Costa Maya, the Best of the Southern Coast

Joyful carnivals, mesmerizing lagoons, seldom-visited ruins are up to make your days in the Costa Maya some very tranquil experience.

The caribbean-flavored Carnaval street festival in February in the Quintana Roo state capital, Chetumal. It’s definitely one of the best fiestas of the year.

These festivities are named Cruzando Fronteras a weeklong cultural festival that’s held in late February and/or early March in the town of Mahahual; it’s still low season and early enough to avoid spring-break crowds.

A Small Bite of History

In 1850, a ‘miracle’ occurred; a wooden cross erected at a cenote on the western edge of the town began to ‘talk,’ telling the Maya they were the chosen people, exhorting them to continue the struggle against the government and promising victory.

The talking was most likely done by a ventriloquist who used sound chambers, but the people looked upon it as the authentic voice of their aspirations.

The ‘oracle’ guided the Maya in battle for more than eight years, until their great victory conquering the fortress at Bacalar.

Top 5 of Thing to Do in the Costa Maya

• Dive at Banco Chinchorro, the largest coral atoll in the western hemisphere and a fascinating ship graveyard.

•  Take a refreshing dip in the 90m-deep Cenote Azul, then bask on Laguna Bacalar, one of the most beautiful lakes that you’ll ever set your eyes on.

•  Go snorkeling, fishing or bird-watching in Mahahual, or simply chill at a boardwalk bar or restaurant in this laid-back coastal town.

•  Escape to the remote beach village of Xcalak for quality R&R, diving and fishing.

•  Beat your own path to a series of seldom-visited Maya ruins west of the Quintana Roo capital Chetumal.

Mahahual for Diving Lovers

For decades, Mahahual has managed to retain a pretty laid-back Caribbean vibe. A nice night having fun at the Malecon or practicing snorkeling and diving can be a good way to enjoy of the magical and chilling vibe this town has to offer its visitors.

Where to Dive?

Banco Chinchorro

A point of reference for diving lovers that visit the Mexican coast and around. A real fantasy for divers, the reefs and underwater fantasy worlds of the Banco Chinchorro, the largest coral atoll in the northern hemisphere, is a thing you cannot miss the opportunity to go to. Chinchorro’s western edge, of about 45km long and up to 14km wide, lies about 30km off the coast, and dozens of ships have fallen victim to its barely submerged ring of coral.

40 Cañones (40 Cannons)

This is a wooden ship in 5m to 6m of water. Looters have taken all but about 25 of the cannons, and it can only be visited in ideal conditions.