From the bustling port of Costa Maya, several outstanding boat excursions let travelers experience Mexico’s natural treasures. The real gem here is the Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon tour, which I love for its crystal-clear waters and excellent local guides who know every hidden spot. For history buffs and nature enthusiasts, the Chacchoben Ruins combined with Bacalar Lagoon delivers a perfect blend – you’ll see ancient Mayan structures and then cool off in stunning turquoise waters.
The standout favorite is the straightforward Lagoon of 7 Colors boat tour. We especially appreciate its well-paced itinerary and opportunities for swimming in the famously multicolored waters. Electric bike rentals offer a practical way to explore independently between boat excursions.
Let’s look at the best boat tours Costa Maya has to offer.
Key Points
- The Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon Excursion offers a scenic 1.5-hour drive, lunch, snacks, and an opportunity to swim in the vibrant waters.
- The Electric Bike Rental Experience allows for flexible exploration of the local area at one’s own pace, though reports of older bike conditions and rough roads exist.
- The Chacchoben Ruins and Bacalar Lagoon Tour combines ancient Mayan history with the natural beauty of the lagoon, with knowledgeable guides and a boat excursion.
- The Mexican Cooking Class Pool Day provides an immersive cultural experience with hands-on cooking lessons for classic dishes and an open bar.
- The Lagoon of 7 Colors Boat Tour is a highly-rated, 4-hour tour showcasing the lagoon’s vibrant hues, with pickup from the cruise port and a flexible cancellation policy.
BACALAR Seven Color Lagoon Boat Excursion From Costa Maya
The Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon boat excursion whisks visitors away from the shores of Costa Maya to explore one of Mexico’s most captivating natural wonders.
This 1.5-hour scenic drive takes travelers to the stunning Bacalar Lagoon, where they’ll embark on a boat tour to witness the lagoon’s vibrant hues. Priced at $139.99 per person, the excursion includes lunch, snacks, and alcoholic beverages.
While the long travel time and occasional communication issues have been noted, the overall experience is praised for its knowledgeable guides, good food, and the opportunity to swim in the lagoon’s breathtaking waters.
Travelers should prepare for the drive and check for any cancellations before booking this mesmerizing adventure.
Read our full review: BACALAR Seven Color Lagoon Boat Excursion From Costa Maya Review
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CRUISE GUEST Electric Bike
One option for cruise guests visiting Costa Maya is the Electric Bike rental experience. This activity boasts a solid 4.3-star rating from 117 reviews.
Guests can explore the local area at their own pace, with the choice to use the bike’s electric motor or ride it as a regular bicycle. The rental includes access to bicycles and bottled water.
While most experiences are positive, with guests enjoying the fun rides and easy access, some issues have been reported, such as older bike conditions, rough roads, and occasional mechanical problems.
The electric bike tour offers an affordable and flexible way to discover Costa Maya beyond the cruise port.
Read our full review: CRUISE GUEST Electric Bike Review
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CHACCHOBEN Ruins and BACALAR Lagoon Boat Excursion From Costa Maya
Chacchoben Ruins and Bacalar Lagoon Boat Excursion from Costa Maya offers a captivating blend of ancient Mayan history and the stunning natural beauty of the region.
This highly-rated tour takes visitors to the Chacchoben Ruins, a remarkable archaeological site dating back to 300-900 AD, and the breathtaking Bacalar Lagoon, known for its vibrant shades of blue.
With knowledgeable guides, a boat excursion, and a delicious lunch included, the tour provides an immersive experience.
While some travelers report difficulty finding the meeting point and feeling rushed at the ruins, the overall feedback is overwhelmingly positive, praising the guides, the scenery, and the value.
Booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot and enjoy the group pricing.
Read our full review: CHACCHOBEN Ruins and BACALAR Lagoon Boat Excursion From Costa Maya Review
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Mexican Cooking Class Pool Day (Just 1 Block From Cruise Port)
Travelers seeking a more immersive cultural experience in Costa Maya can consider the Mexican Cooking Class Pool Day, located just a block from the cruise port.
The class combines hands-on cooking lessons with access to the pool and facilities at the Catrina Restaurant. Participants will learn to prepare classic Mexican dishes like salsa, guacamole, tacos, and ceviche, while enjoying an open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
The bilingual chef/guide leads the class, which lasts a few hours before returning to the original meeting point. Though not wheelchair accessible, the experience is stroller-friendly and welcomes infants and service animals.
While generally well-received, some past participants noted discrepancies between the advertised and actual class content.
Read our full review: Mexican Cooking Class Pool Day (Just 1 Block From Cruise Port) Review
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BACALAR Lagoon BOAT TOUR From Costa Maya With Lunch
After departing from the Costa Maya cruise port, travelers can embark on a captivating Bacalar Lagoon boat tour.
This small-group excursion, rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 17 reviewers, provides an opportunity to explore the breathtaking Bacalar Lagoon. The tour includes round-trip transfers, a private boat cruise with swimming, and a delicious lunch featuring seafood tacos.
Guests can savor alcoholic beverages during the boat tour, though these aren’t available for underage travelers. The tour operates daily from 6 AM to 7 PM, with a maximum group size of 14 people.
Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it a flexible and hassle-free option for their Costa Maya adventure.
Read our full review: BACALAR Lagoon BOAT TOUR From Costa Maya With Lunch Review
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Lagoon of 7 Colors From Costa Maya – Boat Tour and Transportation
Beyond the captivating Bacalar Lagoon, another must-see attraction in the Costa Maya region is the stunning Lagoon of 7 Colors.
This 4-hour boat tour provides visitors with the chance to witness the lagoon’s vibrant hues firsthand. The tour includes convenient pickup from the cruise port, bottled water, beers, snacks, and fruit.
Travelers can relax in the air-conditioned vehicle on their way to the lagoon. With 21 glowing reviews and a 100% recommendation rate, this tour is a true badge of excellence.
Priced at $120 per person, the Lagoon of 7 Colors boat tour is a highlight of any visit to Costa Maya, Mexico.
Read our full review: Lagoon of 7 Colors From Costa Maya – Boat Tour and Transportation Review
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Costa Maya Snorkel Boat Tour and Beach Club Visit
The Costa Maya Snorkel Boat Tour and Beach Club Visit offers an immersive experience for those seeking to explore the region’s vibrant marine life.
This tour takes guests by boat to a private beach club, where they can enjoy an open bar, starter snacks, and the use of snorkeling equipment.
While the tour received mixed reviews, with some guests reporting excellent wildlife sightings and others disappointed, it caters to a maximum of 10 travelers, providing a more personalized experience.
Accessibility is limited, as the tour isn’t wheelchair-friendly and isn’t recommended for certain medical conditions.
Guests are advised to bring their own snorkeling gear if they wear glasses and to check the weather before booking.
Read our full review: Costa Maya Snorkel Boat Tour and Beach Club Visit Review
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Common Questions
What Is the Average Duration of Each Boat Tour?
The average duration of each boat tour varies, but typically lasts between 1-2 hours. The length of the tour depends on factors like the specific itinerary and activities offered during the excursion.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Boat Tours?
Most boat tours have no age restrictions, though some may have minimum age requirements. Operators typically welcome all ages, but parents should check specific tour details to ensure the activities are suitable for young children.
Do the Boats Have Restroom Facilities on Board?
Most boat tour operators provide restrooms aboard their vessels to ensure passengers’ comfort and convenience throughout the journey. These onboard facilities allow passengers to address their needs without interrupting the sightseeing experience.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat Tours?
Passengers can usually bring their own food and drinks on boat tours. However, it’s best to check with the tour company beforehand, as some may have restrictions or offer on-board refreshments for purchase.
Are the Boat Tours Wheelchair-Accessible?
Many boat tour providers in popular destinations offer wheelchair-accessible vessels, allowing guests with mobility challenges to fully enjoy the experience. It’s best to inquire about accessibility when booking to ensure the tour meets individual needs.
The Sum Up
Costa Maya offers a variety of exciting boat tours and cruises. Visitors can explore the stunning Bacalar Lagoon, discover ancient Mayan ruins, and enjoy a delightful cooking class. Whether you’re seeking adventure, history, or relaxation, there’s an excursion to suit your interests. With convenient transportation and knowledgeable guides, these tours provide an immersive and memorable experience in this captivating region of Mexico.