🌴 Costa Maya Mayan Ruins & Bacalar Lagoon Excursion (Native Choice Review)
If your cruise is stopping in Costa Maya and you’re torn between visiting the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins or relaxing at the Bacalar Lagoon, this excursion gives you both — without feeling rushed. After visiting Costa Maya three times in one year, the Native Choice Ruins + Lagoon tour has become my go‑to recommendation for families, first‑timers, and anyone who wants a mix of culture, nature, and easy relaxation.
This updated 2026 review breaks down what’s included, what to expect at each stop, safety, pricing, and whether this Costa Maya excursion is worth booking on your next cruise.
Planning your cruise? Explore my Cruise Hub for port guides, packing lists, and money‑saving strategies.
Heads up: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may earn a small commission (think iced‑coffee money, not yacht money). It never costs you extra.
Disclosure: This review isn’t sponsored, and I’m not a Native Choice affiliate. I paid for this excursion myself — and genuinely loved it enough to book it twice. All opinions are based on my real experiences.
⭐ Quick Take: Is the Native Choice Ruins + Lagoon Excursion Worth It?
Yes. It’s one of the best‑value excursions in Costa Maya — small groups, unlimited drinks, a guided ruins tour, and a peaceful lagoon that feels worlds away from the busy port.
Best for: Families, first‑timers, culture lovers, and anyone who wants a relaxing, low‑stress day.
Skip if: You want a beach‑only day or prefer staying inside the port.
🚐 Why I Chose Native Choice (Twice)
After trying multiple Costa Maya excursions, Native Choice stands out for three reasons:
Smaller groups than cruise‑line tours
Better pricing when booked directly
Two experiences in one: Mayan ruins + Bacalar Lagoon
Safe, easy meeting point just outside the port gates
I’ve booked with them twice, and both times the walk outside the port felt completely safe. Their team is organized, friendly, and efficient — exactly what you want on a port day.
📦 What’s Included in the Ruins + Lagoon Tour
Round‑trip transportation
Guided tour of Chacchoben Mayan Ruins
Lunch (fresh chicken + pork tacos with sauces)
Unlimited drinks (margaritas, piña coladas, sodas)
Kayaks + swimming access at Bacalar Lagoon
Two dedicated guides (one at the ruins, one at the lagoon)
For the price, this is one of the best‑value excursions in Costa Maya — especially with the unlimited drinks, which they don’t advertise nearly enough.
🏛️ Exploring the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins
The first stop is the Chacchoben ruins, about an hour from the port. The site is stunning — towering structures, shaded jungle paths, and a peaceful atmosphere that feels far from the crowds.
Your guide walks you through the temples, explains the history, and answers every question. It’s educational without feeling like a lecture.
Highlights:
Easy walking paths
Plenty of shade
Wildlife sightings (we saw monkeys!)
Great for kids and first‑timers
If you’ve never visited Mayan ruins before, this is the perfect introduction.
🌊 Relaxing at Bacalar Lagoon
After the ruins, you’ll take a short (and slightly bumpy) ride to Bacalar Lagoon, one of the most beautiful natural spots in Mexico. The water is warm, shallow, and unbelievably blue — perfect for swimming, floating, or kayaking.
What to expect:
Unlimited margaritas, piña coladas, and sodas
Fresh tacos with homemade sauces
Kayaks available
Plenty of time to swim or relax
Calm, peaceful atmosphere
I spent the afternoon swimming, kayaking, and sipping margaritas — pure bliss.
Me living my best life on my hammock float!
I brought my hammock float, and it turned the lagoon stop into a full‑on relaxation moment. It packs down small, weighs almost nothing, and lets you float effortlessly in the warm, shallow water. It’s honestly one of my favorite cruise items — I’ve used it on multiple trips, and people always ask where I got it.
💬 Is the Native Choice Costa Maya Excursion Worth It?
Absolutely. It’s one of the best ways to experience Costa Maya without feeling rushed or stuck in a huge group.
Worth it if:
You want to see Mayan ruins
You love quiet, natural settings
You want unlimited drinks included
You prefer smaller groups
You’re traveling with kids
Not worth it if:
You want a beach‑only day
You prefer staying inside the port
You have mobility limitations (the ruins require walking)
I’ve already booked this excursion again for my next cruise with my husband.
🧳 What to Bring
These items make the day easier and more comfortable:
Water Shoes— perfect for lagoon entry
Waterproof Phone Pouch — for kayaking + photos
Reef‑Safe Sunscreen — required in many areas
Lightweight Beach Tote — I love Scout Bags
Shop my full list: Amazon Cruise Essentials
🏨 Headed to Miami Before Your Cruise?
If you’re flying into Miami or Fort Lauderdale before embarkation, I’ve stayed at multiple hotels across the city — from South Beach to Brickell to the cruise‑port area. You can read all of my Miami hotel reviews here, including what I loved, what I’d skip, and which ones are best for cruisers.
👉 See all my Miami hotel reviews
🧠 Costa Maya Cruise Tips for First‑Timers
Bring cash for tips
Expect a 1‑hour drive to the ruins
Wear comfortable walking shoes
Bring a towel from the ship
Book early — Native Choice sells out
Walk confidently outside the port (it’s safe and well‑traveled)
❓ Costa Maya Excursion FAQ
Is Costa Maya safe outside the port? Yes. The walk to Native Choice is short, safe, and well‑marked.
Are the Chacchoben ruins worth visiting? Definitely — especially for first‑timers or families.
Is Bacalar Lagoon worth it on a cruise? Yes. It’s one of the most beautiful natural spots in Mexico.
Can kids do this excursion? Yes — kids love the ruins and the lagoon.
How long is the excursion? Usually 5–6 hours, leaving time to explore the port afterward.
📚 Related Cruise Port Guides
✍️ About the Author
Julie Davis is the creator of No Point Left Behind, where she helps families travel smarter using points, miles, and cruise‑line strategies. She shares real port guides, cruise reviews, and practical tips that make travel easier, cheaper, and more fun.
