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Its location near already popular ports mean that the cruise lines can add the stop to their itineraries without adding much time or fuel expense to the trip. Seemingly overnight, the port of Costa Maya has become a popular cruising destination. What was once a sleepy fishing town (and in many ways still is), now sees some of the biggest ships in the world, sailing to the port from everywhere from Galveston to Miami.
Do cruise ships dock, or is Costa Maya a tender port?
And with the taxi fare only $4 per person, it’s worth getting the taxi or shuttle bus—which also costs $4. The Costa Maya cruise port is one of the most frequented in the Western Caribbean, with over 500 cruise ships docking in a season. Be Prepared for a Crowded PortWe will be honest that Costa Maya can get busy! 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.
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While it’s certainly grown (and can be busy on days when ships are in port), in many ways it still has its character as a small town. There is a main street, lots of dirt roads and a number of small shops and restaurants. If you’re expecting Cozumel or Cancun, Mahahual shows what life used to be life before Mexico’s tourism boom. Located off the coast of Mahahual, Banco Chinchorro is the largest coral atoll in the northern hemisphere.
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Toward the back of the port is an enclosure with small wading pool for pink flamingos. It’s a bit out of the way from the crowds, and offers a cool chance to see the birds up close. Stand and watch for a few minutes, or grab a photo with the famous residents. Use of the pool and loungers is first come, first served, but they are reserved only for those buying food and drink from the restaurants that line either side of the pool.
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Stay within the cruise port
Exploring the Dzibanche Ruins also offers a chance to learn about the daily life and rituals of the Mayan people. The site is home to one of the best examples of Mayan architecture, showcasing this ancient civilization’s advanced building techniques and skills. To ensure a tranquil experience, Yaya Beach requires reservations due to limited availability. This allows you to secure your spot on their pristine beach and enjoy the exclusivity of this private paradise. You can use US dollars throughout your stay in Costa Maya, even though the Mexican Peso (MXN) is the local currency. Therefore, always check if the listed prices are MXN (sometimes, MX or Mex$) or US dollars.
Is Costa Maya Cruise Port safe for travelers to walk around?
From there you can head out to kayak, snorkel, or just work on your tan. Maya Chan is the highest-rated thing to do in the area, and for good reason. That said, there is an amazing amount of things for cruise passenger to do and see if they stay in port. For instance, there are restaurants and bars available in the port area. There is a massive swimming pool (with a manmade sand beach with loungers) that is free to use for those who are buying food/drink. Bacalar is located approximately 91 km/56 miles or a 1 hour 15-minute drive from Costa Maya.
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. You can book the shore excursions through your cruise line or with a local tour operator outside the terminal building. Diving or snorkeling at Banco Chinchorro is not just an activity; it’s an experience that stays with you, offering a blend of adventure, history, and natural beauty. Many tourists rate diving or snorkeling at Banco Chinchorro as one of the best experiences on the cruise.
Enjoy All You Can Eat/Drink at Maya Chan
The Nearby Waterpark Is ClosedFrom the ship you’ll be able to look inland and see a recreated Mayan temple standing high above the trees. This was the main tower for the Maya, Lost Mayan Kingdom waterpark. It was just a short distance from the port and a great option for families with water features, ziplines, and more. Unfortunately, the park closed during Covid and has yet to re-open. There are a variety of options, including just hanging out in the port or heading to Mahahual.
Fun Cheap (or FREE) Things to Do in Costa Maya on a Cruise
Located about 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. 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.
We can choose to wander the streets in search of local boutiques and restaurants or head over to one of the most famous cenotes in Mexico. Unfortunately, that was a much too positive estimate and it took Costa Maya longer to rebuild its port and city. When the first cruise ships started to come back, the economy was being devastated by the housing market crash and tourism dropped. From the rooftop of El Tarro I saw a huge Maya temple in the distance I thought but it was the Maya Water Park right next to the Costa Maya cruise port. Visiting this water park is one of the best things to do in Costa Maya with kids.
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You’ll also find LOTS of offers for an inexpensive massage on the beach. Walk down the main strip and seemingly every other spot will offer up a massage on the beach for $20. Like most other Caribbean ports, in Costa Maya there is an enclosed port area that passengers have to walk through before they go explore the rest of the region. This is a spot dedicated and reserved only for cruise passengers, so everything revolves around them.
By sitting right on top of the world’s second-largest barrier reef, Costa Maya should not have any problem in boosting their diving tourist industry. Making the drive or tour excursion there is well worth our time. The over 1 million acre refuge is full of rainforests, monkeys, and lagoons. Most of the Mahahual beach clubs have massage therapists and special massage cabanas with massage tables.
Power snorkeling is a super fun way to explore the underwater world. With a powerful motorized scooter, you can zip around the lagoon or explore deeper waters while 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. The clear blue water off the coast of Costa Maya is perfect for snorkeling!
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