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Planning a trip to Costa Maya, Mexico? We can help!
With its stunning coastline, ancient ruins, and vibrant culture, Costa Maya is a destination that promises adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences – as long as you know where to find it.
I’ve been vacationing in Mexico since I was a child, and we’ve both spent months traveling around the country together – especially Quintana Roo! Costa Maya is quieter than areas like Cancun and Tulum, but it has just as many adventures.
So whether you’re here for nature, Mayan history, or incredible food, we’ve got you covered with this guide to the 8 best things to do in Costa Maya!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Costa Maya was this tour to the Chacchoben Ruins! The day was perfectly planned and we loved seeing these ruins that aren’t as busy as others in Mexico. Plus the bonus stop at a beach club was perfect!
- Don't Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Costa Maya, Mexico
- 1. Visit the ancient Chacchoben Ruins
- 2. Explore the blue Bacalar Lagoon and cenotes
- 3. Go snorkeling with turtles
- 4. Relax on an all-inclusive private beach
- 5. Go birdwatching
- 6. Spend a day sportfishing
- 7. Explore underwater on a scuba diving excursion
- 8. Learn to cook authentic Mexican food and salsa dance on the beach
- Where to Stay in Costa Maya, Mexico
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car in Mexico
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Costa Maya, Mexico
1. Visit the ancient Chacchoben Ruins
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: Multiple times daily – confirm when booking
- Highlights: Visiting the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins, learning about the history of the ancient site, optional trip to a beach club
- Inclusions: Port pickup and drop-off, historian guide, Chacchoben entry, beach club entry
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 850+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re visiting Costa Maya and want a perfect blend of history and relaxation, this small-group tour to the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins is our top choice! It’s ideal for cruise passengers looking to make the most of a day in port and as a bonus, it also includes a stop at the postcard-perfect Mahahual Beach.
We met our guide a short walk from the cruise port, and then climbed aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, with complimentary water and soft drinks. After a seamless journey to Chacchoben, we loved exploring the ancient site.
In fact, we couldn’t believe how quiet it was compared to sites like Tulum! We were able to see the ancient pyramids and structures without any hassle at all, and learning about Mayan culture from our guide, Victor, was so interesting.
On the way back to the port, we had the option to stop at a beach club in Mahahual, and of course, we wanted to go! We were welcomed with a cold beer, although there was the option to do a tequila shot instead. Relaxing on the pristine white sands and swimming in the turquoise waters was the perfect way to wrap up the tour, and we really couldn’t have asked for more.
This tour is the best way to experience what Costa Maya has to offer in just one day – with everything planned for you! It’s no wonder this tour has HUNDREDS of positive reviews!
Book our favorite tour here and don’t pay a cent until just before you go!
2. Explore the blue Bacalar Lagoon and cenotes
- Duration: 5.5 hours
- Time: Multiple times daily – confirm when booking
- Highlights: Exploring the lagoon on a pontoon boat, Cenote Esmeralda, Cenote Cocalitos, Black Cenote, Pirate Channel, lunch and drinks at Cocalitos Beach Club
- Inclusions: Port pickup and drop-off, round trip transport, local guide, beach club entry, lunch, pop and alcoholic drinks
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 300+ reviews)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If there’s one experience from Costa Maya that we wish we could relive, it would be this magical day trip to the Bacalar Lagoon! The “Lagoon of Seven Colors” is one of Mexico’s must-see lakes, so don’t miss the chance to explore!
From the moment we caught our first glimpse of the lagoon’s shimmering shades of blue, we were in awe. We loved visiting the lagoon’s different cenotes, from swimming in the aptly-named Cenote Esmeralda to admiring the striking Black Cenote. Seeing the stromatolites at Cenote Cocalitos was pretty incredible, too – they’re one of the oldest types of fossil on Earth!
For me, the Pirate Channel was a real highlight of this tour, because I loved learning about the real pirates of the Caribbean! While their antics might not be quite as crazy as those shown in the movies, it was still super fun to hear about how they used to sneak into the lagoon and steal precious wood.
Then, we finished the day at Cocalitos Beach Club, which was nothing short of paradise. The food was delicious, the drinks were flowing, and the staff even served us fresh pineapple and mango while we were hanging out in the water. How cool is that?
Basically, this tour is nothing short of epic (check out these glowing reviews!), and if you don’t do it while you’re in Costa Maya, you’re missing out!
Make sure to grab your spot on this tour in advance before it sells out!
3. Go snorkeling with turtles
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Time: Departures between 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
- Highlights: Snorkeling in a shallow reef lagoon, seeing turtles and tropical fish, supportive guides for first-timers
- Inclusions: Boat ride, experienced guide, snorkel equipment
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 175+ reviews)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Snorkeling in Mahahual’s reef lagoon on this boat tour was hands-down one of the most memorable experiences of our trip to Costa Maya!
We’ve been snorkeling before, but we both thought that this tour is perfect for first-timers. The guides were so patient and encouraging to the beginners in our tour group, so if you’re nervous, then we promise you’ll be in good hands here!
The waters in the reef lagoon were calm and shallow, so it was really easy to swim. In fact, it was so effortless that it was more like gliding through the water! Plus, the visibility was top-notch, which is important for any snorkeling tour.
We visited not one but two stunning spots. The first had sandy areas and seagrass patches, and it was here that we spotted a hawksbill turtle swimming nearby. It was thrilling to see one up close! The second location was near the reef crest, and there were tons of tropical fish and colorful coral. It was magical!
We were in the water for about an hour, and then we enjoyed some fresh pineapple on the beach after. It was a dreamy experience from start to finish, so whether you’re a first-time snorkeler or an avid fan, we highly recommend this tour.
Book this snorkeling tour stress-free with FREE cancellation!
4. Relax on an all-inclusive private beach
- Duration: 3 – 5 hours
- Time: Confirm arrival time in advance when booking
- Highlights: Relaxing on an exclusive private beach, kayaking, snorkeling at the barrier reef, friendly atmosphere, fresh seafood
- Inclusions: Port or hotel pickup and drop-off, beach club access, lunch, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, use of snorkeling equipment and kayaks
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 125+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re visiting Costa Maya for the beautiful coastline, then this tour to a private beach club is the ultimate way to spend a day here!
It’s not often that you get to enjoy Mexico’s stunning beaches in complete peace and quiet – they only allow a maximum of 35 people per day and often there’s even less!
We were picked up from the port and whisked off to the beach club, which was about a 30-minute drive away. We received such a warm welcome from Gia, the hostess, and she really made us feel like part of the family! Although big, commercial beach clubs can be a lot of fun, what we loved about this one was that it’s small, intimate, and friendly.
The setting was as breathtaking as you’d expect, with pristine white sand, crystal clear water, and plenty of tropical greenery around. We loved the chance to go snorkeling around the barrier reef, and we also had fun kayaking, too. There were only a handful of people there, so we really felt like we had the beach and the water all to ourselves.
And we can’t forget to mention the incredible food and drinks. We gorged ourselves on fresh ceviche, flavorsome tacos, guacamole, and, best of all, margaritas! Gia went above and beyond to ensure that we had a perfect day, and we would book this tour again in a heartbeat.
Don’t miss visiting your own private beach by taking this tour!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
5. Go birdwatching
- Duration: 5 hours
- Time: 7 am
- Highlights: Exploring the jungle and mangroves, spotting elusive birds with the help of a professional, very small group size, lunch
- Inclusions: Port or hotel pickup and drop-off, transport, park admission fees, packed lunch, bottled water, knowledgeable guide, spotting scopes
- Rating: 5 stars (check 60+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
We love every second of this birdwatching tour in Costa Maya! As well as spotting elusive birds, we were able to connect with nature in a way that felt truly special.
Our guide, Victor, was incredible, and his passion for birdwatching was contagious. His ability to identify bird calls and locate them so quickly truly astounded us. He also ensured that everyone in the group had a chance to see the birds through the telescope.
We saw so much as we explored grasslands, mangroves, and the jungle. We were so excited to see vibrant green jays and even a ferruginous pygmy owl, which is a super rare bird, not to mention a very cute one.
I also loved seeing so many black-headed trogons, but the best part was spotting a laughing falcon. We told Victor we had both always wanted to spot one, and he went above and beyond to find one for us, so we really cannot thank him enough.
This tour delivered an absolutely perfect morning in Costa Maya, and we will truly never forget it. We promise you won’t regret booking this tour!
Read all the 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
6. Spend a day sportfishing
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: Multiple departure times daily
- Highlights: Private boat trip, learning how to identify prime spots, and cast nets and lines, catching fish like mahi mahi, tuna, and Spanish mackerel, trying jiggling and fly fishing, eating your catch at a beach club
- Inclusions: Boat charter, knowledgeable skipper, all tackle, seafood barbecue, beach club access
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check 55+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Whether you love fishing or just want to try it out for the first time, this private sportfishing charter promises a fun and memorable experience in Costa Maya! We were so excited for this tour, and it didn’t disappoint.
We met our skipper and guide, Nick, at La Nacional Beach Club, and his enthusiasm was one of the highlights of the day! As we cruised out into the ocean, Nick taught us how to identify prime fishing spots and expertly guided us through different types of fishing, including jiggling and fly fishing.
The waters off of Costa Maya are teeming with marine life, so we didn’t have to wait long before we caught something! Between us, we caught barracuda, tuna, and mahi mahi, and each catch felt so exciting.
After a fun few hours out on the water, we sailed back to shore and relaxed at the beach club, which was a real treat. The staff cooked up our catch for us as we chilled out in hammocks and swam in the pool, and then we chowed down on all of the fish that we had caught.
It truly felt like the ultimate Caribbean experience, and we will definitely do this again the next time that we’re in Costa Maya.
If fishing, beautiful scenery, and a laid-back beachside feast sounds good, book it here!
7. Explore underwater on a scuba diving excursion
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 9 am, 1 pm, or 6 pm
- Highlights: Two tank dives, discovering the marine wildlife of the Mesoamerican reef, seeing vibrant coral and tropical fish, the chance to see manatees and turtles,
- Inclusions: Two tanks, boat transport to dive sites, knowledgeable guide, soft drinks and bottled water
- Rating: 5 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re a certified diver, then you cannot miss the chance to enjoy this two-tank scuba diving tour! This diving trip is the perfect way to experience the breathtaking Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which is the second-largest reef in the world.
The team was welcoming and professional right from the get-go, and our dive master, Charlie, was fantastic. We’re seasoned divers, but we both think that if you don’t have a ton of experience, Charlie would be the perfect dive master to set you at ease – although of course, you do need a PADI certification to participate in this tour.
The first dive of the day was incredible. As we descended into the crystal-clear water, we were immediately surrounded by vibrant coral formations, colorful fish, and even a curious barracuda.
Then, on the second dive, we spotted two graceful stingrays gliding by, alongside a playful parrotfish and clusters of soft coral. But the best part was that we saw a manatee – it was absolutely incredible!
Whether you’re a newly certified diver or a seasoned pro, the vibrant marine life and healthy reef around Costa Maya will leave you in awe. So whatever you do, don’t miss this tour!
Book this scuba tour in advance here!
8. Learn to cook authentic Mexican food and salsa dance on the beach
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: Times available between 9 am – 3 pm
- Highlights: Learning how to make salsas and guacamole, drinking margaritas and beer on the beach, learning how to salsa dance, free time to enjoy the Ibiza Beach Club, open bar, chance to snorkel
- Inclusions: Beach club access, English-speaking chef instructor, all ingredients, tortilla chips, unlimited drinks for two hours, use of snorkeling equipment
- Rating: 4.4 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Last, but certainly not least, this cooking and salsa class was one of the highlights of our time in Costa Maya! It was the perfect way to let loose and embrace the Caribbean spirit. This kind of tour is what a Mexican vacation is all about!
Our experience kicked off at a cozy, locally-owned beach restaurant, with stunning ocean views. Our chef guide, Pancho, gave us a warm welcome and set the tone for a fantastic adventure. He taught us how to make guacamole and fresh Mexican salsas, and we were able to customize our creations to our liking. Then, we got to enjoy them with some crispy tortilla chips – it was soooo good!
Better still, we got to wash our treats down with margaritas and Mexican beer. The mango margaritas were by far my favorite, so be sure to grab one if you book this tour! Then, Pancho taught us how to salsa dance right there on the beach. His energy was infectious and by the end of the lesson, we were all laughing and spinning like pros – or at least, we felt like pros!
After the dance class, we had more time to lounge in the beach chairs, snorkel in the crystal clear waters, and drink more margaritas, of course! It was the perfect end to an amazing day. So whether you’re there for the food, the fun, or the beach, this tour is a total must-do.
Book this popular cooking class online!
Where to Stay in Costa Maya, Mexico
Choosing where to stay in Costa Maya is easy—Mahahual is the best spot! This small, laid-back beach town is the heart of the region, offering easy access to stunning beaches, amazing snorkeling, and the famous Costa Maya cruise port.
Whether you’re looking for a luxurious oceanfront escape, a comfortable mid-range stay, or a budget-friendly spot, I’ve rounded up the best places to stay for every traveler below!
Luxury – $$$
Aqua Star Hotel & Apartments is the perfect beachfront luxury stay in Mahahual. This stylish hotel offers spacious suites and apartments, many with ocean views and private balconies. Guests can relax by the outdoor pool, sip cocktails at the bar, or enjoy fresh seafood at the on-site restaurant. With a prime location right on the beach, you’re steps away from crystal-clear waters and only a 5-minute drive to the Costa Maya cruise port!
Prices average around $200 USD per night. You can check prices and book this stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
El Fuerte Beach is a cozy mid-range hotel in the heart of Mahahual, just steps from the beach. Many rooms come with kitchenettes, perfect for a longer stay, and all feature air conditioning and private terraces, some with ocean views. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, an on-site restaurant, and easy access to local attractions, making it a great base for exploring Costa Maya!
Prices vary depending on the time of year and room category but can start as low as $100 USD per night. You can book this stay on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Eco Cabañas Bluekay is a fantastic budget-friendly, beachfront stay in Mahahual. This eco-conscious accommodation offers a mix of rooms with private and shared bathrooms, so you can choose what best suits your needs. While the rooms don’t have A/C, the fans and ocean breeze help keep things cool. Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool, relax in the garden area, and take in the stunning sea views—just steps from the beach!
Rooms start as low as $60 USD per night. Check availability and reserve your room on Booking.com.
For more options, see all of the hotels in Mahahual/Costa Maya here!
Renting a Car in Mexico
Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to get around Mexico is in a rental car.
I struggled to get around by bus and taxi for the longest time. But after renting a car in Cancun in 2023, I never looked back. It allowed me to explore the country without worrying about tours or taxis. It was why I fell in love with Mexico and eventually decided to live here periodically.
I refuse to use local services whenever I rent a car in Mexico. The truth is they sometimes can’t be trusted or come with hidden fees (or costly insurance that doesn’t make sense.) There are even rental car scams! So instead, I use Discover Cars, the company most experienced travelers or ex-pats in Mexico recommend. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
The rates on Discover Cars are cheap, too, with the average rental costing around $25 USD per day. Full coverage insurance can be added for an extra $10 USD a day too.
Driving in Mexico also only requires a driver’s license using the Roman alphabet. If yours uses another like Japan and China, you simply need an international driving permit.
Insurance is required, but if you book with Discover Cars and get the full coverage, that’s all you need! Oh, and being over 18 is required, and if you’re over 25, your rental will be much cheaper!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Get ready to be enchanted by this tropical paradise! I hope our guide to Costa Maya was helpful as you plan a visit here. There are so many amazing things to do here that you won’t regret stopping by while you’re in Mexico.
For more help planning the best Mexican getaway, check out all our blogs on Mexico here. Or I picked out a few popular ones below that you might like!
22 BEST Places to Visit in Mexico: From Hidden Gems to Top Attractions
11 BEST Cancun Resorts (An Unbiased Guide from Cheap to Luxury!)