Costa Maya Quintana Roo Mexico, Riviera Maya cruise port schedule
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Unlike other Caribbean ports I’ve traveled to, Puerto Costa Maya is a destination in itself. This can be a great option if you want to stay nearby and just explore within the port, and it’s one of the popular shore excursions. Costa Maya cruise terminal features a T-shaped pier that can accommodate up to four cruise ships simultaneously. However, there is a complimentary trolley service available for those who prefer not to walk. Unfortunately, many passengers report experiencing delays in catching the trolley, especially when three or more ships are docked at the port. Located about minutes from the Costa Maya cruise port, Uvero Beach is a more secluded beach option for cruise passengers.
Take a Taxi or Golf Cart to the Beach
A private cabana features a bed, two beach chairs, and a hammock. During your trip to the Mayan ruins, you can also visit the famous Bacalar Lagoon (Lagoon of Seven Colors). Again, this is a great activity for someone who enjoys water activities.
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You can do practically anything you can do in other ports, all within the relatively small area. A 50-minute drive from Costa Maya are some of Mexico’s most stunning archaeological sites—the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins. Visit these places for a fascinating cultural experience and learn about Mayan civilization. Here are some of the best things to do in and around Costa Maya during your cruise day. The symbol for Pesos is $, like the US dollar, which can cause some confusion.
Sightseeing and Cultural Excursions in Costa Maya
These attractions are between 2 miles (3.2 km) and 100 miles (160 km) from the cruise port terminal. 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.
Consider This if You’re Planning a Cruise to Cuba
Mahahual is just 3 km/2 mi away and the berthed in Costa Maya cruise liners are easily seen from there. By the New Mahahual (cruise port development) project are planned the construction of new (second cruise dock) approx 12 km/7,5 mi to the south (along the coastal road). This could result in up to 4 vessels docking simultaneously each day. Immerse yourself in the vibrant Mexican culture, explore the coast’s natural beauty, and create unforgettable memories in Costa Maya. Plenty of fun, adventurous shore excursions are available from the cruise terminal, showcasing everything from the natural to the historical. Costa Maya cruise port features a modern shopping mall, central plaza and saltwater pools.

The Lagoon of Seven Colors is only an hour away from Costa Maya. Typical tours, such as the ones visiting the Mayan ruins, are a must. Puerto Costa Maya is home to world-renown Mayan ruins, including Kohunlich and Chacchoben. For a short day’s trip, the Mayan ruins of Kohunlich, Chacchoben, and Dzibunte are easily accessible. In addition to the pyramid, visitors can explore the many other ancient structures that make up the Coba Ruins.
Mahahual Beach
Odyssey of the Seas Live Blog - Day 4 - Costa Maya - Royal Caribbean Blog
Odyssey of the Seas Live Blog - Day 4 - Costa Maya.
Posted: Thu, 09 Sep 2021 07:00:00 GMT [source]
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. 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. 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. The local beach clubs will usually let visitors camp out on the beach all afternoon if they purchase drinks or food.
Dolphin Discovery
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. Continuing the adventure, kayaking in the calm waters or paddleboarding along the coast allows for a serene yet active experience. These excursions seamlessly blend the thrill of exploration with the serene beauty of Costa Maya’s natural landscapes, ensuring your cruise stop is an adventure-filled day to remember.
Scuba Diving
This sleepy village on the coast is essentially connected to Costa Maya and is a touch of more authentic Mexico. The best time to visit Costa Maya is during the dry season, typically from November to April. This period offers pleasant weather with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for enjoying outdoor activities and exploring the region’s attractions.
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. 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.
As you wander through the site, you can’t help but marvel at the advanced building techniques and attention to detail that the Mayans possessed. At the Dzibanche Ruins, visitors are greeted by well-preserved tall ruins, allowing them to step back in time and witness the grandeur of the Mayan civilization. One of the standout features of this site is the opportunity to climb to the top of temples, providing a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. The Dzibanche Ruins, an impressive archaeological site near the Kohunlich Maya site, offer a unique and immersive experience for history and culture enthusiasts.
The Costa Maya cruise port is a gateway to beautiful beaches and cultural experiences in the Mexican Caribbean. Swim with dolphins at Dolphin Discovery, located minutes away from the cruise ship with the Costa Maya cruise port. Many cruise passengers decide to hang out around the free saltwater swimming pool in the centre of the Costa Maya cruise port, followed by a bit of souvenir shopping. In addition, the port offers a large swimming pool with lounge chairs, multiple restaurants and bars, a Mexican market, shops, a fish spa, and more. Then there are the on-site tour operators who greet cruise passengers as they enter the port, hoping to pick up some last-minute business. These hard workers offer many of the same excursions as the cruise lines.
There are a lot of great things to do in Costa Maya while on a cruise, including activities right at the cruise terminal, shore excursions to Mayan ruins, and beach clubs. ~10-min by taxi from Port Costa May (in Mahahual) is the Jaime’s at the Blue Reef Hotel offering to cruise ship tourists all-inclusive day passes (limited to just 28x daily). It is a precious jewel in Costa Maya and a very popular destination for scuba diving, snorkeling and other sport activities. 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.
Visiting the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve & Ruins allows travelers to experience the rich history and natural wonders of Costa Maya. This destination should be noticed for those seeking a unique and unforgettable adventure. The main highlights of Calakmul include its grand pyramids, which offer panoramic views of the surrounding jungle and give visitors a sense of the city’s former prominence. Additionally, the site features royal tombs, ball courts, and residential complexes, giving visitors a glimpse into the daily lives of the ancient Mayans. Exploring the Kohunlich Ruins offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the ancient Mayan civilization’s daily lives and architectural skills.

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. 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.
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. Besides swimming with marine mammals, the attraction features shows that entertain visitors with dolphin acrobatics and aerial performances.
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