Places To Visit

Mahahual is a small beach town with a relaxed atmosphere and calm vibes. This destination—part of Grand Costa Maya— is still an off-the-beaten-path destination.

Its calm beaches of crystal clear waters are the main draw, although it has other attractions which are worth visiting when you travel to the southern part of Quintana Roo:

El malecón (the boardwalk)

Every trip to Mahahual must start on its boardwalk, as it is the place where most of the action of this town occurs. Along its 1,700 meters, you will find several restaurants, ice cream parlors, coffee shops, bars, dive centers, souvenir shops, small hotels, beach clubs, and its traditional colorful wooden houses. In the northern part of the malecón you will find the old lighthouse and the photographic parador, which is a photo favorite at sunrise and sunset, as it is the perfect place to take pictures.

This waterfront promenade allows visitors to enjoy the largest public beach, which has a 1,000 coastline. Don´t miss the opportunity of soaking in the views of the Caribbean Sea while cruising on a bike.

Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve

Located approximately 24 kilometers away from Mahahual's coast, Banco Chinchorro is the largest coral atoll in Mexico. A Protected Area that is the habitat of several marine life species and is considered something of a submerged cemetery, since the seabed is home to more than 60 sunken ships, including Spanish and English galleons dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, which is why it is considered one of the best places to scuba dive in the Mexican Caribbean.

Xcalak

60 kilometers away from Mahahual you will find Xcalak, a fishing village that has one of the last few unspoiled beaches of the Mexican Caribbean. A true paradise for nature lovers, as they will be able to unplug from their daily routine by being completely surrounded by nature, admiring its biodiversity and marine sceneries; besides being able to scuba dive, snorkel or go sport fishing.

The Xcalak National Reef Park has different dive spots which are worth exploring, such as "La Poza", also known as "The Tarpon Hole", where you will be able to see schools of yard-long adult tarpon as well as catfish, snappers, manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and eagle rays. Other dive sites located nearby are Chimena, Hob- Na and Punta Gavilán, where you will find impressive reef walls of black coral and fluorescent sponges.

As for gastronomy, in Xcalak you will find a few restaurants that stand out for offering fresh seafood, in addition to dishes influenced by neighboring Belize.

Mayá Lost Kingdom

If you´re traveling with kids, we recommend you to vist Mayá Lost Kingdom. Located a few blocks away from the Costa Maya cruise port, this water park is inspired in 1940s expeditions. It features 9 water slides, 12 ziplines, a lazy river, and a kids’ play area with mini pools and slides.