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.
From Chacchoben’s Stone Steps to Chunky Monkey’s Shore: A Compact Mayan + Reef Day in Mahahual.
Adventure brief
From Chacchoben’s Stone Steps to Chunky Monkey’s Shore: A Compact Mayan + Reef Day in Mahahual
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.
Nestled along the southeastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Costa Maya is a region steeped in Mayan history and vibrant coastal life. Embarking on the Costa Maya Ruins Tour & Beach Club with Chunky Monkey Tours offers an immersive blend of cultural discovery and seaside relaxation. The journey begins with a 4.5-hour exploration of the ancient Chacchoben Ruins, a sprawling archaeological site dating back over a thousand years. Walk among the well-preserved temples and pyramids, marveling at the intricate stone carvings that tell stories of a complex civilization. This site is renowned as one of the most accessible and fascinating Mayan ruins in the area, perfect for history buffs and curious travelers alike. Following the archaeological adventure, visitors are treated to a relaxing afternoon at Chunky Monkey Beach Club. Here, snorkel gear is on hand to swim alongside gentle sea turtles and schools of colorful fish in clear Caribbean waters. The beach club’s laid-back vibe invites travelers to unwind with a delicious authentic lunch featuring local flavors, all while soaking up the sun with a view of the turquoise sea. The combination of ancient ruins and seaside leisure makes this tour a standout in Costa Maya, offering a rare chance to connect with both history and nature in one seamless experience. Whether you're intrigued by the mysteries of the Mayan civilization or craving a peaceful day by the ocean, Chunky Monkey Tours delivers a memorable adventure that captures the essence of this dynamic region. This area, known for its thriving marine life and archaeological treasures, is a must-visit destination for those seeking a well-rounded outdoor outing.
Route Schematic
Route & Key Stops
A straightforward loop: transfer from Mahahual to Chacchoben, guided site visit, then time at a private beach club before returning.
Mahahual / Departure
Group meets for round-trip transportation from Mahahual and begins the roughly one-hour transfer inland toward Chacchoben.
Chacchoben Ruins
Guided tour of the Chacchoben Maya site with entrance fees and site tickets included.
Chunky Monkey Private Beach Club
Visit the private beach club for snorkeling on the nearby reef, lunch and access to the open bar; time to swim or relax on the sand.
Return to Mahahual
Group returns to the meeting/departure point in Mahahual by round-trip transport provided by the operator.
Transfers include approximately one hour to the ruins; note that a small government tax (US$5–8) applies for the use of video cameras at the site and professional video equipment/tripods are not permitted.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
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.
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.
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.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Insect repellent is recommended.
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.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-08T19:51:58.081Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.