Mahahaul is a small coastal village located about one and a half hours north of the Mexico and Belize border. In the past several years, the town has started to receive many cruise ships, and there are many tourism services for day trips and overnight visits. The town is situated on a long peninsula, about 30 minutes driving time from the federal highway. More isolated than many other towns and villages in the Costa Maya, many visitors here choose to relax on the quiet beaches and enjoy local seafood restaurants and water sports.
Laguna Bacalar is a large freshwater cenote located 40 minutes north of the border city of Chetumal, Mexico. With its stunning blue water and densely vegetated shoreline, it is a perfect place for quiet relaxation and ecotourism. The town of Bacalar, located on the southwest shore of the lake, is home to an historic fort and many small hotels and restaurants.
Costa Maya boasts some of the most diverse coral reefs in the region, and scuba and snorkeling excursions can be easily booked through dive shops and hotels in Mahahual. The area is also home to the Rio Bec, region, where tourists can visit some of the most remote Mayan Ruins in Mexico, located just west of Bacalar. Excursions to the Rio Bec region typically require a full day, and can be arranged through providers in Mahahual and Bacalar. Fishing and sailing excursions are also very popular in this area, and tour providers offer a wide variety of options for short-term and long-term visitors.
