From Chacchoben’s Stone Steps to Chunky Monkey’s Shore: A Compact Mayan + Reef Day in Mahahual

MAHAHUAL GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE

From Chacchoben’s Stone Steps to Chunky Monkey’s Shore: A Compact Mayan + Reef Day in Mahahual

A guided 4.5-hour trip that pairs a ruin-site tour at Chacchoben with time at a private beach club for snorkeling, lunch and an open bar.

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From Chacchoben’s Stone Steps to Chunky Monkey’s Shore: A Compact Mayan + Reef Day in Mahahual.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Mahahual
Operator
Chunky Monkey Tours-Stripe
Category
Guided Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Set along the southern edge of Quintana Roo, this guided outing moves from the low stone plazas of Chacchoben — an accessible pocket of Mayan architecture — to a private beach club on the Caribbean where the barrier reef drops close to shore. In roughly 4.5 hours participants explore the ruins with an English-speaking guide, then unwind at Chunky Monkey Beach Club with opportunities to snorkel among green sea turtles and enjoy an authentic lunch and open bar by the water.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE HISTORY

Guided Walk through Chacchoben

A focused visit to the Chacchoben Maya ruins led by an English-speaking guide; entrance fees and site tickets are included with the tour.

THE REEF

Snorkel the Nearshore Barrier Reef with Sea Turtles

The tour visits a stretch of the reef where green sea turtles, eagle rays and a rich mix of reef life are commonly sighted; swimming and snorkel access from the private beach club are part of the experience.

THE BEACH CLUB

Chunky Monkey Beach Club: Lunch and Open Bar

After the ruins, the group moves to a private beach club for an authentic lunch and open bar alongside the Caribbean; the site also provides opportunities to relax on the sand and swim.

What the day feels like

What the half-day feels like

The schedule unfolds briskly: a coastal transfer into the inland ruins, a compact guided exploration of Chacchoben’s plazas and structures, then a return to the sea where a private beach club anchors the afternoon — snorkeling, food and drinks centered on a shallow stretch of the barrier reef.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this trip works for — and limits to keep in mind.

1
Families with infantsOperator accepts up to two infants free per family; child-rate applies beyond that, making the outing workable for families traveling with very young children.
2
Small groupsThe tour runs for parties sized up to 14 people, which suits small private groups or families reserving a single outing.
3
History seekersVisitors focused on Mayan archaeology benefit from the included guided visit to Chacchoben — a compact site visit built into the half-day schedule.
4
Snorkelers & casual beachgoersThose wanting nearshore snorkeling and a beach-side meal will find both: access to the reef from the private beach club and an authentic lunch with open bar are included.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Insect repellent is recommended.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the tour?

The Costa Maya Ruins Tour & Beach Club lasts approximately 4.5 hours.

What’s included in the tour price?

Round-trip transportation, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees and tickets to Chacchoben, bottled water, access to the private beach club, an authentic lunch and open bar are included.

Are there extra fees I should expect?

There is a government tax of US$5–8 for the use of video cameras at the ruins site; gratuities for guides and drivers are not included.

Can I bring infants or children?

The operator accepts up to two infants free of charge per family; a child rate applies beyond that.

How many people can join a single trip?

Trips are limited to a maximum of 14 people.

Are tripods or professional video cameras allowed at Chacchoben?

No tripods and no professional video cameras are allowed at the site.