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You’ll be greeted by tour guides offering up excursions if you haven’t booked something to do already. But what you’ll also notice is that in the port complex there is tons offered, including shopping, restaurants, swimming with dolphins, and more. Walking from your ship, the pier goes directly to the port area. The port feels much like a theme park in that it’s designed like a caricature of a Mexican village. If you are looking for authentic, this is not the place for you. However, if you want an easy and comfortable way to spend the day, then the port is perfect.
Port Pass
The Maya demonstrated advanced agricultural and architectural skills, building elaborate cities and transporting jade, obsidian, and fabrics for trade in their dugout canoes. You’ll find tangy ceviche on most menus, as well as juicy seafood skewers. If you’re grazing local food stalls, look out for empanadas, filled with meat, cheese or vegetables, and decadently sweet churros. The park has restrooms, changing rooms, showers, lockers (extra cost), a snack bar, and a souvenir shop.
Bars at Costa Maya Cruise Port
The pier at Costa Maya has berths for up to four large cruise ships. Sailing on a catamaran is one of the most popular activities when spending a day in Costa Maya. Many day excursions include food, drink, and a choice of snacks or food. Pez Quadro Beach is a beautiful and serene beach located in Mahahual that is an excellent place to spend a peaceful beach day.
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Arriving at Costa Maya Cruise Port
On our sailing, the cruise line offered discounted aviary tickets as one of the Costa Maya excursions. There are several excursions here that can take you tubing the lagoon or swimming at the lagoon and nearby cenotes. If you’ve never explored the natural beauty of the secret swimming spots dotted around the Yucatan, it’s a must do. Situated about halfway between Cozumel to the north and Belize City to the south, Costa Maya has quickly become a favorite of the cruise lines, and for good reason. 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.
That’s why we recently traveled to Costa Maya to bring you more details of this growing destination. What follows should provide more insight into the port and what you can expect from your visit during your cruise. Unlike ports that have been popular for years — such as nearby Cozumel — the word isn’t quite out yet on where to go, where to eat, and what to do.
The Maya were subjugated by Spanish adventurers in the 16th century, which led to the colonial era. Kohunlich archeological complex is the largest Costa Maya ruins that consists of mainly residential buildings and palaces. The archeological site is impressive and known for the beautiful stucco masks of the Sun God that decorate the central staircase of the Temple of the Masks. If you wish, climb the 27 steps up to the top of the acropolis for great views over the jungle, or walk through the ceremonial plazas, the ball court and another structural group. Be aware that although most vendors accept US dollars, they may give you change in pesos. So, it’s always worth checking beforehand what type of change you’ll get.
Mahahual Beach
So it can be a little tough to find that classic “postcard worthy” beach. Of course when you’re in this part of the world, then you likely have beach on your mind. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to find a spot to just sit and relax in the sand.
Some cruisers and staff say that the taxi stand rates are better at this stop than at the terminal but the Editor hasn't found this to be 100% accurate. There is only one exit out of the gated cruise terminal's parking area. The gates open into a street with a central pedestrian corridor lined by buildings, which not long ago had a bustling activity. Take a dip in the sparkling blue waters of Cenote Azul, an open freshwater cenote known for prime snorkeling and swimming. Please let me know your questions, tips or what you enjoyed in Costa Maya cruise port. One of the most popular things to do at the Costa Maya cruise port, is to watch a performance by Paplanta Flyers.
Shopping and attractions at the cruise terminal
You can enjoy various activities at Playa Mahahual Beach, like swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and kayaking. But you may find that the beach gets crowded during cruise days. So, booking a day pass at a private beach club is the best choice if you are looking for peace and calm on a Costa Maya beach.
You can book Maya Chan Beach as a shore excursion with the cruise line or opt to go on your own. The pier at Costa Maya is long, and on a hot day, you might want to take the free trolley service from your ship to the port village. All the attractions of the village itself are accessible on foot. Otherwise, there’s a shuttle bus to Mahahual, the nearest beach, for a small fee.
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The Dolphin Discovery excursion takes place right at the port and can be booked on the ship. Again, this is something I would book in advance if you are interested. Free Photo Ops in Port and in TownIf you want a way to remember your stop, be sure to get a souvenir photo in front of the Costa Maya sign located right where the pier meets the port. It’s a free way to remember your trip that you don’t want to miss. So you can come and order food and drinks, and then there is everything that you need for a day at the beach. They offer loungers, lockers, umbrellas, and even wi-fi and kayaks.
On your right, the typical duty-free shops you would expect in any Caribbean cruise port, such as the ubiquitous Diamonds International and its sister Tanzanite International. There are plenty of things to buy in Costa Maya, Mexico that are reasonably priced and make good souvenirs. Cruise travelers can shop on the main street or boardwalk in the small town of Mahahual, or simply shop at the boutiques at the cruise port.
Golf carts in Costa Maya are one of the most fun and unique ways to explore the local village. This transport mode offers a quick journey to Mahahual, allowing you to explore its shops, beautiful scenery, and vibrant atmosphere. Unfortunately, in 2007 and 2012, two hurricanes devastated Costa Maya, and these buildings are still waiting for restoration. Cruise passengers booked with online tour operators will meet their guides along this street outside the gated area of the cruise terminal. Cruise ships typically dock at the Costa Maya Cruise Port, and it’s common to have three to four cruise ships dock at a time.
ATMs are located at the cruise terminal and dispense U.S. dollars. The Yucatan Peninsula is dotted with ancient ruins built by the sophisticated Maya civilization. One of these, Chacchoben, is only an hour from the port, located deep in the rainforest. At its heart, you’ll find an impressive stepped pyramid dating back to 200 B.C. From the top of the Gran Basamento pyramid, enjoy sweeping views over the trees and the chance to spot colorful birds and spider monkeys.
You can book the shore excursions through your cruise line or with a local tour operator outside the terminal building. All the rides are based around the Great Pyramid, which looks like an ancient Mayan Temple. The water park is located a 10-minute walk from the cruise port. However, you can usually order transportation with your cruise line or get a taxi from outside the terminal. You can venture out of the cruise port to enjoy your day at one of the many beach clubs near Costa Maya. Most beach clubs allow you to book a day pass before your trip.
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