Costa Maya Cruise Port: What To Do While Visiting By Ship

Any tourist visiting Mexico should definitely stop and peruse Costa Maya – a popular cruise port located on the Eastern coast of Mexico, Quintana Roo. It’s a bustling destination for cruise travellers seeking seaside fun in the Yucatan Peninsula.

From the exploration of ancient Mayan ruins at Chacchoben to the tours of the Bacalar Lagoon, Costa Maya offers various activities and attractions to all visiting tourists. There’s also a nearby town, namely Mahahual, that once was a small fishing village and is currently a hot spot for tourists.

Don’t forget the fascinating ancient ruins too! They’re rather impressive structures surrounded by lush jungle. They offer a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the Mayan civilization.

The Costa Maya Cruise Port Area: What to Do There

Cruise ships dock right at the pier in Costa Maya, so there is no need for tendering to shore. 

This is great because it means you can get off the ship right away and make the most of your day. Or, you can just linger around and wait for the crowds to disembark first. 

Either way, after walking off the cruise ship pier, you’ll be greeted by a lovely port area with shops, a few restaurants and bars, and a swimming pool—which means there’s a lot to do at this Caribbean port, including:

• Swimming with the dolphins
• Visiting the bars
• Getting a massage
• Shopping

And while nothing compares to the fun you’ll have at the major shopping district in Cozumel, it’s still pleasant to walk around Costa Maya and enjoy what it has to offer.

READ ALSO: 9 Things to Do in Cozumel, Mexico

Also keep in mind:

Ship-organised tours assemble and board buses in this area. So if you’re on a privately-arranged tour, or want to take a taxi or bus to the nearby village of Mahahual, then you’ll need to head right outside the port gates.

Going to Mahahual: What to Know About Visiting

With just a tiny bit of effort, you can spend the day in the beautiful beach town of Mahahual! 

The once fishing village now has a fun and laid-back promenade lined with shops, restaurants, and bars. So after leaving the port area, simply take the trolley bus or taxi (about $4 per person) for ten minutes south to the town.

Naturally, you’ll start feeling peckish after your trip – so stop by 40 Canones; a restaurant that happens to be a popular choice among cruisers! It offers delicious bites and a prime viewing spot right on the Caribbean Sea.

Patrons can relax in a lounge, order chocolate and drinks, like tequila, and spend the day relaxing in the beautiful sunshine.

READ: 10 Things To Know Before Sailing Royal Caribbean

A quick heads-up: 

This part of the Caribbean has a seasonal seaweed problem. We say seasonal because it happens to get worse during the warmer months – particularly from May to October. The good news is that locals do their best to keep it cleared away. 

That said, when you’ve had your share of this quaint village and are ready to return to the cruise ship (leave time for about an hour before departure!), simply get back on the trolley or hail a taxi.

Fun fact: According to latest updates in 2024, the Mexican government continues to invest into the Mahahual village, their latest addition being a Mahahual bike path for tourists to enjoy.

Costa Maya Cruise Port Beach Clubs: The Must-Visit Maya Chan

Along with the beach bars and restaurants in Mahahual, there are several all-inclusive beach clubs to choose from—with the most popular being Maya Chan.

REVIEW: Maya Chan Beach Club

With an entrance fee of $59 per adult and descending price tiers for the under-18 crowd, visitors can enjoy all-you-can-eat food and drink (including alcohol), non-motorized water sports, snorkel equipment, and beach loungers with umbrellas. Children’s sand toys are available at no charge as well. Free WiFi is also available.

To top it all off, transportation from the port is included too, making this a really easy way to enjoy a fun day at the beach without worrying about prices or how to get there.

Best Costa Maya Beaches Near Cruise Port

While the Maya Chan Beach club is arguably the best Costa Maya beach you’ll set foot in, there are two other contenders that come rather close. Check them out:

Hayhu Beach

For a fancy beach experience, head on down to Hayhu beach. It’s a tranquil, eco-conscious oasis where tourists can relax and connect with nature. 

The place offers many excursion options, such as private beach breaks, all-inclusive packages, and snorkel boat tours. And after a long day of exploring, you can pick a dining spot where you’ll be guaranteed delicious food and excellent service.

Here’s a pro tip: Book a place at Hayhu beach early as there’s limited availability due to the beach being a highly popular tourist spot. 

Pez Quadro Beach

The Pez Quadro Beach Club is a fantastic destination for travellers looking to unwind and enjoy the beauty of the Caribbean coast. There, you can book from a list of different activities, including:

• A day-pass with lunch and open bar
• An all-inclusive package (includes massage and transportation) 
• Private beach excursions
• Kayaking, fishing trips. and snorkelling

One of the highlights of Pez Quadro is its excellent facilities. Many visitors have praised the place’s food, service, cleanliness, and laid-back atmosphere. 

This beach club is also located in Mahahual, making it a hop away from the port. It’s a 10-minute drive by taxi to be exact.

The Mayan Ruins: Live Costa Maya’s Impressive Ancient Culture

For those interested in history or yearning for something besides a beach day, Puerto Costa Maya has you covered. Discover the impressive builds the ancient Maya people erected—the most popular of which we cover below.

Chacchoben and Dzibanche

Built over 1,300 years ago, these two incredible, ancient Mayan cities really are spectacular! They stand relatively close to the Caribbean cruise port, too, making it an easy trip.

While there are quite a few smaller sites nearby, Chacchoben and Dzibanche are the two largest and most interesting ones. If the only Mayan site you have seen is Tulum, near Cozumel, get ready for these ruins to take your breath away!

We’re happy to report also that both contain several pyramids, ball courts, and other ruins of these once-mighty cities. Additionally, many tours visit either a combination of cities or one city, as well as a butterfly farm and other interesting stops.

How to Get There

Get to Chacchoben and Dzibanche by either cruise line excursions or independently booked tours. Chacchoben is just under an hour from the pier, while Dzibanche is a little further afield – at two hours and 20 minutes.

And if you’re limited on time, Chacchoben is the better choice as the ruins there are more complete, and the closeness to the port makes it an easy trip. Make sure to bring along cash for any small purchases, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes.

Tulum

While Chacchoben and Dzibanche are much larger than Tulum and decidedly more impressive to view, the latter is perched along the sea, offering a more atmospheric location.

The main attraction in Tulum is the archaeological site of the same name. Those well-preserved ruins sit atop cliffs that overlook the Caribbean Sea. It’s quite the breathtaking site!

Interestingly, Tulum was one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya people. Back in the day, it served as an important trading hub for them!

Nowadays, though, you’ll find tourists gathered around its impressive structures, such as the Temple of the Frescoes and El Castillo. We recommend considering a Tulum guided tour for insights into the architectural and astronomical knowledge of ancient Maya.

Bacalar Lagoon: Why Visit the Lake of Seven Colors

Bacalar lagoon is often known as the “Lake of Seven Colors” and never fails to impress visitors with its multi-hued waters. At nearly 26 miles long but only 1.2 miles wide, Bacalar Lagoon is breathtakingly beautiful.

Around an hour from the port, the Bacalar Lagoon is often combined with visits to the Chacchoben Mayan ruins discussed above.

READ MORE: 5 Hot Spots for Western Caribbean Cruisers

Situated on the water’s edge is the Bacalar Fort too, which was constructed to guard against pirate attacks. 

Another popular activity is to take a boat out into the lagoon with stops for swimming and bathing in the clear waters. However you choose to enjoy the lake, it is sure to impress!

Costa Maya Cruise Port: FAQs

Is Costa Maya safe?

We’re happy to report that Costa Maya is a tourist-friendly location, safe for families, travelling friends, and even solo female travellers! Crime rates are low and there are little incidents of stress harassment. The majority of tourists visiting never run into trouble.

So exercise regular caution and you’ll experience a wonderful stay there no doubt. 

Is there free wifi in Costa Maya cruise port?

Yes, there’s free WiFi available in most areas around the Costa Maya Port terminal. Some spots won’t have the best signal, but once you find one that does, you can face-time your family and friends back home no problem!

Costa Maya Cruise Port: Final Thoughts

Whatever you decide to do in Costa Maya, you’re bound to have a spectacular time! 

The port caters to tourists of all needs, too. Whether you’re a history geek or a water-loving explorer, Costa Maya has the activities to charm you into visiting it again and again.

From the beaches and ruins, to the breathtaking sights and clear waters, Costa Maya is sure to leave you with lasting memories and vacation photos to brag about.