Costa Maya
Plan Costa Maya with Haqqi Tours: day tours, private airport transfers, attraction tickets and packages, run by our own team and confirmed on WhatsApp in Arabic or English.
An hour inland from the Caribbean shore, the road narrows and the jungle closes in, thick with palms, strangler figs and the calls of unseen birds. Then a clearing opens, and a stepped stone temple rises above a grassy plaza, its ancient limestone glowing in the morning sun. Howler monkeys roar from the canopy, a toucan flashes past, and it is easy to imagine the Maya city that once thrived here among the cornfields.
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Costa Maya Day Tours
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Costa Maya at first sight
Costa Maya is the name given to the quiet southern coast of Mexico's Quintana Roo state, centred on the cruise port and fishing village of Mahahual. Far from the big resorts further north, it offers a laid-back beach front, the turquoise waters of the Mesoamerican Reef and easy access to Maya ruins hidden in the forest. Inland lie the multi-coloured lagoon of Bacalar and the historic city of Chetumal near the border with Belize.
Why include Costa Maya in your itinerary?
- Maya cities in the jungle. Chacchoben, Kohunlich and other ancient sites stand in quiet forest, far less crowded than the famous ruins of the north, with temples, plazas and wildlife all around.
- A coast of reef and calm water. The Mesoamerican Reef runs just offshore, with snorkelling and diving among coral gardens, while the offshore atoll of Banco Chinchorro is a protected marine wilderness.
- The real, unhurried Caribbean. Mahahual keeps the feel of a small fishing village, with a sandy beachfront promenade, simple seafood kitchens and hammocks under the palms, a world away from big-city resorts.
Signature experiences in Costa Maya
The Maya Ruins of Chacchoben
About an hour's drive inland from the port, Chacchoben is a Maya site whose main temples were built roughly between the third and seventh centuries. Stepped pyramids and raised platforms stand among tall trees, some still showing traces of red paint, and spider and howler monkeys are often seen in the canopy. A guided visit explains Maya beliefs, farming and trade, and early starts give cooler air and quieter paths.
Bacalar Lagoon
Around one and a half hours away, the lagoon of Bacalar is famous for its many shades of blue, from pale turquoise over white sand to deep indigo above sinkholes. Boat trips glide past the deep Cenote Azul, freshwater channels and ancient stromatolites, living rock formations among the oldest on earth. The small town above the shore keeps an eighteenth-century fort built to defend against pirates, now a museum.
Snorkelling and Diving on the Reef
The Mesoamerican Reef lies just off the coast of Mahahual, so colourful coral, parrotfish, rays and sometimes turtles can be seen within a short boat ride. Calm mornings bring the clearest water for snorkelling, while experienced divers can explore walls and coral canyons. Further offshore, the atoll of Banco Chinchorro is a biosphere reserve with shipwrecks and pristine reefs, reached on special full-day trips.
Mahahual Beachfront Promenade
The heart of Mahahual is its sandy malecón, a seaside walkway lined with palm trees, small seafood restaurants, hammocks and craft stalls. The water here is calm and shallow behind the reef, perfect for swimming, kayaking or simply relaxing in the shade. Fresh ceviche, grilled fish and coconut water make the perfect lunch, and the village is a short taxi ride from the cruise pier.
Kohunlich and the Temple of the Masks
Further inland, about two and a half hours from the coast, the Maya city of Kohunlich is known for its Temple of the Masks, where large stucco faces of a sun god flank a pyramid staircase. Set among towering cohune palms, the site feels remote and peaceful. It combines well with nearby Dzibanché or the Museum of Maya Culture in Chetumal on a longer private day trip arranged by our team.
Neighbourhoods and quarters to know in Costa Maya
The Cruise Port
The Costa Maya cruise port is a purpose-built complex with a pier, shops, restaurants, pools and gardens, designed for ship passengers on a day visit. Most tours start here, and it offers a comfortable base for a few hours if you prefer to stay close to the ship. Mahahual village is just a few minutes away by taxi or a short walk along the coast.
Mahahual Village
The small village of Mahahual stretches along the beachfront promenade, with colourful guesthouses, boutique cabins and small hotels facing the sea. It is relaxed and friendly, with seafood restaurants, dive centres and calm water for swimming. It is the best base for overnight stays on the coast, peaceful in the evening once day visitors have left.
Bacalar
Inland on the shores of its famous lagoon, Bacalar is a charming small town with lakeside hotels, eco-lodges with wooden piers and simple local restaurants. Mornings on the still water are magical, and boat and kayak trips leave from the shore. It makes a lovely place to stay for one or two nights, about one and a half hours from Mahahual.
Xcalak and the South Coast
South of Mahahual, a quiet road leads through mangroves and coconut groves to Xcalak, a remote fishing village near the border with Belize. Small eco-lodges, wild beaches and some of the best fly fishing and diving in the region await. It suits travellers who want solitude, nature and starry nights far from any crowds.
How long to stay in Costa Maya and how to pair it
Recommended stay
Most visitors see Costa Maya on a cruise day, with time for one main excursion such as Chacchoben or the reef. For a deeper visit, we recommend two or three nights, split between Mahahual and Bacalar. This allows Chacchoben, a boat trip on the lagoon, a snorkelling morning on the reef and slow evenings by the sea, with Kohunlich or Chetumal as an extra day.
How to pair it
Costa Maya pairs naturally with Bacalar, about one and a half hours inland, and with Chetumal, around two hours south near the border with Belize. Tulum and its cliff-top ruins lie about three hours north, and Cancún and the Riviera Maya around four and a half to five hours. A week can combine Tulum, Bacalar and Mahahual, with private transfers between every stop arranged by our team.
Best time to visit Costa Maya and the rhythm of the day
Best months
The best time to visit Costa Maya is December to April, the dry season, with sunny days, lower humidity and calm, clear water for snorkelling. May and June are hotter, and hurricane season runs from June to November, with the highest risk from August to October. Sargassum seaweed can reach the beaches in spring and summer, so our team checks conditions before you travel.
The daily rhythm
On cruise days, the coast wakes early as ships arrive and excursions leave from the pier. Mornings are best for the ruins and the reef, before the heat and the afternoon breeze. Lunch is usually seafood by the beach. In the afternoon, cruise passengers return to the ship, and Mahahual slows down, with hammocks, sunset walks and quiet seafood dinners under the stars.
On-the-ground logistics in Costa Maya
Arrival
The nearest airport is Chetumal International Airport (CTM), about two hours by road from Mahahual. Tulum International Airport (TQO) is around three hours away, and Cancún International Airport (CUN) about four and a half to five hours, with more international flights. Many visitors arrive by cruise ship at the Costa Maya pier. Our private airport transfers meet you at arrivals and drive you straight to your hotel.
Getting around
Mahahual is small and easy to walk along the beachfront, and taxis link the village with the cruise port in a few minutes. Public buses connect the coast with Chetumal and Bacalar, but services are infrequent. For Chacchoben, Bacalar, Kohunlich and the south coast, a private car with driver arranged by our team is the easiest choice, and on cruise days we time every trip around your ship's schedule.
Local etiquette tip
Mexicans are warm and polite, and a friendly buenos días and gracias are always appreciated. Many people in the region are of Maya heritage, so ask before photographing people. At archaeological sites, stay on the paths and do not climb the temples, where it is forbidden. Use reef-safe, biodegradable sun cream in the sea and lagoon, never touch coral and dress more modestly away from the beach.
Must-do things in Costa Maya
- Explore the temples of Chacchoben in the jungle
- Spot howler and spider monkeys in the forest
- Take a boat trip on the blue lagoon of Bacalar
- Visit the eighteenth-century fort above Bacalar
- Snorkel among the coral of the Mesoamerican Reef
- Walk the sandy beachfront promenade of Mahahual
- Taste fresh ceviche and grilled fish by the sea
- See the Temple of the Masks at Kohunlich
- Swim above the deep waters of Cenote Azul
- Relax in a hammock under the palms at sunset
Do’s and don’ts in Costa Maya
Do
- Do use reef-safe, biodegradable sun cream
- Do start ruin visits early to beat the heat
- Do carry insect repellent in the jungle
- Do bring pesos for small local shops
- Do plan tours around your ship's schedule
Don’t
- Don't climb the temples where it is forbidden
- Don't touch or stand on coral
- Don't feed monkeys or other wild animals
- Don't miss your ship's all-aboard time
- Don't swim where currents or warnings appear
Costa Maya at a glance
Plan Costa Maya with Haqqi Tours
Every option is confirmed by our team on WhatsApp before you pay, and delivered by our own people or by trusted local partners we work with in every city. Because we send travellers from all over the world, our partners give us special rates and priority, so you always receive the best. Prices are per person unless marked per vehicle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask most about Costa Maya.
Where should I stay on the Costa Maya?
For the beach and the reef, Mahahual is the best base, with small hotels and cabins along the seafront promenade. Bacalar, about one and a half hours inland, offers lakeside hotels and eco-lodges by its famous lagoon, while Xcalak suits travellers seeking solitude. Cruise passengers can relax at the port complex. Our team suggests the right base and arranges your private transfers.
Can I visit Chacchoben on a cruise stop at Costa Maya?
Yes. Chacchoben lies about an hour by road from the cruise port, so a guided visit fits comfortably into a typical port day, with around one to one and a half hours at the site. Bacalar is also possible but tighter on time. We plan every excursion around your ship's schedule and return you to the pier well before all-aboard time.
What is the dress code and etiquette on the Costa Maya?
Light, breathable clothing, a hat and comfortable shoes suit the ruins, with insect repellent for the jungle. Swimwear is fine on the beach and boats, but cover up in villages, shops and restaurants. Greet people with a smile and buenos días, ask before taking photos, never climb restricted temples and use reef-safe sun cream to protect the sea.
Is the Costa Maya suitable for families and Muslim travellers?
Yes. Calm, shallow water behind the reef, gentle snorkelling and jungle ruins with monkeys make it great for families. Halal food is limited in the region, and some local dishes contain pork, but fresh fish, seafood, chicken, rice, beans and tropical fruit are everywhere. Our team can advise on restaurants and help you choose suitable dishes.
Is it safe to travel to the Costa Maya now?
The Costa Maya and Mahahual are generally considered calm and safe for travellers. The main care points are strong sun, heat in the jungle, hurricane season from June to November, sargassum seaweed and currents beyond the reef. Use reputable guides and boats and check your own government's official travel advice before departure. Our WhatsApp team is available throughout your trip.
What are the must-do things on the Costa Maya?
The must-do things on the Costa Maya include the Maya ruins of Chacchoben, a boat trip on the lagoon of Bacalar, snorkelling on the Mesoamerican Reef and a walk along the beachfront promenade of Mahahual with fresh ceviche. With more time, Kohunlich and its Temple of the Masks and the atoll of Banco Chinchorro are unforgettable. We plan these in the best order.
How much time do you need on the Costa Maya?
A cruise stop allows one main excursion, such as Chacchoben or the reef, plus time on the beach. Two or three nights are ideal for a deeper visit, combining Mahahual, Bacalar and the ruins at a relaxed pace. The Costa Maya also fits well into a longer trip through southern Quintana Roo with Tulum and Chetumal, linked by private transfers.
What can I book in Costa Maya with Haqqi Tours?
Day tours, including Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Tour from Costa Maya. Each has its own page, and the WhatsApp desk combines any of them into one plan with one written price.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel in Costa Maya?
With a private transfer: a driver at arrivals, flight tracking and a fixed price for the whole vehicle, door to door. Tell the desk the flight number and the hotel.
Is there public transport from the airport to Costa Maya?
Public options vary by airport and end at a station rather than your hotel; the private transfer starts at the arrivals door and ends at your door.
Which tours are available in Costa Maya?
Among them: Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Tour from Costa Maya. Each page says whether the day is private or small-group, what it includes and how long it lasts.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Both exist, and each tour page says which. A private tour has a vehicle and guide for your party alone; the desk can make most group tours private on request.
How do I book?
Fill in the form on any page or message us on WhatsApp with the date, the number of travellers and the hotel. A member of our team confirms the price and the details in writing within minutes.
Are the prices fixed?
Yes - every price is agreed in writing on WhatsApp before you travel and does not change on the day.
Do the drivers and guides speak Arabic or English?
It depends on the city and the day, so we do not promise a particular language; tell us your preference and we do our best. The WhatsApp desk always works in Arabic and English.
Can I change or cancel a booking in Costa Maya?
Yes, in the same WhatsApp conversation. The terms depend on the product and on how close to the date the change comes; the desk states them before you pay.