours | Check Rates And Availability
While birdwatching might not be the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of a cruise excursion, this Costa Maya birdwatching tour is absolutely incredible and is a must-do. The Yucatan Peninsula is a thriving hotspot for avian life, and you get the opportunity to see all kinds of rare and elusive bird species.
The expert guides on this tour know all the best places to see the birds, and you could see owls, parrots, spoonbills, and so many more. A maximum of 6 people take this tour at a time, keeping it highly personalized, and a delicious Mexican lunch is also included, so you don’t even have to worry about that aspect either.
Mahahual Ecotours owner Victor Rosales is by far the most knowledgeable tour guide I’ve ever used. His knowledge of birds and animals of Costa Maya is amazing. Additionally he has so much interesting information on history and Mayan culture that he is willing to share, it becomes an amazing experience like no other!!
Laurie (see more reviews)
This Costa Maya birdwatching excursion is ideal for all ages and experience levels. It’s truly a wonderful way to spend your time in Costa Maya, and it’s definitely an experience I recommend.
#4. Costa Maya Sport Fishing
Rating: 4 and 1/2 Stars | Tour Length: 3 hours | Check Rates And Availability
For anyone with even the slightest interest in fishing, this Sport Fishing Excursion in Costa Maya is absolutely a must-do. You get the opportunity to catch awesome tropical fish species, and then you even get to eat your catch of the day back at the Nacional Beach Club.
These waters are absolutely brimming with all sorts of fish, from the fierce barracuda to the colorful mahi-mahi, Spanish mackerel, speedy wahoo, and the elusive tuna, among others. It’s an amazing excursion, guided by a friendly and very knowledgeable crew.
Nick was a great and fun host. He had great conversations with us as we fished, made sure we were able to eat fish caught at the beach, and walked us to our transportation to ensure we made it back on time. There were four of us and we were each lucky enough to catch a barracuda. We had the restaurant prepare us tacos and they were amazing. Highly recommend this fishing excursion.
John (see more reviews)
This Costa Maya Fishing Excursion is exactly what you need to get away from the crowds at the port or on the more popular excursions. Enjoy an incredible day out on the water, testing your skills in landing colossal fish species, and the best part? You get to savor your own catch – it’s the ultimate reward and the perfect way to spend your time in Costa Maya!
#5. Bacalar 7 Colors Lagoon With Transportation From Costa Maya
Rating: 5 Stars | Tour Length: 6 hours | Check Rates And Availability
This Bacalar Lagoon tour is ideal for those who want to bask in the beauty of the 7 color lagoon and see all it has to offer. “Cenote Esmeralda” starts you off with magical blues, and “Cenote Cocalitos” introduces ancient stromatolites, nature’s cool living stones. Dive into the “Black Cenote,” an open-sky oasis, and see the Pirate Channel – pirates once sneaked in here for treasure.
On Wednesdays, instead of a Lagoon tour you get access to Cocalitos Beach Club – think clear waters, snacks, fruits, and even adult beverages. It’s the perfect way to soak up the beauty of the Bacalar Lagoon.
This was by far one of my favorite excursions! Gabby did such an amazing job telling us the history and making this trip memorable. The lagoon is magical and something you don’t want to miss! The tacos are authentic and were literally one of the best meals I had this week! I was super worried about getting back to port on time and they made sure we got back in plenty of time!
Amber (see more reviews)
This 7 Colors Lagoon Excursion is a fantastic way to spend your afternoon in Costa Maya. Round trip transportation is included, and your tour will have a maximum of 20 passengers.
#6. Ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins + Mayan Experience
Rating: 5 Stars | Tour Length: 5 and 1/2 hours | Check Rates And Availability
This Mayan Experience Excursion gives you an incredible look into the past. First, you head to the ancient Mayan ruins where you can uncover incredible monuments and soak up the jungle’s natural beauty.
Next, you visit the village of Chacchoben, where the modern-day descendants of the Mayan people show you daily bits of their culture. You’re going to be blown away by traditional dishes prepared using age-old techniques passed down through generations. The flavors are straight out of Mayan history and it’s a real treat for your taste buds.
The Mayan Experience was amazing. Our guide Lorenzo was very knowledgeable and made sure to cater to my 82 year old mother. The best part was the lunch. The woman who made the lunch were so kind and fun to talk with. They made the experience great.
Jason (see more reviews)
This Mayan Experience cruise excursion in Costa Maya is absolutely fantastic and a wonderful choice for all ages. Transportation is included, as well as bottled water and your delicious authentic lunch.
#7. Cooking Class With Open Bar + Massage
Rating: 4 and 1/2 Stars | Tour Length: 3 hours | Check Rates And Availability
This Costa Maya cooking class is the perfect excursion for anyone who wants to try their hand at making delicious Mexican treats while also staying close to the cruise port. It’s located just a block away from the port, meaning you don’t have to worry about being a dreaded “pier runner”.
You learn how to make scrumptious guacamole and ceviche using the freshest local ingredients. All the while, you get to sip on unlimited beverages (try a margarita, trust me!), and then top it all off with a relaxing 30 minute massage.
Macarena was incredible! The other staff (bar tender and chefs) were top notch and attentive. It was such a calm setting after being on a big cruise ship. We made ceviche, guac, got massages, drank beer and hung out by the pool all day! 10/10 highly recommend!
Christopher (see more reviews)
This cooking excursion in Costa Maya truly is a fantastic experience. You get to create delicious food, sip on fantastic drinks, get a wonderful massage, and rest assured that you can still get back to your ship on time.
#8. Discovery SCUBA Diving For Beginners
Rating: 5 Stars | Tour Length: 3 hours | Check Rates And Availability
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to dive like a pro without experience or certification, this Costa Maya SCUBA diving excursion is perfect for you. You start with a quick theory lesson at the dive shop, then a hands-on practice in shallow water.
Finally, you get to test your newly learned skills as you explore colorful coral reef formations with your certified instructor by your side. You can dive up to 40 feet, and see all kinds of vibrant marine life around you. It’s a fantastic way to spend your time in Costa Maya!
Awesome experience, Charlie was a great instructor!!! Highly recommend…… If you have ever wanted to dive then do this!!!!!!!!
Nathan (see more reviews)
This SCUBA diving excursion in Costa Maya is a wonderful opportunity for beginners to experience SCUBA diving in clear, warm, tropical waters. It’s an excellent option for a Costa Maya cruise excursion!
#9. Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon and Kayak Adventure
Rating: 4 and 1/2 Stars | Tour Length: 8 hours | Check Rates And Availability
This excellent Costa Maya excursion to the Bacalar Lagoon gives you the opportunity to kayak in the same waters where pirates used to roam. This historic spot now offers you a chance to relax, swim, and soak in the lagoon’s beauty.
The Lagoon itself holds an incredibly diverse array of marine life, and is simply stunning with its variety of blue and turquoise colors. It’s gorgeous to look at, and kayaking through it really adds to the experience.
The Seven Color Lagoon kayak trip with Elliot and Abner was fantastic. The site is absolutely beautiful. Elliot explained so much about the local area and culture and was accommodating to all kayaking skill levels. The food and drinks were great, especially the expertly prepared salsas.
Elaine (see more reviews)
With a maximum of 15 participants, this Costa Maya kayak excursion offers an intimate experience away from the crowds. Transportation is included, and you also get to savor delicious food and drinks during your time at the Lagoon. It’s the perfect way to spend your time in Costa Maya!
#10. Private Luxury Beach Club with Transportation
Rating: 5 Stars | Tour Length: 4 and 1/2 hours | Check Rates And Availability
This VIP Private Beach Club excursion in Costa Maya is just what you’ve been looking for if peace and tranquility is your thing. Your experience starts with a designated driver who’ll whisk you away from the cruise port to your own private paradise. Your private deck, complete with a personal bathroom and shower, awaits, and you can bring up to five friends or family members along.
Picture yourself surrounded by lush greenery leading to the turquoise Caribbean Sea. You’ll enjoy personalized food and drink service as you indulge in delicious treats and signature beverages. Take a dip or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters near the world’s second-largest barrier reef. Kayaks, paddleboards, and land activities like volleyball and soccer are also available.
This place is extraordinary. The views of the beach and the cleanliness and comfort of the facility was outstanding. What surprises me the most was the FOOD! Best lobster ever!! The service was amazing. Five star experience – first class all the way.
Steven (see more reviews)
This private Hayhu Beach Club excursion is the perfect way to relax in luxury during your time in Costa Maya. It’s the ideal recipe for a day of relaxation, breathtaking views, and personalized service, and is definitely something you don’t want to miss out on.
Frequently Asked Questions About Costa Maya Cruise Excursions
Got questions? Don’t worry, we’ve got the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Costa Maya cruise excursions.
What do I wear on Costa Maya cruise excursions?
What you wear is going to depend on your particular excursion. If you’re going to the beach you’ll need a swimsuit and coverup, sandals, and maybe snorkel gear. If you’re exploring ancient ruins or taking a food tour you’ll want comfortable, light clothing, and comfortable closed-toed shoes.
You definitely want to remember sunglasses, and/or a hat, and sunscreen. If you’re going in the ocean, you need to have reef-safe sunscreen, meaning it does not contain Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, or Octocrylene, among other ingredients. Just because the label says “reef-safe” it does not mean that it is. Instead, opt for a mineral sunscreen, like Blue Lizard, Thinksport, or Sun Bum Mineral.
Remember to also pack any necessary personal items, such as a camera, insect repellent, and any medications you may need. It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast for the day of your excursion to ensure you’re prepared for any changes in weather conditions.
Are Mayan ruins worth visiting on Costa Maya cruise excursions?
Absolutely, exploring the Mayan ruins in Costa Maya is a must. Sites like Chacchoben and Kohunlich offer a captivating glimpse into the Mayan civilization’s history and architectural achievements.
With experienced guides and lush jungle settings, it’s a rewarding way to connect with an ancient culture and its impressive remnants. Many Costa Maya cruise excursions offer combo tours to see Mayan ruins along with beach breaks or other activities too, making it a perfect way to spend your day while in port.
How far is the beach from the Costa Maya cruise port?
Mahahual Beach is very close to the port, taking only a few minutes in a cab. A little further south you’ll find Yaya Beach and La Bamba Beach.
Approximately an hour inland is Bacalar Lagoon, where you can find white sands and private beach clubs. The best way to visit is definitely via an excursion, on which you can take boat rides, kayak, visit the Beach Clubs and more.
What’s the best time of year to take Costa Maya cruise excursions?
The prime time for taking Costa Maya cruise excursions is during the dry season from late November to April, boasting ideal weather for outdoor activities. While this period coincides with peak cruise season and increased crowds, November or April can offer a quieter experience.
It’s wise to avoid the hurricane season from June to November and always monitor weather forecasts for the best excursion experience.
Final Thought On Costa Maya Cruise Excursions
Cruising is one of my favorite ways to travel, and these cruise ship excursions are sure to make it one of yours too. Any one of these is sure to give you an incredible adventure during your time in Costa Maya.
I featured the 10 best Costa Maya cruise excursions in this article, but if you still can’t decide, let me help you make that choice!
Still can’t decide on the best Costa Maya cruise excursion? I suggest this Chacchoben Ruins and Bacalar Lagoon tour. It has a perfect ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating!
Costa Maya cruise excursions vary from beach trips, to exploring historical ruins, seeing tropical wildlife, and more. No matter what you pick, you can be sure that you’re going to see absolutely beautiful landscapes and have amazing adventures along the way.
Additional Caribbean and Cruise Resources and Information
My husband and I absolutely LOVE the Caribbean. It’s our go-to vacation location, whether with or without the kids. We take Caribbean cruises, stay in all-inclusive resorts, and go back time and time again. Here are some of our other articles that you may find helpful and informative.
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