Photo Credit: Carolyn Smith

Costa Maya, Mexico Port Guide

Our Experience & Photos from when we were in Costa Maya. It also gives a guide for thing to do in Costa Maya & a little bit about Costa Maya.

Last Updated: July 20th, 2022

Our Rating: ***** (5 Stars)

A Little About Costa Maya

While there is a lot to do in port, Many cruisers choose to stay at the cruise port in Costa Maya not realizing there are so many things both d outside the port that you can experience as well. Costa Maya is a major cruise port of call in the Western Caribbean itineraries during the Fall-Winter season. It is also the gateway to the lovely beaches of Mahahual and spectacular Mayan ruins like Chacchoben, Kohunlich, Dzibanche, and Kinichná.

Mayá, the Lost Mayan Kingdom Theme Waterpark, is within walking distance of the cruise terminal in Costa Maya, and the Maya Chan Beach (an all-inclusive private beach resort) is a 20-minute drive south. These attractions are between 2 miles (3.2 km) and 100 miles (160 km) from the cruise port terminal.

The port area is neat and well maintained. On the whole, Costa Maya is very safe. The local population is very friendly but not pushy and speaks English reasonably well. For those cruising with families, there are lots of things to do.

Surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, Puerto Costa Maya is on the East coast of the Yucatan peninsula near the south border of the Mexican State of Quintana Roo with Belize. The cruise terminal is close by the village of Nuevo Mahahual (with a small population of approx 920) Belize City cruise port is 77 miles (144 km) to the south and, Cozumel cruise port is 128 miles (206 km) to the north. Other ports such as The Grand Caymans & Roatan are only a night sailing away.

Please keep in mind that when you get of the cruise ship the pier is rather long. It makes for a nice walk if you would like. However, you may also take advantage of the free shuttle and it runs on a continuous loop.

A Beautiful Photo Opportunity Here

What Did We Do There?

We last visited Costa Maya in January 2022. We personally really enjoyed this port. While we were in port we took some photos, did some shopping, got our free charms from Diamonds International, and then meet our transportation outside the port to go to Maya Chan Beach Resort. This is something we booked and paid for in advance. It was about $140.00 for two people and all included. It was very nice and well worth it. We would definitely go here again.

You can read about how to book & Our full experience Here.

Photos Of Our Trip

In Port Photos

The Cruise Terminal

This was the exact map we had to use to get out of port to meet with a Maya Chan Rep to be transported

What To Do In Costa Maya

If you wish to visit the Mayan Ruins then you may want to opt for an excursion. If you would like to visit a beach I suggest getting a day pass like what is offered at Maya Chan Beach Resort.

However, you can easily travel on your own (by taxi, golf cars, or an affordable shuttle bus) to the Mahahual Village, where there is a long beach with lots of activities, bars, and restaurants. Within walking distance, there is a run-down but intriguing Mayan Museum and, of course, all the attractions located within the Cruise Terminal.

In The Port

If you plan to stay in the port, there are several things to do. Once inside the port, shops are the very first thing you will find. So if you plan to shop there is a lot of place to go here. Of course you will find both a Diamond International where you can pick up that free charm as well as a Tanzanite International (a Sister store).

In port, You will also find the dolphin Discovery where you can spend sometime with the dolphins for a price. You also don't want to miss the large saltwater pools which are a big attraction in this port.

But there are also many other attractions such as:

Callejón del Sapo: traditional market, bars and restaurants

Aviarius: hanging bridges trail with exotic birds

Kakaw: chocolate factory and tasting

La Consentida: tequila museum and tasting

Papantla's: traditional artistic flying show

Mayan Healing: pre-hispanic rituals and spa

El Faro (restaurant): grilled food with sea views

Flavors of Mexico (restaurant): traditional mexican dishes

Cantina Latina (restaurant): mexican cuisine in a party atmosphere

Cafe Mexico: mexican coffee products

La Fruteria: natural juices and fruits

Other services and amenities Include:

ATM (US dollars only)

Restrooms

First aid and pharmacy

Information kiosks

Shuttle bus to Mahahual

Taxis

Golf cars

Tour desk- here you can book a last minute excursion if you have not already

Local Transportation & Tours

For these you must venture outside the terminal. To do so there are two main exits that will get you here. This is where you will meet with an outside tour guides for excursion or to get a taxi around the town. For example, If you want to go to a beach in Mahahual, there are a few packages you can book with a local tour guide for Mahahual as well.

In this large parking area, you will also find a shuttle bus to Mahahual ($3.00 per person each way), taxis (around the same price per person), and Golf Cars (starting at $30 per hour) if you wish to explore the area on your own. Although the golf cars may not be available in the parking area of the cruise terminal, check this link - Mayahual Golf Carts -to double-check availability and eventually book an alternative golf car rental.

Outside The Terminal

There is only one get leading outside the cruise terminal and it's right after you come through the parking area. Once you reach this last gate you are officially outside the cruise terminal.

If you booked that Maya Chan Excursion mentioned earlier then your getting closer to where you need to be for this.

Cruise passengers booked with online tour operators will meet their guides along this street outside the gated area of the cruise terminal. To the right side you will find the Mayan Museum. This small free museum has a rather shabby entrance, but the interior displays interesting jade exhibits and historical boards for those wishing to learn more about this pre-Columbian civilization. After you pass the museum, you will find a taxi stop and then straight ahead a replica of a Mayan pyramid which makes for a great photo op.

So What To Do?

Costa Maya offers a great variety of experiences, there is so much that can be done you'll often wonder if there's enough time.

Free Places:

Diamonds International: Don’t forget to get your Free charm here. They will try to sell you jewelry as well.
Mayan museum- Visit the free museum outside the Terminal

Mayan Pyramid- Free and Nice photo opp.

Passport Stamp- At the time we went there was not a place to get our passport stamped but be sure to ask around this might have changed if this is something you like to do.

Top Recommended Attractions, Sights, Etc.

Chacchoben Mayan Ruins- A Mayan Ruin that is close by.. Prices: Range $55.00 a Person and up depending on the tour.

Mayá, Lost Mayan Kingdom Theme Water Park- Prices: $100.00 a person, is within walking distance of the cruise terminal and a must if you have children.

Dolphin Discovery (In The Cruise Port)- offers two interactive programs - the Dolphin Swim Adventure and the Dolphin Encounter. Prices: between US$69 and US$109.

Mahahual Beach: a nice affordable place to enjoy a relaxing day on your own, the beach in Mahahual is dotted by beach clubs, bars, restaurants and all sorts of water-sports. It is about 2.3 mile (3.8 km) from the port. You can reach Mahahual by shuttle, taxi, golf cars.

Bacalar Fort and Seven Colors Lagoon-Top attractions include: boat ride to Isla del Los Pajaros and Pirate Channel (Canal de Piratas), Spanish Fort (Fuerte San Felipe Bacalar), Cenote Esmeralda, Cenote Cocalitos, and Black Cenote.

Prices: On a shore excursion, between $80 and $120 per adult including meal); on your own by taxi, around $40 .

Distance from port: around 56 miles (1 hour by car). Visiting time: up to 6 hours including travel.

Kohunlich Mayan Ruins- Mayan ruins close to Costa Maya cruise port. Prices: $85.00 Per Person.

Dzibanche Mayan Ruins- Mayan ruins close to Costa Maya cruise port. Prices: $75.00 Per Person.

Kinichná Mayan Ruins- Mayan ruins close to Costa Maya cruise port. Prices: $75.00 Per Person.

Beach Day Passes

There are many beaches south of the port many of which only offered if they are booked through a cruise line. However, Here are a fee reputable beaches you can book on your own.

Almaplena Beach Resort -Price: $74.00 A Person

Blue Kay Resort- Prices vary depending on the package

Hayhu Beach Club- Prices Vary $60.00- $500.00 depending on the package

Ibiza Sunset Beach Resort- Price: $60.00 A Person

Maelcon21 Beach Club- Price $30.00- $75.00 depending on the package

Maya Chan Beach Resort - Price $70.00 A Person

Maya Luna beach resort- Prices: $20.00- $35.00 depending on the package

Nohoch Kay- Price $50.00 A Person

Pez Quadro beach club of 40 Cañones Hotel- Prices: $45.00 - $120.00 depending on the Package

Xahuayxol Beach Club- Price $100.00 a person

Adventure, thrilling and fun activities

For those cruise passengers who enjoy adventure you can book a variety of shore excursions that include:

Snorkeling
Diving
Kayaking
Stand-up Paddle Board
River Tubing
Fly-Fishing at the Bacalar Flats
Scenic Rafting Experience
Off-Road ATV adventure
4X4 scenic safari
Dune Buggy Beach Drive

Sightseeing and cultural excursions

Lastly, for those cruisers who enjoy sightseeing there are many shore excursions to keep you busy. Such excursions include:

Glass Bottom Boat
Catamaran Sail
Segway adventure
Scenic cycling ride
Salsa Cooking and salsa dancing

Shore Excursions:

Carnival and many other cruise lines offer many shore excursions on their website and once on board. However here are a few more reputable private online services and local tour operators. Keep in mind if you use one of these you are responsible for ensuring that you get back to port in time & back on the ship or you will be left behind.

Viator

Shore Excursions Group

Tours by Locals

Shore Trips

Shore Excursioneer

Costa Maya Cruise Excursions

Local tour operators

You may also consider a local tour guide that is not affiliated with online services. Keep in mind that even though some may have excellent review they are not affiliated, endorsed, or approved by Barely Cruising.

Toucan Tours

Jaital

Costa Maya Adventours

Costa Maya

Tequila Beach Tours

The Native Choice

Language

Spanish is the official language in Costa Maya, Mexico. However, since it is a major tourist cruise port, English is widely spoken so there is not need to learn a new language when visiting.

Looking For More Video's, Articles, etc.

Videos & Articles By Others

These articles and video's are not mine but are a great resource. Don't forget to check them out.

Costa Maya, Mexico Port Guide

Photo Credit: Carolyn Smith

Costa Maya, Mexico Port Guide

Our Rating: ***** (5 Stars)

A Little About Costa Maya

What Did We Do There?

Photos Of Our Trip

In Port Photos

The Cruise Terminal

What To Do In Costa Maya

In The Port

But there are also many other attractions such as:

Other services and amenities Include:

Local Transportation & Tours

Outside The Terminal

So What To Do?

Free Places:

Top Recommended Attractions, Sights, Etc.

Beach Day Passes

Adventure, thrilling and fun activities

Sightseeing and cultural excursions

Shore Excursions:

Local tour operators

Language

Looking For More Video's, Articles, etc.

Articles

Videos

Videos & Articles By Others

Vloggers I Recommend

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