Nearby Activities
Located less than an hour north of Mahahual, luxurious Casa Ka’an Mahahual is situated on one of the most pristine and beautiful beaches in the Costa Maya region of the Mexican Caribbean. The Mayan ruins of Tulum and Coba and Chacchoben are both a short distance away. Our other favorite nearby activities are described below. Casa Ka’an Mahahual was created for passionate travelers who expect the best in quality but ask for the beauty and tranquility of the undisturbed Caribbean.
Beach Activities
Parasailing, jet ski rentals, and banana boat rides are usually available in Mahahual on cruise ship days.
Mahahual EcoTours has a number of activities including SCUBA, snorkeling, guided kayak tours through the mangroves, birdwatching, traditional fishing, Mayan crafts, guided visits to Lake Bacalar, and more. https://www.mahahual-ecotours.com/
You can snorkel right in front of the house. The world’s second largest barrier reef is about 400 yards offshore, and the water between the reef and the house is very shallow and calm.
We have a beautiful palapa on the beach so you can enjoy the view with shade, and we have hand-woven Mayan hammocks you can hang under the palapa or elsewhere around the house.
Dining on the terrace is wonderfully relaxing, and the sky at night is quite amazing. You will rarely see the stars so bright and, when there’s a full moon, it’s almost as bright as daylight!
If you want more lively atmosphere, several restaurants in Mahahual are open in the evening, some offering live music at certain times of the year. There are numerous bars and restaurants in Mahahual, everything from tourist-oriented establishments to local favorites.
Costa Maya Beach Dog Rescue – If you like dogs then make a donation to Costa Maya Beach Dog Rescue, or better yet adopt a dog to take home with you!
Scuba & Snorkeling
There are several small dive operators in Mahahual.
http://www.buceandomahahual.com/index-en.html
Fishing
There is excellent fly-fishing along the coast, both in the sea on the inland lakes.
https://www.shoreexcursioneer.com/costa-maya/private-deep-sea-fishing.html
https://tequilabeachtours.com/costa-maya-fishing-charters/
http://www.mahahualhotel.com/costamaya/fishing_costamaya.htm
Lost Maya Kingdom Water Park
Are you ready for adventure? Follow the steps of the great expeditioner Stephen Johnson in his quest to find the Lost Mayan Kingdom. Lost Maya Kingdom is a themed water park presented as a 1940´s jungle expedition that turns a family vacation into a fun-filled journey with thrilling zip lines, exciting hanging bridges, a twisty Kukulcan zip-coaster, and adrenaline-packed water slides filled with the power of the mythical creatures they take their name from. The park is located in “the casitas” section of Mahahual village.
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is the third largest protected area in Mexico, and it contains tropical forests, mangroves and marshes, as well as a large marine section intersected by a barrier reef. It provides a habitat for a remarkably rich flora and a fauna comprising more than 300 species of birds, as well as a large number of the region’s characteristic terrestrial vertebrates, which cohabit in the diverse environment formed by its complex hydrological system. You can tour it by land and by sea.
Lake Bacalar
Bacalar is on the highway between Mahahual and Chetumal. Bacalar is the only one not directly situated on the coast. Yet, you’re in for a treat because you’ll still get to see and enjoy turquoise waters. Bacalar, often referred to as the Lagoon of Seven Colors, is 30 minutes inland from the coast. And the name is appropriate due to its seven different hues of blue and green water. Given the distance from Cancun this town welcomes more local visitors than foreign tourists. So, you might want to practice some basic Spanish. But, don’t worry too much about that because there are plenty of activities to keep you busy and having fun! From kayaking, to stand-up paddling, swimming or fishing there is something for every type of traveler. Some excursions to partake in include the Oxtankah Mayan ruins, the Museum of Mayan Culture, or the manatee sanctuary in neighboring Chetumal. If you’re craving some salt water, take a short drive to the small fishing village of Calderitas and jump in the ocean waves.
Fort San Felipe Bacalar
The 18th century ‘Fuerte San Felipe’ is a small but important site in Bacalar with great views of the lagoon and surroundings. It is a good overview of the history of Bacalar with information about the Spanish occupation, slavery, pirate activity, and more.
Mayan Ruins Nearby
- Chacchoben (1+ hour drive)
- Kohunlich (2½ hour drive)
- Tulum (2½ hour drive)
- Coba (2 1/2 hour drive)
- Muyil: (2.75 hour drive)
- Kohunlich (2 hour drive)
- Dzibanche and the Kinichna (2.5 hour drive)
Xcalak
Xcalak is a very small fishing village of about 375 people located about 45 minuites south of Mahahual. You can take a boat across the bay to Belize, or you can book a fishing or SCUBA trip with one of the local operators.