What To Do In Costa Maya Cruise Port? 18 Exciting Excursions
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If you’re looking for a bargain, consider visiting during the summer months, from June to August. The weather is hot and humid, but you’ll find lower prices and fewer tourists, especially to visit Mayan Ruins near Costa Maya. If you’re looking for souvenirs or gifts to bring back home, Costa Maya has plenty of options.
Costa Maya Cruise Review
Interestingly, Bacalar Lagoon isn’t even on the ocean—it’s an inland lake with beachy areas perfect for people who don’t like waves. It’s almost always less crowded than the coastal beaches closer to Costa Maya Village, and public piers and beaches provide plenty of space to spend the day. I am the creator of an e-book “Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide“, the most comprehensive guide to 45 Mediterranean cruise ports, & YouTube channel @AdventourBegins. There isn't an official Tourist Information kiosk in the cruise terminal. However, the cruise port authority kiosks provide excellent information for those wishing to explore Costa Maya independently.
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Inside the terminal, you’ll find ATMs, information kiosks, a shuttle bus to Mahahual, golf carts, and taxis. There is also the Tour Dispatch area and opportunities to book last-minute shore excursions. Mahahual beach is the closest beach to the Costa Maya cruise port and many of the beach break excursions end up here which makes it very busy. The beach area also has numerous vendors trying to peddle things and massages to cruise passengers and the bathrooms leave a lot to be desired. At the cruise port many vendors also try to sell packages to this beach which tends to leave people upset when they arrive and are disappointed with the package or the beach area.
Kohunlich Ruins
If you decide to spend the day at Costa Maya Cruise Port, buying a port pass is a good idea. Although the resort has a free swimming pool, the port has interesting paid-for attractions—La Consentida, Kakaw, and Aviaruis. Once you arrive at the ruins, you’ll be greeted by a sprawling archaeological site that stretches across 30 square miles. The main highlight is the Nohoch Mul pyramid, standing at an impressive height of 137 feet. Climbing to the top of this pyramid is an exhilarating experience and offers breathtaking views of the lush surrounding jungle. The Dzibanche Ruins, an impressive archaeological site near the Kohunlich Maya site, offer a unique and immersive experience for history and culture enthusiasts.
However, English is widely spoken by tour guide, shopkeepers and restaurant workers at the cruise port and surrounding tourist areas. Costa Maya cruise port was severely damage by Hurricane Dean in 2007 and took several years to recover. We visited recently while on a Virgin Voyages cruise, and could see that the area has much improved. The docks around Costa Maya village have a nearby beach, but the water is too rocky for swimming. A typical excursion there lasts the entire day and includes lunch, an open bar and transportation for $60 to $70.
They stand relatively close to the Caribbean cruise port, too, making it an easy trip. 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. Patrons can relax in a lounge, order chocolate and drinks, like tequila, and spend the day relaxing in the beautiful sunshine.
Several excursions are available at the beach club; however, you must pay separately. Additionally, you can cleanse your mind and body with the therapeutic Temazcal. The reasonably priced day pass includes drinks and snacks; you can order lunch from the menu. Mahahual Beach is the closest beach to the cruise port in Costa Maya.
Take a Taxi or Golf Cart to the Beach
In Port Costa Maya, you may find the best deals on tequila and cigars from any of the Caribbean ports. Although you can hire a car, it’s not worth it as taxis are cheap, and booking a shore excursion is the best way to get to the Mayan ruins. Mahahual Beach, located in the Costa Maya region of Mexico, is a hidden gem that offers a perfect combination of relaxation and adventure. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, this stunning beach is ideal for those seeking tranquility away from the bustling tourist crowds.
Bacalar Lagoon
Before planning your visit, it’s advisable to check with recent traveler reviews or local sources for the most up-to-date information on seaweed conditions. The ruins at Chacchoben are a vast Mayan settlement dating from 200 BC. The ruins include four grand temples or pyramids, including the Temple of the Vessels and Gran Basamento. You can climb the ancient pyramids and wonder at the Mayans’ architectural skills. El Faro is also the name of the iconic lighthouse between the cruise port and Mahahual. The shuttle bus from outside the terminal building is a popular way to get to Mahahual Village and spend a port day near the terminal.
However, if you want to travel outside the city, Maya Chan offers the best tranquil beach experience. If you want the ultimate luxury beach club experience in Costa Maya, the Global Costa Maya is the best choice. Despite being a stone’s throw from the port, this secluded spot offers privacy from throngs of cruise passengers. The stunning stretch of white sandy, uncrowded beach lined with palm trees is ideal for relaxing. The crystal-clear turquoise waters are suitable for snorkeling or kayaking in clear-bottom kayaks. You can also pre-book sailing and snorkeling excursions to explore the stunning coral reef at Banco Chinchorro.
Costa Maya is located approximately 80 miles (129 km) from Cozumel. Cash is widely accepted and most establishments also offer credit card payment options. Once you arrive at Kohunlich, be prepared to be amazed by the grandeur of these Mayan ruins. The site features many well-preserved structures, including temples, palaces, ball courts, and residential complexes. One of the standout features is the Temple of the Large Masks, which showcases intricately carved stone masks that depict Mayan deities.
Just check if they have a “no port, no fee” policy if the cruise schedule changes. 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.
However, as a courtesy to locals, and considering Spanish is widely spoken throughout the Caribbean, learning some Spanish phrases is always recommended. To get the best out of your visit to Hayhu Beach, you can book a massage for $40 to $60. The standard package and VIP package include credit to order food from the tasty a la carte menu. An additional unique feature available for guests is the opportunity to book a Temazcal ceremony separately. The proximity of the beach lounges to the sea means that vendors tend to pester guests. 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.
Once you exit the ship, a long flat pier takes you to the terminal building housed in an orange building. If you have walking difficulties or traveling with small kids, there is a free trolley service to take you from your ship to the terminal building. This is where you normally meet for shore excursions, and where you can book last-minute excursions if you wish. Obviously, all cruise lines offer many and diverse shore excursions in Costa Maya. Celebrity Cruises offers as many 48 shore excursions and Royal Caribbean has 43 cruise excursions. Oceania Cruises organizes 19 shore excursions, Holland America offers 19 cruise excursions, and Princess has 19 excursions available.
If you prefer to use the local currency, you can withdraw Pesos at ATMs, which are located within the Costa Maya cruise terminal. There are free trolleys available for cruise passengers who have have difficulty walking or would like the service. Anyone who wants to go into the town of Mahahual can walk the two miles in about 40 minutes—which is not advisable on a hot day—or take either a taxi or shuttle bus. Otherwise, cruise lines offer plenty of standard excursions such as sailing, fishing, cycling, Jeep tours and ATV tours.
Otherwise, compare prices to see if the cruise lines offer a discount. Overall, there are many beautiful beaches near the Costa Maya cruise port that are perfect for a day trip. Whether you are looking for a secluded and peaceful beach or a lively beach club with lots of amenities, there is something for everyone in Costa Maya. Rentals are available from local vendors near the cruise port and offer easy access to the waters around Costa Maya. You can explore the coastline at your own pace, or join a guided tour for the ultimate experience.
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