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Beach · Mahahual, Quintana Roo
Playa y malecón de Mahahual
White-sand beach with calm water protected by the reef in the village of Mahahual, with a wooden boardwalk by the sea, restaurants and snorkeling on the reef.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Playa y malecón de Mahahual
Mahahual beach stretches in front of the village, with white sand, coconut palms and water in turquoise shades, calm because the coral barrier lies a few hundred meters from the shore. The reef is part of the Mesoamerican Reef System, the second-largest barrier reef in the world.
A wooden boardwalk of about 1 km runs along the beach, with restaurants, bars and guesthouses on one side and sand on the other. The village is small and can be walked from end to end.
Local boatmen take visitors to the reef for snorkeling among corals, colorful fish, rays and sometimes turtles. Kayaks are also rented and diving is offered by local operators. Offshore is Banco Chinchorro, a reef atoll that is a biosphere reserve, with shipwrecks.
On days when ships arrive at the Costa Maya cruise port to the north, the beach is busier; on other days it is quiet.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day or a day.
Best time
From December to April, when the sea is usually calmer and free of sargassum. On days without cruise ships, the beach is quieter.
How to get there
It is located in the village of Mahahual, about 100 km from Bacalar and 140 km from Chetumal. You get there by car or by regular bus.
Tip
Use biodegradable sunscreen and hire local boatmen for snorkeling. Check with the port for cruise ship days.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Playa y malecón de Mahahual
Is the sea at Mahahual beach calm?
It usually is, because the reef is close to the shore and protects the beach.
Can you go snorkeling in Mahahual?
Yes, on the reef in front of the village, with local boatmen.
How long is the Mahahual boardwalk?
About 1 km along the seafront.