The Best Way to Experience Costa Maya and Its Cruise Port

Costa Maya cruise port may not be as well-known as its Mexican counterpart, Cozumel, but that’s all part of its charm. Once you set foot in this vibrant destination, its miles of tropical, white-sand beaches, fascinating Mayan history, and laid-back atmosphere will quickly make it a family favourite!

Found on the stunning Caribbean coast, close to the border with Belize, Costa Maya in Mexico offers a wonderful blend of adventure, culture and relaxation. As a purpose-built facility, Costa Maya port provides everything you’ll need for a delightful day ashore, with more fabulous sights and experiences easily accessible nearby.

In this blog, we share all you need to know about Costa Maya cruise port, including the best things to see and do nearby, how to get around and what exciting excursions are available. So, read on and learn more about what to expect from this dreamy Mexican destination.

Where Do Cruise Ships Dock In Costa Maya?

Costa Maya cruise port, also known as Puerto Costa Maya, is a modern terminal designed specifically for cruise ships and their guests. It has a long pier that can accommodate multiple large vessels at one time, meaning it is one of the most well-equipped ports in the western Caribbean. Ships from many leading cruise lines dock here, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Celebrity Cruises.

When you disembark, it is a long walk along the pier to the cruise terminal. However, if you don't fancy getting there on foot, you can also get the complimentary trolley that runs back and forth.

What Is There To Do In Costa Maya Cruise Port?

Costa Maya could be described as more of a region than just a cruise port. It has many facilities, meaning you can simply spend all your time ashore here if you wish to. Furthermore, the strict entry regulations that only allow cruise guests and visitors with reservations to enter make Costa Maya a very safe place to wander around.

Some of the fantastic attractions here include:

• Duty-free shops and local artisan stalls selling souvenirs, jewellery, and hand-crafted goods.

• A wide variety of restaurants and bars offering authentic Mexican cuisine, tropical drinks and cocktails.

• A saltwater swimming pool with a swim-up bar, where your cocktail will be ready and waiting after a refreshing dip!

• Aviarius, an exotic bird centre near the pier, offering an immersive tropical bird experience, all while negotiating elevated rope bridges! 

• Dolphin Discovery, a dolphin encounter experience, providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim alongside these gentle creatures.

• Traditional performances, such as the Danza de los Voladores (Dance of the Flyers).

• A Mayan Wellness Retreat, offering holistic experiences aiming to cleanse and revitalise body and mind.

• Lost Mayan Kingdom, an adventure park packed with fun-filled activities, such as zip-lining, rope courses and suspension bridges, as well as water slides and a lazy river

• Free Wi-Fi hotspots, ATMs, showers and changing rooms, and essential travel services

Please note that while several of these facilities are free of charge, there are admission fees for attractions such as Lost Mayan Kingdom, Aviarius, Dolphin Discovery and Mayan Wellness Retreat.

How Far Is Costa Maya From The Cruise Port?

Costa Maya itself is the name of the cruise port, a custom-built terminal designed to welcome guests and provide everything needed for a superb day ashore. The nearest town to Costa Maya is Mahahual. Situated just 5km from the port, it offers more of an authentic local experience.

It takes around 45 minutes to walk to Mahahual. However, with the idyllic white beaches and sparkling turquoise waters as your backdrop, it makes for a pleasant way to spend time. 

However, there are other ways to get from the Costa Maya cruise port to the centre of Mahahual if you’re not up for the walk. A short taxi ride will get you there in a few minutes, or there is a shuttle bus that runs regularly. Alternatively, how about trying a more adventurous travel option and driving a golf cart? Hire one for the day and you can enjoy a fun and flexible way to get around the beachfront and local surroundings. 

Look out for the golf carts in the parking area just outside the port, where you'll also find taxis, shuttle buses and the meeting point for shore excursions.

What Are The Best Things To Do On a Port Day In Costa Maya?

In addition to the extensive facilities in the cruise port, there are some great Costa Maya excursions to choose from that explore more of the wider area and offer an insight into its culture and beauty. 

Chacchoben Ruins

One of the best Costa Maya day trips has to be to the Chacchoben Ruins, especially if you are a history lover. These well-preserved Mayan ruins are located 43 miles or about a 50 minutes’ drive from the port and provide a remarkable glimpse into Mexico's ancient past. The site features towering pyramids, stone temples, and ceremonial plazas surrounded by lush jungle. 

If this awe-inspiring experience sounds up your street, it is definitely worth booking it as a shore excursion, either with your cruise line or a local tour operator. With one of these Costa Maya tours to the Chacchoben Ruins, you’ll not only have access to one of the knowledgeable guides but also benefit from convenient travel to and from the site.

The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef

If you’re interested in an epic underwater adventure, Costa Maya is home to part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Stretching an incredible 625 miles, it is the second-largest reef system in the world! Just off the Costa Maya beaches, you can enjoy snorkelling and diving to explore these vibrant coral formations, home to more than 500 fish species and marine mammals, including several sea turtle species. 

You’ll find a variety of Costa Maya excursions offering snorkelling and diving that explore parts of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Popular locations are the Mahahual Reef, suitable for snorkellers of all levels, and Banco Chinchorro, an offshore atoll ideal for more experienced divers.

Mahahual Beach

If you want to enjoy more of the sun-soaked Costa Maya beaches, Mahahual Beach offers the perfect spot. Found just over 2 miles from the port, its stunning stretch of white sand is lined with beach clubs, restaurants, and bars. Meanwhile, the crystal-clear waters provide the perfect opportunity for swimming, snorkelling, paddleboarding and other water sports.

You could easily spend all day relaxing here. Beach loungers and shaded palapas are available for rent, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing experience. You’ll also find that many beachfront establishments offer fresh seafood and tropical cocktails served right to your beach chair.

Tequila Tasting and Chocolate Tour

For a culinary-focused Costa Maya excursion, look out for the tequila tasting and chocolate tours. These provide the chance to sample different varieties of tequila while learning about the distillation process. You can also take one of the Costa Maya tours that visit a local chocolate workshop to see how traditional Mayan chocolate is made. And, of course, you’ll get plenty of tasting opportunities along the way!

When Is The Best Time To Visit Costa Maya?

Costa Maya’s weather is tropical with two main seasons: cooler and less humid from January to April, and hotter, wetter and more likely to experience tropical storms from May to December. Therefore, the best time to visit is during the early months of the year, when the warm dry weather is perfect for beach days and outdoor excursions. 

Costa Maya is a gem of a cruise destination, offering paradisal beaches, extraordinary history and fun for all the family, all within easy reach of the port. If you'd like help finding a cruise that stops here, please get in touch with our cruise specialists.