Mahahual Beach — Attraction in Quintana Roo

Mahahual Beach Review: A Dangerous and Scam-Riddled Experience

I recently visited Mahahual Beach during my Royal Caribbean cruise, and after multiple visits in the past, I must warn others about the alarming decline in safety and integrity in this area.

From the moment we set foot on the port, we were confronted with dishonest taxi rates that felt predatory. It’s crucial to negotiate prices upfront, as many drivers are eager to take advantage of unsuspecting tourists. The beach itself was overrun by aggressive waiters, each more pushy than the last, practically harassing us to choose their restaurant. This kind of pressure is unsettling and makes for an uncomfortable atmosphere.

A particularly disturbing incident involved my niece, who had her hair braided at a local vendor. After losing her phone during the process, we received a menacing call from a street vendor demanding ransom and spewing foul language. This was not just a nuisance; it was a blatant attempt to intimidate us into compliance, and it left us feeling unsafe and targeted.

To add insult to injury, my sister ordered a $15 margarita, only to receive a watered-down and adulterated drink that looked nothing like what was advertised. It felt like yet another scam designed to exploit tourists desperate for a good time.

Mahahual has transformed into a place riddled with scams and shady characters. While I have enjoyed this location in the past, my visit in September 2024 was a wake-up call. I urge anyone considering a trip to be extremely cautious and to avoid engaging with locals who seem overly eager to sell you something. The atmosphere is fraught with danger, and it’s clear that some individuals are out to take advantage of the unsuspecting.

In conclusion, I strongly advise against visiting Mahahual Beach unless you are prepared to navigate a minefield of scams and potential threats. It's disheartening to witness such a beautiful destination devolve into a place of...

This is not a beach, this is an insult to the notion of hospitality, service or tourism in general. The Mahahual Beach is a disaster. The whole village is nothing but a huge garbage dumpster.Although the sand and sitting areas are pretty much acceptable ....the beach and especially the water and the swimming areas are absolutely terrible.All members of our family got injured, cut or scratched in their rocky- full -of -corrals swimming spot. The food is mediocre at best and the drinks are simply disgusting, blunt , watered down. Avoid this beach with no remorse. You would be better off if you plan to stay in the port area by the pool than this disastrous beach. Under no circumstance DO NOT PAY for "Beach Escape" excursions from the vendors in the port area. You'll pay big money for a bus transportation from the port to this horrible beach where only those watered down drinks mentioned above are included. I have been traveling the World and I had heard some bad rumors about it but I thought if Royal Caribbean chose Costa Maya as destination it must be good. Well, those rumors were right.This is a disaster. This is by far the worst beach I have ever been in my 52 years of life. Avoid at all cost !!!!!!!! You'll be better staying on the ship than spending money for this beach "escape". I heard better things about Baccalar ....but that is a bit further away and it comes at a much higher cost for the transportation ( I have been quoted $55 / person for a cab ride round trip). But anything would be better than...

It's a nice beach, but could be so much nicer. Lots of seaweed (sargassum) in many locations both on the shore and in the water. They hire people with rakes to clear it out of the water and the beach, but it's a losing battle. There are net dividers running out from the beach in some areas that help. There is a nice pedestrian walkway along the entire length from the lighthouse (faro de Mahahual) and town letter sign to the opposite end. Shops on one side, selling equipment rentals, massages, food and drink, and their corresponding beach chairs and loungers on the water side. Some street vendors too. You get asked constantly for massages, but they're just trying to make a living and are pleasant otherwise. Practice saying the words, "no gracias". There is a very thin strip of sand between the chairs and the water. You can plop yourself down there for free, but you will need to pay for any of the chairs you decide to sit on. The sand is very nice and the water is pretty clear, especially when you swim out a little. Lots of good snorkeling opportunities, but again, you have to swim out a little. The nicest free beach area is closer to...