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Its location right near Cozumel (the most visited cruise port stop in the area) means that Costa Maya can be added into an itinerary without having to go far out of the way. Chances are good that if you are headed on a cruise that travels the western Caribbean, you’ll make a stop in Costa Maya. At the kiosk, just outside the terminal, you can also book tours, taxis/golf carts per hour, and various beach packages.
What to Do in Puerto Costa Maya Instead of a Shore Excursion
Xcabal, said to be the largest Mayan archaeological site, opened in 2017 and is just over an hour’s bus ride from the port. The site will be open exclusively to organized shore excursions from cruise ships for about two years. There are a variety of activities to enjoy in Costa Maya, ranging from relaxing on the beach to exploring ancient ruins. Visitors can also take part in a variety of water sports, such as snorkeling and scuba diving, or enjoy an eco-adventure through the jungle. Other popular activities include shopping in Mahahual and visiting the nearby islands of Cozumel and Holbox. Costa Maya is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, rich history, and ancient Mayan ruins.
Sightseeing and cultural excursions

Roof-captured rainwater is collected and used for bathing and WCs. In 2017 was opened the largest Mayan archaeological site Xcabal, located at ~1-hour bus ride from the cruise port. Until 2019, the site was open exclusively to cruise line-organized excursions. Puerto Costa Maya is Caribbean Mexico's second-largest cruise port - after Cozumel. This is also one of the country's most popular tourist regions. Port Costa Maya cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month.
Attractions and Shore Excursions
Bacalar is located approximately 91 km/56 miles or a 1 hour 15-minute drive from Costa Maya. The best way to get here is through an organized shore excursion from the cruise ship. Mahahual village is very safe and the beach is ideal for families and people of all ages. Along the beach, you will encounter local restaurants, bars, and beach clubs offering beach chairs, umbrellas, watersports, and fantastic service. Once you exit the ship, a long flat pier takes you to the terminal building housed in an orange building. If you have walking difficulties or traveling with small kids, there is a free trolley service to take you from your ship to the terminal building.
Lost Mayan Kingdom Water Park
In this part of the country, the shore is a mix of white sand and rock. So it can be a little tough to find that classic “postcard worthy” beach. Of course when you’re in this part of the world, then you likely have beach on your mind.
Bars at Costa Maya Cruise Port
This destination should be noticed for those seeking a unique and unforgettable adventure. Exploring the Kohunlich Ruins offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the ancient Mayan civilization’s daily lives and architectural skills. As you wander through the site, you can’t help but marvel at the advanced building techniques and attention to detail that the Mayans possessed. At the Dzibanche Ruins, visitors are greeted by well-preserved tall ruins, allowing them to step back in time and witness the grandeur of the Mayan civilization. One of the standout features of this site is the opportunity to climb to the top of temples, providing a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. The Dzibanche Ruins, an impressive archaeological site near the Kohunlich Maya site, offer a unique and immersive experience for history and culture enthusiasts.
Tours Excursions Transportation:
One such place is Jaime’s at the Blue Reef and another is the YAYA Beach Club. These restaurants offer an easy way to relax during your port stop, even though your memories might be a little hazy after spending all day here. This is a tourist trap, it is better to go out of the port gates and take a $3 shuttle to the town called Mahahual. There is lots of brightly painted pottery, Mexican blankets, jewelry, etc.
Royal Caribbean boosts annual profit forecast on strong cruise demand - SaltWire NS
Royal Caribbean boosts annual profit forecast on strong cruise demand.
Posted: Wed, 21 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
From an easy day spent by the pool at the Puerto Costa Maya cruise port to exploring ancient ruins, there’s a lot for cruise travelers to do while in Costa Maya, Mexico. Cruise ships typically dock at the Costa Maya Cruise Port, and it’s common to have three to four cruise ships dock at a time. Costa Maya Cruise Port is a popular cruise destination located on the eastern coast of Mexico, in the state of Quintana Roo, near the small fishing village of Mahahual. Costa Maya, Mexico is approximately 124 miles (200 km) south of Playa del Carmen and 149 miles (240 km) south of Cozumel. Maya Chan Beach is a private beach resort located in Mahahual.
Go on a Snorkeling Excursion
In August 2007, Hurricane Dean heavily damaged Mahahual's cruise dock and destroyed much of the village. From Costa Maya can be accessed two small villages (Xcalak and Mahahual) and the road extends south to the southern border of Sian Kaan (north) approx 100 km (62 mi). For more options, you’ll want to go into town where you’ll find the following ideas. If all this sounds like it was designed to keep you entertained without ever leaving, then you’d be right.
For those seeking a bit more adventure, Yaya Beach also offers a range of activities to keep you entertained. You can try stand-up paddleboarding, explore the underwater world with SCUBA diving, or indulge in a soothing massage by the shore. Mahahual Beach, located in the Costa Maya region of Mexico, is a hidden gem that offers a perfect combination of relaxation and adventure. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, this stunning beach is ideal for those seeking tranquility away from the bustling tourist crowds. One of the main reasons to visit Costa Maya is the opportunity to explore the Chacchoben Mayan ruins. These ruins offer a glimpse into the ancient Mayan civilization and are a must-see for history enthusiasts.
Besides, the area has a great location since you can easily access the top attractions around Costa Maya. Bacalar LagoonAbout an hour drive from Costa Maya, Bacalar Lagoon stretches roughly 30 miles to almost the border of Belize. Here the water is clear and the bottom of the lagoon is sandy, leading to an electric blue that has to be seen to believed. Notably, there is not a spot to swim in the ocean within the Costa Maya port.

We’ve been to Costa Maya cruise port on past cruises and wanted to explore this region beyond the man made cruise terminal. As you enter the Costa Maya cruise terminal, you’ll see a large resort style pool with a swim-up bar. Kids and adults are free to use the saltwater swimming pool and complimentary lounge chairs. With soft sands, turquoise waters, and a relaxed atmosphere, it offers a tranquil escape from busy cruise ship life. You can unwind on comfortable lounge chairs, enjoy delicious Mexican cuisine, and even snorkel to explore the marine life. Once in the Costa Maya port, you’ll find a large swimming pool with a swim up bar and free lounge chairs.
Taxis from the cruise terminal offer set fares to the village costing $4. Prices are per person and are the same price as the shuttle bus. All you must do is flag one down to get back to the cruise ship. Costa Maya is a popular cruise port in Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula and the coast of the Caribbean Sea. The Caribbean cruise port is located 4 miles (6.4 km) or a 10-minute drive from the quaint fishing town of Mahahual, which has just under 1,000 inhabitants. The Costa Maya Cruise Port combines adventure and relaxation on the Caribbean coast.
The small all-inclusive day resort is located about five miles south of the cruise port. Here you can sit on the beach in your own reserved palapa while the attentive waitstaff brings you drinks. When it’s lunch time, you are served a simple, yet delicious Mexican lunch. From there you can head out to kayak, snorkel, or just work on your tan.
My guide has top recommendations and tips to help you maximize your time in port. Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore ancient ruins, or shop for souvenirs, this article has you covered. Situated on the Caribbean Sea, Costa Maya is an ideal destination for cruise ships exploring the Mexican Caribbean region. Cruise passengers wishing to discover famous Mayan Ruins like Chacchoben should look into booking shore excursions, be it with your cruise ship or with local tour operators. For those who want to enjoy an all-inclusive beach, it is advisable to book a day pass. When visiting Mahahual Beach, it’s important to note that the northern area tends to be the busiest.
It was one of the best days of our itinerary and we highly recommend it. In addition to the pyramid, visitors can explore the many other ancient structures that make up the Coba Ruins. Discover well-preserved stelae, ball courts, and numerous scales (old Mayan roads). It is like stepping back in time and immersing yourself in the rich history of the Mayan civilization.
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