Places We Love!

There are way too many food options!

Within walking distance of Casa Rana:

The Jungle Wey, Chinga Tu Hambre, La Tarteleta,   Tequila & Cocuy, just to name a few.

By car, or a little longer walk: 

El Mixteco, for street tacos

La Pancha, for Birria Tacos

Nacional Beach Club (everything)

Nohoch Kay (seafood)

Again, too many excellent beach spots to park in the sand, and enjoy excellent food and drinks! 

On the Malecón we like Nacional Beach Club, and Malecón 21,  there are many others to try out as well!  

Or, if you have transportation, another of our favorite spots is the HayHu Beach Club.  It's about 30 minutes South, by car. It's always Amazing, and there aren't usually beach vendors trying to sell you stuff.

Chacchoben is a historic Mayan archaeological site and a modern-day village in Mexico's Costa Maya region, known for its well-preserved ruins set in a lush jungle environment, making it a popular excursion from cruise ships. The ruins, which date back to around 200 BCE, feature large temples and plazas, while the nearby village is a self-sufficient community with a history tied to the Maya and modern sustainable farming and crafts. Visitors can explore the temples, learn about Mayan culture, and see local wildlife, with tours often including transportation and guides. 

Just about an hour from Mahahual, Bacalar feels like stepping into another world. The Laguna de Siete Colores (Lake of Seven Colors) is famous for its breathtaking layers of turquoise, aquamarine, and deep sapphire blue — created by varying depths and white limestone sands beneath the crystal-clear water.
This massive freshwater lagoon isn’t just beautiful — it’s alive with history. Beneath the surface are underwater cenotes, including the famous Cenote Azul, which drops dramatically into deep, dark blue chambers. Along the shoreline, you’ll find delicate stromatolites — ancient living formations created by some of the oldest life forms on Earth. These fascinating microbial structures have existed for billions of years and are part of what makes Bacalar so ecologically special.
For the best experience, we highly recommend Wild Wave Bacalar. Their comfortable pontoon boat, and sailboat, tours give you the perfect way to explore the lagoon — swimming in shallow sandbars, floating in warm, clear water, and taking in some of the most unreal shades of blue you’ll ever see.
It’s a relaxed, unforgettable day trip — and a beautiful complement to your dive adventures along the Costa Maya.
If you're staying with us at Casa Rana, ask us about planning your Bacalar excursion 🌞

If you’re getting ready to explore the reefs of Mahahual or dive the wild atolls of Banco Chinchorro, make sure you’re outfitted and trained with confidence. Scuba Adventures in Plano is one of the best places in North Texas to get geared up and dive-ready before you head out on your tropical adventure.

At Scuba Adventures you’ll find a top-tier selection of dive equipment from trusted brands such as ScubaPro, TUSA, Halcyon, Akona, and Henderson — gear that delivers performance, reliability, and comfort on every dive.

Their experienced staff can help you choose the right gear for your style of diving, ensure proper fit, and explain how to use everything safely and confidently. They also offer quality scuba instruction and certification, with on-site training in a heated deep pool and courses for all levels, from beginners to advanced divers.

Whether you’re buying your own gear, or getting instruction before your Mexico trip, going through Scuba Adventures means you’ll arrive prepared, confident, and ready to enjoy the amazing underwater worlds that await in the Caribbean.