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Mahahual Malecon

Things to do in Mahahual

Located south of Quintana Roo, within the region known as the Grand Costa Maya, is Mahahual, a picturesque Caribbean town, that remains a hidden gem for many. 

Located less than two hours from the city of Chetumal, this destination is home to incredible beaches with crystal clear waters and gentle waves that make it the perfect place to visit with young children, in addition to being the only cruise port in the southern part of the Mexican Caribbean.

Explore Mahahual 

A perfect afternoon in Mahahual includes a walk along the boardwalk, which stretches a mile long. This stretch boasts restaurants, cafes, ice cream parlors, bars, diving centers, souvenir shops, small rustic-style hotels, beach clubs, and several colorful wooden houses that convey the magical essence of this small fishing village. On the north side of the boardwalk, you will find two fantastic Instagram spots: a lighthouse and the colorful parador of the word "Mahahual."

Enjoy a day at the beach relaxing at one of its beach clubs, contemplating the gentle lapping of the waves while enjoying a refreshing cold coconut and some of the freshest seafood. Suppose you are one of those travelers who seek to be in action at all times. In that case, we recommend you enjoy the beautiful turquoise blue tones of the sea by doing one of the many exciting water activities that this destination offers. You can rent a kayak or paddleboard, or hire a sport fishing tour, since the waters that surround Mahahual and Xcalak are some of the richest in all of Quintana Roo.

Dive In

Mahahual is one of the best destinations in the entire Mexican Caribbean for snorkeling and diving, since the Mesoamerican Reef is off its coast, which is the second-longest barrier reef in the world. Visitors can also find the Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve, which is the largest coral atoll in all of Mexico. The reserve is a protected natural area that houses a great diversity of species of marine flora and fauna, including manatees, tarpon fish, and crocodiles. You can interact closely with the reptiles (if you consider yourself brave enough) by taking a sighting tour that includes snorkeling with them.

The reserve’s seabed is a true graveyard of ships with more than 60 sunken ships dating from the 16th to the 20th century. The galleon known as "Cuarenta Cañones" is the most famous in the area.

Go Beyond

Just 60 kilometers from Mahahual is Xcalak, a small but charming fishing village with one of the few and last unspoiled beaches in the Mexican Caribbean and various natural attractions. In front of its coasts are the southern portion of Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve and a peculiar reef structure called "La Poza" which is ideal for observing a great variety of marine species. 

The great diversity of flora and fauna found in this area, together with the marine landscapes make Xcalak a paradise for nature enthusiasts and those who love diving, fishing, and snorkeling. This site is usually visited by manatees, whom, if you are lucky enough, you will be able to observe up close, taking your diving or snorkeling experience to the next level.

If you are traveling as a family, we recommend you to visit Mayá Lost Kingdom, a theme park inspired by the jungle expeditions of the 1940s. Here, children and adults alike will have so much fun on the water slides, zip lines, and the lazy river, among many other attractions.

Now that you know everything you can do in Mahahual,
it is only a matter of visiting this destination to relax and let yourself be surprised.