Guide to the Costa Maya Cruise Port In Mexico

Table Of Content

• Cruise Port schedule, live map, terminals, news
• Must-Do Activities in Costa Maya During a Cruise Port Day
• Hit the Souvenir Shops for Anything You Can Imagine
• One Tank Local Scuba Diving Trip
• What to Do in Puerto Costa Maya Instead of a Shore Excursion
• Explore downtown Bacalar
• Take a Taxi or Golf Cart to the Beach

Costa Maya offers something for everyone, from its vibrant nightlife to its unique archaeological sites. One good thing about the Costa Maya cruise port’s waters is that the areas near the port are easily accessible on foot. If you’re adventurous, take a 30-minute walk along the Malecón to Majahual village. Costa Maya cruise port, or “Puerto Costa Maya,” sits on the southeastern coast of Mexico. Costa Maya’s attractions are just a few miles from the Belize border and is approximately 80 miles south of Cancun.

Cruise Port schedule, live map, terminals, news

Apart from the wonderful Costa Maya terminal, this port offers many exploring experiences. Taxi Costs Are Consistent – $4 per personWant a ride from the Costa Maya port into Mahahual? Taxis are everywhere both at the port and in town, and the cost seems to be a consistent $4 per person for the 5-10 minute ride between the two spots. The other issue is that they might be taken up by a restaurant or hotel offering beach service.

Must-Do Activities in Costa Maya During a Cruise Port Day

You can book the shore excursions through your cruise line or with a local tour operator outside the terminal building. The Caribbean coast of Mexico is renowned for its exceptional diving and snorkeling opportunities, largely due to the stunning beauty of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. This reef is the second-largest barrier reef system in the world and a haven for a diverse array of marine life. Snorkeling adventures along this barrier reef allow you to get up close with a wide variety of tropical marine life, such as snappers, jacks, angelfish, and queen triggerfish.

Change at the helm of Holistica - Seatrade Cruise News

Change at the helm of Holistica.

Posted: Mon, 17 Feb 2020 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Hit the Souvenir Shops for Anything You Can Imagine

These trips will take you out in the gorgeous water and give you a chance to see what’s underneath the waves. The best part is you don’t get wet, making it perfect for small kids or those with mobility issues. Sure you can head to the ship’s spa… or even get a massage on the beach for that matter. But Costa Maya offers a special “Mayan Healing Rituals” that include an herbal bath, a sweat lodge, clay mask, a coconut milk bath, and a hammock massage. It’s a unique take on the traditional spa experience and a trip to the spa that won’t soon be forgotten.

One Tank Local Scuba Diving Trip

Plus, it has shallow and gentle waters, making it a great spot to enjoy water activities near the Costa Maya cruise port. You can work with an instructor to try scuba and other water activities. Playa Mahahual Beach is the closest beach for cruise ship passengers visiting Costa Maya. You can easily reach the beach by golf cart, shuttle bus, taxi, or electric bike. However, there are excellent seafront restaurants and bars along the promenade. Costa Maya cruise terminal features a T-shaped pier that can accommodate up to four cruise ships simultaneously.

Costa Maya Beach Clubs Near the Cruise Port

We’ll be honest, sometimes the seaweed can make the beaches at Costa Maya less than desirable. However, the water is still very clear if you get off the shore a little bit. Excursions are available through your cruise line and the pros can take you to spots where you’ll see abundant wildlife under the water. La Fruteria is a must-visit for those looking for a refreshing and healthy drinking experience. This swim-up bar specializes in fresh fruit cocktails, offering various delicious options with locally sourced fruits. Sip on a tropical delight while enjoying the pristine waters of Costa Maya.

The park guide showed us around the ruins and Mayan temples and explained about the ancient culture and people. Book a catamaran or boat tour to explore the coastline, snorkel in pristine waters, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. Shore excursions are available through the cruise line as well as through local vendors.

Costa Maya, Mexico is approximately 124 miles (200 km) south of Playa del Carmen and 149 miles (240 km) south of Cozumel. It offers a beach-front location, beach loungers with lots of shade, games, a pool, clean restrooms, WiFi, several beach bars (plus lounge chair service), a small gift shop, and more. Transportation in cabs to and from the port is included and organized for you, so you don’t have to worry about it.

As the creator of this website, I want to help families plan fun cruises free of stress and filled with adventure! All the dolphin encounters are expertly guided by marine specialists who will teach your kids more about these playful and lovable sea creatures and how to reward them with a little kiss. While the Nacional Beach Club and Bungalows is a private resort, a day pass will grant you access to their exclusive beach, outstanding hospitality, and delicious culinary fare. Costa Maya is located approximately 80 miles (129 km) from Cozumel. Cash is widely accepted and most establishments also offer credit card payment options. It is part of Mexico and is located in the southeastern region of the Yucatan Peninsula.

A couple of spectacular Mayan ruins are highlights close by - in particular Chacchoben. If cruising with children cruise passengers can enjoy zip line courses and water slides at the Mayá, Lost Mayan Kingdom Theme Water Park, close by. Unfortunately, in 2007 and 2012, two hurricanes devastated Costa Maya, and these buildings are still waiting for restoration. Cruise passengers booked with online tour operators will meet their guides along this street outside the gated area of the cruise terminal. The local population is very friendly but not pushy and speaks English reasonably well.

Unlike more commercialized destinations, there are no towering high-rises here. The heart of this tranquility is Mahahual, a small village enveloped by lush jungle. This fishing village, known for its laid-back vibe and picturesque beaches, provides a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of typical tourist areas.

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. One of the charms of Costa Maya is its relatively undeveloped landscape.

The Nearby Waterpark Is ClosedFrom the ship you’ll be able to look inland and see a recreated Mayan temple standing high above the trees. This was the main tower for the Maya, Lost Mayan Kingdom waterpark. It was just a short distance from the port and a great option for families with water features, ziplines, and more.

Like other international ports, you won’t be able to bring any fresh produce with you. Ships dock on a medium-size cruise purposely built port with T-shaped piers and quays for up to four cruise ships to moor. Whatever you decide to do, all cruise travelers will have to pass by the terminal building unless you stay onboard.

Costa Maya, also known as Puerto Costa Maya, grew out of developing the area to suit tourism. Tourism picked up, cruise ships started making the port’s waters a destination, and the process trickled to the nearby areas. You’ll be greeted by tour guides offering up excursions if you haven’t booked something to do already. But what you’ll also notice is that in the port complex there is tons offered, including shopping, restaurants, swimming with dolphins, and more. Then there are the on-site tour operators who greet cruise passengers as they enter the port, hoping to pick up some last-minute business. These hard workers offer many of the same excursions as the cruise lines.