Mahahual and the Costa Maya Mexico
The Costa Maya is the section of coast that runs from Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve down to Xcalak at the southern tip of Quintana Roo State (approx. 100 KM). This section of the coast is very remote with little development. It consist of tropical forest, mangroves and beautiful beaches with hardly any waves due to barrier reefs. Once you pass Tulum you start to feel the difference in this part of southern Quintana Roo. It begins to feel more carribean, the trees and vegetation changes and it only consist of small towns and fishing villages.
Mahahual
Mahahual (also spelled Majahual) is the main town on the coast and has been attracting divers, people wanting a quiet place to hangout and enjoy the tranquil waters, and day trippers from the cruise ship dock. Mahahual is a small town in part because it has been effected by hurricanes in the past. Hurricane Dean in 2007 did major damage to the town. It was again hit in 2012 by Hurricane Ernesto. It’s remote location certainly is a deterrent from people living there, but for some this is the best part about being in the area and also a good reason for visiting. This town would remain a sleepy fishing and diving location if it were not the cruises.
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.
The cruise ship culture has definitely bastardized this town. It has brought tacky souvenir shops and a lust for the quick dollar. Prices for everything are overpriced including hotels, food and services. You really have to hunt around and be prepared ask for specials or local prices. Most of the same things you can find in Playa Del Carmen for 20-40% cheaper. Mahahual is more remote and things have to be brought in but that is not enough to justify the prices.
Tip: Plan your trip here on a day that does not get cruise ships. You will not have to fight for places on the beach and will have a better chance to get a better deal on things.
Restaurants and Eating Out in Mahahual
Seafood is plentiful here and a good option for a meal. 
Like many places that get a lot of tourist, check your bill. I was disappointed that the waiter made several mistakes on mine. The IVA (tax) section had an amount added in. That is illegal in Mexico. All prices on the menu are supposed to be the full price, no tax added. No tips are supposed to be written in as well. My waiter said it was tip. He also overcharged for one drink on top of adding up the math wrong. So keep an eye on the bill for accuracy.
Tip: Ask for menus in Spanish, you will pay less. The prices can be different. Also pay in pesos! One tricky thing they do is put prices in USD$. So something is $10USD but if you pay in pesos it is 100 pesos. If you pay in dollars that is really like paying 140 pesos or 40% more.
Tip: Eating at the beach from restaurants can be good if they offer free services like kayaks and beach beds. The meal might be more but if there is free use of something, that makes it a better deal. Most of the beach clubs/restaurants have lockers for your stuff if you need them.. 
Getting to Mahahual
Most everyone drives. Driving south from Playa Del Carmen is easy. Just head south on the 307 highway. The only thing you have a choice in is going through Felipe Carrillo. You can take the route through the center with traffic lights or take Avenida Constitution (307). After Filipe Carrillo and down the highway you will get to the town of Limones, shortly after (4km) is the well posted turn for Mahahual. Drive another 54 KM directly to the coast. You will see the lighthouse and to your right is the old town part of Mahahual, to the left is the cruise port and new part of Mahahaual. Google directions says it will take 3:41 which is about right. 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. See our guide to driving in the Mexican Riviera.
Hotels and places to stay in Mahahual
Going to Xcalak
Happy adventures everyone! If you are in this area, you might also like checking our Chacchoben ruins or Bacalar.
About The Author
The ocean looks so great off the coast here of Xcalak and Mahahual! It makes me want to go now! I think I will have to get down and explore this area more. Thanks for the photos.
I found your article here on Mahahual. This place looks pretty beautiful. If we had an extra week in Mexico would you recommend staying here for a week or is the vibe to boring? We are in total in Mexico 4 weeks and are being based our of Playa Del Carmen. We are also doing a loop north to see colonial towns. We are looking for a week in the south of the Rivera Maya also. Thank you.
Mahahual and Xcalak are beautiful areas to visit. We assume you have a car to use because this area is very hard to do without one. While Mahahual is beautiful we think one week will be too much there unless you really like diving and relaxing doing not much. Perhaps slit the time with a few days in Bacalar and Mahahual. That way you get to enjoy the best of both locations and the best in the southern end of Qroo. We hope you have a great time there.
Hiya, I am really glad I’ve found this info. I wanted to explore some of the south of Tulum and get to Xcalak. I could not find much info online and say your article. The beaches look so amazing there I cannot wait to go.
There *is* stuff to do in Xcalak besides relax on the beach, as long as its fly fishing, snorkeling, or scuba diving. It’s not unusual for fly fishers to stay a week or more, and the barrier reef is perfect for beginning (or veteran) snorkelers. The scuba diving is unique along the protected reef, and I’ve heard that Banco Chinchorro is fantastic but I haven’t yet had the pleasure of visiting!
Hello Heather
We would like to come back to Xcalak and spend some time there getting to know more about the area. We wrote this article years ago. Perhaps we can talk about this and we can arrange a visit there.