Authentic Mexican Cooking Class & Beach at Jaguar Cafe Costa Maya

Overview

Available languages

English

Spanish

2 hours

Mobile ticket

Unlike standard port excursions, we offer a "Home Base" experience. You aren't just taking a 2-hour class; you are gaining access to a premier beach club location just 5 minutes from the pier. Master the secrets of the comal and traditional Al Pastor marinade with the Caribbean Sea as your backdrop. Afterward, skip the crowds and use our secure lockers and 150Mbps Wi-Fi to enjoy a stress-free day of swimming and shopping on the Mahahual boardwalk. It’s the perfect blend of cultural immersion and a relaxing beach break.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Escape the cruise crowds for an authentic culinary journey in the heart of Mahahual! At Jaguar Cafe, we combine traditional Mexican cooking with the beauty of the Caribbean. Located on the downtown boardwalk—just a 5-minute taxi from the Costa Maya port—our hands-on class offers a front-row seat to turquoise waters and a cool ocean breeze. This is a full sensory experience. You won’t just watch; you’ll master the rhythmic press of handmade tortillas and the sizzle of marinated pork al pastor on a traditional comal. Under the guidance of local experts, you’ll learn the secrets of the Mexican kitchen while sipping a craft margarita, tropical daiquiri, or refreshing mocktail. Why travelers love Jaguar Cafe: Prime Location: We are in the center of the downtown beach club and shopping district. Full Beach Access: Use us as your "home base." Enjoy free beach access and swim in the sea steps from your cooking station. Modern Comforts: Stay connected with 150Mbps Wi-Fi and keep gear safe in secure lockers. Total Flexibility: Arrive early or stay late to shop. We are perfectly timed for your ship’s schedule! Book your spot in paradise today!

Sample Menu

starter

Guacamole & Pico de Gallo

Master the "Golden Rules" of avocado selection! Learn to balance lime and spice for the ultimate creamy guacamole and fresh, vibrant Pico de Gallo.

main

Hand-Pressed Tortillas

Experience the joy of making tortillas from scratch. Use traditional wooden press and a hot comal to cook them to perfection—just like a local abuela

main

Pork Tacos Pastor

Master the world famous street taco! Learn the secret achiote marinade that gives the pork its signature flavor. (Veggie options available).

What‘s Included

Free high speed internet

We have lockers available if you want to leave your things while you go for a swim in the Caribbean steps from our cafe, or stroll along the downtown beach and shopping area.

Bottled water

Pastor Pork Tacos with handmade tortillas, guacamole, pico de gallo, salsas, snacks

1 drink included from our extensive menu of fresh margaritas, daiquiris, pina colodas, mocktails, bubble teas, and more!

If you wish to tip your bartender and instructor :)

Options

Authentic Mexican Cooking Class & Beach at Jaguar Cafe Costa Maya

Reviews

5.00

30 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Wonderful People and Food
Trevor K,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
First time in Costa Maya. My wife and I arrived a bit early, were warmly greeted by the owner Colleen, and spent an hour relaxing on the beach just across from Cafe Jaguar waiting for our class to start. The water was warm, we had a couple of tasty mezcal drinks, and enjoyed the beautiful weather. There were a number of locals walking up and down the beach offering various things for sale but they were not pushy at all. The class was awesome. Super friendly and funny staff. The food was excellent and you get plenty of it. Both my wife and I had to take some back with us. I tried making a tortilla by hand and loved that. After the class they have lockers for you to use if you want to head back out to the beach. We tried snorkeling. Not much to see but the water is super warm. Overall great time. I would definitely recommend this. It’s a small, intimate, informative and tasty experience with wonderful people. You can’t beat that.
Made you feel like family
Lori H,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very personal and friendly experience. Food,drinks and beach. My twenty year old son said it was his favorite of our cruise.
The best cooking class ever!!!
gdek877,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The most amazing experience!!! Flora was a wonderful host and her and her team guided us through the preparation of the most delicious meal. Drinks were amazing and we couldn’t ask for a better experience.
The best choice to come an make good memories at the beach
Inspire62205186483,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It’s an amazing place the best prices in town cleanest restrooms and the attention from the staff is wonderful digby rocks
cooking was fun with this crew
Glenda H,,Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Getting out of the crowds from the port was our priority. Getting a taxi was challenging, but worth it with this crew of fun at the Cafe Jaguar! Will definitely do this again. Flor and Claudia made this such a great experience! They were so kind and patient with our questions and hands on part of the class. All of the staff was very kind to us and wanted us to enjoy our class. The bartender did a great job with our drinks and accommodated a special request for a spicy margarita which I highly recommend! We learned how to marinate the pork and we made kabobs with veggies. We made homemade guacamole and tortillas from scratch. Making the tortillas was the highlight of the class. We learned how to press them and make them by hand. A huge thank you to Claudia and Flor for making it such a fun thing to do in Costa Maya!!! When we come back we will definitely take another class with you!
The best thing to do in Costa Maya for a relaxing fun day out of the crowds
35glendah,,Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Flor and Claudia made this such a great experience! They were so kind and patient with our questions and hands on part of the class. All of the staff was very kind to us and wanted us to enjoy our class. The bartender did a great job with our drinks and accommodated a special request for a spicy margarita which I highly recommend! We learned how to marinate the pork and we made kabobs with veggies. We made homemade guacamole and tortillas from scratch. Making the tortillas was the highlight of the class. We learned how to press them and make them by hand. A huge thank you to Claudia and Flor for making it such a fun thing to do in Costa Maya!!! When we come back we will definitely take another class with you!
Best coffee tacos and service around!
Curious27771805234,,Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amazing experience! Friendliest staff in mahahual! If you see Janice give her lots of pets! Will always come back when visiting!
10/10 - Would Recommend!
Safari28829570157,,Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amazing service, great food and drinks, extremely friendly staff! Would absolutely recommend to anyone coming to Costa Maya/Mahahual. Also, Janice the dog is the best!
A tasty break from the normal excursions.
dbump4462,,Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
What a great experience. Highly recommend. Place was clean, staff friendly, food was great and WE DID IT!
Fabulous Foid Experience
Penny W,,Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great food experience, especially when there were so many cruise ships in port making all the usual tourist stops so crowded. Super friendly staff and the food (that we cooked ourselves!) was fantastic! They also have WiFi and beach access, so if you have some time before or after, plan accordingly. Highly recommend!