Introduction to Mahahual
The Caribbean coast of Mexico is a dream for many with splashing waves, day trips to local islands, incredible cenotes, great snorkeling, opportunities to swim with sea turtles, beautiful hotels and beachside restaurants that beckon with ice cold drinks and flavorful dishes.
While Cancun, Cozumel and Playa del Carmen may be some of the more well known options in the Riviera Maya, there are plenty of other great destinations to visit as well such as Mahahual, a small seaside town that offers white sand beaches, turquoise waters and relaxation .
In fact, over the years, Mahahual has grown into a more noticeable vacation destination due to the large amount of cruise ships that frequently visit the area during season.
However, when the cruise ships and their passengers have all sailed away, the town once again morphs into the magical and quiet little beach town that most travelers have come to know and love.
Beach lovers flock to this town for two reasons, firstly the white sand beaches perfect for lying down and doing absolutely nothing but soaking up the rays.
Secondly, the sea which offers the exact opposite with fun adventurous water sports to enjoy every single day.
Some of these include snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, fishing, spear fishing, kite surfing and more.
Particularly notable is the Meso American Reef just a few hundred feet off shore.
This reef is known as the 2nd longest barrier reef in the world and offers a large selection of fish and other marine life to enjoy, meaning you’ll want to bring some sort of underwater camera with you.
Aside from the area’s beautiful beaches and fun water activities, you’ll find that there are several Mayan ruins close enough for a day trip.
These ruins include the Chacchoben, Kohunlich, Ichkabal
Before You Go: Travel Insurance
When planning a trip to Mexico your first priority should be to make sure you make a small investment towards your health and well being by considering an affordable travel insurance policy for your trip.
Not only will this budget friendly travel insurance policy cover you if your bags are lost/stolen and if your flight is delayed/cancelled, but you’ll also be covered for all medical and injury related issues as well.
Let’s face it. No parents, family or friends want to have to cover the cost of you getting medevaced home from Greece.
Unfortunate things do happen.
Especially when you least expect it.
Do yourself a favor and consider purchasing travel insurance coverage for your trip so you can rest assured that you’ll be taken care of in the event of a serious emergency in Mexico.
P.S. You won’t believe how reasonably priced this travel insurance is.
Getting There
Flights:
Unfortunately or fortunately (depending on how you look at it) you cannot fly directly to Mahahual.
Mahahual is a little bit off the beaten track which means it takes longer to get to than most destinations in the Riviera Maya.
That being said, if you want to find beautiful beaches with a low key vibe then Mahahual is well worth the ride.
Firstly, if you’re flying in to Mexico you will need to purchase your flights to Cancun International Airport.
If you’re looking to score the best flight deals to Mexico then I suggest you check out these two tools below.
I use these two sites in conjunction with each other to plan all of my travels.
Ready to price out some flights to Cancun? If so, Begin your flight search by using the Skyscanner engine embedded below.
By Car:
Having a rental car means you’ll be able to make the journey to Mahahual on your own time with freedom to make stops at any point along the way.
It’s also nice to not have to adhere to a limited bus schedule when traveling to/from Mahahual.
By Bus:
Buses to Mahahual are available from Cancun (this blog explains it well), Playa del Carmen (from the Main ADO Bus Terminal) and Tulum.
The ADO buses are modern and very comfortable so you don’t have to worry about hopping on an old style chicken bus like you would in most parts of Central America.
For more information on bus routes, click here.
When to Visit
Depending on what you’re looking for, you’ll find that some parts of the year are better for a visit than others.
If you’re seeking lower prices then you’ll want to visit Mahahual during the summer months when there are fewer tourists in the area.
Because of this however, you may find that some restaurants and shops close up for the season.
Winter and early spring however, serve as your high season, meaning more people and higher nightly hotel rates.
This is because the weather is slightly more in your favor and the danger of hurricanes is long gone.
For more information on the climate and average temperature in Mahahual, click here.
Where to Stay
There are lots of great accommodations in Mahahaul, which in turn help to make a visit here even that much more appealing.
Airbnb Recommendations
A Place with Nature- 2 Bed / 1 Bath
House Close to the Sea – 2 Bed / 1 Bath
Casa Mar y Sol 2 – 1 Bed / 1 Bath
Caracol Suite – 1 Bed / 1 Bath
Casa Amigos – 3 Bed / 1 Bath
Beachfront Condo – 2 Bed / 2 Bath
Lux Apartment Sea Sight – 2 Bed / 2 Bath
Beachfront, Ocean View Condo – 2 Bed / 2 Bath
Some of the better accommodation options include:
A beautiful tropical resort brimming with beach hammocks and more, the Blue Kay Mahahual is a fantastic choice for those who love not only the beach, but a bit of adventure as well.
Here guests will be treated to bungalow styled rooms with private decks and shared bathrooms (except for the family room), camping opportunities and a hostel.
On-site is also a bar and restaurant that directly faces the sea and fantastic water activities including snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking and kite surfing.
Note: I have personally stayed at Blue Kay and can vouch that it’s a great spot for budget travelers.
A favorite in the area, this resort is nestled between a lush rainforest and a private white sand beach, offering the best of both worlds.
Along with the fantastic nature surrounding the resort, guests will find themselves privy to rooms with sea views, an
If you’re obsessed with what lies under the sea surface, you’ll love that this resort is situated right next to the Puerto Angel diving site, which is a perfect depth for snorkeling.
Another eco-friendly beach resort, this one caters with bungalows offering a furnished patio and a rooftop sun terrace that offers up some pretty impressive sea views.
In addition you’ll find a bar and restaurant on-site and free Wi-Fi when you sit at the bar. Another plus? They’re pet friendly!
Booking.comWhere to Eat
Whether you’re a breakfast person or prefer to skip it and have a larger meal with a cocktail for lunch, you’ll find lots of great food options to choose from in Mahahual.
A great option for both cruise ship passengers and those staying in the area longer, this restaurant offers beachside dishes that aim to impress.
Here you’ll find a rather large selection of plates to choose from as well ranging from Mexican to American to
You’ll also find that you can sit down for a meal
Another great beachfront option, this restaurant is built for those who love colorful dishes and large portions.
Here you’ll find Mexican and Latin cuisine served with a side of delicious seafood.
Because of the types of dishes served, this option is better for those seeking a nice sized lunch or dinner.
If you’re looking for a drink to help cool you down, make sure to order one of their
Café Colonial
A great café for breakfast sandwiches and more, Café Colonial is your go to option for just about anything bakery related.
Even if you don’t have much of a sweet tooth, you’ll find lots to choose from including scrambled eggs with Mexican sausage.
Also, don’t forget to order a freshly brewed cup of coffee to help you start your day.
The Wrap Up
With beautiful white sand beaches, tropical waters and a plethora of great dining, accommodation and tour options, you really can’t go wrong with a visit to Mahahual.
Here you’ll find yourself making fast friends with both the locals and other visitors alike, so remember to pull up a chair, order a drink and smile because you’re now in paradise.
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We have been to Mexico, at this point, 33 times, but never to Mahahual. Most of our trips have been to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and the Riviera Maya. We have two booked now: March and May 2017. We have been wanting to get down to check out Mahahual for a day trip first (from Playa). Thanks for the info!
Ah, you must get to Mahahual one of these days. It’s a little far out but well worth the trip for a night or two. If you hit it on a day when the cruise ships are not in town it’s even more tranquil. Looking forward to meeting you guys soon!
Great article! I’m staying at Blue Kay and you are totally right, now I’m looking for a kayak or a trip to the reef but low cost, can you tell me some tours? I’m returning to chetumal on Wednesday. Thanks :)
Looking to spend a few weeks ( maybe 3), is there enough to do in this area?
Thank you
Hi Maureen — I wouldn’t say there’s that much to do in the area for the amount of time. I would recommend a week or less and to explore other parts of the Caribbean coastline. Try Bacalar, Riviera Maya, etc.
Nice articles looking to move any ideas on cargo household items by freight from boston? Where do I start. Help. Thanks
No. Unfortunately, I do not. Your best bet would be to ask in the Tulum Expats Facebook groups.
Hi. Is Mahahual a good place to visit with kids? Is it okay to visit 3 days Bacalar and 3 Mahahual?