If you’re going on a Western Caribbean cruise, there’s a good chance that you’ll be visiting the port of Costa Maya, Mexico. Costa Maya serves as a gateway to the Mexican Caribbean, offering many fun and interesting things for cruise passengers to see and do!
The Costa Maya cruise port was specifically built to cater to cruise passengers, providing many activities and attractions both in and around the cruise terminal. Although a few years ago this port was lesser known than popular Cozumel, Costa Maya is now frequented by several cruise lines.
There are a lot of great things to do in Costa Maya while on a cruise, including activities right at the cruise terminal, shore excursions to Mayan ruins, and beach clubs.
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Where Is Costa Maya Cruise Port?
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.
Situated on the Caribbean Sea, Costa Maya is an ideal destination for cruise ships exploring the Mexican Caribbean region. The Puerto Costa Maya is in close proximity to popular tourist attractions, such as ancient Mayan ruins and beautiful beaches, making it a popular stop for cruise itineraries in the Western Caribbean.
Costa Maya Cruise Port Overview
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.
Passengers can walk off the cruise ship along the t-shaped pier into the cruise port area. However, it can be a longer walk than it looks. If you have an excursion to meet, allow at least 15 minutes to walk to the meeting area.
There are free trolleys available for cruise passengers who have have difficulty walking or would like the service.
Once in the Costa Maya port, you’ll find a large swimming pool with a swim up bar and free lounge chairs. There are several restaurants (many serving Mexican cuisine) and bars, boutiques, and shops selling local crafts and souvenirs.
You’ll find a tourist booth with information for local beaches and excursions that will take you outside of the cruise port area. There is also a meeting area for those who have pre-booked Costa Maya shore excursions and tours.
Costa Maya cruise port was severely damage by Hurricane Dean in 2007 and took several years to recover. We visited recently while on a Virgin Voyages cruise, and could see that the area has much improved.
Costa Maya – What Cruise Passengers Need to Know
Currency
The currency in Costa Maya, Mexico is the Mexican Peso. However, US dollars are widely accepted. Keep in mind that you may receive change in Pesos, even if you pay in US dollars.
The symbol for Pesos is $, like the US dollar, which can cause some confusion. It’s a good idea to double check pricing when making a purchase in US dollars, as well as to check the change that you’re receiving.
ATM at the Costa Maya Cruise Terminal
If you prefer to use the local currency, you can withdraw Pesos at ATMs, which are located within the Costa Maya cruise terminal.
Language
The official language in Costa Maya, Mexico is Spanish. However, English is widely spoken by tour guide, shopkeepers and restaurant workers at the cruise port and surrounding tourist areas.
When venturing outside of the cruise terminal area, the locals may be less proficient in English, but overall communicating should’t be a problem. Knowing a few words or phrases in Spanish, including please and thank you, is always helpful.
Weather
The weather in Costa Maya, Mexico, is typically warm and tropical throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from the(mid-70s to low 90s Fahrenheit (mid-20s to low 30s Celsius).
The dry season, from November to April, is mostly sunny and rain-free. The wet season, from May to October, is generally humid with occasional rain and sun showers.
How to Get Around in Costa Maya
There are a few ways to get around Costa Maya as a cruise traveler.
Walk
If you’re planning to stay in the cruise port area, walking is the easiest way to get around. There is a complimentary trolley to bring cruisers from the ship’s pier to the cruise port.
Taxi, Shuttle or Golf Cart
Taxis, shuttles and golf carts are available to take you to areas outside of the cruise terminal, including the Mahahual Village.
Booking a shore excursion is best if you want to venture further out and away from the Costa Maya cruise port.
Best Things to Do in Costa Maya Cruise Port
Many cruise passengers decide to hang out around the free saltwater swimming pool in the centre of the Costa Maya cruise port, followed by a bit of souvenir shopping.
There’s nothing wrong with this port day plan. However, if you’re wondering what to do in Costa Maya cruise port, there is a lot more to see and do!
Beaches in Costa Maya Near the Cruise Port
Heading to a local beach is a popular activity for many cruise passengers. These are the most popular beaches and best beach clubs for a day visit:
1. Mahahual Beach
Mahahual Beach is a 5 minute taxi ride from the Costa Maya cruise port. This natural beach is great for cruisers who are looking for an inexpensive beach day. Check reviews for Playa Mahahual before you go, as occasionally sea weed can be an issue at this popular beach.
2. Maya Chan Beach Resort
The Maya Chan beach club is located approximately 4 miles away from the Costa Maya cruise port. Maya Chan Beach is popular with cruise passengers visiting Costa Maya for the day. You can book Maya Chan Beach as a shore excursion with the cruise line or opt to go on your own.
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.
Maya Chan beach is considered by many cruise visitors to be the best beach in Costa Maya, Mexico.
3. Uvero Beach
Located about 20-30 minutes from the Costa Maya cruise port, Uvero Beach is a more secluded beach option for cruise passengers. You’ll find soft sands and calm waters, making it a great spot for swimming and sunbathing.
4. Costa Maya Beach Clubs Near the Cruise Port
There are several beach day clubs nearby the Costa Maya cruise port. These include:
- Malecon 21 Beach Club
- Chunky Monkey Beach Club
- Pez Quadro
An all inclusive beach club with an open bar can be booked with Resort for a Day.
Costa Maya Excursions & Things to Do
5. Relax at Swimming Pool and Loungers
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.
If you’re looking for an easy and fun way to spend the day in the Caribbean port, this is a good option.
6. Costa Maya Cruise Terminal Attractions
Within the Costa Maya cruise port area, you’ll find several attractions and cultural performances including:
7. Aviarius
Above the boardwalk area, you’ll find a trail of hanging bridges where you can encounter exotic birds. The tropical birds are beautiful and there are a lot of opportunities to take some good photos.
8. Papantla Flyers Dance of the Flyers
One of the most popular things to do at the Costa Maya cruise port, is to watch a performance by Paplanta Flyers. The Danza de los Voladores (Dance of the Flyers) is a traditional and artistic Mexican flying performance on that takes place on a very high pole within the central square of the cruise port.
9. Chacchobeen Mayan Ruins
Visit the ancient Mayan ruins of Chachobeen with a cruise line shore excursion or a local tour operator. When you meet your tour guide, you’ll board a bus that will take you over to one of the most interesting archeological sites in the Yucatan Peninsula.
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. Cruise passengers should use caution to make sure that they are back to the cruise ship on time.
At the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins, you’ll learn about ancient Mayan history and architecture, while exploring the Mayan temples. On site, along with a tourist shop, there’s a small taco and burrito stand that sold some inexpensive and delicious Mexican food.
Based on our own personal experience, this was one of my families’ favorite excursions and we found the Chacchobeen Mayan Ruins excursion well worth the price!
Tip: Bring mosquito repellant as you’ll be walking on trails through the jungle.
10. Dolphin Discovery
Swim with dolphins at Dolphin Discovery, located minutes away from the cruise ship with the Costa Maya cruise port. A dolphin swim and dolphin encounter is offered. Photos are available for purchase as well.
There is a viewing platform at Dolphin Discovery where you can watch the dolphins interact with their trainers and people, as well as get a great view of the cruise ships.
11. Lost Mayan Kingdom Water Park
The impressive Lost Mayan Kingdom Theme Water Park is visible from your cruise ship. This is a great way for families to spend the day in Costa Maya. Plunge down towering water slides, float along lazy rivers, and brave challenging obstacle courses. Don’t forget to take lots of photos and videos to preserve the memories!
12. Snorkeling Excursions
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.
13. Scuba Diving
Scuba diving excursions allow visitors to view the vibrant marine life of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the world’s second-largest barrier reef.
14. Bacalar – Seven Color Lagoon
Take a small group tour from Costa Maya cruise terminal to the Bacalar Lagoon, frequently referred to as the seven colors lagoon. This lagoon and cenote is gorgeous, with the most pristine crystal clear turquoise waters.
15. Water Activities
If you go to Mahahual or one of the other local beaches, you can participate in several water sports and activities. Kayak in the crystal-clear waters of a pristine beach, go fishing or paddle boarding.
16. Taste Local Flavors
There are some really good restaurants and bars, even the Costa Maya cruise port area. Try some traditional Mexican dishes or some well loved favorites (like nachos, salsa and guacamole).
You’ll find fresh juice, authentic Mexican chocolate, tequila tastings and more.
17. Souvenir Shopping
There are plenty of things to buy in Costa Maya, Mexico that are reasonably priced and make good souvenirs. Cruise travelers can shop on the main street or boardwalk in the small town of Mahahual, or simply shop at the boutiques at the cruise port.
Things to Buy in Costa Maya
- Handcrafted souvenirs
- Mexican chocolate
- Tequila and Mezcal
- Vanilla
- Local spices and hot sauces
- Mayan inspired crafts and artwork
- Hammocks
- Mexico t-shirts
- Handmade soap
- Jewelry/silver
Costa Maya Cruise Review
During our recent cruise to Costa Maya on Virgin Valiant Lady, we decided to do a day trip to Chacchobeen Mayan Ruins. We’ve been to Costa Maya cruise port on past cruises and wanted to explore this region beyond the man made cruise terminal.
We met our cruise sponsored shore excursion at the meeting spot and had a good 50 minute drive to the archeological site. The park guide showed us around the ruins and Mayan temples and explained about the ancient culture and people. While visiting, we saw spider monkeys in the trees above.
After touring for about 2 hours, we made our way back to the cruise port on a comfortable coach style bus. I was glad we did this tour in Costa Maya, as visiting other Mayan ruins sites like Chichen Itza is a far distance from this port, as well as Cozumel.
While we enjoy the popular Costa Maya cruise port, and they’ve done a great job making sure there are plenty of things to do near the cruise ships, it can get crowded. With 3 to 4 ships in port at a time, the swimming pool and lounge chair area is too busy for me. However, it might be a good port to visit in the morning. Then,head back and stay on the cruise ship while everyone else is in port!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Walk from Costa Maya Cruise Port to Mahahual?
The distance between Costa Maya and Mahahual is approximately 2.3 miles (3.8 km). It will take about 45 minutes to walk into town. Taxis are readily available, and only cost a few dollars if you’re too hot or tired to walk.
Tip: On the way to Mahahual, you’ll come across a lighthouse. It’s worth stopping for a photo.
Where to Find Free Wifi at Cruise Port?
You can find free wi-fi all around the Costa Maya cruise terminal.
What is Costa Maya Known For?
Costa Maya is a popular cruise port and tourist destination located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico, in the state of Quintana Roo. The cruise port is known for it’s amenities and activities designed specifically for cruise passengers.
In addition, Costa Maya is known for it’s beach and water activities, Mayan ruins, the small village of Mahahual, cultural performances, eco-tourism and shopping and crafts.
Is Costa Maya Safe?
Yes, Costa Maya is generally considered safe for tourists and cruise travelers. The Costa Maya Cruise Port area in particular is quite secure. Like all destinations, visitors should take the usual precautions to protect themselves from petty theft.
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Final Thoughts on Costa Maya Cruise Port Things to Do
The Costa Maya is becoming one of the most popular cruise ports on Caribbean cruise itineraries. The Costa Maya cruise port is a gateway to beautiful beaches and cultural experiences in the Mexican Caribbean.
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.
Have you been to Costa Maya on a cruise or are you going to? Please let me know your questions, tips or what you enjoyed in Costa Maya cruise port.
Happy Cruising!
Ilana
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