Spend a day of history and nature when you dock in Costa Maya, Mexico. See the Mayan ruins of Chacchoben and take a boat ride to the famous Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon on this combo cruise shore excursion.
You'll meet your guide outside your Costa Maya cruise terminal and be driven about an hour to the ruins at Chacchoben. Your knowledgeable guide will tell you the history of the area and point out any jungle animals you might pass along the route like spider monkeys, jaguars, reptiles, snakes, and a variety of birds. The prosperous city of Chacchoben (named for a nearby village as the original name has been lost) was established around 200 BC and only discovered by an archeologist, flying a helicopter overhead, in 1972. Excavation began in 1994 and continues today as much of the ruins still lie buried. It opened to the public in 2002 and you can see 3 pyramids and other structures. The temples were likely used for civic and religious purposes. They also studied the stars and astronomy and you can see the structure on top that tracks the sun's movement throughout the day. You can climb partway up the pyramid to get a better view of the surrounding jungle. You'll have about 1 hour on a guided walk-through to explore the ancient city of the Mayans.
Next, you'll be driven about 35 minutes to the Bacalar Lagoon and its famous 7 Shades of Blue. Once you arrive, you will board your waiting boat. Sit back and relax in a comfortable boat. On the 2 to 2.5-hour scenic sightseeing boat trip you'll spot El Cenote Cocalitos, with its unique stromatolites; prehistoric life formations that look like rocks covered with moss. El Cenote Esmeralda with its navy blue water and narrow gap or eye where the cenote meets the lagoon. El Cenote Negro, which is about 250' deep and therefore appears black. La Isla de los Pajaros, a bird sanctuary and photo opportunity with species like parrots, owls, and cavalry hawks.
El Canal de los Piratas or Pirate's Channel was named after such famous pirates as Henry Morgan and Francis Drake, who were known to stop there and used the valuable local wood for boat repairs and to build new ships. To finish your day, you'll have 15 to 20 minutes to take a refreshing swim in the lagoon.
At the end of the boat ride, you'll return back to shore where you can use the facilities before leaving. You will receive your box lunch to enjoy on the way back. Your transportation will return you back to your Costa Maya cruise terminal.
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