Costa Maya Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Costa Maya tours and things to do on Mexico’s southern Caribbean coast: climb the ancient Mayan pyramids of Chacchoben deep in the jungle, drift across the seven shades of blue at Bacalar Lagoon, relax on a beach break at Mahahual, snorkel the Mesoamerican reef in search of turtles, race a dune buggy or ATV through the jungle, and taste tequila by a cenote. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
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Explore Costa Maya by interest
Whatever brings you to Costa Maya — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Top attractions in Costa Maya
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Chacchoben
Mayan ruins.
Bacalar Lagoon
Seven colours.
Mahahual Beach
Beach break.
Coral Reef
Snorkeling.
Jungle Trails
ATV & buggy.
Cenotes
Swim & tequila.
Reef Diving
Fishing & diving.
Catamaran
Sail & dolphins.
Inland awayChacchoben
Mayan ruins.
South awayBacalar
Seven colours.
Near awayMahahual
Beach break.
Offshore awayCoral Reef
Snorkeling.
Near awayJungle Trails
ATV & buggy.
Inland awayCenotes
Swim & tequila.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Costa Maya visitor asks before booking.
Dry (Dec–Apr)
Sunny and dry — the best time for the coast.
Green (May–Oct)
Hotter and wetter, with afternoon showers.
For cruises
The cruise season peaks from November to April.
Hurricane watch
September and October carry the highest storm risk.
For value
The green season is quieter and cheaper.
Best overall
December to April is ideal.
One day
A Chacchoben tour or beach break.
Two days
Add Bacalar Lagoon and snorkeling.
Three days
Add ATV trails and cenotes.
For history
The Chacchoben Mayan ruins.
For the sea
Reef snorkeling and beach breaks.
With kids
Beach breaks and gentle snorkeling.
Tours & transfers
Tours include transport from the cruise port.
By boat
Boats run reef snorkeling and lagoon cruises.
By car
A car or taxi reaches Bacalar and the ruins.
On foot
Mahahual’s beach village is walkable.
Where to stay
Stay in Mahahual for the beach and reef.
Mexican peso
Mexico uses the peso; US dollars often accepted.
Chacchoben
Book a ruins tour with a certified guide.
Bacalar
Cruise the seven-colour lagoon and swim.
Beach break
Choose an all-inclusive beach club pass.
Snorkeling
The reef off Mahahual is superb.
ATV trails
Ride the jungle on an ATV or buggy.
Sun protection
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and water.
Chacchoben
Popular ruins tours sell out — book ahead.
Bacalar
Lagoon excursions fill up — reserve early.
Beach breaks
Beach club passes sell out — book ahead.
Snorkel tours
Reef tours fill up — reserve early.
ATV tours
Adventure tours have few slots — book ahead.
Cruise days
Tours fill fast when ships are in — book ahead.
Chacchoben
Around €55–90 for a Chacchoben ruins tour.
Bacalar
About €70–110 for a Bacalar Lagoon excursion.
Beach break
Roughly €40–70 for a beach club day pass.
Snorkel tour
Around €45–75 for a reef snorkeling tour.
ATV tour
About €55–90 for an ATV or buggy adventure.
How to save
Choose combo ruins-and-lagoon excursions.
Costa Maya through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Sea & ruins.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Peak.
- Best for
- Warm & quiet.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Showers.
- Best for
- Value.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Storm risk.
- Best for
- Fresh & quiet.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Clearing.