Authentic Beachfront Mexican Cooking Class Cafe Jaguar Costa Maya
Recommended by 100% of travellers
Badge of Excellence
Costa Maya, Mexico
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Sample Menu
Starter
Guacamole & Pico de Gallo & Tortilla Chips
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. (Chicken or Vegetarian available.)
What's Included
- LunchPastor Pork Tacos with handmade tortillas, guacamole, pico de gallo, salsas, snacks
- LockerWe 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.
- Free high speed internet
- Bottled water
- Alcoholic Beverages1 drink included from our extensive menu of fresh margaritas, daiquiris, pina colodas, mocktails, bubble teas, and more!
- GratuitiesIf you wish to tip your bartender and instructor :)
- Private transportationThe 2 mile taxi drive to us from the port is five dollars per person
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Café Jaguar Authentic Mexican Cooking Classes, Cafe, Restaurant & BarMalecón Manzana 7 Lote 8, 77976 Mahahual, Q.R., Mexico
At the Costa Maya Port get a taxi from port parking lot. If there is a line then walk out to main gate towards pyramid and there will be several more taxis. Tell the taxi Cafe Jaguar at campo - calle cherna. Go to beach and we are the second building in on the left.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
1
Playa Mahahual
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Pushchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 24 travellers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveller Photos
Featured review
MaryJo_B
Diego and the ladies were very friendly and accommodating. We arrived early, and they provided a private class for us. The food was delicious and we had a nice time.
Afterwards, my aunt hung out while I had a massage on the beach. Afterwards, they helped us get a taxi back to the ship.
We had a delightful day. I wish them luck and would definitely recommend this tour.
Reviews
5.0
based on 89 reviews
Cynthia_V, May 2026
This cooking class was a hands on activity appropriate for couples, families, or solo travelers. We each got to prepare our own appetizers and main entre and they provided options for pork, chicken, or vegetarian meals. The instruction was excellent with tips for customizing the flavor profiles to personal preference. The restaurant was clean and pleasant and they paid good attention to hygiene (proper cleaning, gloves provided for working with raw meat). The group size was very nice such that we were able to get to know other participants as well as the restaurant owner and her staff. I would recommend.
Laura_H, May 2026
Claudia and the other ladies were amazing. There were 8 total in our class. It was very organized and we learned to make pastor pork for tacos, guacamole, pico de gallo, and homemade tortillas. Then we ate our creations. It is located directly across from the beach with lots of shopping and I got a $25 hour massage prior to the class on the beach.
Jacqueline_L, May 2026
This was a fun experience. Let them know in advance if you do not eat pork as Al Pastor is usually made with pork, they will sub chicken.
Jeannette_H, Apr 2026
Can’t wait to go back to states and make our kids tortillas! Was a great experience ! Food was amazing!
MaryJo_B, Apr 2026
Diego and the ladies were very friendly and accommodating. We arrived early, and they provided a private class for us. The food was delicious and we had a nice time.
Afterwards, my aunt hung out while I had a massage on the beach. Afterwards, they helped us get a taxi back to the ship.
We had a delightful day. I wish them luck and would definitely recommend this tour.
Felicity_M, Apr 2026
Friendly, welcoming staff in an easy to find, clean and tidy location.
Plenty of guidance during the food preparation which included hand making tortillas.
Food and drinks delicious.
Highly recommended.
ROXANE_Z, Apr 2026
Great experience and given step by step instructions and history and recipes. Highly recommend this excursion.
Cathy_R, Mar 2026
What a wonderful cooking class! The setting was steps away from the beach. The food we prepared was delicious and plentiful. The chefs and owner were very friendly and shared their passion for the local cuisine. The company, the food and drinks options made this an experience I would repeat again. It is a short cab ride from the pier for $5.00/ person/ one way to the downtown area where the restaurant is located.
Philip_T, Mar 2026
A very good time. Small crowd great staff very accommodating. Easy to learn local cooling techniques
Sheera_T, Mar 2026
Great staff with a lot of knowledge about cooking and culture. All the staff will bilingual easy to understand gave us great lessons as we had our hands-on experience. We were a group of five couldn’t finish everything so much to eat and so delicious.
Lori_P, Mar 2026
Wonderful experience making authentic Mexican tacos, guacamole, tortillas, and salsa. The Jaguar Cafe was a fun place with a beautiful view of the water. The staff was so friendly and helpful! I would definitely do this excursion again!
Virginia_P, Feb 2026
Great class and staff.
We arrived late and staff was very accommodating and we had full experience even though we messed up the start time. The beach is across the boardwalk and there are beach massages available
Kelly_D, Feb 2026
Get off the ship and enjoy this beautiful area!
Take the class, it was so much fun. I learned a lot and I will definitely be making fresh pinco de gallo at home.
Claudia, Rodrigo, and Liz made us feel like family.
Not into cooking, the beach is right across the street. Let the people who like to cook and you enjoy the beach:-) It is free or you can get chairs for a small fee
Jim_R, Feb 2026
Very well presented and interactive . Made pico de gallio, tortillas, pork Al pastor- it was an awesome experience. Highly recommend
Colleen_K, Feb 2026
So accommodating! We were late and they fit us in the next class. So we had some drinks and food and absorbed the atmosphere of the whole place. Which I loved!
Denise_C, Feb 2026
This was such an amazing time! The crew took their time teaching us. They were fun and so interactive. I would do this all over again!!
Lori_G, Feb 2026
If you’re visiting Costa Maya — whether on your own or from a cruise ship — this experience is an absolute must! From the warm welcome to the final bite, everything was top-notch.
We learned how to prepare authentic Tacos al Pastor and loved hearing the history behind the dish. We also made fresh pico de gallo, guacamole, and even homemade tortillas from scratch — such a fun and hands-on experience! The entire restaurant team was engaging, patient, and supportive throughout the class.
The facility was spotless and well organized, and the beach right across the street made it easy to relax and enjoy a perfect afternoon after the class.
Truly a 5/5 experience — highly recommend!
Carrie_N, Feb 2026
We took part in this class today. Liz, Claudia, Rodrigo, and Chantal were friendly, funny, and great teachers. Their piña coladas are 👌💯. The food was delicious and easy to make. We really enjoyed ourselves and the food. Then, we got to relax the sun and water at the beach across the street. I can’t wait to get home to make it for the kids. Al pastor is one of my faves!
LeeRoy_P, Feb 2026
This was an absolute highlight of our experience in Costa Maya and on our entire cruise. Colleen welcomed us with drinks--margaritas and coffee flowed throughout the entire class! I highly recommend the mango margarita with tajin.
We were taught how to make the taco meat (pork or chicken), pico de gallo, guacamole, and the tortillas themselves. Then there was as much as we could eat, along with chips. We definitely couldn't eat it all even though it was delicious. The staff is so friendly, helpful, and made the entire experience absolutely delightful. Afterward, we crossed the street to the beach but we ended up coming back and ordering more drinks because the atmosphere is so welcoming and the drinks were delicious. I highly, highly recommend this excursion!
Kelly_B, Feb 2026
Easy taxi ride to the excursion.
Staff were so friendly and accommodating.
Would highly recommend this outing!
Daniel_H, Feb 2026
The food is amazing. So much flavor! Had a great time with my hubby and our friends. The setting is like a family’s home where they all teach you how to make tacos, tortillas, guacamole and Pico de gallo. Don’t sleep on the mango margaritas with tajin on the rim. We loved the vibe so much, we came back for drinks after enjoying the beach. Highly recommend. 12/10.
Kimberly_S, Feb 2026
Our cruise stopped in the port of Costa Maya. We took a short five minute cab ride to the restaurant. We were welcomed by the owner. She was so nice, immediately offering us drinks and telling us what to expect. Everything was already set up for a cooking class. Two Mexican women taught us (and another couple from our cruise ship) how to make handmade tortillas, pico de gallo, guacamole, and tacos al Pastor. Everything was authentic and delicious. After enjoying the food and company, we walked a few steps away from the restaurant to the beach with beautiful crystal blue water. It was an amazing day.
Katie_M, Feb 2026
This was honestly the most fun excursion from our cruise, not only on this trip but any trip we’ve ever done. It was so well thought out, executed, and of course it was delicious. The place was easy to find and a five dollar cab ride per person just like they said! The food was amazing, the drinks were so good and I truly felt like I learned something! I’ve already made pico de gallo and guacamole since taking this. Honestly, do not think twice about booking this… Just book it!
Teresa_M, Jan 2026
The Mexican cooking school experience was fun and informative! The gals made it fun and they offered great drinks! If taking a cab tell them to take you to the krazy lobster and the jaguar cafe is just a block from there. Taxi drivers acted like they had no idea where the jaguar cafe was located. Also, Julie, message on the beach for $20 was a great value!! Great time!
Michael_H, Jan 2026
Amazing people and so friendly - excellent time. Make sure you know local time not ship time so you’re not late like us but the did wait for us.
SueAnn_B, Jan 2026
Absolutely one of the best shore excursions I have ever taken! The venue is a little tough to find. Colleen and her staff were the best of the best. Entertaining, helpful and funny. Lots of food, come hungry. Don't miss this!
Claude_t, Jan 2026
Great staff very knowledgeable and very helpful and very friendly thanks for your service. The cooking class was great. Had a wonderful time with the staff 5 start. Thanks The Touchettes
Kaila_T, Jan 2026
We couldn’t have asked for a better experience. This was a fun, interactive, authentic and informational cooking class. The cooking instructor and staff were fantastic and super friendly. There was so much food, a drink included and afterwards we got to enjoy the beach with beach loungers. If you are traveling to Costa Maya (especially on a cruise), this is a must!! Only a quick taxi ride ($5pp) from the port.
Trevor_K, Dec 2025
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.
Glenda_H, Dec 2025
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!
From US$79.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Authentic Beachfront Mexican Cooking Class Cafe Jaguar Costa Maya
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