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Venture far beyond the Costa Maya’s bars, restaurants and shopping stalls, and you’ll discover flawless beaches and ancient Mayan sites. It’s a world away from the bright lights of neighbouring Cancun. The area’s biggest draw, though, lies off shore. There are more than 70 snorkelling spots dotted around the coast.
• The Chacchoben ruins are hidden deep in an ancient jungle, and they’re incredibly well-preserved. Don’t miss the trio of pyramids at the heart of the site.
• Stray off the beaten path and visit Kohunlich, one of the lesser-known Mayan ruins in Mexico. One of the temples here is famous for the giant masks carved into its walls.
• Home to the world’s second-biggest barrier reef, the Costa Maya’s snorkelling scene is second only to Australia’s. Turtles and tropical fish swim among the corals and sponges, while sunken ships wait to be explored.
SHORE EXCURSIONS► View all EXCURSIONS
Kohunlich & Dzibanche Mayan Ruins Combo►
If you fancy yourself as a bit of an Indiana Jones, a visit to these 4th-century ruins is a must. Thanks to their tucked-away setting, they’re off the main tourist trail and have a really mysterious vibe as a result. In fact, not much has changed here for centuries. Your day starts off at the one-time capital city of Dzibanche. Here, you’ll climb the tallest pyramid to take in the magnificent views of the site. Next up, follow the maze of jungle paths to explore a series of ruined temples. You’ll get a real sense of what life was like hundreds of years ago. Then it’s on to Kohunlich. This recently excavated site is a real diamond in the rough. It’s framed by chunky palm trees and boasts a series of carved masks depicting those who ruled the area back in the 4th century. You’ll get to climb the highest temple here, too. It’s a fantastic viewpoint to spot some of the eye-catching tropical birds that live in these parts.
Clear Bottom Kayak & Beach Break►
Get a unique perspective of the Costa Maya on this kayaking trip. You’ll head for the sleepy Mayan fishing village of Mahahual, where you’ll climb aboard your two-seat kayak and paddle out to the Caribbean Sea. These aren’t regular kayaks, though – each one has a clear bottom, so you can spy colourful marine life swimming beneath you. After 40 minutes of wildlife-spotting and gliding past the tropical shoreline, you’ll return to Mahahual, where we’ll drop you at the beach club. Enjoy a fruit plate and cold beer, then chill out on the white sands, go for a swim, or stroll to the nearby stores for a bit of shopping.
Segway Adventure & Beach Break►
Explore Costa Maya Town the easy way – by Segway. These two-wheeled electric vehicles are operated by leaning back and forwards, and steering using two handlebars. They’re really easy to use, but you’ll still have a full introduction and orientation, plus one-to-one training to make sure you’re completely confident before we head out. Ride along the beachfront, taking in the views of this Caribbean Coast town. Stop for a refreshment overlooking the turquoise waters, before continuing on through the town to the commercial centre, where you can stop for a spot of shopping. Our last pit-stop for the day takes us to one of the nicest beach clubs in the area, where you can lie back on the white sands and cool off with an ice-cold drink. Whenever you’re ready to head back to the ship, a taxi will come and pick you up.
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