Sunday, March 31, 2024

Costa Maya Cruise Port Ultimate Guide! Expert Tips & Tricks

costa maya cruise dock

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. However, it’s important to note that travel to the lagoon takes around 1hr 30 minutes. Therefore, planning a shore excursion is only feasible if you have a long time in port. The Maya Chan Beach Club is one of the most popular locations for a day at the beach in Costa Maya. It’s far enough away from Costa Maya, which can feel packed on cruise days.

Chunky Monkey Beach Club

Getting out on the water is a wonderful way to enjoy a day in Costa Maya. The Power Snorkel tour takes place in the crystal-clear waters of Costa Maya and is perfect for those who want to explore further than traditional snorkeling. If you are already dive certified, consider booking a guided dive tour while visiting Costa Maya. Professional dive instructors can take you to some of the most beautiful spots in the Caribbean. If you haven’t heard of snuba, it’s a combination of Scuba Diving and Snorkeling. You can explore the depths of the sea while still getting to experience the beauty of Costa Maya’s underwater world.

Free Swimming Pool

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. However, if you are more of an “on your own” person, then my suggestion is to check with the tourist information center for reliable tour companies and packages to this amazing place. Transfers and taxis from the Costa Maya cruise port to the beach cost around $5 USD per person each way. 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.

Costa Maya Cruise Port Ultimate Guide! Expert Tips & Tricks

All the rides are based around the Great Pyramid, which looks like an ancient Mayan Temple. The water park is located a 10-minute walk from the cruise port. However, you can usually order transportation with your cruise line or get a taxi from outside the terminal. The Caribbean waters off Mahahual are among the best in the Mexican Caribbean for snorkeling and scuba diving. Banco Chinchorro is a UNESCO site and the largest coral atoll in Mexico, consisting of three islands. You can marvel at coral reefs, colorful fish, sea turtles, manatees, and dolphins here.

Pitaya Beach Club

Spending a few hours in a glass-bottom boat is a fantastic way to appreciate the crystal-clear waters in the Caribbean. The boat excursions let you see an exotic range of tropical marine life without getting wet. However, snorkeling adventures are also on offer if you want to dip in the sea and explore the ocean floor yourself. Several local taxi operators provide quick and cheap travel to Mahahual.

costa maya cruise dock

Our last visit included four ships docked on the same day, meaning roughly 15,000 cruise passengers in port at once. The port area in particular was tightly packed, but Mahahual itself was also very busy. Just know that while this port is out of the way, it’s still a major destination for cruise ships. Mahahual village is very safe and the beach is ideal for families and people of all ages.

It is the first Western Caribbean port designed exclusively for the cruise ship industry and is strategically located just hours from Cancun on Mexico's southern Yucatan Peninsula. In conclusion, Costa Maya is a destination that seamlessly blends natural beauty, rich history, and captivating culture. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or exploration, this Mexican gem offers an array of opportunities to satisfy all your travel desires. So pack your bags, prepare for an extraordinary journey, and let Costa Maya enchant you with its unparalleled charm.

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All day packages include a reserved lounge chair, shaded palapa, snorkel gear, free kayak use, and complimentary Wi-Fi. It seems like the perfect place to spend the entire day on Mahahual Beach, Costa Maya. The Chunky Monkey Beach Club is the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of Mahahual on cruise days. When heading to Mahahual, be sure to check out some paddle boarding or kayaking over some of the most amazing azure blue waters we have seen. A cenote is a sinkhole that often holds aqua blue waters and is very common in the Yucatan Peninsula. Bacalar hosts one of the deepest cenotes in Mexico, called the Cenote Azul.

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When you book a ship excursion, it will be refunded in those circumstances but that may not always be the case if you book for something on your own. Once you enter the port, you’ll see the expansive amenities available to guests right at the port. It is a pretty long walk off the pier, so make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes.

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. Other excursions in Costa Maya include cenotes tours, all-inclusive beach breaks, and other ruins tours. If you aren’t traveling with kids and just want to relax and enjoy the area, I think the tequila tasting followed by some time at the pool enjoying a cocktail would be a fun experience.

For the more active traveler, bike rentals are a fun way to explore the nearby Mahahual village at your own pace. Check Out the Tiendas for Snacks and DrinksOn the way in between Costa Maya and Mahahual you’ll pass by a number of small convenience stores selling snacks, sodas, and beers. These are a great for picking up some munchies to bring back to the ship for cheap. And while you can’t bring beers back on the ship, you can get one to enjoy in port for just a buck or two.

The stunning inland freshwater lagoon is famous for its crystal-clear waters, which showcase seven shades of blue. You can go swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or paddleboarding, which provides one of the most peaceful and tranquil ways to immerse yourself in the lagoon’s beauty. You can book the shore excursions through your cruise line or with a local tour operator outside the terminal building. Golf carts in Costa Maya are one of the most fun and unique ways to explore the local village. This transport mode offers a quick journey to Mahahual, allowing you to explore its shops, beautiful scenery, and vibrant atmosphere. The Costa Maya is becoming one of the most popular cruise ports on Caribbean cruise itineraries.

Getting to the 3rd party Costa Maya tour companies in Costa Maya Port is a process. The closest beach to Costa Maya Port is Mahahual, and because of this, it becomes quite crowded. While it is beautiful, if you are looking for a peaceful beach, this may not be the best option for you. Are you looking to be near the water, but still be active and try something fun? If you don’t want to take a history tour, that’s ok, because there is still plenty more to do in Costa Maya.

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Sitting right on the beach, for $57 per adult you get all you can eat and drink, as well as beach chairs, palapas, and snorkel equipment. The menu is heavy on seafood, but there is something for everyone. As the place only takes in 35 people, you’ll want to book ahead of time via the website. Puerto Costa Maya is Caribbean Mexico's second-largest cruise port - after Cozumel. Port Costa Maya cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month.

The Best 27 Beaches In Costa Maya Close to the Cruise Port

costa maya cruise dock

There is also the Tour Dispatch area and opportunities to book last-minute shore excursions. 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 dock

Costa Maya Cruise Port Overview

Check reviews for Playa Mahahual before you go, as occasionally sea weed can be an issue at this popular beach. 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. The sea in Costa Maya is renowned for its stunning blue hues, reflecting the Caribbean’s vibrant colors. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for snorkeling, diving, and kayaking in glass-bottomed boats. Also, Costa Maya is home to the largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere.

costa maya cruise dock

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The beach excursion takes you to a private, gorgeous beach 1.5 miles (2.4 km) south of Mahahual on a quiet road along the Costa Maya shore. The day includes a pre-paid taxi, signature cocktails, lounge chairs, and kayaks. This secluded private beach club also has a pool and beach volleyball club.

Costa Maya Cruise Port FAQ’s

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. On the beachside of the Malecón, the cruise passenger will find one beach club after another with chairs, umbrellas, bars, and water sports. Parallel to the Ocean and bordering the sand, there is a main pedestrian 'road' - the Malecón Mahahual.

Port Activities In Costa Maya

However, local authorities regularly remove sargassum to keep the beaches clean for visitors. The pier at Costa Maya has berths for up to four large cruise ships. Here are some questions many cruise ship passengers ask before docking in Costa Maya. Known as Fuerte de San Felipe, Bacalar Fort is a historic fort near the lagoon. Built in the 18th century, the fortress protected the town from pirate attacks.

Best Things to do while in Costa Maya Cruise Port

There is music, food, drinks, and a lively atmosphere to enjoy without leaving the port. If you’re looking for a unique experience, head to the nearby Chacchoben Ruins. With its pristine beaches, lush jungles, and ancient Mayan ruins, it’s not surprising that it has become a favorite spot for visitors from all over the world.

The nice thing is we don’t have to be scuba certified and if diving freaks us out (it does for a lot of us) then relaxing in a cenote is a great replacement. One thing is for certain, at just a short drive from the Costa Maya port, Bacalar is teeming with potential for a boost in tourism. Many of us are not equipped with proper certifications or training to handle the deeper dives. Not to worry—Costa Maya boasts a plentiful amount of snorkeling spots for the more relaxed tourist. What we have not yet heard about is the secret diving spots of Costa Maya. With similar beauty to its neighboring countries and dive spots, Costa Maya is every diver’s dream.

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You can also pre-book sailing and snorkeling excursions to explore the stunning coral reef at Banco Chinchorro. Nohoch Kay is a good-value beach club at the southern end of Mahahual village. Unlike some beachfront clubs in the center of the town, Nohach Kay is relatively spacious, with plenty of room on the beach and sea.

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They do have a great refund policy, but make sure you check the latest info when you book. Keep an eye on the time to ensure you return to the cruise port well before the departure time of your cruise ship. Stay updated on any changes in the schedule to avoid any hiccups. In this comprehensive guide, we’ve painstakingly curated every shred of information you’ll need to make the most out of your visit at one of the top cruise ports. Jaime’s at the Blue ReefThis isn’t a restaurant in the traditional sense.

This free saltwater swimming pool is bordered by pool bars, loungers, and attractive palapa thatched shades. It’s easy to enjoy the entire day in the pool area without spending much money. Costa Maya Cruise Port is home to many bars serving Caribbean cocktails. You can choose from a selection of beach bars or swim-up bars if you want to relax in the large saltwater swimming pool. Some of the first shops you come across are craft markets selling souvenirs. Opposite these are the typical duty-free shops common in all Caribbean cruise ports.

It’s also beside one of the best places for snorkeling in the sea, and you can book scuba diving lessons at the Mahahual Dive Center. After arriving at the cruise terminal, you can take a taxi to the beach club. Depending on the package, you can get unlimited drinks and one meal from the menu. The club also offers massage and hot stone massage services for an extra cost.

Costa Maya was the first “manufactured” cruise port in the Caribbean, but the infrastructure didn’t last too long. The ruins at Chacchoben are a vast Mayan settlement dating from 200 BC. The ruins include four grand temples or pyramids, including the Temple of the Vessels and Gran Basamento.

The Costa Maya beach is also surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and pristine white sand beaches, creating plenty of picture opportunities. The shuttle bus from outside the terminal building is a popular way to get to Mahahual Village and spend a port day near the terminal. 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. Please let me know your questions, tips or what you enjoyed in Costa Maya cruise port. One of the most popular things to do at the Costa Maya cruise port, is to watch a performance by Paplanta Flyers.

Dive below the surface and encounter schools of tropical fish, graceful rays, and even the occasional sea turtle. Snorkeling equipment is readily available for rent, allowing you to explore at your own pace and create unforgettable memories. Upon disembarking from your cruise ship, you’ll find yourself in a bustling area that combines modern amenities with a charming Mexican aesthetic. The port area has been designed with the needs and preferences of visitors in mind, providing a seamless and convenient experience.

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