Costa Maya offers a surprising variety of lunch experiences that go beyond just eating — these are activities that turn your meal into a memorable part of your day. Whether lounging at a beach club with an open bar, exploring ancient Mayan ruins with a seaside lunch, or cruising on a private lagoon catamaran, options abound for any traveler. One standout is the Beach Break Costa Maya with Lunch and Open Bar, which combines sun, sand, and great drinks in a relaxing setting perfect for unwinding. We appreciate this day pass for its inclusive lunch, Wi-Fi, and lounge chairs, making it ideal for travelers looking for a hassle-free beach day. For those who prefer a mix of history and nature, the Costa Maya Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Mexican Lunch at the Beach blends archaeological exploration with seaside dining, offering a well-rounded experience.
Costa Maya’s best lunch experiences highlight its natural beauty, ancient history, and vibrant local cuisine. Our list below explores eight options, each offering something unique—from relaxing beach days to cultural tours with delicious meals. Read on to find the perfect fit for your travel style.
1. Beach Break Costa Maya with Lunch and Open Bar
At number 1 on our list, the Beach Break Costa Maya with Lunch and Open Bar offers a straightforward way to enjoy one of Mahahual’s best beaches without the hassle of planning. This day pass grants access to the Pez Quadro Beach Club, part of the 40 Cañones Hotel, located on a pristine stretch of sand. What makes this experience stand out is its inclusiveness: you receive a 1-course lunch and an open bar—think sodas, beers, and cocktails—so you don’t have to worry about carrying food or drinks. The lounge chairs, bathrooms, showers, and Wi-Fi mean you can relax comfortably for up to five hours.
Guests have consistently rated this experience highly, with an average score of 4.5 out of 5 from 46 reviews. Many praise the cleanliness and service, especially the friendly staff like Ernesto and Benito, who go out of their way to make your visit memorable. Although some feel it’s on the pricier side unless you’re a big drinker, most agree that the food and drinks are worth the price, especially considering the convenience and amenities. If beach lounging with good service appeals to you, this is an excellent choice.
Bottom Line: A no-fuss, relaxing beach day with great amenities and an all-inclusive vibe—perfect for travelers wanting a day of sun and simplicity.
2. BACALAR Lagoon BOAT TOUR from Costa Maya with Lunch
Number 2 on our list is the BACALAR Lagoon BOAT TOUR from Costa Maya with Lunch, which combines scenic beauty with a tasty meal. For about $139, you get picked up directly from the cruise port and transported by air-conditioned vehicle to Bacalar Lagoon, known as the “Seven-Color Lagoon.” The highlight is a private boat cruise—away from crowds—where you can swim, relax, and take in the stunning different shades of blue. A fresh fruit snack onboard keeps you energized during the 2-hour boat ride.
After the cruise, a local restaurant serves seafood tacos, with non-seafood options available, making this a well-rounded half-day adventure. The reviews emphasize the beauty of Bacalar’s scenery, with travelers appreciating Johanna’s helpful guidance and the smooth logistics of the pick-up and drop-off. The tour is suited for those interested in nature, photography, or simply a relaxed day on the water with a delicious bite.
Bottom Line: It’s a scenic, relaxing way to experience Bacalar, ideal for nature lovers who want a guided experience with local flavor included.
3. Costa Maya Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Mexican Lunch at the Beach
Number 3 offers a blend of culture and leisure with the Costa Maya Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Mexican Lunch at the Beach. For around $85, this tour takes you into the heart of the ancient Mayan civilization with a guided visit to the Chacchoben archaeological site. Your guide, who shares insights into Mayan history, makes the ruins come alive. After exploring the ruins for about 50 minutes, you’ll head to a local beach for a Mexican lunch, choosing from fajitas, burritos, and other options, accompanied by an alcoholic beverage if you wish.
Guests enjoy the combination of learning and relaxing, though some mention the ruins can be hot and the walking quite leisurely. The value is good, given the combination of cultural insight and seaside dining. It’s best suited for history buffs who also want a chance to unwind on the beach afterward. Keep in mind that some reviews note that climbing up the ruins isn’t permitted, which might matter to more active explorers.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded half-day experience blending archaeology with beachside food, ideal for those with an interest in Mayan history and casual relaxation.
4. Bacalar Lagoon Private Catamaran Lunch and Drinks from Costa Maya
At number 4, the Bacalar Lagoon Private Catamaran Lunch and Drinks is an exclusive option for travelers seeking privacy and luxury. For $185 per person, you get a private catamaran tour lasting around five hours. The crew pampers you with stunning views of Bacalar’s famous “seven colors” while you lounge on the boat. The tour includes a delicious onboard lunch and drinks, making it an ideal choice for celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a peaceful day on the water.
Guests praise the professionalism of the crew and the serene environment, with a recent review rating it a perfect 5 out of 5. The trip offers a rare level of exclusivity—perfect for couples or small groups wanting privacy, superb scenery, and a gourmet experience. The main drawback is the higher price point, but for those who value comfort and exclusivity, it’s well worth it.
Bottom Line: An elegant, private boat experience with a focus on personalized service, perfect for celebrating or enjoying a quiet day in style.
5. BEACH DAY IN LOS ARRECIFES RESTAURANT-open bar and lunch
Number 5 is the Beach Day in Los Arrecifes Restaurant, which offers a full day at a lively beach club. For $49.89, you get access to all the facilities including loungers, umbrellas, restrooms, and showers, with an open bar and lunch included. This is a great budget-friendly option for travelers wanting to spend a relaxing day with plenty of drinks and good food.
The reviews note how well the package offers value, with one mentioning the attentive staff and good variety of food and drinks. The long duration of eight hours allows ample time to swim, sunbathe, and socialize. It’s suited for travelers who want a straightforward beach day without the need for additional activities.
Bottom Line: An economical, all-day beach option with drinks and food included, perfect for those prioritizing relaxation and value.
6. CHACCHOBEN RUINS and Bacalar BOAT TOUR with Lunch
Number 6 combines history and natural beauty with the Chacchoben Ruins and Bacalar Boat Tour with Lunch. For $159, you’ll visit the impressive Mayan archaeological site and then cruise Bacalar Lagoon on a private boat. The tour lasts around six hours, with a stop at the ruins for about 1.5 hours. The boat trip, lasting two hours, offers stunning views of Bacalar’s blue waters, with a chance to swim and relax. Afterward, a local restaurant serves authentic Mexican tacos.
Guests value the combination of history and scenery, with some noting the ruins are somewhat remote and require walking in the heat. The tour is ideal for travelers interested in Mayan culture and lagoon scenery in one day, offering good value for a full experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history and water lovers wanting a full-day adventure that mixes exploration with relaxation.
7. A beach day with open bar, lunch and snorkeling LOS ARRECIFES RESTAURANT
Number 7 offers a lively combo of beach, food, and snorkeling at Los Arrecifes Restaurant. For $80.99, you get a full day of watersports and relaxation, with snorkeling in the coral reefs accessible only from the shore. The guided snorkeling trip takes you to secret spots, while the open bar and lunch keep you refreshed.
The review mentions the attentive guide and how fun the snorkeling was, making it clear this is great for active travelers who love the sea. The trip lasts around eight hours, so there’s plenty of time to explore, relax, and enjoy the vibrant marine life.
Bottom Line: A fun-filled day combining snorkeling, beach lounging, and good food, ideal for active travelers and marine life enthusiasts.
8. All-inclusive beach day in LOS ARRECIFES REST. / open bar – massage and lunch
Closing our list, the All-inclusive Beach Day in Los Arrecifes Rest. offers a high-value, full-immersion experience. For $66.99, you get access to the entire beach club, including a full-body massage, lunch, and drinks from the open bar. This experience is perfect for travelers seeking a day of ultimate relaxation, combining the soothing comfort of a massage with the scenic beauty of the beach.
While some reviews mention minor issues with beer availability, the overall experience is rated 3.5 out of 5, mainly for the excellent massages and friendly staff. It’s best suited for those who want a pampering day at the beach with everything included.
Bottom Line: A luxurious, all-in-one package for beach relaxation and spa treatments, ideal for travelers wanting to indulge.
$66.99 per person
How to Choose Your Best Lunch Experience in Costa Maya
When selecting your perfect lunch experience, consider your priorities: budget, activity level, and what kind of setting you prefer. If you want a relaxing day at the beach, options like the Beach Break Costa Maya or the Los Arrecifes Beach Day are great picks. For a mix of culture and scenery, the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and beach lunch offers a taste of history alongside relaxation.
If you’re seeking exclusivity or a special celebration, the Private Bacalar Catamaran provides privacy and luxury. For nature lovers, the Bacalar Lagoon boat tour might be the best fit, with its scenic views and swimming opportunities.
In terms of value, all-inclusive options like the beach day with massage or the full-day snorkeling adventure deliver a lot of amenities for their price. Book early, especially for tours with limited availability or high demand, such as private boat charters or popular archaeological sites.
Final Thoughts
Costa Maya offers a range of lunch experiences that turn a simple meal into a highlight of your cruise or beach vacation. From relaxing on the sandy shores with drinks in hand to exploring ancient ruins with a seaside lunch, you’ll find options suited for every style and budget. For a straightforward beach day, the Pez Quadro Beach Club makes it easy to unwind. For more adventurous types, the combination of Mayan ruins and lagoon trips provides insight into the region’s rich history and stunning scenery.
No matter your choice, the key is to book early and choose an experience that matches your interests—whether that’s lounging in comfort, exploring the past, or cruising on serene waters. These tours demonstrate how Costa Maya’s culinary and natural offerings can make your visit truly special.