Mayakoba is a gated enclave of mangrove lagoons and canals between Cancún and Playa del Carmen, shared by four resorts around El Camaleón golf course. For photos they share the same gift, sunset over the lagoon and sunrise on the beach, but each has its own character: Rosewood for suites on the water and the Lagoon Lawn, Fairmont for big weddings and boat arrivals, Banyan Tree for private pool villas, Alila for a relaxed, design-led setting between lagoon and sea. Sessions start at 245 USD; weddings at 1,800 USD.
Couples often choose Mayakoba first and the resort second. The four properties share the lagoons, the canals and the beach, but they photograph differently. Here is how we would choose between them.
What They Share
All four resorts sit on the same network of lagoons and mangrove canals, with boats linking them and the Caribbean on the eastern edge. That gives every Mayakoba session two looks: the lagoon at sunset, with the sun going down over the water, and the beach at sunrise, when the light comes straight out of the sea.
Rosewood Mayakoba
The quietest of the four. Every suite has a private plunge pool, the lagoon suites have their own docks, and the Lagoon Lawn faces the water at sunset. Best for honeymoons, families who want privacy and intimate weddings. See our Rosewood Mayakoba photographer guide and Rosewood weddings.
Fairmont Mayakoba
The largest and most event-ready, with a plaza, beach and lagoon venues that string together, and the signature of arriving at your own ceremony by boat. Best for larger weddings and multi-day celebrations. See our Fairmont Mayakoba wedding guide.
Banyan Tree Mayakoba
All villas, each with its own pool, so a couples session can start in complete privacy before moving to the lagoons and the beach. Best for couples and honeymooners who want the session to begin at their door. See our Banyan Tree Mayakoba guide.
Alila Mayakoba
Formerly Andaz, set between the lagoons and the beach with a relaxed, design-led feel. For couples, the lagoon in the last hour and the beach at sunrise. See our Alila Mayakoba guide.
How to Choose
- For a big wedding: Fairmont.
- For a private, quiet stay on the water: Rosewood.
- For a pool villa at your door: Banyan Tree.
- For a relaxed, design-led stay: Alila.
Whichever you choose, the boat rides through the canals are worth adding to the session; ask your resort about booking one for golden hour.
| Collection | Time | Photos | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spark | 35 min | 15 | 245 USD |
| Glow Hour | 45 min | 25 | 325 USD |
| Essential Flow | 60 min | 35 | 395 USD |
| Creative Runway | 75 min | 50 | 475 USD |
| Visual Story | 90 min | 70 | 575 USD |
| Full Experience | 90 min | Full gallery | 725 USD |
Light Times
Times for Mayakoba on the 15th of each month in 2027. Quintana Roo does not use daylight saving.
| Month | Sunrise | Golden | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7:27 am | 5:56 pm | 6:28 pm |
| March | 6:57 am | 6:28 pm | 6:58 pm |
| May | 6:11 am | 6:47 pm | 7:18 pm |
| June | 6:07 am | 6:58 pm | 7:30 pm |
| July | 6:16 am | 7:01 pm | 7:32 pm |
| September | 6:35 am | 6:22 pm | 6:51 pm |
| November | 6:58 am | 5:36 pm | 6:07 pm |
| December | 7:17 am | 5:37 pm | 6:10 pm |