Costa Maya, Mexico, is a popular tourist destination. The Mahahual Village is home to the Costa Maya Port, a popular Maya cruise port area where tourists can find a cruise ship to take them on a tour of the royal Caribbean Sea.
There are Mayan ruins to tour, beaches to explore, and Mexican restaurants to try. Plus, a trip on a cruise ship gives you the chance to see a dolphin and learn more about Costa Maya’s aquatic wildlife.
However, to ensure that you have as much fun as possible on your next trip to Costa Maya, Mexico, it is important to have an itinerary.
To help you book popular attractions in advance and ensure that you have enough time to try everything, we have devised this travel guide with some of the best activities you should try to really experience everything Costa Maya offers. Be sure to read our tips to ensure that you find excursions you’ll like.
1. Visit the Mayan Ruins in Chacchoben, Mexico
Our first recommendation is to see the Mayan ruins. To view the most popular Mayan ruins in the area, you can travel outside Puerto Costa Maya to Chacchoben.
Over 3,000 years of rich history can be found in the well-preserved Chacchoben Mayan Ruins, which can be found in the small village of Chacchoben, a little civilization with temples, stairs, and a large ceremonial center.
Gran Basamento’s summit offers extensive views of the jungle. You might even see indigenous spider monkeys hanging from trees as you follow the ancient Mayans’ footsteps. Take care to tread gently and respectfully as you explore the Mayan ruins, which offer a fascinating window into Mayan culture.
2. Explore Bacalar Lagoon
It takes just one hour to get from Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico, to Bacalar Lagoon, making it easy to take a day excursion to paradise. This gorgeous lagoon, also known as the Seven Colors Lagoon, is nature’s great swimming pool.
Take a float and start off on an excursion across this expanse of shifting blues that, depending on the depth of the water, range from shimmering light blue to dark navy. You may also take a kayak tour, go swimming, or simply relax on a Costa Maya cruise to tour Bacalar Lagoon.
Explore the museum to learn about the history of pirates and Spanish occupation, or climb to the top of Fort San Felipe for the best panoramic views.
3. Snorkel or Scuba Dive
The Royal Caribbean is known for its large Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, where tourists can snorkel or scuba dive to explore the underwater world. It’s also one of the most extensive reef systems in the Northern Hemisphere and one of the top dive locations on the planet.
One of the greatest things to do in Costa Maya, whether you’re a licensed diver or a beginner trying to learn this activity, is to dive in the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
As you scuba dive, you’ll see tropical aquatic life, swim above vibrant coral, and pass through extensive mangrove forests.
4. Explore Shops, Food Outlets, and More Along the Shore of Costa Maya, Mexico
Between shore excursions, take some time to walk around and visit nearby beaches and surrounding areas, where you will find a craft market, fishing tackle shops, and food outlets. You can purchase authentic souvenirs, as well as designer brands.
5. Take a Cruise Ship to Cozumel Island in Mexico
Another fun thing to do in Costa Maya, Mexico, is to book tours to Cozumel Island, a small island located close to the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. You will get a great view of the island and may even see some marine life on the way.
There are three ways to get to the small island. You may travel there by ferry, Costa Maya cruise ship, or plane. Be sure to book tours in advance to avoid disappointment.
6. Spend a Lazy Day on Mahahual Beach in Costa Maya
When you’re in the royal Caribbean in Mexico, there’s nothing better than spending a day at the Mahaual beach, lying on your back. You can take time to soak in a little sun, see dolphins near the coast, and watch cruise ships sail by.
You can also tour one of the nearby Costa Maya cruise ports, located near Mahahual beach, or walk along the pier.
7. Relax Your Mind and Body with a Detox Traditional Ritual
Once you’re done relaxing at Mahahual beach, Mexico, travel to Costa Maya for a much-needed health retreat where you can enjoy a full mind-body detox in a traditional Mayan sauna.
This treatment is meant to promote your general well-being, and although it is a traditional practice, it is available to the public. Moreover, since it is a traditional ritual, a skilled shaman conducts this ancient ceremony of soul purification.
After a therapeutic bath, enter the Temazcal to sweat out impurities and toxins. Treat yourself to a massage or some nourishing clay treatments while you’re there.
8. Take a Salsa Making Class and Learn How to Do the Salsa
Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime event that combines Mexican food and entertainment. You’ll first learn how to prepare traditional salsa and guacamole in Costa Maya, and you can taste as much as you want before enjoying a day of margaritas on the beach.
After a practical culinary session, let loose and practice your salsa dance moves with a dance instructor. You’ll learn new techniques and a few tips for the kitchen that you may use at home.
9. Explore Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico
Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico, which opened in 2001, is just as popular a tourist attraction as the rest of the town. The port offers not only a wide range of immersive adventures that the whole family can take part in, but it also has a bay where people can go swimming, snorkeling, and tanning.
Visit Aviarus for a unique birding adventure where you can see different bird species in their natural habitats. After that, stop by Kakaw inside the port to explore the fascinating history of Mexican chocolate in an interactive way.
Discover the process of making chocolate and, of course, indulge in some delectable goodies. At La Consentida, learn about the distilling process used to create the region’s tequila. After a history lesson, indulge gently in the traditional Mexican habit of sipping tequila.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know about the best things to do in Costa Maya, Mexico, you can use this information to plan your trip accordingly. Whether you want to spend your days at the beach or take excursions to nearby islands, you’ll find a lot to do in this beautiful place.
