Shore Excursions in Costa Maya
There are several different shore excursion options in Costa Maya. Excursions are available through the cruise boat, in the port area as well as through local vendors. Local vendors are definitely the most cost effective option and the best in the Port of Costa Maya is The Native Choice. They are professional tour operators with reliable new vans for transportation and uniformed local tour guides that know the area and the history of it well. Most of the excursions offered by The Native Choice are also offered through the cruise ship for $40-$50 more per person.
Local Excursions
Mayan Experience Tour
This is the ultimate excursion for everyone who wants to see the local Mayan ruins but also experience the local culture. This shore excursion tour includes the Chacchoben Maya Ruins tour, a visit to a local modern day Mayan village. At the Chacchoben village you will meet a local family who are descendants of the Maya and share in a traditional meal for lunch with authentic flavors, local spices and fresh ingredients. You will even get a one-on-one lesson to make your own tortillas for lunch! It is a once in a lifetime unique experience. Once you are picked up just outside the cruise port, the fully guided shore excursion takes 5 1/2 hours including a 50 minute bus or van ride to Chacchoban and back. There is a $5USD fee to use a camera at the Chacchoben ruins and there are local vendors outside the ruins selling handmade local crafts and other merchandise but it is cash only and they expect you to negotiate price. You have around 1 1/2 hours at the ruins and almost 2 hours at the village for lunch. They can accommodate special diets if you let them know in advance.
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Dzibanche Ruins Tour
This shore excursion tour visits the Dzibanche Mayan ruins are twice as far (almost a 2-hour bus ride each way) from the cruise port of Costa Maya then the one at Chacchoben. The ruins are spectacular and these are the only Mayan ruins that you can still climb the steps to the top of the temples. The tour does include a box lunch during the bus ride to the ruins. Overall, it is a 6 hour shore excursion and you will have about 1 hour and 45 minutes to enjoy inside the ruins site before returning to Costa Maya from the excursion. There is also a $5USD fee at the entrance to the ruins site for using a camera in the ruins.
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Chacchoben Ruins Tour
This shore excursion allows you to see the local Mayan ruins and have a little extra time back in the Costa Maya cruise port. Once you are picked up just outside the cruise port, the fully guided shore excursion takes 4 hours including a 50 minute bus or van ride to Chacchoben and back. There is a $5USD fee to use a camera at the Chacchoben ruins and there are local vendors outside the ruins selling handmade local crafts and other merchandise but it is cash only and they expect you to negotiate the price. You have around 2 hours at the ruins to tour and enjoy the site.
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Kohunlich Ruins Tour
This shore excursion visits the Kohunlich ruins which are near the Dzibanche ruins and nearly a 2-hour bus ride from the Costa Maya cruise port. These ruins have intricate Maya masks made of a stucco material that are symbolic decorations in the temples. Kohunlich has primarily residential areas and palaces that showcase very elaborate architecture, evidence of the sophistication in the time period of the families that once lived there. The tour does include a box lunch during the bus ride to the ruins. Overall, it is a 6 hour shore excursion and you will have about 1 hour and 45 minutes to enjoy inside the ruins site before returning to Costa Maya from the excursion. There is also a $5USD fee at the entrance to the ruins site for using a camera in the ruins.
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Kohunlich-Dzibanche Ruins Tour
This shore excursion is only available to the guests of cruise ships in port in Costa Maya for at least 10 hours. It includes visiting both the Kohunlich and Dzibanche ruins nearly a 2-hour bus ride from the Costa Maya cruise port. The Dzibanche ruins are spectacular and these are the only Mayan ruins that you can still climb the steps to the top of the temples. The Kohunlich ruins have intricate Maya masks made of a stucco material that are symbolic decorations in the temples. Kohunlich has primarily residential areas and palaces that showcase very elaborate architecture, evidence of the sophistication in the time period of the families that once lived there. The tour does include a box lunch during the bus ride to the ruins. Overall, it is a 7 1/2 hour shore excursion and you will have about 1 hour and 20 minutes to enjoy inside each ruins site before returning to Costa Maya from the excursion. There is also a $5USD fee at the entrance to the ruins site for using a camera in the ruins.
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Chaccoben Extreme Tour
This shore excursion is the ultimate chance for those people looking to see the local Mayan ruins as well as enjoy the water adventures available around Costa Maya. Once you are picked up just outside the cruise port, the fully guided shore excursion takes 5 1/2 hours including a 50 minute bus or van ride to Chacchoben and back. There is a $5USD fee to use a camera at the Chacchoben ruins and there are local vendors outside the ruins selling handmade local crafts and other merchandise but it is cash only and they expect you to negotiate the price. You have around 1 hour and 15 minutes at the ruins to tour and enjoy the site. You will then go to a beautiful freshwater lake known as the Seven Color Lagoon (Bacalar Lagoon) where you can swim and kayak. While at the lagoon, lunch and drinks (beer, soda, Tequila and Margaritas) are provided through the nearby Bacalar Lagoon Resort. They can accommodate special diets if you let them know in advance. You will be in the lagoon area for 2 hours.
Don’t forget to bring your reef safe biodegradable sunscreen, Lip balm suncreen and water shoes!
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Blue Lagoon Adventure Tour
On this shore excursion you will go to a beautiful freshwater lake known as the Seven Color Lagoon (Bacalar Lagoon) where you can swim and kayak. It includes a guided kayak tour as well as time to swim or relax on your own. While at the lagoon, lunch and drinks (beer, soda, Tequila and Margaritas) are provided through the nearby Bacalar Lagoon Resort. They can accommodate special diets if you let them know in advance. You will be in the lagoon area for a little over 3 hours.
Don’t forget to bring your reef safe biodegradable sunscreen, Lip balm suncreen and water shoes!
Shore Excursions At The Port
Mayá: Lost Mayan Kingdom Water Adventure Park
Located near the cruise port of Costa Maya is the water adventure park Mayá Lost Mayan Kingdom. Mayá Lost Mayan Kingdom is more than a water park, it is a Themed Adventure Park that turns a family vacation into a fun-filled expedition featuring thrilling zip-lines and adrenaline-packed water slides.
Don’t forget to bring your reef safe biodegradable sunscreen, Lip balm suncreen and water shoes!
Click here for more information or to book now!
Dune Buggy & Beach
Explore the Costa Maya coast and jungle area in a custom-made Dune Buggy. Go deep into the jungle and its sandy paths with your all-terrain vehicle. After the adventure relax at the Beach Escape Club.
Don’t forget to bring your reef safe biodegradable sunscreen, Lip balm suncreen and water shoes!
ATV Jungle and Beach Adventure
Hop on an ATV and experience driving through the Mayan jungle at Costa Maya. You will go off road on paths and hidden trails. After this great expedition, enjoy a wonderful time at the Beach Escape Club with the sun and cocktails.
Don’t forget to bring your reef safe biodegradable sunscreen, Lip balm suncreen and water shoes!
Jeep Willy’s Jungle Track
On this shore excursion you get to drive your own custom-made Jeep Willys and discover the beautiful jungle and coastline driving through Costa Maya Village and rainforest. Your journey will take you to the Beach Escape Club to have a great time enjoying the sun, the beach and the pool.
Don’t forget to bring your reef safe biodegradable sunscreen, Lip balm suncreen and water shoes!
Dolphin Discovery
Dolphin Discovery Costa Maya is located just a few meters away from the pier at your left side. Our Dolphin Discovery habitat is located in the beautiful conservation area surrounded by crystalline blue water and powdery sandy beaches. Costa Maya Dolphin Discovery offers a swimming with dolphins experience surrounded by the turquoise water of the Caribbean, the dolphins will give you the experience of your life so you can enjoy a fun-filled day with your friends and family.
Don’t forget to bring your reef safe biodegradable sunscreen, Lip balm suncreen and water shoes!
