The Best Costa Maya Excursions

 Costa Maya is a cruise and beach destination on the Caribbean coast of southeastern Mexico, near the border with Belize. It is known for clear turquoise water, coral reefs, Mayan history, and relaxed coastal villages. The main cruise port serves travelers visiting the nearby town of Mahahual, a small beach community with restaurants, shops, and waterfront activities.

Tourists visit Costa Maya for snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, beach clubs, and excursions to ancient Mayan ruins such as Chacchoben and Kohunlich. The region is also close to part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, one of the world’s largest coral reef systems.

The area has a warm tropical climate year-round, with the driest and most popular travel season typically running from late fall through spring. Visitors often enjoy local Mexican seafood, handmade crafts, cultural performances, and outdoor adventures such as kayaking and zip-lining.

Costa Maya is considered a quieter alternative to larger Mexican resort destinations, making it appealing for travelers looking for a more laid-back Caribbean experience.

Clickhere for a full list of all of these excursions. Or click the title of the excursion below. This will give you more information about the excursion. If you book through this link, Trips with Angie will get a small commission and a copy of your booking. If you’ve booked your cruise through Trips with Angie, we can double check the timing and add it to your itinerary.

Want to check out the Mayan Ruins?
Meet your driver at the port of Costa Maya and begin your archeological odyssey to the ruins of Chacchoben. Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned minivan, sipping complimentary bottled water for the journey until you reach your intriguing destination in the heart of the verdant jungle. This Costa Maya Shore Excursion: Chacchoben Day Trip tour is perfect for cruise passengers who have limited time in port but would like to visit some Mayan Ruins.

Ready to explore the jungle?

Check out the ATV Adventure & Beach Break - Costa Maya tour.  Drive your ATV along nature trails, unspoiled beaches and waterfront paths, enjoying spectacular views and the sea breeze. Our local guide will take you through unique landscapes, combining adrenaline with the charm of the Mexican Caribbean. You will have the opportunity to stop for unforgettable photos and to know special corners that only locals know. This experience is perfect for those looking for fun, nature and adventure in one tour.

Would you like to learn to cook some traditional Mexican food?

Master the secrets of the comal and traditional Al Pastor marinade with the Caribbean Sea as your backdrop with this Authentic Beachfront Mexican Cooking Class. Afterward, skip the crowds and use our secure lockers and 150Mbps Wi-Fi to enjoy an stress-free day of swimming and shopping on the Mahahual boardwalk. The meeting spot for this tour is about a 5 minute taxi ride from the port.

Want to spend some time on or in the water?

Kayak in the Mangroves forest exploring a unique and pristine ecosystem. During this experience learn about the local flora and fauna.  Tour pickup from the port is included.

Discover the wealth of flora and fauna in the Great Mesoamerican Reef, the world’s second-largest coral reef system with this 3 Hour Costa Maya Snorkeling Excursion. Visit three snorkeling sites for the chance to encounter hundreds of vibrant tropical fish, including damselfish, puffers and stoplight parrotfish–and maybe even some sea turtles. Spend time relaxing on the white, sandy beach in Mahahual afterwards or opt for more time in the pristine turquoise sea on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard.

Try out scuba diving with this Discover Scuba Diving course in Mahahual. Learn the basics of theory and technique, test out your new skills in a series of exercises in shallow water, then enjoy a dive in open water accompanied a dive instructor. No experience necessary, all the equipment you need is provided. The meeting point for this tour is about a 12 minute taxi ride from the port.

Enjoy a hassle-free scuba diving experience in the clear waters off Costa Maya with this small-group diving tour from Mahahual for certified divers. Experience two dives around the Mahahual reef from the boat, with a choice of five dive sites, and relax during the surface interval at the beach. All equipment provided. The meeting point for this tour is about a 10 minute taxi ride from the port.

How about a day at the beach?

If you are just looking to get away from noise and crowds while connecting with the ocean and Mother Nature or if you are planning to turn your Costa Maya Beach Break into a relaxing day at the beach on a very private beach shack this Half Day Private Costa Maya Beach Break is for you. This tour can accommodate up to 4 people. Transportation from the port is included.

Discover the beauty of Costa Maya with an All-Included Beach Break tour, perfect for cruise guests seeking a serene beach experience in Mahahual. Relax on the stunning shores of the Caribbean Sea, and enjoy an array of amenities designed for your comfort. A full open bar with a variety of refreshing drinks, including local tequila and Mexican beer is offered. Savor a range of delicious lunch options, from authentic ceviche and tacos to an assortment of seafood dishes, complemented by vegetarian choices. Transportation is included from the port.

The Bacalar Lagoon was once a haven for Caribbean pirates but has become one of the Yucatan's most beautiful places to visit. Join a small group and take a guided tour from Costa Maya to the 7-colored lagoon for a day of swimming and exploring. Transportation is included to and from the port.

What about a combo tour?

Can’t decide between a day at the beach and a visit to some ancient Mayan Ruins?  Then Chacchoben Mayan City and Bacalar Combo Adventure may be just for you! Just a short one hour ride away from the cruise port. Start your adventure in one of the least explored archeological sites in the Maya Zone that date back to 200 BC. and let yourself be surprised by the incredible monuments, flora and fauna that the jungle has to offer you. After visiting the jungle and the Mayan city of Chacchoben, we will go to the Bacalar lagoon, a famous haven for pirates, where you can relax, swim or enjoy a kayak ride in the refreshing waters of the seven-color lagoon.

Looking for some relaxation by the ocean?

Indulge in a luxurious oceanfront massage experience designed to relax your body and elevate your senses. This Maha Massage Oceanfront Massage Experience in Costa Maya Mahahual is set directly by the sea, this premium treatment combines professional techniques, high-quality natural oils, and the soothing sound of the waves. This tour is about a 12 minute taxi ride from the port.