Chacchoben Maya Ruins
The closest Maya city to the Costa Maya port, set in jungle in the Lakes Region of Quintana Roo. A half-day guided trip with round-trip transport and entry is the standard way cruise visitors see it.
Quintana Roo (Mexico)
Costa Maya
Costa Maya is the quiet southern end of the Mexican Caribbean, centred on the cruise port, the fishing town of Mahahual and a reef that lies only a few yards offshore.
Inland are the Chacchoben ruins and, far offshore, the Banco Chinchorro atoll. This guide covers the essentials: a Chacchoben half-day trip, reef snorkeling and scuba, a beach club day, a cooking class, tequila tasting, fishing, an oceanfront massage, the Mahahual boardwalk and five hotels checked against their current pages.
Don't miss
Chacchoben Maya Ruins
The closest Maya city to the Costa Maya port, set in jungle in the Lakes Region of Quintana Roo. A half-day guided trip with round-trip transport and entry is the standard way cruise visitors see it.
Mahahual Reef Snorkel with Turtles
A short guided boat trip to two snorkel spots on the shallow reef lagoon off Mahahual, with equipment and a guide included. It is the easiest way to get into the water on a port day.
Pez Quadro Beach Club Day Pass
A five-hour beach club day on the Mahahual boardwalk with loungers, a one-course lunch and an open bar. A relaxed way to spend a port day after the ruins or a snorkel.
PADI Discover Scuba Diving in Mahahual
A beginner scuba experience with an instructor, practice in shallow water and then an open-water dive on the reef. No certification is needed.
Things to do in Costa Maya
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
Mahahual Reef Snorkel with Turtles
A short guided boat trip to two snorkel spots on the shallow reef lagoon off Mahahual, with equipment and a guide included. It is the easiest way to get into the water on a port day.
PADI Discover Scuba Diving in Mahahual
A beginner scuba experience with an instructor, practice in shallow water and then an open-water dive on the reef. No certification is needed.
Pez Quadro Beach Club Day Pass
A five-hour beach club day on the Mahahual boardwalk with loungers, a one-course lunch and an open bar. A relaxed way to spend a port day after the ruins or a snorkel.
Beachfront Mexican Cooking Class at Cafe Jaguar
A two-hour hands-on class making guacamole, tortillas and tacos at a beachfront cafe near the Mahahual taxi stand, followed by the meal and a tequila tasting.
Private Sport Fishing Charter from Mahahual
A three-hour private fishing trip for up to five people, with tackle and water provided and the option to have your catch cooked afterward.
Oceanfront Massage in Mahahual
A one-hour massage by the sea in Mahahual, with natural oils and the sound of the waves. A simple way to unwind after a day of walking, diving or ruins.
Tequila Distillery Tasting with Port Pickup
A short guided tequila tasting with food pairings at a distillery, with round-trip transport from the Costa Maya port included.
Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve
Mexico's largest atoll, about two hours by boat from Mahahual, with three cays, mangroves, reefs and dozens of historic shipwrecks. It is a serious day trip for divers and snorkelers, not a cruise port quickie.
Mahahual Malecon and Lighthouse
The town's seafront boardwalk, lined with beach clubs, restaurants and dive shops, ending at the lighthouse and the Mahahual letters. Free to stroll, and the heart of the Costa Maya coast.
1 to 3 hoursDetails →
Where to stay
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
Noah Beach Hotel and Suites
Mahahual boardwalk
The top pick on the boardwalk: a well-reviewed hotel with a wide range of suites, many with sea views, and the beach about a minute away on foot.
Check rates →Aquastar Hotel and Apartments
South of the boardwalk, coastal road
A mid-range pick with two outdoor pools, apartments for groups and an easy walk to the beach and lighthouse. More than 600 guests have reviewed it.
Check rates →El Fuerte Beach Resort
Mahahual beachfront
A beachfront aparthotel with kitchenettes and family suites, rated 9.2 from nearly 180 guests. It is a minute from the sand and a short walk from the boardwalk restaurants.
Check rates →Hotel Boutique Pachamama
Mahahual, near the beach
A small boutique hotel a minute from the beach, with terrace rooms, a guest library and tour help. Guests rate it 8.2 from 170 reviews.
Check rates →Hotel Luna de Plata
Mahahual, a short walk from the beach
The budget pick: simple rooms in garden grounds, a short walk to the beach, free parking and breakfast available. Rates are among the lowest in town.
Check rates →Costa Maya guides
First-Timer's Guide to Costa Maya
How the Costa Maya port works, what to book ahead, how to get around and how many days to allow, with the ruins, the reef and the boardwalk in context.
Where to Stay in Costa Maya
Where to stay in Mahahual and the Costa Maya: the boardwalk, the pool hotels south of town and a quiet boutique base, with five hotels matched to each need.
