Before you go

Your trip to Mahahual.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Mahahual – Quintana Roo Destination Bacalar and Costa Maya about 140 km from Chetumal

How to get there

Aeropuerto Internacional de Chetumal (CTM) Chetumal · 140 km
Parada de ônibus de Mahahual 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

It is about 100 km from Bacalar and about 140 km from Chetumal, via the federal highway and the road to Mahahual. There are regular buses from Chetumal and Bacalar, with few departures.

How many days

One or two days for the beach, the reef and the boardwalk.

When to go

From December to April the sea is usually calmer and the water clearer. Sargassum tends to appear from April to August, and hurricanes from June to November. On cruise days, the beach gets busier.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

Not for the village itself, which is explored on foot. For a round trip from Bacalar, a car is helpful.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Mahahual

Morning
Snorkel at the reef
In the morning, go snorkeling on the reef in front of the village with local boatmen, among corals and colorful fish.
Afternoon
Mahahual beach
In the afternoon, relax on the white-sand beach with calm water, protected by the reef.
Late afternoon
Promenade
In the late afternoon, walk along the wooden boardwalk by the sea.
Evening
Seafood
Dine at one of the boardwalk restaurants, with fish, lobster in season and ceviche.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Is Mahahual good for snorkeling?

Yes. The reef is close to the beach, and local boatmen take people to snorkeling spots.

Is Mahahual far from Bacalar?

Not much: about 100 km by road, roughly an hour and fifteen minutes.

Does Mahahual receive cruise ships?

Yes, at the Costa Maya port north of the village; when a ship is in, the activity on the beach increases.

What is Banco Chinchorro?

A reef atoll about 30 km offshore, a biosphere reserve, with shipwrecks and diving.

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