15 Best Tours & Things To Do In Costa Maya (With Reviews & Prices)

Costa Maya isn’t just about lounging on the beach with a cold drink — it’s also a fantastic hub for cultural, natural, and adventurous tours. Whether you’re fascinated by ancient civilizations or crave underwater exploration, this port offers a wide range of experiences to suit different interests and energy levels.

For example, the Bacalar – 7 Colors Lagoon Excursión lets you swim in one of the most colorful lakes in Mexico, while the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins with Local Experience offers an authentic peek into Mayan history and culture.

We especially like tours that combine history with active experiences, like the Chacchoben & Bacalar Combo Excursion, which lets you explore ruins and then relax in the lagoon. With so many options, you’re sure to find an adventure that fits your style and budget.

If you’re new to Costa Maya, a quick tip: think about what kind of experience you want. Are you after a full-day culture, a quick snorkel, or a relaxing day at a private beach? We’ve broken down the top choices below, each with details to help you decide what’s best for you.

1. Bacalar – 7 Colors Lagoon Excursión Costa Maya

This tour takes you from Costa Maya to the stunning Laguna Bacalar, famous for its seven shades of blue. The day includes swimming, exploring cenotes like Cenote Esmeralda, Cocalitos, and Black Cenote, along with a visit to the Pirate Channel — a site with pirate history and smuggling tales. It’s a small-group experience that emphasizes personal attention and includes lunch, snacks, and beverages.

What makes this tour special is the chance to relax in crystal-clear waters, learn about stromatolites at Cocalitos, and see the deepest cenote in the lagoon. The tour’s reviews highlight how well-organized and fun the experience is, with visitors praising guides like Carol for making it memorable.

Priced at $135, it’s an excellent value for half a day of swimming, sightseeing, and learning. This tour is perfect if you want a mix of nature, history, and relaxation without feeling rushed.

Bottom line: A beautifully scenic, all-inclusive tour ideal for those who want to enjoy water, nature, and cultural stories in one go.

2. Chacchoben & Bacalar Combo Excursion Costa Maya

For around $160, the Chacchoben & Bacalar Combo offers a full day of discovery. It combines a guided exploration of the ancient Chacchoben Mayan ruins with an afternoon in the colorful Bacalar lagoon. The tour includes stops at Cenote Emeralda, Black Cenote, and the Pirate Channel — a great way to see both history and natural beauty in one trip.

What sets this apart is the efficient travel in air-conditioned vehicles and a maximum group size of 14, making it more personal. The ruins tour is led by an expert guide, with reviews praising the knowledgeable guides like Francisco and the seamless logistics.

The lunch and drinks, including alcoholic options, add convenience. At 7 hours, it’s a full day but still manageable and a good value considering the two major sites covered.

Bottom line: Ideal for travelers wanting a comprehensive look at both Maya history and lagoon beauty without multiple excursions.

3. Chacchoben Mayan Ruins with Local Experience Costa Maya Excursion

At number 3, this Chacchoben Mayan Ruins with Local Experience offers a more intimate look at Mayan culture. The 4-hour guided tour includes a walk through the jungle to see the pyramids and temples, along with a visit to a local village afterward.

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on authentic cultural exchange. You’ll learn about traditional medicines, see how tortillas are made, and even sample authentic dishes cooked by local families. It’s perfect if you’re interested in Mayan traditions beyond just archaeology. The reviews highlight guides like Leo for their informative and respectful approach.

Priced at $80, it’s a shorter, more personal experience, especially suited for cultural enthusiasts or those with limited time.

Bottom line: Perfect for travelers seeking a mix of archaeology and local culture in a small-group setting.

4. Chacchoben Mayan Ruins with Local Village

This 4-hour tour offers a deep dive into Mayan life with a visit to Chacchoben ruins and an authentic Mayan village. The highlight is walking among temples and pyramids and then experiencing local customs, including sampling traditional dishes and learning about medicinal plants.

What makes it unique is the personalized experience — you get to see the daily life of local Mayans and interact directly with the community. Reviews commend guides like Carlos for their knowledge and friendliness. The tour costs $70 and includes visits to Pedro Antonio Santos and Mahahual, making it a well-rounded cultural outing.

Bottom line: A great choice for those wanting a relaxed, immersive look into Mayan traditions and everyday life.

5. 2 Tank Dive (for certified divers)

Certified divers will find this 2 Tank Dive an excellent way to explore the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. The trip includes two dives from a boat, with soft drinks and water onboard, and a hassle-free pickup from the cruise port.

The reviews highlight professional guides like Cesar, who make safety and fun a priority. It’s a straightforward, value-packed trip at $95 per person, perfect for divers looking for a reliable reef experience. The boat departs from the oceanfront near Mahahual, making it convenient. The reef is teeming with marine life, including lobsters, sea cucumbers, and eagle rays.

Bottom line: Best suited for experienced divers wanting a quick, well-organized reef experience.

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

This Chacchoben Ruins and Bacalar Lagoon Boat Tour combines ancient history with leisurely boat cruising. It’s a 6-hour group tour that includes exploring the ruins and then relaxing on a pontoon boat in Bacalar, with lunch, beer, and tequila onboard.

What makes this tour stand out is its affordable group format and the variety of activities. The boat cruise offers an unobstructed view of the lagoon’s stunning colors, and the guided ruins tour is enhanced by the local knowledge of guides like Alma. The tour costs $169, which is a great deal considering the multiple experiences packed into a day.

Bottom line: Perfect for budget-conscious travelers who want a mix of culture and relaxation on the water.

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

For those with a certification, this Two Tanks Local Diving offers a personalized reef adventure. The trip includes two dives to dive sites near Mahahual, with all equipment provided. The small group ensures attention to safety and comfort.

Guests mention guides like Luca and Sebastian for their professional, friendly approach. The reef is rich with coral, lobsters, and eels, and the boat departs conveniently from the cruise port. At $100, the tour offers excellent value for experienced divers wanting to maximize their underwater time.

Bottom line: Ideal for certified divers wanting a flexible, well-organized reef experience.

8. Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Excursion

At just $59, the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Excursion is a budget-friendly half-day trip. It includes round-trip transportation and a guided tour of the impressive ruins. Guides like Ismal are praised for their engaging storytelling, making the history come alive.

The tour is perfect for travelers who want a focused archaeological experience without a full-day commitment. The scenic jungle surroundings add to the adventure, and reviews note that it’s a good value for the price.

Bottom line: A solid option for history buffs or first-timers who want to see Mayan ruins without overspending.

9. Discovery Scuba Dive

If you’re curious about scuba but not ready for certification, the Discovery Scuba Dive is a fun intro. It combines theory, shallow water practice, and a deeper open-water dive. Guides like Lucas make sure beginners feel safe and confident.

Guests praise the patient instruction and beautiful reef scenery, with prices at $100. It’s perfect for first-time divers wanting a taste of underwater adventure in a controlled environment. The trip includes all necessary gear and bottled water.

Bottom line: A great starting point for those considering diving and wanting a low-pressure experience.

10. 3 Hour Costa Maya Snorkeling Excursion – La Leyenda ECO-TOURS

Snorkelers should check out this 3-Hour Snorkeling Tour, which visits three different sites in the Great Mesoamerican Reef. Expect to see turtles, pufferfish, and vibrant coral. The tour includes snorkel gear, drinks, and snacks on the boat.

The guides are experienced and will take action shots of you in the water. The tour caps at eight travelers for a more personalized experience. Reviews praise the friendly crew and the chance to see marine life in their natural environment.

Bottom line: Perfect for snorkelers who want a quick, focused trip with small-group attention.

11. PADI Discover Scuba Diving

This PADI Discover Scuba Diving session is similar to the other intro option but perhaps with a slightly more structured approach. It includes theory, confined water practice, and an open-water dive with a PADI instructor. It’s a risk-free way to try scuba while getting professional guidance.

Guests mention friendly instructors like Sebastian and the amazing reef as highlights. The $100 price includes all equipment, making it suitable for first-timers or those unsure about committing to certification.

Bottom line: An excellent way to see if you like scuba diving before investing in full certification.

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

This full-day tour, priced at $107, offers a comprehensive experience with expert guidance. It combines a visit to Chacchoben ruins with a relaxing time at Bacalar Lagoon. Included are kayaking, a fajita lunch, and round-trip transfers.

Guests like how well-organized and informative guides like Jhoana make the day educational and fun. It’s a practical option for travelers who want a balance of history, nature, and leisure without multiple bookings.

Bottom line: Great for those wanting a full, guided day covering both archaeological and natural highlights.

13. Day excursion to a PRIVATE LUXURY BEACH CLUB with transportation

For a more luxurious experience, the Private Beach Club offers up to six people a day of seclusion and comfort. It includes food and drink credit, snorkel gear, kayaks, and private shower and bathroom amenities.

Guests rave about the personalized service and beautiful, quiet location. It’s priced at $699 per group, making it ideal for families or small groups seeking exclusivity. The all-inclusive setup means no surprises, just relaxation.

Bottom line: Suited for travelers willing to splurge for privacy and top-notch amenities.

14. Ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Mayan Experience from Costa Maya

This tour combines archaeology and local culture in a 5.5-hour experience, costing about $99. It includes a visit to Chacchoben Ruins and a Mayans’ home visit, where you learn about traditional medicine and tortilla making. It’s an immersive experience for those interested in Mayans’ everyday life.

Guides like Elliott and Juan Corona receive high praise for their knowledge and warmth. Many reviews mention the authenticity of the food and the chance to interact directly with local families.

Bottom line: An enriching option for travelers who want to go beyond the ruins and experience Mayan daily life.

15. Mahahual and Costa Maya Birdwatching

Finally, bird enthusiasts will love this small-group birdwatching tour. Led by Victor, who has 25 years of birding experience, it takes you through jungle, mangroves, and grasslands to spot elusive birds and wildlife. The tour includes lunch and round-trip transport from Mahahual.

Reviewers remark on Victor’s expertise and the personalized attention. The tour costs $143.59 and is perfect for experienced birders or those eager to learn.

Bottom line: Ideal for bird lovers who want a guided, intimate encounter with nature.

How to Choose Your Tour in Costa Maya

Picking the right experience depends on your interests, budget, and schedule. For a full cultural and natural immersion, consider the Chacchoben & Bacalar Combo. If underwater adventures excite you, the Certified Diver or Introductory Scuba options are excellent. Budget travelers might prefer the Chacchoben Ruins or the Lagoon Excursion.

If privacy and luxury are your priorities, the Private Beach Club tour is unmatched. For culture lovers, the Local Village and Mayan Experience tours offer immersive, authentic encounters. Finally, if you’re a birdwatcher, the guided birding tour provides a peaceful, rewarding nature experience.

Final Thoughts

Costa Maya offers a diverse selection of tours that cater to history buffs, water lovers, adventure seekers, and relaxation enthusiasts alike.

For a well-rounded trip, mixing a cultural tour like the Chacchoben & Bacalar Combo with a water activity such as snorkeling or diving can give you a memorable holiday. If you prefer a quiet retreat, booking the Luxury Beach Club guarantees a peaceful day at the beach.

Remember, booking early often secures better times and availability, especially for popular tours like scuba diving or private beach experiences. No matter what you choose, Costa Maya’s tour lineup promises some authentic, engaging adventures that will add a memorable touch to your cruise or land stay.