FAQs
A list of your Frequently Asked Questions about Mahahual and Costa Maya.
What is Costa Maya, and where is it located?
Answer: Costa Maya is the Caribbean coastal region in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico, south of the Riviera Maya and north of the border with Belize. It is also the name of the cruise port area located in the small village of Mahahual. The Costa Maya cruise port (Puerto Costa Maya) is located about 85 miles (140 km) south of Cozumel, and is planned to become the new Perfect Day Mexico by Royal Caribbean.
What is Mahahual known for?
.Answer: The town of Mahahual is known for its beaches right alongside the boardwalk, it’s amazing coral reefs within 200 meters of the coast, activities such as snorkeling, fishing (with La Leyenda ECO-TOURS of course!) and diving.
What was once a small fishing village became focused on cruise ship tourism when Puerto Costa Maya was opened in 2001. It is also known for its proximity to Banco Chinchorro, an atoll island and bio-reserve about 30 miles (50 km) off the coast.
What can I do in Mahahual?
Answer: There are several things to do on a visit to Mahahual. There are a variety of hotels, restaurants, and beach clubs to choose from and an overall laid-back vibe. You can take a walk down the boardwalk starting at the lighthouse, with the advantage of looking out over the Caribbean sea the whole time.
The coral reef in Mahahual is a must-visit. It offers the rare opportunity of being able to experience a coral reef easily, safely and without significant time dedication. Aquatic activities such as snorkeling, fishing and diving are a great way to spend the day or a just a couple of hours.
When is the best time to visit Costa Maya and Mahahual?
Answer: In general, the best time to visit Mahahual and Costa Maya is during the dry season, from November to May. This period offers pleasant temperatures, less rain, excellent visibility for snorkeling and diving, and basically NO sargassum.
The summer months (June-August) can be hotter and more humid, however fishing can be more active with higher probabilities of catching mahi mahi. A huge problem during the summer can be the dreaded sargassum. 2025 has been a record year for sargassum so the summer months often had muddied waters.
Hurricane season (June-November) can bring more unpredictable weather, however it also brings fewer cruise ships. If you’re looking for a quieter, less populated Mahahual and plan to visit by land, this could be the time for you.
If we had to choose one month of the year to visit, we would go with November. There is no sargassum, the temperatures are cooling off, there is usually less rain, it’s the end of hurricane season, and it’s right before high season begins.
Is it safe to visit Mahahual and Costa Maya?
Answer: Yes, Mahahual and Costa Maya are generally considered very safe for tourists. The area has a low crime rate, and local businesses are accustomed to tourists, especially cruise passengers. However, like in any tourist destination, it’s important to exercise general safety precautions, such as keeping an eye on personal belongings and being cautious when venturing into more remote areas. Also, use trusted and recommended service providers. Reviews tend to speak volumes.
How can I get to La Leyenda ECO-TOURS?
Answer: Almost everyone who arrives to downtown Mahahual from the cruise port arrives by taxi, rentable golf carts, or by a 45 minute walk. We always recommend to our travelers to take a taxi from the port, which is the most common. Mahahual is very small, so the ride is short, and taxis charge 5USD per person. The current condition of the roads in Mahahual slow traffic down a bit, so it takes around 10 minutes to reach us at La Leyenda ECO TOURS.
What can be tricky is getting out of the Costa Maya cruise terminal, so give yourself some time to have to wind through the labryinth of shops to do so.
Taking a taxi in Mahahual is perfectly safe, but take note of your taxi number in case you forget something! It has happened before to our guests, but fortunately everyone has been able to recover left items (even without noting the taxi number).
What happens if there is bad weather?
Answer: If the harbor master declares weather and sea conditions are too unfavorable to be able to realize aquatic activities, we will provide a 100% refund if rescheduling is not possible.
What happens if my ship is rerouted or doesn’t dock?
Answer: If your ship doesn’t dock, we are happy to provide a 100% refund. We will also look forward to your next visit!
Is it guaranteed we will be able to get back to port on time?
Answer: Yes! If you book an experience with La Leyenda ECO TOURS, we guarantee you will be back to our meeting point with plenty of time to have a comfortable return to the Costa Maya cruise terminal.
What is Eco Tourism?
Answer: Very simply, eco tourism emphasizes responsible, low-impact tourism with a focus on the environment, sustainability and the promoting the local community. Check out our article on What is Eco Tourism if you’d like to know more!