Costa Maya experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures throughout the year. The average annual temperature here hovers around 27°C, making it an ideal destination for sun-seekers.

The region also receives a significant amount of rainfall, particularly during the wet season from June to October. Showers are usually brief and followed by clear skies, allowing visitors to enjoy the outdoor walks.

Best time to visit Costa Maya

The best time to visit Costa Maya is during the dry season from November to April.

During this period, the weather is typically sunny and dry, with minimal rainfall and comfortable temperatures. This makes it an ideal time for beach activities, water sports, and exploring the region’s natural attractions.

Additionally, the dry season coincides with the peak tourist season.

Here’s an informative breakdown of some of the top things to do:

Explore Ancient Mayan Ruins

Visit the nearby ancient Mayan ruins of Chacchoben and Kohunlich.

These archaeological sites offer insight into the rich cultural heritage of the Mayan civilization, with towering pyramids, intricate stone carvings, and well-preserved structures providing a glimpse into the past.

Relax on Pristine Beaches

Costa Maya is renowned for its breathtaking beaches, boasting powdery white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

Spend a leisurely day lounging on the sunny sandy beach, swimming, snorkeling, or kayaking. Mahahual Beach and Uvero Beach are popular choices for beachgoers seeking tranquility and natural beauty.

Snorkel or Dive in the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef

Discover the underwater wonders of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Costa Maya offers exceptional snorkeling and diving opportunities, allowing visitors to observe colorful coral formations and marine life in their natural habitat.

Dive sites such as Banco Chinchorro and Xcalak Reef are particularly renowned for their biodiversity and pristine conditions.

Experience Local Culture and Cuisine

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Costa Maya by exploring the charming town of Mahahual.

Stroll along the boardwalk lined with shops, restaurants, and bars, where you can sample delicious Mexican cuisine, shop for souvenirs, and interact with friendly locals. Don’t miss the opportunity to try regional dishes.

Enjoy Water Sports and Activities

Costa Maya offers a wide range of water sports and activities to enjoy. From paddleboarding and jet skiing to kiteboarding and deep-sea fishing, there’s something for everyone to experience adrenaline-pumping fun on the water.

Many local tour operators offer guided excursions for exploring the nearby attractions.

Visit the Costa Maya Port

Be sure to explore the bustling Costa Maya Port area.

Here, you’ll find a variety of shops, restaurants, and other attractions such as the Costa Maya Museum and the Dolphin Discovery Center, where you can swim with dolphins and learn about marine conservation efforts.

There are some unique off-the-shore snorkel spots that will make your snorkeling a little easier and a whole lot more enjoyable. If you want to see fish and coral the reef offshore of any local beaches is perfect to explore.

Some of the best snorkeling is done by boat, as the Mesoamerican Reef is located half a mile to a mile offshore. Local dive centers, catamaran tours, and independent snorkel guides are happy to take you on a tour of their secret spots.

Akumal: Turtles can be seen every day off the beaches of Akumal, and not just one. You will see a few on a good day, and many on a great day. Fish and coral can be viewed as well, but Akumal is the place of the turtles.

Playa del Carmen has a small portion of the reef off the shore of Coco Beach, a popular snorkel place that is close to shore. Boat tours will take you to shallow snorkel spots that have great coral and lots of fish!

Xpuha Beach has a few coral clusters where you can see indigenous fish and coral types. These areas are not technically part of the Mesoamerican reef but they are still full of great things to see!

Paamul Beach, located only a 20 km drive from Playa del Carmen (direction Tulum), has a larger reef system close to the shore where you can see not only fish and corals, but lobster, rays, and larger fish types.

All of these locations have boat tours that will take you to larger Mesoamerican reef snorkel spots. We encourage you to try both so you get a well-rounded view of the secrets that lie under the surface of the sea.

If you choose to venture out on your own into the Mexican Caribbean, keep these safety tips in mind.

The sea is a beautiful place, but it has its own agenda. The sea off the shores of the Riviera Maya is calm, clear, and glorious but if you are unfamiliar with the territory, or not sure of your skills, the sea can be a challenge.

• Never snorkel alone
• Wear a life jacket in case you snorkel too far
• Check that your snorkel gear is in good condition, and fits well.
• Have a surface buoy so water vehicles and boats and see you.

Busy beach areas have a lot of boat and water vehicle traffic so you need to stick out in that big, vast ocean.

Have Fun Snorkeling and Do It Safely

Oceans and seas make up 73% of the planet. The Riviera Maya is a great place to learn to snorkel and an even better place to experience the underwater world. Master your skill or learn a new activity in the clear waters of the Mexican Caribbean.

Take an underwater camera with you so you can show your friends and family all the great stuff you saw!

Oh, and one last thing. Help us protect our reefs! Do not stand on, or touch the corals. Refrain from grabbing or handling marine life, including the turtles. And remember to wear biodegradable sunscreen.

The diving experience in this area is truly remarkable, with different highlights and unique features in various locations. However, it’s essential to note that there are no “bad” or “better” diving areas along the coast. Each part has its own charm and offerings for divers.

The most popular places for scuba diving in Riviera Maya:

Playa del Carmen: This spot is known for its calm seas, thanks to the protection from the Island of Cozumel. Divers can enjoy the Turtle dive, explore the Mama Vina wreck, and find great beginner-friendly dive sites teeming with fish.

Puerto Morelos: The reef off the shores of Puerto Morelos is part of a protected national marine park. Divers can delight in exploring a wreck, witnessing untouched coral formations, and encountering a variety of marine life.

Akumal, Tulum, and the neighboring towns: Diving along this coast is fantastic, and the smaller towns offer excellent dive centers to explore with. For an unforgettable dive trip, consider experiencing it all!

Each location on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef globally, offers unique coral beds and fish sightings.

Cozumel: Discovered as a diving paradise by Jacques Cousteau, Cozumel is famous for its large coral walls, deep diving opportunities, and vibrant colors. It’s a great place to spot the unique toadfish and easily find sea horses.

Cozumel’s diving focuses more on coral formations and less on fish, making it a world-class diving destination accessible via a ferry ride.

Cancun: Recently, a reef recovery program was introduced off the shores of Cancun, featuring underwater sculpture gardens to encourage coral growth. These sculptures reflect Mexico’s culture, with a special emphasis on Mayan history and contemporary Mexican culture.

Xcalak and Mahahual: The Chinchorro Banks, reachable from either of these destinations, present a dream dive trip for many. However, it’s important to note that access to the Chinchorro Banks depends on specific sea conditions for optimal visibility and an easy boat ride.

With such diverse and enchanting diving opportunities, this region is a true haven for diving enthusiasts seeking unforgettable underwater adventures. Exploring these fantastic dive spots will leave you with cherished memories to last a lifetime.