The Ultimate Mahahual Mexico Travel Guide for 2024

Do you want to visit Mahahual Mexico? You’ve come to the right guide!

As a travel blogger that lives in nearby Playa del Carmen, I’ve personally visited the beach town of Mahahual as a relaxing getaway from the Riviera Maya.

With sandy beaches, shallow waters, and a colorful beachfront boardwalk, this less well-known beach town is the perfect place to unwind.

In this post, I’m sharing everything you need to know about visiting Mahahual including how to get there, where to stay, top things to do, best restaurants, and tips for visiting. 

Read on for my ultimate Mahahual Mexico travel guide!

Mahahual is a small beach town located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico, about 3.5 hours south of Playa del Carmen in the state of Quintana Roo.

This tiny coastal town is situated on the Costa Maya, which is a small tourist region and popular cruise ship destination.

Mahahual Mexico Map

Mahahual is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a low-key and relaxing getaway while visiting Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula.

Originally a small fishing village, the town is home to tranquil Mexican Caribbean beaches and impressive coral reefs for snorkeling or scuba diving.

Mahahual is much smaller and quieter than nearby tourist towns like Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Cancun, making it the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of Riviera Maya. Plus, prices in Mahahual are much more reasonable!

The town itself is small and charming, with many colorful restaurants, bars, and beach clubs along the beautiful beachfront malecón (boardwalk) and pedestrian walkway.

Mahahual Mexico is best known as a cruise ship destination with Caribbean beaches, crystal clear waters, and a laid-back atmosphere.

With impressive coral reefs right off the shore, Mahahual also attracts scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts from all over the world.

Before visiting Mahahual, it’s important to know what the town is like. This small coastal strip is very different from other popular destinations like Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Cancun mainly because it is so much smaller.

There’s no big nightlife scene in Mahahual – instead, you’ll find a strip of shops and restaurants along the malecón (boardwalk) and many relaxing Mahahual beach clubs to spend your days at.

At the start of the boardwalk, you’ll also find the signature Mahahual lighthouse (Faro de Mahahual) and the colorful Mahahual letters.

The town primarily caters to cruise ship visitors with many commercialized attractions, souvenir stalls, and colorful photo ops.

Operating hours of Mahahual restaurants, shops, and beach clubs align closely with the cruise ship visitors so the town can get pretty quiet and sleepy once the cruise ships depart.

But while Mahahual has become more commercialized from the cruise ship industry in recent years, it’s still a very peaceful and relaxing beach destination.

It’s best suited for those looking for a laid-back and quiet place to relax on the beach with few things to see and do.

I would recommend staying in Mahahual for 2-3 nights. Stay longer if you really want to chill but there are limited restaurants and things to do in Mahahual, so you might find yourself getting bored if you stay for more than a few nights.

I personally combined my road trip to Mahahual with a visit to nearby Bacalar, which offers more in terms of activities and attractions.

The weather in Mahahual is tropical and humid all year round with an average temperature of 86°F (30°C).

The rainy season is from May to October, while the dry season runs from November to April.

Rain and isolated storms are more common during hurricane season, which is from June to November.

The best time to visit Mahahual is during the dry season, which runs from November to April.

During this time, the Mahahual weather is warm and sunny but less humid, making it ideal for spending time on the beach or exploring the town.

However, with warm tropical temperatures all year round, there really isn’t a bad time to visit Mahahual. You may just face occasional rain showers if you visit during the summer months.

The easiest way to get to Mahahual is by driving or renting a car. Driving times from nearby destinations are as follows:

• Cancun to Mahahual: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Playa del Carmen to Mahahual: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Tulum to Mahahual: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Bacalar to to Mahahual: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Chetumal to Mahahual: 1 hour 50 minutes

I drove to Mahahual from Playa del Carmen and the GPS was very straightforward and easy to follow along well-maintained highways and paved roads.

It’s important to fill up with a full tank of gas before leaving as there are few gas stations along the route. You’ll also want to have some cash on hand for toll roads.

Travelista Tip: Make sure to start your GPS navigation before leaving as you will have several periods along the way without cell service.

👉 For a hassle-free experience, book your car through my favorite rental service Discover Cars by clicking here!

There used to be a direct ADO bus from Playa del Carmen to Mahahual however it looks like it is no longer running.

However, there seems to be a regional bus service called Autobuses Caribe that is associated with the ADO bus company but tickets can’t be booked online.

More information can be found on their Facebook page here. I haven’t personally used this service so I’m not sure what the buses are like or how reliable the service is.

Another popular way to get to Mahahual is by cruise! Many popular cruise lines offer stops in Mexico’s Costa Maya, where you can visit Mahahual for the day or signup for a shore excursion.

These are the current Mahahual cruise lines that stop in Costa Maya:

• Azamara Cruises
• Carnival Cruise Line
• Celebrity Cruises
• Disney Cruise Line
• Holland America Line
• Marella Cruises
• MSC Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Oceania Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Regent Seven Seas
• Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
• TUI Cruises
• Virgen Voyages
• Windstar

You can also check the Costa Maya port schedule to see the upcoming cruise schedule.

The closest airport to Mahahual is Chetumal International Airport, which is about 2 hours driving distance.

Some Mahahual hotels offer airport transportation to get to Mahahual from Chetumal, which can be arranged for an additional cost.

Additionally, you could also fly into the new Tulum International Airport, which is about 2.5 hours away.

Here’s a map of the downtown area of Mahahual. The town consists of not much more than a 2 km coastal strip.

Once you get to Mahahual, the town is very small and walkable. If you arrive by rental car, free street parking is available at many of the Mahahual hotels.

For cruise ship visitors, taxis can easily be hailed from the Costa Maya cruise port, which is less than 10 minutes from the main town.

For a little more adventure, you can also rent bikes to ride along the malecón beach road or cruise around town.

These are some of the best places to stay in Mahahual:

Travelista Tip: Choose a hotel on the southern part of the malecón for the best beachfront area away from the seaweed.

I personally stayed at Noah Beach Hotel and would highly recommend it! As one of the newest hotels in Mahahual, it offers modern accommodations and the best beachfront area in Mahahual.

With complimentary beach beds, large hammocks, and cushioned loungers facing clear blue Caribbean waters and shady palm trees, the beachfront area is dreamy! 😍

The accommodations at Noah Beach Hotel are modern and comfortable offering spacious suites and 1 or 2 bedroom apartments.

Travelista Tip: Upgrade to one of the beachfront rooms for a spacious balcony overlooking the entire Mahahual oceanfront and boardwalk.

Noah Beach Hotel is also home to the Malecón 21 restaurant and beach club offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktails.

And the great thing is that they can be enjoyed in the breezy open-air restaurant or directly on the beach. The food there was some of the best I had in Mahahual!

You can read my full Hotel Noah Mahahual review for all the details!

The Aquastar Boutique Hotel is a newer beachfront hotel in Mahahual, offering travelers a more modern experience.

The hotel features an on-site restaurant and bar and an outdoor swimming pool, as well as a garden and sun terrace.

All rooms at the Hotel Aquastar Mahahual are equipped with flat-screen TVs and air conditioning, and certain rooms also have balconies with ocean views.

Hotel Quinto Sole Mahahual is a beachfront property with an excellent location along the malecón.

This Mahahual hotel features spacious Mediterranean-style rooms with private terraces, stunning sea views, and large bathrooms.

Plus, the hotel’s exclusive beach makes it easy to just step out from your private room and spend the day relaxing at the beach.

The Blue Reef Hotel Mahahual is a good option for budget travelers who want to enjoy a beachfront property.

The hotel has a nice rooftop pool with stunning views of the ocean, and the rooms are bright and clean.

The on-site dive shop also makes it a great option for divers. Plus, the happy hour shouldn’t be missed at the on-site restaurant and bar!

As a beautiful beach destination, one of the best things to do in Mahahual is to simply relax at the beach!

Most of the beachfront hotels offer complimentary lounge beds where you can spend the day lounging in the sun or under shady palm trees.

And even if you’re not staying at a beachfront hotel, there are plenty of Mahahual beach clubs to choose from, where you can order food and drinks, and use their lounge beds, swings, or hammocks.

Mahahual beaches are calm and beautiful and the atmosphere is quiet, peaceful, and relaxing. You’ll definitely want to spend some time at the beach during your trip to Mahahual!

Mahahual is a popular destination for diving enthusiasts and offers some of the best scuba diving in Mexico.

With the Meso-American Barrier Reef (the second largest barrier reef in the world) located just off the shore, there is plenty to see when you go diving in Mahahual.

The Mahahual diving features clear waters and a beautiful reef, where you can see marine life such as colorful coral, parrotfish, barracudas, stingrays, and sea turtles.

Or you can book a dive trip to Banco Chinchorro, which is a biosphere reserve and natural atoll reef near Belize.

There are many dive shops in town that can take you out on a dive. Some of the most popular dive shops in Mahahual are Mar Adentro at the Blue Kay Eco Cabanas or Pepe Dive Mahahual at the Blue Reef Hotel.

If you’re not scuba certified, another one of the most popular activities in Mahahual is to go on a snorkeling tour.

The water is crystal clear and there are many different types of marine life to see like colorful corals, tropical fish, and maybe even some sea turtles.

Doctor Dive Mahahual is one of the best tour operators for snorkeling in Mahahual, offering small group snorkeling tours.

You’ll go out on a boat out and snorkel at a depth of 6-12 feet for a more intimate snorkeling excursion away from the crowds.

If you’re looking for souvenirs to bring home from your trip to Mahahual, you’ll find plenty of souvenir shops and stalls along the malecón.

Souvenir vendors sell all sorts of Mexican-themed items, from traditional handicrafts to more modern t-shirts and trinkets.

Prices can vary depending on the item and the shop, so it’s always a good idea to browse around and compare before making a purchase.

Bargaining is also common while shopping in Mahahual Mexico, so don’t be afraid to try your hand at haggling for a better price.

If you’re looking for a great photo opportunity while in Mahahual, be sure to check out the lighthouse!

Located at the start of the malecón, this signature landmark is perfect for snapping a few shots in front of the colorful Mahahual letters.

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to go inside the lighthouse, but it’s definitely still worth a visit!

If you’re looking for a fun and unique activity to do while in Mahahual, Mexico, be sure to go mini golfing at Poco Loco’s!

This small mini golf course is perfect for both kids and adults, and offers a fun alternative to laying at the beach.

With colorful signs and one-of-a-kind obstacles, Poco Loco’s is a fun, inexpensive, and unique place for the whole family.

You’ll definitely have a great time trying to putt your way around this fun mini golf course in Mahahual.

The Mahahual malecón is perfect for a leisurely bike ride if you’re looking for a more active thing to do in Mahahual.

At about 2 km long, the beachfront boardwalk is wide enough for pedestrians and cyclists to share, and there are plenty of places to stop and enjoy the beautiful view.

Bike rentals can be arranged through your hotel or at rental shops on the malecón. The ride is flat, making it an easy and enjoyable way to see the town and get some exercise at the same time!

If you’re looking to relax and rejuvenate while on vacation in Mahahual, a massage is the perfect activity.

There are several masseuses who work on the beach, offering their services for reasonable prices – usually around $30-$40 USD per hour.

No matter which type of massage you prefer, you’ll be able to easily find massage services in beachfront cabanas where you can listen to the ocean and enjoy some pampering.

If you’re interested in exploring some of the region’s Mayan history, a visit to the nearby Chacchoben Mayan Ruins is a great option.

The ruins are located about an hour away from Mahahual, and you can either go on your own or book a guided tour with transportation included.

Either way, you’re sure to be impressed by the size and scope of the site–and since it’s not as well-known as some of the other Mayan ruins, you’ll likely have it all to yourself!

I visited the Chacchoben Ruins after leaving Mahahual on the way to Bacalar and was really impressed by this well-known archaelogical site with large scale pyramids, ancient structures, and wild monkeys swinging from the trees.

If you’re looking for a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the beautiful and calm waters of Mahahual, kayaking is a great option.

You can rent kayaks from many of the Mahahual Mexico hotels and simply paddle out from the beach. The water is typically calm and clear, making for an enjoyable experience.

Located at the Noah Beach Hotel, Malecón 21 is one of the best restaurants in Mahahual offering a mix of Mexican and American cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

I dined here more than once while visiting Mahahual–the food and drinks were really delicious! Breakfast dishes include omelettes, chilaquiles, huevos motuleños, pancakes, eggs benedict, and fresh fruit dishes.

For lunch or dinner, try the ahi tuna poke bowl, hamburger, or Caribe tacos. And top it off with a fresh fruit smoothie or tropical gin cocktail from the beach bar!

Note: If you want to relax on the beach beds, there is a minimum consumption charge if you are not a hotel guest.

Yaya Beach Mahahual is a colorful beachfront restaurant perfect for drinks and spending the day at their beach club.

All inclusive packages are available or you can simply order a la carte from the food and drink menu, which is a little more upscale than your standard beach club fare.

Food items at Yaya Beach include cochinita pibil tacos, premium hamburgers, and avocado fries, as well as seafood dishes like octopus, ceviche, and grilled fish.

Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the fun swings, beach beds, and overwater hammocks at the beach club.

Pitaya is a cute beachfront restaurant and bar with colorful seating. We originally went here at night for drinks and decided to order a burger–it was surprisingly delicious!

Plus, they normally have nightly live music and special promotions throughout the week.

If you’re looking for a hidden gem in Mahahual, be sure to check out La Pancha. This small, local restaurant is tucked away off the malecón, but it’s well worth seeking out.

The tacos and quesadillas here are some of the best in town, and the consome is not to be missed.

Despite being relatively unknown, La Pancha has earned rave reviews from locals and visitors!

Mahahual is pretty quiet at night, with only a few bars offering live music. The Pitaya bar is a good option for drinks and burgers with live music, drink specials, and salsa nights.

You’ll also find many street vendors along the malecón at night selling marquesitas, churros, and crepes that are worth checking out for a taste of local flavor.

Follow these tips to make the most of your time in Mahahual Quintana Roo:

• Be prepared for limited connectivity: The cell service in Mahahual is not the best and while there is wifi at many of the hotels, it can be spotty and unreliable. Be prepared for limited connectivity especially if you are away from public spaces.

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Mahahual Costa Maya:

🚨 Do you need travel insurance for Mexico? Yes! Most insurance plans in your home country will not cover incidents abroad. I recommend using Travel Insurance Master, which is a handy travel insurance marketplace where you can compare policies. Get a FREE quote by clicking here!

So, are you ready to visit Mahahual?! I hope this Mahahual travel guide was helpful if you’re planning a trip to this beautiful and less well-known beach destination in Mexico.

I really enjoyed my time in Mahahual and would recommend it if you’re looking for a relaxing and low key beach getaway.

There’s not a ton of things to do and while it is touristy, the beaches are really beautiful, calm, and relaxing.

Stepping out from your boutique hotel onto a quiet beach is a real treat and something you simply won’t find in other nearby tourist destinations.

And after visiting Mahahual, I would recommend visiting Bacalar, which is a little over an hour drive and offers a stunning seven color lagoon with many more restaurants and attractions.

READ NEXT:

• Best Hotels in Mahahual
• Hotel Noah Mahahual Review
• How to Visit the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins