Costa Maya
Turquoise, coral & soft white sand
In the lesser-known region of the Mayan Riviera—with its rich history, quaint beaches, and blue lagoon cenotes—towns like Mahahual and Xcalak make Costa Maya the Mexican port you didn’t know you needed.
Raw and less-curated than other ports in the region, beach towns Mahahual and Xcalak give you a glimpse into a somewhat undisturbed side of the Yucatán Peninsula—often feeling like Tulum before it became Tu-lum. Drenched with reminders (and ruins) of the Mayan history that built the region, exploring the area feels like a study in contrasts—a dynamic balance of who it was and what it’s becoming.
Discovering the Yucatán Peninsula
The history. The geography. The culture.
Glass Bottom Boat and Snorkel Tour
Snorkel the coral reefs via glass-bottom boat
Chacchoben Tour & Uchbenkah Lagoon Lunch
Chacchoben tour and lunch at Uchbenkah Lagoon
Mayan Wellness Retreat with a Xaman
Relax at a 6-part Mayan holistic experience
Glass Bottom Boat and Snorkel Tour
Board your glass-bottom boat and glide out over the iridescent waters of the Caribbean—taking in the views of the colorful coral reef formations and tropical fish below. Once anchored, you’ll follow your guide into the water on a snorkeling tour of the reefs and marine life below. The small group size ensures you can relax and explore the underwater world with access to personal attention when needed.
Chacchoben Tour & Uchbenkah Lagoon Lunch
On this tour, you’ll head to the nearby Chacchoben Mayan ruins (known as “The place of Red Corn” for its red stucco walls), which house a mural showing the astronomical position of Venus. You’ll have time to climb the Gran Basamento—taking you above tree level—where archaeologists found ceremonial offerings dating back to 1,000 B.C.
Mayan Wellness Retreat with a Xaman
Take part in a revitalizing and cleansing day at this Mayan wellness retreat. A Xaman will lead you through the process in a unique ceremony with 6 steps including—copal cleansing, purifying massages, clay rituals, coconut baths and a mystical hammock massage.
Clear-Bottom Kayak and Beach Escape
Costa Maya
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Sustainable Tours
This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.
Head to the beaches of the Mayan fishing village, Mahahual, where your guide will help you climb aboard your clear, two-seat kayak. As you paddle away from the scenic tropical shoreline and along the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, you’ll observe a wide array of marine life thriving just beneath the surface. Next, you’ll head back to the white sands of the beach club for a dip in the sea, shopping at nearby stores, or enjoying some refreshing fruit and an ice-cold beer.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Hop aboard a clear, two-seat kayak
- Guided kayak tour along tropical shoreline
- Relax at a beach club and enjoy a fruit plate and a cold beer
- Following your tour, you will be transferred back to the pier and ship
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- Sailors should consider their physical fitness level and medical history when determining whether this Shore Thing is appropriate
- Includes adult beverages
- Includes light bites
- This Shore Thing is weather dependent
- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources forbids the use of chemical sun protection if entering the water
- Only UV protective clothing (rash guard) or biodegradable sun protection are permitted in an effort to protect our oceans and lagoons
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Uchbenkah Lagoon & Grilled Lunch
Costa Maya
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Sustainable Tours
This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.
Start your journey on a scenic ride to a remote corner of the Caribbean. Upon arrival, explore the secluded Uchbenkah Lagoon — a formation created from the neighboring freshwater cenotes and underground rivers. Take a dip in the fresh Mexican waters while checking out the mangroves — home to endemic fish, birds, and other species. If (or rather, when) you get hungry, the staff will prepare a grilled lunch and shake up margaritas on the rocks plus other beverage faves with your open bar access.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- A friendly staff will tend to you while you enjoy a delicious grilled lunch and a margarita on the rocks
- Relax, explore and swim at the secluded Uchbenkah Jungle Retreat, home to the blue lagoon and magnificent mangroves filled with wildlife
- Travel to Uchbenkah — the beginning of the Seven Colors Bacalar Lagoon
- A narrated scenic drive through Costa Maya’s jungle
- The drive to Uchbenkah Eco Park is approximately 1 hour
- Kayaks are included but on a first-come, first-served basis
- Lunch is included
- Gratuities are included
- This Shore Thing is wheelchair accessible for collapsible wheelchairs, as well as Sailors who can navigate a few steps on their own
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Bacalar Seven Colors Lagoon
Costa Maya
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Sustainable Tours
This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.
Hop on a boat ride through the famous Bacalar (aka Seven Colors) Lagoon—where the crystal-clear waters and white limestone bottom cause the water to morph into varying shades of turquoise, cobalt blue and deep indigo. You’ll visit two technicolor cenotes—La Isla de los Pájaros and El Canal de Piratas—and learn about the real pirates of the Caribbean who once cruised these waters. Wrap up this colorful day by tasting some local Mexican food.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Narrated scenic drive to Bacalar (aka Seven Colors) Lagoon
- Boat ride through the Seven Colors Lagoon
- Visit two cenotes—La Isla de los Pájaros and El Canal de Piratas
- Learn about the real Pirates of the Caribbean and finish the day tasting some local food
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- This Shore Thing is not suitable for pregnant Sailors
- This Shore Thing is not advisable for Sailors over 250 lbs
- Approximately 1.5 hour drive to/from Bacalar
- Sailors prone to motion sickness should take precautions prior to this Shore Thing
- Seaweed may be present near the beach due to wind and/or sea conditions
- Please keep in mind that the lagoon's tones of blue are weather/season dependent
- Lunch is included
- This Shore Thing is weather dependent
- Gratuities are included
- This Shore Thing does not operate on Wednesdays — the Scenic Raft Experience is recommended as an alternative
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
4x4 Off-Roading and Beach Adventure
Costa Maya
Caravan through the quiet fishing village of Mahahual in a 4x4 Jeep—heading into the mangroves on a bumpy, off-road adventure. Encountering endless stretches of mangroves and beaches—you get to see a side of the Caribbean that most tourists never will. After an hour drive down the coastline, you’ll arrive at Explora Beach, where the white powder sand and isolated atmosphere make for a perfect spot to relax and savor a Mexican lunch prepared especially for you.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Drive a 4 x 4 Jeep through the lush mangroves and caravan through the fishing village of Mahahual
- Arrive at the secluded Explora Beach and enjoy a Mexican lunch made especially for you
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- This Shore Thing is not suitable for pregnant Sailors
- Sailors should consider their physical fitness level and medical history when determining whether this Shore Thing is appropriate
- Sailors must bring a valid driver's license
- Lunch and refreshments are included
- This Shore Thing is weather dependent
- Each vehicle fits up to 4 Sailors — this is a great opportunity to make new BFFs if you're paired with Sailors from different cabins
- Sailors must know how to drive a manual transmission vehicle (stick shift) — if you cannot, a driver will be assigned
- Sailors should wear a swimsuit and bring a towel should they wish to go swimming
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Kohunlich Mayan Ruin Expedition
Costa Maya
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Sustainable Tours
This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.
With a guide in tow, this tour allows for a more extensive look at the famous, multileveled Mayan ruin best known for its Temple of the Masks. The park-like setting includes a sunken palace, a fortress, a ball court and courtyards. But the main attraction? That would be the masks. Like the 90s film… but thousands of years ago. Climb the pyramid-like temple to get a better view of the unique, 10-ft. high sculpted masks of the Sun God Kinich Ahau that run up and down each side of the stairways.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- A narrated drive to the Kohunlich ruins for a 2 ½-hour tour
- Extensive exploration of the recently excavated and multileveled site
- See and learn about the 10-foot-high sculpted masks
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- This Shore Thing is not suitable for pregnant Sailors
- Approximately 2 hour drive to/from ruins
- Sailors taking photo/video in any format (cellphone, camera, tablet, etc) are charged a government fee of USD $10 (cash), which is payable at the site
- Sailors must be able to walk approximately 10 minutes to/from the parking lot to the entrance of the ruins
- Includes light bites and refreshments
- Sailors should bring bug spray/insect repellent as there are a lot of mosquitos in the area
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Okay, but what is a cenote? A natural well formed by the collapse of limestone — exposing water below.
Shore Excursions
Stray (far off) the course
For the especially curious, hop into your Jeep and caravan through the quiet fishing village of Mahahual for an off-roading excursion through Costa Maya — the less expected way to navigate the jungle, beaches and unexplored parts of the region.
DISCOVER MORE SHORE THINGS
Leaving the region, it’s clear you’ve parted with a place whose identity is rooted in duality—a place aware of the lure of it’s natural beauty and eager to celebrate it, but also managing to preserve the cultural and environmental sanctity it has sustained for so long.
For a country whose tourism is tied to famous destinations like Cancun, you can’t help but leave feeling like you’ve found a secret spot. It’s not true, of course—but in the quiet, sleepy moments on the beach savoring fresh ceviche—it might as well be.
