12 Things to Do in Costa Maya: Activities for Every Traveller

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Travellers who are planning to visit a popular cruise port in the Western Caribbean have a lot of locations to add to their list of things to do in Costa Maya. From viewing ancient Mayan ruins to diving into the turquoise Caribbean Sea, there are endless options for everyone to enjoy a day in Costa Maya. See the top 12 activities you can try when you arrive.

See the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins

We want to begin this list of things to do in Costa Maya with a small-group tour to the Chacchoben Maya Ruins. Travellers will meet the guide near the Costa Maya port before going to the archaeological site for an exploration lasting approximately 1.5 hours.

On the way back, there is an optional stop at a beach club in Playa Mahahual before returning to the drop-off point. The cost of the tour ticket starts at $55. Find out what is included:

• Air-conditioned vehicle;
• Travel insurance;
• Bottled water;
• At the time of your check-in, you have a complimentary drink, which can be: a beer, a soda, or a shot of tequila;
• Licensed tour guide;
• After the ruins, an additional 90 minutes on Mahahual beach with the facilities included;
• Entry/Admission – Zona Arqueologica De Chaachoben.

Join a Snorkelling Tour on Reefs, with Fish and Sea Turtles

Visitors can join an unforgettable snorkelling adventure with a company specializing in aquatic activities in the Mexican Caribbean. Spend an hour immersed in natural beauty, exploring a reef lagoon teeming with diverse marine life, including vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, rays, and majestic turtles in their natural habitat – all while contributing to the preservation of marine ecosystems.

The cost of the ticket starts at $32. The program includes the following things:

• Use of snorkelling equipment;
• Bottled water;
• Photos (GoPro camera);
• Snorkel guide;
• Beach Club;
• Audio Bluetooth.

The duration of the event is 1 hour 30 minutes. The guide is English-speaking.

Try Salsa Cooking Lessons

Adventurers who want to learn to make authentic Mexican salsas and guacamole, drink margaritas, and figure out how to dance salsa on the beach should sign up for a local tour. The duration of the event is 4 hours and the ticket price starts from $80 per adult. The program includes:

• Use of snorkelling equipment;
• 2 hours of open bar;
• Guacamole & Sauces class;
• Full use of Ibiza Sunset Beach Club facilities;
• English-speaking certified cooking chef.

When your time runs out, you can choose to head back to your ship or remain at the Beach Club to enjoy an extended stay in this tropical haven.

Get Ready for a Dolphin Discovery

Dolphin Discovery, located along the coast of Mahahual, offers an ideal setting for an unforgettable journey. With its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, you can enjoy exciting experiences, such as swimming with dolphins and discovering nearby Mayan archaeological sites. View the top offers of Dolphin Discovery.

Relax at Yaya Beach Club

Discover Costa Maya’s newest beach club, ideally situated in the heart of Mahahual Village along the vibrant boardwalk. You can relax on plush beach chairs and beds, sway gently on water hammocks, or enjoy refreshing beverages at the fully equipped bar at Yaya Beach. Some of the cocktails travellers can order there include:

• Bianca Aurora;
• Yaya Spritz;
• Chilly Wave;
• Mezcal Real;
• Caribbean Dream;
• Jamaican Roller Coaster.

Experience Mayan Healing Rituals

Experience the traditions of Costa Maya through a Temazcal ceremony, an ancient ritual deeply intertwined with Mayan culture.  Step into the traditional sweat lodge, or temazcal, and embark on a profound spiritual journey guided by an experienced shaman. The Temazcal ceremony includes a series of purifying rituals designed to cleanse the body, mind, and spirit. This ritual lasts an hour. This activity consists of five steps:

• Mayan bath;
• Temazcal;
• Clay ritual;
• Coconut bath;
• Mystical hammock massage.

Check Out Fuerte de San Felipe de Bacalar

Explore the historic Fuerte de San Felipe de Bacalar, a Spanish fortress located in the picturesque town of Bacalar, Mexico. Constructed in 1733, this structure was built to defend the coast against pirate invasions. Designed by Italian architect Juan Podio, the fort features a distinctive four-pointed star layout, symbolizing the saints Santa Ana, San Arturo, Santa Maria, and San Joaquin.

This location is open daily except Monday with an entrance fee the equivalent of $2 per person. Visiting the fort and taking in the views won’t take more than 30 minutes.

Enjoy a Massage on the Beach

Add a spa centre to the list of things to do in Costa Maya to take care of your health. Enjoying a soothing massage at one of the beach clubs is an excellent way to relax and treat yourself while staying budget-friendly. Here are some spa centres you can visit when you arrive in Costa Maya:

• Costa Maya Wellness and Spa;
• Spa Tucan;
• Vida Bonita Spa;
• Zihi Mahahual;
• Dalia’s Massage.

View the Aldea Mahahua Cultural Show

A short bus ride from the port takes you to the entertainment complex, perfect for a memorable shore excursion. The visit begins with a Mayan welcome ceremony, showcasing enchanting chants and dances. The main event features four traditional Mexican dances, each representing a different region of the country.

For $72, adventurers can also join the Aldea Mahahua: Journey through Mexican Folklore tour. The price for the child is set at $62. The ticket includes:

• Mexican lunch: tostadas, tamal and empanadas;
• Welcome drink;
• Chaya water tasting;
• Flavoured margarita;
• Tequila tasting.

You may also be interested in our article: The Best Countries to Go in Europe: Your Next Destination

Take a Tour of the Kakaw Chocolate Factory

Join an exciting journey through the Kakaw Chocolate Factory in Costa Maya and discover the world of cacao beans and chocolate. This tour offers an unforgettable experience, allowing you to savour Mexico’s finest sweet treats while learning about the region’s rich cocoa history and traditional chocolate-making methods.

The tour is $40 per person. The location is only open from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Tours are between 90 – 120 minutes. The ticket includes the following activities:

• Find out the history of cacao;
• Learn about cacao in the world nowadays;
• Hear an explanation about the chocolate-making process;
• Discover and taste the Mayan drink made in a traditional way in front of you with cacao beans and the original ingredients;
• View chocolate-making kitchens through windows;
• Make your own chocolate Mexican disc from scratch;
• Receive Kaokao’s several chocolate samples.

Visit the La Consentida Tequila Museum

Take a leisurely stroll through the La Consentida Tequila Museum in Costa Maya and uncover the fascinating history of this iconic liquor. See the tequila production process, which begins with its three key ingredients: yeast, water, and agave plants. The guides also treat you to some good mariachi music.

Chill at El Tarro Rooftop Bar

Perched on the 4th floor of the Matan Ka’an Hotel, El Tarro’s rooftop bar offers breathtaking ocean views, making it an ideal location to enjoy a sunset. The hotel, designed in a Mediterranean style, boasts a spacious, inviting pool and a rooftop jacuzzi, giving guests plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind.

Whether you’re soaking in panoramic vistas, sipping refreshing drinks, or enjoying the calming waters, the El Tarro rooftop bar at the Matan Ka’an Hotel provides an exceptional and memorable experience.

YouTube Video About Things to Do in Costa Maya

For those who want to add even more activities to their lists of things to do in Costa Maya, we recommend watching a video from the Better Travelled channel. Figure out interesting facts about Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Dune Buggy, Aviarius, and other locations.

Concluding Remarks on Things to Do in Costa Maya

Our list of 12 things to do in Costa Maya has probably left you daydreaming about Mexican tequila tastings, Mayan ruins, and dips in the warm Caribbean Sea. Book a trip to this wonderful destination and experience the ultimate joy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Costa Maya