2 Ports Combo: Costa Maya Chacchoben & Bacalar+Cozumel Jeep Tour

Two Ports, Two Adventures: Exploring Costa Maya and Cozumel with a Jeep & Archaeology Combo

If you’re sailing into the Caribbean and want to make the most of your limited time ashore, this 2 Ports Combo offers a balanced mix of history, nature, and fun. For around $239 per person, you get a full two-day experience visiting Costa Maya and Cozumel, with immersive activities like exploring Mayan ruins, snorkeling, kayaking, and scenic drives—all led by friendly, knowledgeable guides.

What we love about this tour is its flexible mix of structured visits and free time. On Day One, you’ll enjoy cruising along Cozumel’s coast in your own jeep or buggy, with options to visit the San Gervasio Mayan Ruins or the Punta Sur Eco Park. The second day takes you deep into the jungle to discover the Chacchoben Mayan site, then relax at the stunning Bacalar Lagoon with opportunities to swim, kayak, or just soak in the views.

One potential consideration is that the buggies are manual transmission and require some driving experience, so if you’re not comfortable behind the wheel, this could be a challenge. Also, while the tour offers a lot of activity, it’s a long day, so travelers seeking a more relaxed pace might prefer fewer stops or a more leisurely approach.

This experience best suits adventurous cruise passengers who enjoy a mix of history, nature, and active exploration, and who appreciate authentic, small-group vibes over large tour buses. If you love discovering local sites in a lively, hands-on way, this tour will resonate well with you.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary combines archaeological exploration, beach relaxation, and water activities.
• Personalized experience with small groups (up to 4 per vehicle), ensuring more interaction and flexibility.
• Diverse activities include driving, snorkeling, kayaking, and cultural visits.
• All-inclusive: guides, equipment, entrance fees, and some meals are covered.
• Physical activity involved, including swimming and walking; suitable for those comfortable in water and on their feet.
• Rain or shine operation means you’ll experience the adventure regardless of weather, with possible adjustments.

In-Depth Review: Unlocking the Best of Costa Maya and Cozumel

The Experience Starts in Cozumel

Your adventure kicks off in Cozumel, a jewel of the Caribbean known for its vibrant marine life and laid-back vibe. Meeting your guide—whose friendly demeanor sets the tone—you’ll pick up your shared Jeep or buggy, a lively way to explore. We loved the freedom of being behind the wheel, feeling like a local rather than just a passenger, as we followed scenic coastal roads.

The first stop is a beach break, a perfect chance to dip your toes in the sand and enjoy the ocean breeze. The water here is clear and inviting, ideal for a quick swim or just relaxing in the sun. Many reviewers appreciate this break, noting it offers a refreshing pause before more exploration.

Next, you’ll cruise to a popular beachfront venue—here, your guide will lead a short cultural or natural walk depending on your package. The scenic views along the coast are a highlight—waves crashing, palms swaying, and the island’s rugged beauty on full display. The tour is well-paced, allowing you to soak in the Caribbean atmosphere without feeling rushed.

The Punta Sur or San Gervasio Choice

One of the tour’s strengths is its flexible itinerary. You can either spend more time at Punta Sur Eco Beach Park, which features a lighthouse, natural pools, and beautiful beaches, or visit the San Gervasio Mayan Ruins, the most significant archaeological site on the island.

If you opt for Punta Sur, you’ll have the chance to unwind at the beach or explore the natural park, which offers spectacular ocean views and the chance to see local wildlife. For history buffs, the San Gervasio ruins are a step back in time, with well-preserved structures and insightful guides explaining their significance.

The adventurous spirit shines here; the guide is happy to customize your experience. Reviewers frequently mention how this flexibility enhances enjoyment, whether it’s relaxing on the shore or exploring ancient temples.

A Short Drive to the Mayan Ruins

If you choose the Mayan Ruins add-on, you’ll venture into the island’s interior to explore San Gervasio. The site, though smaller than others in Mexico, provides valuable insight into the Mayan civilization. We loved the way our guide brought the ruins alive with stories and context, making the history accessible and engaging.

A small fee ($5 USD) applies for camera use, paid directly at the site—worth noting for photography lovers. The walk is about an hour—perfect for a quick but insightful visit.

Day Two: Jungle Ruins and Bacalar Lagoon

On the second day, the tour takes a more nature-focused turn. After a short drive into the jungle, you arrive at Chacchoben, one of the less-visited Mayan archaeological sites. Here, the silence of the forest and the mysterious temples create an almost mystical vibe. We appreciated the smaller crowds at Chacchoben, allowing for more personal exploration, and our guide provided fascinating background on the site’s history.

The visit lasts around 1.5 hours, giving enough time to wander and absorb the atmosphere. We found the site’s lush surroundings a refreshing change from the more crowded ruins, making it a real highlight for nature and history lovers alike.

Relaxing at Bacalar Lagoon

After the archaeological exploration, your journey continues to the stunning Bacalar Lagoon—famous for its seven shades of blue. The clear, calm waters are perfect for swimming, kayaking, or just floating while soaking up the incredible views. The tour includes use of kayaks, tubes, and stand-up paddleboards—this freedom to play on the water is a major plus.

A simple, tasty fajita lunch is provided at the lagoon’s shore, giving you a chance to unwind and enjoy the scenery. Many travelers comment on how peaceful and picturesque Bacalar is, offering a tranquil finale to your busy two days.

Practical Details and Value

All transportation, entrance fees, and equipment are included, which means no hidden costs—though a small camera fee at Chacchoben pops up, so bring some cash. The tour operates rain or shine, proving its resilience to weather and ensuring your plans stay on track.

While the activity level is moderate to high—swimming, walking, and some driving—you should be comfortable in open water and be prepared for a full, active day. For those with mobility issues or health concerns, some parts might be challenging.

Community & Authenticity

We found that the small-group nature of this tour really enhances the experience. It’s easier to ask questions, and guides can customize parts of the day depending on your interests. The guides are clearly passionate about sharing their knowledge and making sure everyone enjoys the day.

Reviewers appreciate this personal touch, with one noting, “It was a perfect balance of fun, history, and relaxation—like exploring with friends,” which captures the tour’s friendly, approachable vibe.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This adventure is best for active travelers who crave more than just sitting on a bus. If you like mixing history, nature, and hands-on activities, you’ll enjoy the variety this tour offers. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable with some physical activity and want a more authentic, engaging experience rather than a cookie-cutter excursion.

It’s also a good choice for those who appreciate small-group tours, which tend to be more flexible and personal. If your cruise port time is limited but you want a broad taste of the region’s highlights, this combo tour packs in a lot without feeling rushed.

However, if you prefer a slower, more relaxed day or have mobility issues, consider whether the walking, swimming, and driving are suitable for your needs.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, but children should be comfortable swimming in open water, and the minimum age for snorkeling is 8 years old.

What should I bring?
Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and possibly a waterproof camera if you want photos at Chacchoben. Cash is needed for the camera fee, and you might want water shoes for walking around ruins or the lagoon.

How long does the tour last?
The total duration is approximately 2 days, with each day packed with activities, driving, and sightseeing. Expect a full day with some early mornings and active stops.

Are the jeeps and buggies automatic or manual?
Buggies are manual transmission only, so some driving experience is recommended. Drivers must be at least 21 years old with a valid license.

What if it rains?
The tour operates rain or shine, with possible adjustments for extreme weather. The outdoor activities can be modified, but you’ll still get a full experience.

Is transportation from the cruise port included?
Yes, roundtrip transportation from Costa Maya port is part of the package. The meeting point is outside the cruise port, just a short walk from the terminal.

Can I customize the stops?
Yes, the guide is flexible—if you prefer more beach time or want to skip certain stops, discuss it with your guide.

What’s the difference between the Punta Sur and San Gervasio options?
Punta Sur offers natural scenery and beach relaxation, while San Gervasio provides cultural and archaeological insights. You can choose based on your interests.

Are there any hidden costs?
Most costs are included, but a $5 USD fee for camera use at Chacchoben is paid directly at the site.

How many people participate in the tour?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 80 travelers overall but operates in small groups of up to 4 per vehicle, ensuring a more personal experience.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a well-rounded, active tour that combines history, culture, and relaxation, this 2 Ports Combo hits the spot. The variety of activities—from driving through Cozumel’s scenic coastlines to exploring ancient ruins and lounging beside Bacalar’s famous lagoon—offers a rich taste of the region in just two days.

The small-group setting and knowledgeable guides create an authentic, engaging atmosphere that makes the adventure more meaningful. The included equipment, entrance fees, and transport make this a good value for those eager to pack a lot into their limited cruise time.

This tour suits adventure-minded travelers who want a mix of exploration, water fun, and cultural experiences without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. It’s perfect for those who appreciate scenic views, meaningful sites, and a lively, hands-on approach to discovering the Caribbean’s best.

Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a memorable, active day, this tour offers a genuine window into the heart of Mexican coastal culture and natural beauty.