Coffee Shop & Marine Museum · Aldea Zama, Tulum
Specialty coffee, Mexican, international and healthy dishes, served under a ceiling of more than a hundred seashells that artist Kevin Haley spent 3 years building.
01
Maya Xel is a café-restaurant in Aldea Zama where breakfast is served slowly: Mexican breakfasts, international brunch and specialty coffee, in a space that's both a marine museum and an art gallery made of seashells.
Fan Favorites
Current Promotion
Arrecife Bowl and Tostada Tricolor, our dishes for Mexico's patriotic month.
Breakfast or brunch: choose one of the two dishes + drip coffee for $199.
Complimentary orange juice when you show us your Google review or a tagged photo on Instagram.
The Reef
Every corner of Maya Xel is a masterpiece by artist Kevin Haley: an expanded-foam reef covering the ceiling, hanging gardens, a water fountain and more than a hundred seashell lamps carved and assembled by hand, one by one, over two decades.
The shells come from local fishermen; the result is a space reviewers from around the world describe as "being inside a reef" — and which also doubles as a small marine museum and sustainable art shop.
Reviews
The ceiling has to be seen to be believed — like being inside a reef.
Google Review
Delicious food and very attentive staff; they made us feel right at home.
TripAdvisor Review
The best spot in Aldea Zama for breakfast and getting some calm work done.
Google Review
Hours & Location
Andador Kanbul, Manzana 12 Lote 65 - 77760 Tulum
mayaxelcafetulum@gmail.com · +52 984 312 6341
FAQ
Yes, we offer free wifi throughout the space — perfect for working while you enjoy breakfast or coffee.
Yes, Maya Xel is family friendly, with a comfortable space and a varied menu for all ages.
Yes, we accept credit and debit cards, as well as cash.
Yes, there are parking options near the venue, in Aldea Zama.
Yes, we have an air-conditioned room as well as an open-air terrace under our reef ceiling.
Our ceiling is a handmade reef built from over a hundred real seashells by artist Kevin Haley over two decades — we function as both a café and a small marine museum.
Yes, we have an air-conditioned room, wifi, and a calm atmosphere, ideal for working in the morning before midday.
Yes, part of the space doubles as a sustainable art shop with pieces inspired by the same handmade process as the ceiling.
Yes, the space is wheelchair accessible: the entrance and the rest of the area are step-free.
Yes, we have space for up to 40 people and take reservations for large groups. Message us on WhatsApp to arrange your date and party size.
Yes, we have vegan options and plant-based milks available for your coffee or drink.
Reservation
Tell us when you're coming for brunch and we'll confirm by email.
Prefer something faster? Message us on WhatsApp →
