Flanked on either side by dense jungle and coastal mangroves, your journey begins in Costa Maya with a 50-minute air-conditioned ride inland through rural Yucatán Peninsula to the remote eco-reserve Uch Ben Kah Jungle Retreat, where, after a safety briefing, you’ll begin a guided kayaking adventure for approximately 1 hour along the northern tip of the 26-mile-long by 1-mile-wide Bacalar Lagoon, also known as the Lake of Seven Colors for its many shades of blue and water so clear you can see the lake’s sparkling limestone bottom. Like most bodies of fresh water in the Yucatán Peninsula, underground rivers and cenotes — worshipped by the Mayans — feed the lagoon, which is abundant with waterlilies and wildlife, making it a perfect spot for bird-watching enthusiasts. Returning your kayaks, you’ll have approximately 1 hour of free time to kick back and relax.

Dip in the lagoon, bask in the sunshine, sample a selection of snacks, sip an alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink from the bar and enjoy the harmony of nature and beauty at Costa Maya’s tropical paradise. Next up is a real highlight of Mexican culture. After a short drive to the village of Pedro Antonio Santos, you’ll arrive at Chu’Huk Pineapple Plantation, an organic co-op run by 10 local Mayan families. In this farm-to-table experience, you’ll take a guided walk through the plantation where you’ll learn how pineapples grow, taste fresh pineapple, drink pineapple juice and sit down for a hearty Mexican lunch of authentic dishes served family style, including shrimp ceviche, chicken fajitas, tortillas and rice and beans. After lunch, you’ll head back to port, stopping briefly at the roadside fruit stands in Pedro Antonio Santos to support local farmers. Here, you’ll get a chance to purchase fresh pineapple and other local seasonal fruits and jams.