The Mystery Destination is Mahahual, Costa Maya, Mexico

This a spectacular Caribbean destination located four hours south of Cancun near the border of Belize on the Yucatan Peninsula.

1. Until the new millennium, the small fishing village of Mahahual was accessible to only a handful of people. In 2001 its population consisted of approximately 75 Mayan and Mexican fisherman and now boasts an expanding community of 1500 residents supporting a rapidly growing local tourism economy. It is now the gateway to a paradise of Mayan ruins exploration, unspoiled diving, and untouched beaches that have been harbored and protected by the locals for thousands of years. For land lovers, Mahahual provides access to the now famed Chacchoben and Chitchen Itza Mayan ruins and the opportunity to experience truly virgin beaches. For the nitrogen lovers, 80% of the coastal reef (Meso-American Barrier Reef) is unexplored and continually offers exciting new discoveries for adventure divers.

2. The Mexican government considers Mahahual in the Costa Maya region as one of their last undeveloped coastal tourist destinations. Different from more commercial destinations such as Cancun and Cozumel, the government has maintained a low impact, eco-friendly focus on its continued development of Mahahual. When visiting this oceanfront town you will notice that it is flanked by hundreds of miles of protected jungle and mangroves. These jungles and mangroves are the nutrient source of life for the reef and are vigorously protected from commercial development. Venture to this region and you will find a coastline full of quaint mom and pop restaurants, eco-friendly beach resorts, traditional Mayan arts and craft shops, and a small intimate community anxious to provide its guests with a unique and unforgettable experience. Mahahual ‘s front yard is the Meso-American Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world, stretching nearly 700 miles over four countries. Although parts of the reef are between two to four million years old, most of the Costa Maya region of the reef has never seen a scuba diver! Come join us on an expedition dive and be the first!

3. The majestic Chinchorro Banks is considered one of the last unexplored dive destinations in all of the Caribbean. Located 19 miles off the coast of Mahahual, it is the largest atoll in the Northern Hemisphere, and the only atoll in Mexican waters. It is approximately 9 miles wide and nearly 30 miles long. The reefs here boast some of the largest and most impressive displays of pristine coral and marine life in the world. With giant barrel sponges that could hide a compact car, schools of rays, monstrous barracuda, and goliath grouper, you can´t help but feel as if you just dove a thousand years back in time. There are dozens of shipwrecks in this area, including two Spanish galleons. Rumors are circulating that the local fishermen have found a World War II German U-boat sitting at 300ft, but it has yet to be confirmed.

Diving:

Diving in Mahahual, Costa Maya, Mexico, has been a closely guarded secret. But now this region is quickly becoming one of the hottest dive spots in the dive community. Sport Diver magazine described Mahahual as “Maha-WOW!” The local diving takes place on the magnificent Meso-American Barrier Reef system--the largest barrier reef system in the Northern Hemisphere. The reef system here is extremely healthy and is in pristine condition. The dive sites are known for their abundance of beautiful corals and extraordinary reef formations, creating astonishing swim-throughs and ledges. Common marine life experienced on these dives include turtles, lobsters, stingrays, nurse sharks, eels, king crabs, and barracuda, as well as a variety of tropical reef fish such as damsels, butterfly fish, pork fish, parrot fish, and schools of Creole wrasse and blue tangs. Some divers have even spotted migrating whale sharks in this area. As if the diving isn't enough, you will also have the opportunity to experience the local Mayan and Mexican culture and beautiful beaches of Mahahual. Once a fishing village, Mahahual is now a small town thriving with wonderful beachfront shops, restaurants, bars, arts and crafts booths, and more. Whether you are interested in spectacular diving or relaxing beach massages, Mahahual, Costa Maya, Mexico has it all. Come join us and be one of the first to experience the hidden “Jewel of the Caribbean”. Average Water Temperature: 27⁰C/78⁰F Average Visibility: 30m/100 ft Dive packages to Mahahual, Costa Maya/Dreamtime Dive Resort start from $850 per diver and include 7 nights stay with unlimited diving on the local Meso-American Barrier Reef.

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