Costa Maya · Mexico
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.
225 experiences Free cancellation Top-rated tours Instant booking
Costa Maya
Costa Maya, snorkeling on the reef with fish, looking for turtles
from$30/ person
via Viator
Costa Maya
Chacchoben Mayan Ruins with Local Experience Costa Maya Excursion
from$80/ person
via Viator
Costa Maya
Authentic Beachfront Mexican Cooking Class Cafe Jaguar Costa Maya
from$79/ person
via Viator
Costa Maya
Two tanks local diving for certified divers, SCUBA gear included
from$100/ person
via Viator
Browse
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.
What to see
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.
25 toursView tours
Bacalar Lagoon
Seven colours.
20 toursView tours
Mahahual Beach
Beach break.
15 toursView tours
Coral Reef
Snorkeling.
20 toursView tours
Jungle Trails
ATV & buggy.
15 toursView tours
Cenotes
Swim & tequila.
15 toursView tours
Reef Diving
Fishing & diving.
15 toursView tours
Catamaran
Sail & dolphins.
15 toursView tours
Inland awayChacchoben
Mayan ruins.
from €55View trips
South awayBacalar
Seven colours.
from €70View trips
Near awayMahahual
Beach break.
from €40View trips
Offshore awayCoral Reef
Snorkeling.
from €45View trips
Near awayJungle Trails
ATV & buggy.
from €55View trips
Inland awayCenotes
Swim & tequila.
from €50View trips
Practical guide
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.
When to visit
Costa Maya through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
Dry (Dec–Apr)
Dec–Apr
- Best for
- Sea & ruins.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Peak.
Early green (May–Jul)
May–Jul
- Best for
- Warm & quiet.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Showers.
Storm watch (Aug–Oct)
Aug–Oct
- Best for
- Value.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Storm risk.
Late green (Nov)
Nov
- Best for
- Fresh & quiet.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Clearing.
People also ask
Costa Maya travel FAQ
What are the best tours in Costa Maya?
The highest-rated experiences are the Chacchoben Mayan ruins, Bacalar Lagoon, a beach break, and reef snorkeling.
What should I book in advance in Costa Maya?
Reserve Chacchoben, Bacalar and beach break tours ahead, especially on cruise days.
How many days do I need in Costa Maya?
One day covers a highlight, and two to three let you add Bacalar and the reefs.
Is Costa Maya worth visiting?
Yes — it blends Mayan ruins, a stunning lagoon, reefs and beaches.
When is the best time to visit Costa Maya?
December to April offers the sunniest, driest weather.
What is Chacchoben?
The largest Mayan archaeological site near Costa Maya, set in jungle.
Is Costa Maya good for families?
Yes — the beaches, reefs and ruins make it great for families.
225 Costa Maya experiencesfrom €30 · free cancellation
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