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They will love the variety of water slides, swimming pools, zip lines, and other water activities. Situated on the Caribbean Sea, Costa Maya is an ideal destination for cruise ships exploring the Mexican Caribbean region. 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. The cruise port terminal is secured for cruise passengers and employees who work at the terminal only. We explored on our own and never felt unsafe or saw anything considered unsafe. Throughout our self-guided adventures outside the port area, the atmosphere remained welcoming, and we encountered nothing but friendly faces and helpful locals.
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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. Walking to the Costa Maya beaches in Mahahual from the cruise port is possible. However, it takes 40 minutes to walk the 2 miles (3.2 km) to the village. Therefore, most cruise passengers take a motorized form of transport, which only takes 10 minutes.
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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. The beach excursion takes you to a private, gorgeous beach 1.5 miles (2.4 km) south of Mahahual on a quiet road along the Costa Maya shore. The day includes a pre-paid taxi, signature cocktails, lounge chairs, and kayaks. This secluded private beach club also has a pool and beach volleyball club.
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During the performance, the flyers climb up a high pole, tie themselves to ropes, and spin while gradually spiraling toward the ground. El Faro is also the name of the iconic lighthouse between the cruise port and Mahahual. You can find free wi-fi all around the Costa Maya cruise terminal.
The cruise port is known for it’s amenities and activities designed specifically for cruise passengers. The Costa Maya cruise port was specifically built to cater to cruise passengers, providing many activities and attractions both in and around the cruise terminal. Although a few years ago this port was lesser known than popular Cozumel, Costa Maya is now frequented by several cruise lines. Whether you plan on taking a guided tour or exploring independently with a rented golf cart, Costa Maya promises an exciting day.
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And what activities can you participate in while on your trip? This guide will answer all these questions to ensure you make the best of your vacation or business trip. With each visit, there’s a new layer to unveil, a fresh perspective to gain, and a novel story to create and recount. Every traveler is on a unique journey, seeking different shades of experiences and memories. Costa Maya, with its tapestry of offerings, caters to a diverse spectrum of travelers. Being equipped with practical information will enable you to navigate through your Costa Maya adventure with ease, leaving more room for the fun and exploration that awaits.
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. Playa Mahahual Beach is the closest beach for cruise ship passengers visiting Costa Maya.
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Ensure you use this opportunity to wander around Bacalar town as you shop in the local boutiques or dine in the area’s restaurants. Costa Maya is in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, right next to Mahahual fishing village. Mahahual is one of the best places to explore while on your cruise. Abiding by local laws and customs is a part of responsible tourism. Being respectful will ensure a pleasant experience as you explore Costa Maya.
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Most beach clubs allow you to book a day pass before your trip. This reduces stress when you arrive on the Yucatan Peninsula. Just check if they have a “no port, no fee” policy if the cruise schedule changes. Several local taxi operators provide quick and cheap travel to Mahahual. Taxis from the cruise terminal offer set fares to the village costing $4. Prices are per person and are the same price as the shuttle bus.
When you meet your tour guide, you’ll board a bus that will take you over to one of the most interesting archeological sites in the Yucatan Peninsula. With soft sands, turquoise waters, and a relaxed atmosphere, it offers a tranquil escape from busy cruise ship life. You can unwind on comfortable lounge chairs, enjoy delicious Mexican cuisine, and even snorkel to explore the marine life. Mahahual Beach is a 5 minute taxi ride from the Costa Maya cruise port. This natural beach is great for cruisers who are looking for an inexpensive beach day.
However, most locals working in bars, cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops also speak English. It’s always a good idea to learn some basic phrases in Spanish. Known as Fuerte de San Felipe, Bacalar Fort is a historic fort near the lagoon. Built in the 18th century, the fortress protected the town from pirate attacks. Additionally, its position at the edge of the freshwater lake means you get spectacular views over the lagoon and surrounding forests.
If you’re planning to stay in the cruise port area, walking is the easiest way to get around. There is a complimentary trolley to bring cruisers from the ship’s pier to the cruise port. Directions from the cruise ship complex to the transportation area has changed over the last few years. As of this update, here’s how to get to Mahahual and the beaches on your own. A stop at the Costa Maya cruise port is a great excuse for anyone to eat good local food and simply relax on the beach.
During the post-COVID season 2022, Port Costa Maya recorded a total of 363 cruise ship calls, following only Cozumel (864 calls). Port Costa Maya (locode MXCOM) is also the closest tourist destination to the lesser-known Mayan ruins in Mexico's Yucatan state (including Kohunlich and Chacchoben). In 2017 was discovered Ichkabal (the largest Mayan archaeological site) and since 2019 it is added to Costa Maya's Shore Excursion program for cruise companies-organized land tours.
