Things to do in Costa Maya
If you’re visiting Costa Maya, you have plenty to look forward to. It’s home to idyllic white sand beaches, stunning underwater coral reefs, and ancient Mayan cities hidden deep in the jungle.
Far from the glitz and noise of its northern neighbor Cancun, Costa Maya is much more laid back. It has a welcoming Caribbean vibe that will make you feel relaxed and vacation-ready the minute you arrive. There are so many cruise excursions to be enjoyed in Costa Maya Mexico - all you have to do is choose one!
This little slice of Mexico has a fascinating Mayan past. Lucky visitors can savor this by visiting one of the Mayan ruins sites close to the cruise port. Chacchoben is only an hour away and a [Mayan ruins excursion] is a great introduction to the temples and plazas that made up the major Mayan cities.
Do you want to get to the heart of Costa Maya’s natural wonders? If so, we recommend another of the best Costa Maya excursions: visiting Bacalar Lagoon. The ‘Lagoon of Seven Colors’ is an unforgettable sight, with all the shades of blue you can imagine along its 25 miles of water.
If you love being in the ocean, you can try out a Costa Maya snorkeling excursion. There are over 70 different underwater sites to visit in Costa Maya. So you’ll never tire of the tropical fish, amazing turtles, and swaying seaweed hiding under the ocean’s surface.
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About Costa Maya, Mexico
Costa Maya is southern Mexico’s second busiest cruise port after Cozumel, welcoming almost 700,000 cruisers each year. This creates a high demand for quality Costa Maya excursions - and there are endless options to choose from. Mahahual is a great jumping-off point for many of the region’s attractions. In fact, most Costa Maya excursions will collect guests from Costa Maya cruise port, making them convenient and simple to join.
The cruise port is well-served, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and shopping opportunities to enjoy. There’s even a saltwater swimming pool and bar complex. In fact, you could spend your whole day in the port if you wanted. But we don’t recommend it, as then you’d miss so much of what Costa Maya has to offer. Learn more about the Costa Maya Cruise Port.
Once you set foot in the charming town of Mahahual, which is immediately next to the cruise port, you’ll begin to experience Mexico the slow-paced way. Enjoy the brightly-colored houses, the sandy streets, and the tourist-friendly stores. It's the ideal place for some souvenir shopping or picking up beach essentials. Be sure not to miss the landmark lighthouse at the ocean’s edge, marking the center of the town.
Mahahual also has one of the best beaches in the whole region. Join a Costa Maya beach excursion and you can live the high life in one of the super popular beach clubs. Kick back, relax, and soak up the Costa Maya atmosphere. And maybe sip on a cocktail or two while you’re there.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A guide to some of the most common questions when travelling to Costa Maya
What are the best things to do in Costa Maya?
The top things to do in Costa Maya according to travelers and locals are:
What are the top tours in Costa Maya?
The top 10 tours in Costa Maya according to travelers and locals are:
- Snorkel & All-Inclusive Beach Club Experience
- Bacalar Lagoon & Chacchoben Ruins All-Inclusive Experience
- Costa Maya Fishing Tour & Beach Club
- Bacalar Sailing Half Day Tour (Shared Sailboat)
- Bacalar Lagoon Sailing Private Tour (Full-Day) Up to 7 People
- Bacalar Lagoon Excursion By Boat - From Costa Maya
- Chunky Monkey Beach Club
- Snorkel Boat Tour in Search of Turtles
- Costa Maya Discovery Dive for First Timers
- 2 Tank Dive in Costa Maya (for certified divers)
What can you see in Costa Maya?
Costa Maya is only small, but there are lots of things to see and do while you’re there. Enjoy the slow pace of the fishing village at Mahahual, taking in the turquoise ocean and the tall white lighthouse. Visit one of the area’s captivating Mayan ruins. Chacchoben is the largest, but Kohunlich offers a more secluded site to explore. Or check out the stunning beaches with crystal clear waters inviting you in.
What are the most popular things to do in Costa Maya?
Relaxing on the beach has to be one of the most popular activities in Costa Maya. And with beaches this good, we wouldn’t blame you for spending your entire visit relaxing on a lounger soaking up the sun. But exploring brings its own rewards. Visit the nearby historic Mayan ruins. Kayak or take a catamaran ride on the beautiful Bacalar Lagoon. Try some of the world-class snorkeling and scuba diving on offer. Or visit the water theme park, Mayá, which is super popular with families. There’s a whole world of experiences waiting for you.
How far is Bacalar Lagoon from Costa Maya?
Bacalar Lagoon is only an hour from Costa Maya, making it easily accessible for a day trip. We have a range of excursions that include the ‘Lagoon of Seven Colors’, as it’s called. During your visit, you can get out on the water, swim, or visit the appealing town of Bacalar. There, you’ll find a great selection of restaurants, as well as the historic Bacalar Fort.
What is Costa Maya famous for?
Costa Maya is famous for several things. The world’s second-largest coral reef - the Meso-American Barrier Reef - passes right by Costa Maya’s shoreline. This makes for spectacular snorkeling and scuba diving with masses of fish, animals, corals, and plants. Costa Maya is also famous for its beaches and has some tempting beach clubs where you can pamper yourself. Another of Costa Maya's famous attractions are its Mayan ruins. Chacchoben, Kohunlich, and Dzibanche are all worth visiting for a glimpse of Mayan life in the 4th century.