You’re thinking of stopping at the Costa Maya cruise port, and you might wonder which attractions are there. Costa Maya’s facilities might be a mystery to you. How easy is it to get around and make a shore excursion?
And what activities can you participate in while on your trip? This guide will answer all these questions to ensure you make the best of your vacation or business trip.
Port Overview
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. This destination has recently sparked interest in the tourist industry since the mid-2000s.
Costa Maya is in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, right next to Mahahual fishing village. Mahahual is one of the best places to explore while on your cruise.
Puerto Costa Maya is a popular destination, making it one of the busiest cruise ports in Mexico. You’ll enjoy the long stretches of spectacular white sand beaches during your trip.
The ocean is warm throughout the year, making it perfect for snorkeling and diving. Besides, the area has a great location since you can easily access the top attractions around Costa Maya.
Costa Maya features clean waters, Mayan ruins, dense jungles, and world-renowned diving. This Mexican port sits in a small town in the Mexican village and offers guests a charming environment with pristine waters.
Puerto Costa Maya
Construction around the Puerto Costa Maya port started in the 1990s. Tourists learned about Cost Maya and its waters in the mid-2000s. It was not until then that hotels started dotting the beachside property. However, it took some time before tourism picked up in the area.
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.
Sightseeing and Activities
Apart from the wonderful Costa Maya terminal, this port offers many exploring experiences.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is one of the highlights of this port in the West Caribbean itineraries. The coast of Mexico is famous for snorkeling and diving, and Costa Maya is one of the best places to engage in these activities.
Whether you’re new to snorkeling or are a diving master, this is a great place to tour the underwater world. You wouldn’t want to miss out on this amazing experience. Take advantage of the short turtle snorkel excursions to ensure you remember your visit to the cruise ports.
That said, you don’t have to worry about packing any snorkeling gear since most places will offer complimentary gear. However, you should remember to carry your sunscreen.
Paddle Boarding
Mahahual is the port’s largest town. While it started as a small fishing village, it’s now a tourist attraction offering plenty of activities to enjoy. Be sure to participate in paddle boarding while in the area. If you love water activities, paddle boarding is an exciting activity to try out.
Mayan Ruins
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. These are within an hour’s reach.
Bacalar
During your trip to the Mayan ruins, you can also visit the famous Bacalar Lagoon (Lagoon of Seven Colors). Again, this is a great activity for someone who enjoys water activities. The Lagoon of Seven Colors is only an hour away from Costa Maya.
Ensure you use this opportunity to wander around Bacalar town as you shop in the local boutiques or dine in the area’s restaurants.
You can also head over to the cenote in Bacalar. The area is home to Cenote Azul, one of the deepest cenotes in Mexico.
Mahahual
Take a 10-minute ride using a cab or shuttle to the Mahahual fishing village. As previously noted, it’s the largest town in Costa Maya, meaning it’s the perfect spot to mingle with the locals. On arriving in Mahahual, there are plenty of stalls selling local crafts and souvenirs.
Stop at one of the area’s best restaurants or bars for lunch. After that, stroll along the mile-long Malecón.
One of the best ways to tour Mahahual is a guided electric bike tour.
Shopping and Food
There are plenty of shopping options at Costa Maya. Your best selection depends on your taste and preferences. Standard cruise port shops include Diamonds International, Del Sol, and Crown of Light, among others.
For unique shops that sell beautiful souvenirs to take home, shop at Casa Rosa or Colleen’s Magnetic Jewelry.
As for winning and dining at the Costa Maya cruise port, there are about 10 bars and restaurants. This means you have plenty of options to choose from to ensure you enjoy your favorite food.
Visit Cantina Latina just beside the pools if you’re looking for a nice Mexican meal with tasty cocktails. El Pan Dulce is a great option for traditional sweet Mexican churros and bread.
El Faro is another popular grill and bar you should consider visiting for amazingly fresh seafood. La Fruteria serves mouthwatering coconut and fresh fruit cocktails. Mojito Bar serves fresh mint cocktails.
El Chaman is another popular bar you can visit in Costa Maya.
Nearby Beaches to Check Out
Costa Maya beaches are some of the best in Mexico. Since the area is easy to navigate, these pristine beaches are easily within reach. The Caribbean beaches are also more comfortable and well-protected from swells and waves than the Pacific beaches.
Maya Chan Beach
Maya Chan beach might be the furthest beach option during your Costa Maya cruise port trip. However, the beach offers plenty of exciting things to do to make it well worth the time and effort.
To tour this beach, visitors must reserve their spots at Maya Chan. The tour guides will reserve a cabana for you and pick you up at the port. The port is about 20 minutes by car from the beach. A private cabana features a bed, two beach chairs, and a hammock.
You can enjoy some of your favorite local dishes or drinks during your excursion. Depending on your tour guide, you should be able to explore other water activities like kayaking or snorkeling.
It’s important to note that some spots offer free WiFi.
Mahahual Beach
Mahahual Beach is quite busy since most beach day trips end here. It’s the nearest beach to the port. 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.
La Bamba Beach
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. Kayaks, hammocks, and a bar/restaurant are also on-site.
Seven Colors Lagoon
Book an excursion to the Seven Colors Lagoon, commonly known as Bacalar Lagoon. It gets its name from the different shades of blues and teals coloring the surrounding water. Your day trip will include transportation, drinks, food, and exciting activities like kayaking and swimming in the clear waters.
Other Things To Do
Visitors to Puerto Costa Maya will have various activities to enjoy during their short stay. Let’s take a look at other activities.
Discover Mayan History
It’s worth spending time to know the Mayan history over the years. The local culture is something you probably never heard of.
Mingling with the locals as you move from one destination to another is the best way to know more about what Costa Maya offers. Know what the customs are, and remember to grab an authentic Mayan meal with locally sourced ingredients.
ATV Adventure
How about an ATV adventure into the Mexican jungle? If you have time to explore other areas besides the places near the Costa Maya cruise port, get into an all–terrain vehicle and ride along the coastline.
Swim with the Dolphins
Your trip wouldn’t be complete without swimming with the dolphins. Take advantage of the dedicated dolphin centers to swim with these beautiful and playful creatures. A marine specialist will teach you how to interact with these animals while having fun with them.
Scuba Dive the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef
The appealing nature of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is known across the Caribbean. Scuba diving in this reef is an amazing experience you should try.
Mayan Wellness Retreat
A wellness getaway in this destination can ensure you return home feeling refreshed. Take a relaxing massage in one of the resorts and make the best of the cleansing ritual to detox your mind and body.
After that, soak in a therapeutic bath before going to the Temazcal, where you sweat away all the toxins and impurities from your body. Finally, you can pamper your body with nourishing clay treatment before hitting the beaches and waters.
Dance Salsa
Mexican cuisine and entertainment go hand in hand. For a memorable adventure at Costa Maya, make time to learn how to dance salsa. The locals can also teach you how to make their local dishes in the kitchen so you can bring the experience back home.
Currency
The Mexican Peso (MXN) is the currency in Costa Maya, but the US dollar is widely accepted. Keep in mind that you might get your change in pesos. Well, this is a good thing if you want to bring some souvenirs home.
How To Get Around Costa Maya
There’s more than one way to get around in Costa Maya. Here are a few options for you to consider.
Walking
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.
Taxis
You can also ride a taxi in Costa Maya, which should cost an average of $2-$3 per person. However, it can cost more depending on your destination. You can find taxis at the far end of the port since they aren’t allowed inside it.
Golf Cart Rental
Renting a golf cart rental for the day is also a convenient way to get around Costa Maya and visit the areas around its waters. You can rent this cart for about 4-5 hours.
Tram /Trolley
Visitors can ride a tram/trolley to Mahahual. However, this is a one-way trip. You’ll have to ride a taxi back to the port.
Excursion Transportation
To visit areas that are slightly further from the waters of the port, like Bacalar Lagoon or the Mayan ruins, it’s advisable to join an excursion. Such excursions will offer better rates and many activities to enjoy during your day trip.
Cruise Lines That Sail Here
A good number of the major cruise lines dock at Costa Maya’s cruise terminal. These cruise lines include:
- Holland America
- Celebrity Cruises
- Princess
- Oceania Cruises
- Carnival Cruises
- Royal Caribbean
- Norwegian Cruise Line
Conclusion
There’s so much you can enjoy at the Costa Maya cruise port. You can spend the entire day moving from one attraction to another. Besides taking a plunge in the pools, you can also have fun at the bars and restaurants.
A visit to Costa Maya gives you a lifetime opportunity to experience true Mexican culture through exploring Mayan ruins, Mahahual village, and the beautiful Bacalar Lagoon and its pools and waters.
