Costa Maya’s boat tours and excursions offer practical options for cruise visitors. The best choices include well-organized snorkel trips (perfect for beginners spotting sea turtles), and the scenic Bacalar Lagoon boat tours, where seven shades of blue waters steal the show. I especially love the Mexican cooking classes – they’re intimate, informative, and come with pool access for cooling off. The electric bike rentals are great for independent travelers who want to explore the coastline at their own pace. For history buffs, the Chacchoben Mayan ruins tours are worth the trip inland.
Let’s explore the top-rated tours worth your time and money in Costa Maya.
Key Points
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The Snorkel Boat Tour is a highly recommended option for beginner snorkelers to see turtles, tropical fish, and coral in shallow reef lagoons.
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The Electric Bike Rental Experience offers flexibility to explore the beach, boardwalk, or roads at your own pace, but there are some reports of bike condition issues.
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The Mexican Cooking Class + Pool Day provides a highly-rated culinary experience with a bilingual chef, as well as access to pool facilities.
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The Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon Boat Excursion is an immersive tour that showcases the stunning shades of blue in the lagoon, with a hassle-free pickup from the cruise port.
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The Chacchoben Ruins and Bacalar Lagoon Excursion combines visits to ancient Mayan ruins and the vibrant Bacalar Lagoon, with overall positive traveler experiences noted.
Snorkel Boat Tour in Search of Turtles
One of the top attractions in Costa Maya is the Snorkel Boat Tour in Search of Turtles. This 182-review tour boasts a 91% recommendation rate and is ideal for beginner snorkelers.
Travelers can expect to see turtles, tropical fish, and coral at two shallow reef lagoon locations. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, guides, and a small group size of 12 for personalized attention.
However, some visitors have reported rough waters and challenges with life jackets. The tour meeting point is in Huachinango, a 10-minute taxi ride from the port at a cost of $4 per person each way.
Read our full review: Snorkel Boat Tour in Search of Turtles Review
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CRUISE GUEST Electric Bike
Frequently, cruise guests in Costa Maya opt for the electric bike rental experience, a popular 117-review tour boasting a 4.5-star rating.
The rental includes an electric bike and bottled water, with convenient pickup and drop-off near the cruise port. Riders enjoy the flexibility to explore the beach, boardwalk, or roads at their own pace.
However, some travelers have reported issues with bike condition and functionality, such as problems with brakes and pedal-assist. Guests are advised to wear sunscreen and be prepared for busy shopping areas and bumpy roads.
Read our full review: CRUISE GUEST Electric Bike Review
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Mexican Cooking Class + Pool Day (Just 1 Block From Cruise Port)
A highly-rated Mexican cooking class and pool day experience awaits cruise guests just a block away from the Costa Maya cruise port.
The 21-review, Badge of Excellence class features a bilingual chef/guide and includes making fish ceviche, guacamole, and margaritas, with an open bar.
Participants will also have full access to the pool and facilities, with towels provided.
While the class isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller friendly and allows service animals. Infants must sit on laps, and the minimum drinking age is 18.
Recent reviews praise the fresh ingredients and friendly staff, though some note misleading advertising and pool condition issues.
Read our full review: Mexican Cooking Class + Pool Day (Just 1 Block From Cruise Port) Review
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BACALAR Seven Color Lagoon Boat Excursion From Costa Maya
Discover the stunning Bacalar Lagoon, also known as the “lake of seven colors,” on this immersive boat excursion from the Costa Maya cruise port.
The small-group tour offers an intimate atmosphere, with a maximum of 99 travelers. You’ll explore the lagoon’s stunning shades of blue, enjoy a healthy taco lunch, and indulge in snacks, alcoholic drinks, and soft drinks.
Hassle-free pickup from the port and convenient transportation make this an easy and enjoyable experience.
With positive reviews highlighting the beauty of the lagoon and quality of the tour, this excursion is a must-do for those seeking a unique and memorable adventure in Costa Maya.
Read our full review: BACALAR Seven Color Lagoon Boat Excursion From Costa Maya Review
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CHACCHOBEN Ruins and BACALAR Lagoon Boat Excursion From Costa Maya
This excursion from the Costa Maya cruise port combines visits to the ancient Mayan ruins of Chacchoben and the stunning Bacalar Lagoon.
Travellers can explore the Chacchoben ruins dating back to 300-900 AD with knowledgeable guides.
Then, they’ll enjoy a boat tour of the vibrant Bacalar Lagoon, known for its seven colors.
The tour includes transportation, lunch, snacks, and drinks.
While most travellers rave about the experience, some note challenges finding the meeting point and concerns about the boat quality.
Read our full review: CHACCHOBEN Ruins and BACALAR Lagoon Boat Excursion From Costa Maya Review
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Lagoon of 7 Colors From Costa Maya – Boat Tour and Transportation
Nestled in the picturesque Yucatán Peninsula, the Lagoon of 7 Colors boat tour in Costa Maya, Mexico, offers an enchanting escape into the region’s natural wonders.
With a 100% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, this 21-reviewed tour promises an unforgettable experience. Included in the tour are bottled water, alcoholic beverages, snacks, and air-conditioned transportation.
The tour is available from April 10, 2023, to November 16, 2025, operating daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM. Priced from $120 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a Reserve Now, Pay Later option.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour welcomes infants, provided they sit on laps, and has a maximum capacity of 30 travelers.
Read our full review: Lagoon of 7 Colors From Costa Maya – Boat Tour and Transportation Review
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BACALAR Lagoon BOAT TOUR From Costa Maya With Lunch
For those seeking an immersive exploration of the captivating Bacalar Lagoon, the boat tour from Costa Maya is a must-experience adventure.
This small-group tour, operated by Bacalar Experiences Costa Maya, offers a 94% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence. With round-trip transfers, a private boat cruise, and a delicious seafood taco lunch, the 3-hour experience provides an excellent value.
Travelers can expect attentive guides, swimming opportunities, and complimentary snacks and beverages. While the tour may not be wheelchair accessible, it welcomes infants and service animals.
Despite some concerns about timing, the consensus is that the tour’s highlights, including the beautiful lagoon and hospitable guides, make it a worthwhile excursion.
Read our full review: BACALAR Lagoon BOAT TOUR From Costa Maya With Lunch Review
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Recap
Costa Maya offers a diverse array of captivating cruise and boat tour experiences. From snorkeling with turtles to exploring the vibrant Bacalar Lagoon, there’s something for every traveler. Whether you’re seeking culture, outdoor adventures, or simply a relaxing day on the water, these tours provide an unforgettable way to discover the natural wonders and rich heritage of this stunning coastal destination.