Costa Maya Cruise Port Guide Puerto Costa Maya

Table Of Content

• Boat tours
• Restaurants at Costa Maya Cruise Port
• Carnival Jubilee completes sea trials ahead of Galveston debut
• Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico
• Mayan Ruins in Costa Maya
• Current Local Time
• Rockin' Ruins

Costa Maya Cruise Excursions offers a variety of options for you to choose from. Our rates are direct rates from the operators which allow you to save money while providing you with a greater selection of shore excursions to choose from. The Kohunlich Ruins are undoubtedly one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Costa Maya region.

Boat tours

One of the standout features is the Temple of the Large Masks, which showcases intricately carved stone masks that depict Mayan deities. A hidden gem, the Chacchoben Ruins provide a less crowded alternative to the popular Chichen Itza. This ancient site showcases the impressive architectural achievements of the Mayan people, with towering pyramids, intricately carved walls, and majestic staircases. One free thing that you don’t want to miss is an amazing acrobatic show that’s free in the port.

Restaurants at Costa Maya Cruise Port

If scuba diving is of interest, check out the dive shops in Mahahual and Xcalak. They lost hundreds of buildings from damage and the Costa Maya port lost another 50% of its infrastructure. The initial estimate was that the port would be closed for at least half a year to rebuild. Try to avoid the hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through November. But your port schedule may be disrupted due to high winds or heavy rain.

Carnival Jubilee completes sea trials ahead of Galveston debut

There are several restaurants (many serving Mexican cuisine) and bars, boutiques, and shops selling local crafts and souvenirs. Costa Maya, Mexico is a beautiful port that gets swept under the rug by Cancun and other, more popular areas including the cruise destination of Cozumel, just 130 miles away. However, it sports all the beauty and wonders Mexico has to offer. Mahahual Beach is the closest beach to the cruise port area in Costa Maya. From the north end of the village, you can walk just over a mile from the lighthouse (Faro de Mahahual) along the beautiful beach or the Malecon (promenade).

In the cruise port, you’ll find a variety of swim-up bars, each with unique offerings. You can discover this hidden gem on your next cruise ship stop in Costa Maya. 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. Costa Maya, located on the eastern coast of Mexico’s Caribbean coast, is a vibrant destination that offers many attractions and experiences for visitors. From ancient ruins to cultural shows and exciting activities, Costa Maya has something for everyone.

Mayan Ruins in Costa Maya

A few dances involved a partner, but you could have easily done it on your own too. 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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The best ATV shore excursions include fajitas or tacos, Mexican beers or non-alcoholic cold drinks, and time at the Costa Maya beach. The best thing is that the start-off point and return destination are only a five-minute taxi ride from the cruise port. 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. There are a variety of activities to enjoy in Costa Maya, ranging from relaxing on the beach to exploring ancient ruins.

Current Local Time

Mardi Gras is fully powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and the first in the fleet to be using the new friendly fuel. The ship’s leadership team joined local officials for a plaque exchange ceremony to mark the first-ever arrival of the Mardi Gras. With plenty of margaritas and salsa consumed, we moved on to the fun salsa dancing lessons! We learned a few basic moves and a short line dance that reminded me of the Electric Slide.

There is also a meeting area for those who have pre-booked Costa Maya shore excursions and tours. The Costa Maya cruise port lies between the Caribbean Sea and dense rainforest, in the southern part of Quintana Roo state. While there are many adventures to be had further afield, you’ll find everything you need here for a day out.

We ended up purchasing one of the beautiful bowls, it was a great souvenir for us and we’ve used it many times since we’ve been home. When choosing excursions for our most recent Western Caribbean Carnival cruise trip, I knew I wanted to find a fun excursion for just me and my husband. Cruise lines have resumed operations to Costa May, Mexico including Carnival Cruise Line which offers more itineraries to the port than most others.

The best time to visit Costa Maya is during the dry season, typically from November to April. This period offers pleasant weather with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for enjoying outdoor activities and exploring the region’s attractions. Summer in the Caribbean is characterized by high humidity and temperatures in the low 90s Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius). It’s important to note that, due to the distance and range of activities on offer, a visit to the Bacalar Lagoon means you won’t have time to explore Mahahual near the cruise port. You can enjoy various activities at Playa Mahahual Beach, like swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and kayaking.

The day pass includes drinks, an all-you-can-eat Mayan buffet, snorkeling equipment, glass-bottomed kayaks, and round-trip transportation. One of the charms of Costa Maya is its relatively undeveloped landscape. 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. Designed for cruise visitors, Costa Maya’s port is a gateway to exploring natural beauty and Mayan ruins, ensuring a memorable experience.

Hayhu Beach is a high-end beach club offering a tranquil oasis away from the hundreds of cruise tourists at the port. 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. Several local taxi operators provide quick and cheap travel to Mahahual.

13 Fun Cheap or FREE Things to Do in Costa Maya on a Cruise

Table Of Content

• Dolphin Discovery
• What to Do in Puerto Costa Maya Instead of a Shore Excursion
• Related cruise ports
• Adventures in Costa Maya: Salsa & Salsa and Beach Break Cruise Excursion
• Explore downtown Bacalar
• Costa Maya – What Cruise Passengers Need to Know

Gentle haggling here is a way of life, so it’s always worth trying to negotiate for pricier souvenirs. Most people speak English, but you’ll get further and make more friends if you can speak a little Spanish. The Maya were subjugated by Spanish adventurers in the 16th century, which led to the colonial era. But the colonialists themselves were victims of regular raids by English pirates, attacking ships carrying gold back to Spain, a situation that plagued the coast here until the 19th century. Within the port village, you’ll find shops and stalls selling everything from silver, leather and fragrances, to pottery, liquor and crafts.

Dolphin Discovery

Carnival’s Mardi Gras continues to make maiden port visits, and during its second voyage in service, the new ship visited Costa Maya in Mexico for the first-ever time. It comes when Carnival Cruise Line has already resumed operations with six ships so far, with more on the way. Since the girls were still on the ship playing at Camp Ocean, we took a quick walk along the beach and headed back to the ship.

What to Do in Puerto Costa Maya Instead of a Shore Excursion

In addition to its beaches and nightlife, Playa Del Carmen also offers a variety of other attractions and activities. You can explore the underwater world by diving or snorkeling to the nearby Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world. For a break from the beach, you can visit the stunning eco-parks Xcaret and Xel-Há, swim in natural cenotes, see exotic wildlife, and learn about Mayan culture.

Related cruise ports

So please read on to learn how to plan your time in the beautiful port city of Costa Maya. We provide firsthand information on each and every excursion we offer and recommend the excursions that work best for you. With its significant historical value and stunning architecture, the Coba Ruins are an essential stop on any Costa Maya itinerary. You can take advantage of this opportunity to delve into the ancient Mayan world and witness the grandeur of the Nohoch Mul pyramid. Apart from the magnificent ruins, the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a paradise for nature lovers.

Toward the back of the port you’ll see what looks like a large flagpole standing 50 feet up in the air, with ropes dangling from it. If you’re going to be visiting the area, here’s what you can do that won’t cost you much money. In August 2007, Hurricane Dean heavily damaged Mahahual's cruise dock and destroyed much of the village.

You can Google them and call Mayahual Red Shirts Golf Cart rentals to reserve your golf cart. As you get close to the entrance to the Terminal, you will see the Tour Dispatch area and a late minute tour desk to book an excursion if you haven't booked one already. However, there is a free trolley for those with walking difficulties or not willing to walk, which is particularly convenient if cruising with young children. The entrance to the terminal with its massive Mayan replica door at the end of a perpendicular pier to the coast is impossible to miss.

Costa Maya – What Cruise Passengers Need to Know

With lush greenery, colorful birds, and mesmerizing wildlife, it’s an excellent opportunity to immerse oneself in the region’s natural beauty. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by the towering pyramids and well-preserved structures that make up the Calakmul archaeological site. Walking through this ancient city, one can’t help but be in awe of the advanced architectural techniques and intricate carvings that showcase the Mayan civilization’s glory. Exploring the Dzibanche Ruins also offers a chance to learn about the daily life and rituals of the Mayan people.

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Costa Maya Port Activities

In fact, the Mexican port prides itself on a small-town Mexican village atmosphere with pristine waters and authentic villages. Sitting just north of Costa Maya lies the UNESCO Heritage Site of Sian Ka’an Reserve. However, the severity of the seaweed problem can fluctuate due to weather patterns and ocean currents.

Taxis from the cruise terminal offer set fares to the village costing $4. 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. Swim-up bars are popular in Costa Maya, offering a refreshing and convenient way to enjoy a drink while cooling off in the water.

Most places still have an architecture that hints at simpler times. Roads and electricity were a bit further to lag behind, surprisingly. Initially, the closest shops to the beach were running on diesel or gas generators.

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. However, English is widely spoken by tour guide, shopkeepers and restaurant workers at the cruise port and surrounding tourist areas. If you prefer to use the local currency, you can withdraw Pesos at ATMs, which are located within the Costa Maya cruise terminal.

Located over 100 miles from the cruise port, these ruins offer history enthusiasts a unique and immersive experience. Dolphin Discovery & Encounters in Costa Maya provides an incredible opportunity to interact with these amazing marine animals. Located just steps from the cruise port, Dolphin Discovery offers visitors a convenient and unforgettable experience. This unique swim-up bar specializes in Mayan drinks made with mezcal, a traditional Mexican spirit. The bartenders here are experts in creating flavorful and authentic cocktails that will transport you to another time. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the region while enjoying a delicious drink.

No need to worry, guides are ready to give you an introductory lesson before your excursion under the sea. For those of you holding a valid C-Card, get ready to board a custom dive boat and discover the Meso-American Barrier Reef – the largest in the Northern Hemisphere. Embarking on a cruise to Costa Maya, you'll be welcomed by the lush, jungly landscape of Mexico's southeastern Yucatan peninsula. This destination is the gateway to 60 miles of white sand beaches, dazzling coral reefs, and ancient Mayan ruins. The good news – we have a beautiful, new salsa dish to remember our fun day in Costa Maya and we’ve used it often.

The site is home to one of the best examples of Mayan architecture, showcasing this ancient civilization’s advanced building techniques and skills. The Dolphin Encounter price starts at $99, while the Dolphin Swim Adventure costs $129. Both experiences provide a unique and unforgettable opportunity to connect with dolphins in their natural environment.

However, you can usually order transportation with your cruise line or get a taxi from outside the terminal. Continuing the adventure, kayaking in the calm waters or paddleboarding along the coast allows for a serene yet active experience. These excursions seamlessly blend the thrill of exploration with the serene beauty of Costa Maya’s natural landscapes, ensuring your cruise stop is an adventure-filled day to remember. You can venture out of the cruise port to enjoy your day at one of the many beach clubs near Costa Maya. Just check if they have a “no port, no fee” policy if the cruise schedule changes.