Costa Maya, Mexico Cruise Port Guide

Table Of Content

• Sightseeing and Cultural Excursions in Costa Maya
• The Full Guide to Visiting Costa Maya (Mahahual) on a Cruise
• World's largest cruise ship Icon OTS visits Costa Maya Mexico
• Tourist info and language
• Lost Mayan Kingdom Waterpark
• Do cruise ships dock, or is Costa Maya a tender port?
• Venice Cruise Terminal and Train Station and What You Need to Know

Shore excursions are available through the cruise line as well as through local vendors. Chacchoben Mayan Ruins are located about 30 miles (50 km) from Costa Maya. The journey by bus or taxi is about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Sightseeing and Cultural Excursions in Costa Maya

We took our golf cart at the end of our time and parked it at a local bar so we could explore independently. The Costa Maya cruise port terminal is designed so you never need to leave its confines unless you choose to. It’s like a mini-city, with many shops, restaurants, bars, rocky beach front, and even a free pool. In conclusion, Costa Maya’s combination of ancient ruins, cultural shows, water parks, and family-friendly options make it a compelling destination for visitors. Whether you’re interested in history, adventure, relaxation, or experiencing Mexican culture, Costa Maya has something to offer everyone.

The Full Guide to Visiting Costa Maya (Mahahual) on a Cruise

Dolphin Discovery is a three-minute walk south of the cruise port. Most tickets for Dolphin Discovery cost between $100 and $200 depending on the program. You can’t “cut” through behind the stairs anymore to the taxi and transportation area. Now you have to walk past a zillion shops and snack bars until you come to the beautiful pink flamingoes. Directions from the cruise ship complex to the transportation area has changed over the last few years.

World's largest cruise ship Icon OTS visits Costa Maya Mexico

Bathed by the Caribbean Sea, Puerto Costa Maya is on the East coast of the Yucatan peninsula near the south border of the Mexican State of Quintana Roo with Belize. Transfers and taxis from the Costa Maya cruise port to the beach cost around $5 USD per person each way. Costa Maya port (Puerto Costa Maya) is Mexico’s second-largest cruise port after Cozumel. It is located about 10 minutes ride from the small fishing village of Mahahual, and around 290 km (180 miles) south of Playa del Carmen and the island of Cozumel. We’ll be honest, sometimes the seaweed can make the beaches at Costa Maya less than desirable.

Maya Chan Beach Resort

Costa Maya's César Lizarraga is fondly remembered - Seatrade Cruise News

Costa Maya's César Lizarraga is fondly remembered.

Posted: Thu, 14 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

In this article, we’ll share our personal experiences and tips to help you navigate and enjoy Costa Maya. Costa Maya is located approximately 80 miles (129 km) from Cozumel. The official language of Costa Maya is Spanish, and English is also commonly spoken in tourist areas. It is part of Mexico and is located in the southeastern region of the Yucatan Peninsula.

If you prefer to rest and relax, La Bamba Beach provides a serene setting, and it’s located just 20 minutes south of Costa Maya. You can visit La Bamba Beach Club and unwind for the entire afternoon. Typical tours, such as the ones visiting the Mayan ruins, are a must. Puerto Costa Maya is home to world-renown Mayan ruins, including Kohunlich and Chacchoben. For a short day’s trip, the Mayan ruins of Kohunlich, Chacchoben, and Dzibunte are easily accessible. Apart from the wonderful Costa Maya terminal, this port offers many exploring experiences.

Lost Mayan Kingdom Waterpark

During our visit, the cost was $4 per person for the taxi ride, and it’s well worth it. You can find taxis at the exit of the Costa Maya cruise terminal. As well, you can rent a golf cart for around $60 per day (there’s a rental booth at the port exit as well). Also called the Lake of Seven Colors, the Bacalar Lagoon is a stunning shore excursion when visiting Costa Maya. The beautiful lagoon is located about an hour’s drive from the cruise port. It offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere, making it a great place to spend the day.

Children can have fun at pint-sized slides and mini pools at the Monkey’s Island kids’ area. Most of the beach clubs have either a minimum spend or an open bar, and you should definitely check out Yaya Beach, Blue Kay, Ibiza Sunset, Pitaya Beach Club, and Pez Quadro. Local vendors and beach massage areas are also available, as well as other facilities including showers, changing rooms, and restrooms. Hidden back in the small town near the port is a highly rated pizza joint — Pizza Papi.

Venice Cruise Terminal and Train Station and What You Need to Know

We explored on our own and never felt unsafe or saw anything considered unsafe. Throughout our self-guided adventures outside the port area, the atmosphere remained welcoming, and we encountered nothing but friendly faces and helpful locals. The community is invested in ensuring that visitors have a pleasant experience. Located just 45 miles from the Costa Maya cruise terminal, the Chacchoben Ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into the ancient Mayan civilization. Easily accessible, visitors can rent a car for a cheap day trip or join a group tour to explore these excavated pyramids.

Walking to the Costa Maya beaches in Mahahual from the cruise port is possible. However, it takes 40 minutes to walk the 2 miles (3.2 km) to the village. Therefore, most cruise passengers take a motorized form of transport, which only takes 10 minutes. And with the taxi fare only $4 per person, it’s worth getting the taxi or shuttle bus—which also costs $4.

New US$5 Cruise Tax Proposed For Cozumel & Costa Maya - TravelPulse Canada

New US$5 Cruise Tax Proposed For Cozumel & Costa Maya.

Posted: Tue, 28 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Lost Mayan is a themed water park based on a 1940s expedition. It has zip lines, pools and water slides among other features. The giant Mayan temple with water slides is hard to miss for cruise visitors on the decks of visiting ships. Tickets for Lost Mayan started at $99 for adults and $89 for children. The best beach in Costa Maya near the cruise port is Playa Bonita. It is a beautiful stretch of white sand surrounded by lush palm trees and crystal-clear waters.

You book a private cabana complete with hammock and daybed and enjoy all the snacks, drinks, and food you can eat. In short, for about $70 per person you get to spend the day in paradise. Transportation to and from the port is included as well so you don’t even have to worry about how to get there. By the time you’re finished reading this article, you’ll know why it’s one of my top Caribbean cruise ports. Costa Maya is a popular destination for travelers due to its rich cultural heritage and stunning beaches.

There is a massive swimming pool (with a manmade sand beach with loungers) that is free to use for those who are buying food/drink. That said, despite its location, it’s likely that when you visit you won’t be alone. While there are quieter times, don’t be surprised if the port is busy during your call. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal and cruise port area. In Mahahual, many cafes and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi if you need to upload your cruise holiday snaps.

The exclusive club is located 18 miles (29 km) south of Costa Maya and takes 30 minutes by car. However, a cruise day pass includes round-trip transportation from the Costa Maya Port. Obviously, all cruise lines offer many and diverse shore excursions in Costa Maya. Celebrity Cruises offers as many 48 shore excursions and Royal Caribbean has 43 cruise excursions.

You are best to log on to an internet hotspot in the village rather than paying the hefty charges on the ship if you need to upload photos. You can venture out of the cruise port to enjoy your day at one of the many beach clubs near Costa Maya. Most beach clubs allow you to book a day pass before your trip. Just check if they have a “no port, no fee” policy if the cruise schedule changes. Arranging a shore excursion is necessary to explore Mayan ruins, ancient civilizations, beach resorts, or the spectacular Seven Color Lagoon.

There’s also the Mayan Wellness Retreat, which includes a spa experience that runs for a little over an hour. Because of the short duration of this experience, you can also combine it with some other activities at the port. However, as in any major tourist cruise port, English is widely spoken. Right after the museum, there is a taxi stop and a Mayan pyramid replica that many cruise visitors like to climb for a photo memory. Some cruisers and staff say that the taxi stand rates are better at this stop than at the terminal but the Editor hasn't found this to be 100% accurate.