Costa Maya is a hidden gem on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, identified for its gorgeous seashores, wealthy Mayan historical past, and adventurous actions. Whether or not you’re visiting through cruise ship or planning an extended keep, listed here are a number of the greatest issues to do in Costa Maya!
1. Loosen up at Mahahual Seaside
Mahahual is the center of Costa Maya, providing smooth white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Seaside golf equipment line the shore, offering lounge chairs, cocktails, and contemporary seafood. For a budget-friendly choice, carry your towel and benefit from the public seashore space.
2. Go to the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins
Historical past buffs will love exploring the Chacchoben Mayan ruins, positioned about an hour from Costa Maya. These historical buildings date again to 700 AD and provide an enchanting glimpse into Mayan civilization. Guided excursions present deeper insights into the location’s historical past and significance.
3. Snorkel or Dive within the Mesoamerican Reef
Costa Maya is dwelling to the world’s second-largest coral reef, making it a paradise for snorkelers and divers. Discover vibrant marine life, together with sea turtles, rays, and colourful fish, at websites like Banco Chinchorro and the Nice Maya Reef.
4. Discover the Costa Maya Port
If you happen to’re arriving on a cruise, the port itself presents lots to do. Get pleasure from searching for native crafts, swimming within the saltwater pool, watching cultural performances, and even reserving a fish pedicure!
5. Swim with Dolphins or Manatees
For a memorable expertise, e-book a dolphin or manatee encounter at Dolphin Discovery. It’s an effective way to work together with these superb marine animals whereas studying about conservation efforts.
6. Attempt Native Delicacies and Tequila Tastings
No go to to Mexico is full with out indulging in genuine flavors. Get pleasure from contemporary ceviche, tacos, and tropical cocktails at beachside eating places. Many native spots additionally provide tequila tastings, the place you possibly can pattern totally different varieties and study concerning the distillation course of.
7. Go on a Jungle ATV or Buggy Journey
For thrill-seekers, an off-road ATV or buggy tour by way of the jungle is an thrilling option to discover Costa Maya’s wild aspect. You’ll trip by way of grime trails, spot native wildlife, and even uncover hidden cenotes or Mayan ruins.
8. Loosen up in a Non-public Seaside Membership
For a extra unique expertise, take into account spending the day at a personal seashore membership like Maya Chan Seaside or Blue Kay. These all-inclusive retreats provide beachfront cabanas, limitless drinks, and scrumptious meals, making them good for a stress-free day in paradise.
9. Kayak or Paddleboard within the Lagoons
Costa Maya’s calm waters make it very best for kayaking or paddleboarding. Discover the lagoons and mangroves whereas taking within the breathtaking pure environment. Some excursions even embrace snorkeling stops!
10. Store for Handmade Souvenirs
Help native artisans by searching for handmade souvenirs like embroidered textiles, Mayan jewellery, and colourful pottery. The markets in Mahahual and the port space provide distinctive presents to take dwelling.
Remaining Ideas
Costa Maya is an ideal mix of rest, tradition, and journey. Whether or not you’re absorbing the solar on Mahahual Seaside, discovering historical ruins, or diving into the colourful marine world, there’s one thing for each sort of traveler.
Have you ever visited Costa Maya? Share your favourite experiences within the feedback! Here is a recap of our day in Costa Maya on a day our Carnival ship stopped in port.
Since they canceled Belize, I used to be SO not ready for Costa Maya. All I knew was that it was a typical cruise port. Outlets, eating places, bars. We bought off the boat and headed to a rooftop for for some Dos Equis to get us up and transferring. We weren’t positive what to even DO right here. It appeared like a gated off vacationer entice (once more!) so we wished to discover. We left the partitions of the Costa Maya cruise port and noticed Senor Frogs within the distance. I have been to Senor Frogs twice earlier than (within the Bahamas) and whereas it’s a complete vacationer entice, they offer you free photographs. And extra free photographs. And extra free photographs. I needed to go to the restroom so we stopped in for a beer. That beer turned one other beer and one other. Quickly the photographs had been flowing and I used to be enjoying consuming video games.
We should have stayed at Senor Frogs for hours. We had been having a lot with the randoms and the workers. They had been SO cool and I informed them how this was one of the best Senor Frogs ever (not less than, that I do know of). After large quantities of alcohol, a 2nd place victory in a balloon blowing and beer chugging competitors, the workers gave everybody birthday candles. We sang Bohemain Rhapsody after which they blew air out of a scuba tank in all places. It was the best factor I’ve ever witnessed whereas drunk.
We lastly pulled ourselves away from the bar and returned to the Costa Maya port space. That they had a swim up bar and we bought comfy with some 40s of Sol.

Good bye Costa Maya!
We took a nap and I had rooster for dinner earlier than, once more, passing out by 10 p.m. Seeing a pattern right here?