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Mahahual is a small fishing village located less than 2 hours from the city of Chetumal. Its crystal clear turquoise waters make this charming town a unique place to enjoy all its natural beauties as a family.
Mahahual Costa Maya
Introduction to Mahahual
Is Mahahual worth visiting?
Mahahual is a little bit off the beaten track which means it takes longer to get to than most destinations in the Riviera Maya. But, if you want to find beautiful beaches with a laid back tropical vibe then this is the place to go.
You should visit 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, including 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.
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 and Dzibanche.
Best time to visit Mahahual
When to visit Mahahual?
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 this cute town 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.
Is Mahahual safe?
Mahahual and Safety
It is safe to travel to Mahahual was as safe as any other port town in Mexico. That said, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself when traveling to almost any destination you’re unfamiliar with.
Don’t make yourself a target, be kind to the locals, leave your valuables on the ship and don’t be afraid to spend a little money. In reality, the people that live in and around the town want it to have a good reputation so that more visitors come. We found everyone we met and spoke with to be very friendly and not pushy in what they had to sell.
Mahahual from Cancun
How do I get from Cancun to Mahahual?
As Mahahual is off the beaten path, most everyone drives. Driving south from Playa Del Carmen is easy. The distance is 353.3 km and takes about 4 hours. Make sure you get gas when you can. Gas stations are only in towns and there are long stretched of road with no gas stations. Never go below 1/4 a tank without knowing where the next gas station is.
If you want to take the bus, buses to Mahahual are available from Cancun, Playa del Carmen (from the Main ADO Bus Terminal) and Tulum.
Mahahual from Chetumal
You can also reach Mahahual from Chetumal Airport, ADO bus company has a daily bus service to Mahahual from Chetumal.
You can also rent a car and drive there.
- Leave Chetumal direction Cancun and pass through the Magical town of Bacalar.
- Pass through the village of Pedros Santos where they sell pineapple along side the road.
- At the T-junction turn to the right direction Mahahual.
- After 60 km turn to the right and continue 5 km more on the coastal road.
Best area to stay in Mahahual
Where to stay in Mahahual?
There are two parts of Mahahual, the old town and the new town. Old Mahahual has a walkway along the beach with restaurants, small hotels and beach clubs. This is where most if not all tourist coming to Mahahual will go. The new section on the north side of the entrance road is where the cruise ships come in. It is literally is a ghost town when there are no cruises. It consist of souvenir shops and a couple of blocks of basic concrete houses for residents. It is really sad that this is what has come of an ancient culture. People get off the boat to be greeted with decaying shopping centers and overpriced everything. Even though the shops at the dock are fairly new they are showing evidence of poor maintenance and many are available for rent.
Here are several options for you. The first two are easily booked on Hotels.com. It is better to book ahead since we encountered much higher prices in person. The last three budget options you will have to book when you get there.
Things to do in Mahahual
What to do in Mahahual?
There are many great sites in Mahahual and the surrounding Costa Maya. The coastal lands between Tulum and Xcalak are an explorers’ paradise. Unspoiled mangrove estuaries and marshlands just back from the beach, are hatcheries for hundreds of species of fish. These ecosystems provide world-class saltwater flats fishing for anglers, and fertile feeding grounds for migratory birds that fly between the United States and Central and South America. You can go Scuba-Diving, snorkeling, paddle boarding, visit Chaccoben Ruins, do a day trip to Bacalar, bird watching, visit Xcalak or just relax on the beach.
Rent a Car
While you should always be prepared and take precautions while driving in Mexico, there’s no need to be fearful: driving in Mexico and renting a car are safe activities for tourists. It is highly recommended to have more freedom to visit the country and no rely on public transports or taxis. You will find very reliable and economic vehicles to rent in Cancun.
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