Costa Maya tours

Things to do in Costa Maya

Costa Maya stands at the crossroads of the Caribbean's whispers and the profound legacy of the Maya. Picture yourself on those golden sands, a breeze weaving tales of history into the air. A local guide will take you beyond the clichés of beach postcards, leading you into the pulse of the region's culture. Private tours in Costa Maya aren't just about adventure; they're about intimate connections with the locale, like tasting fresh pescado by the shore or stumbling upon ruins hidden by the jungle. Whether you find yourself meandering through lively markets or exploring local delicacies on a food and wine tour, each experience adds to a rich tapestry. Your guide ensures you bypass the crowds and step into Costa Maya's true rhythm, where its magic is not just seen, but felt. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Costa Maya. Explore Costa Maya your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Costa Maya tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Costa Maya for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Snorkel the Mesoamerican Reef off Mahahual to spot turtles and schools of jacks, or book a full-day trip to Banco Chinchorro for crystal-clear coral gardens. Birders can explore coastal mangroves near Xcalak to look for herons, frigatebirds, and ospreys. History tours: Visit the Chacchoben ruins with a guide who knows the best shade and photo angles, then continue to Dzibanché or Kohunlich to see tall temples and jungle-shaded plazas. Many tours include a fresh fruit stop at a roadside stand on the return. Boat tours: Join a private glass-bottom boat from the Mahahual pier to float above reefs, or sail a catamaran to quiet snorkel spots away from the crowds. Anglers can charter a panga for light-tackle fishing for snapper and barracuda just outside the reef. The seaside malecón in Mahahual is walkable, but ruins and remote reefs require drives or boat transfers and there’s no practical public transit. Ask your local guide about tours with private transportation or a chauffeured pick-up right from the pier. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Costa Maya inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Explore Costa Maya on a private walking tour and dive into its vibrant neighbourhoods with a local guide. There's no better way to truly understand a place than by having someone who knows it inside and out by your side. Consider adding these neighbourhoods to your itinerary: - Mahahual: Perfect for families and those looking to relax, Mahahual offers beautiful beaches and a laid-back vibe. Stroll along the malecón, enjoy fresh seafood, and soak in the coastal charm. - Xcalak: Ideal for nature enthusiasts and those seeking meaningful connections with local culture. This remote village is a gateway to incredible scuba diving spots and offers a glimpse into traditional fishing life. - Uvero: For cultural tourists, Uvero is a treasure. Discover ancient Mayan ruins nearby and engage with the local history and traditions that shape the area. Day trip ideas from Costa Maya You came for the sea and sun, but a few nearby spots turn your time in Costa Maya into easy day trips that mix ruins, reef, and a slow-paced lagoon town, and your tour can lean into history, nature, or tacos as you like. Chacchoben Ruins: Walk broad plazas under tall trees and see classic Maya temples without big-city crowds. It suits you if you like clear stories, photo-friendly angles, and a calm setting where you can spot birds and learn how people lived here long before resorts. Bacalar Lagoon: The “seven colours” water lives up to its name on a bright day, and you can swim, kayak, or take a gentle boat along the shallows. If you’re into low-key time, local food, and small-town streets, Bacalar fits, and history fans can add a quick look at the fort and the waterfront. Kohunlich and Dzibanché: Make it a deeper Maya day with two sites set in thick green, known for big masks, tall palms, and wide courtyards. This is for you if ancient cities and quiet trails sound better than beach bars, and you want a longer route that still feels relaxed. Chetumal and Oxtankah: Pair a bayside capital with a compact ruin ringed by jungle, then sample market snacks by the water. If you like mixing light archaeology with local life and a coastal view, this loop keeps things varied without rushing. These day trips work well with private tours, so you choose the pace, skip lines, and spend more time on the parts you care about. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Costa Maya most travellers miss.