Port Guide: Costa Maya Mahahual, Mexico
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During our visit, the cost was $4 per person for the taxi ride, and it’s well worth it. You can find taxis at the exit of the Costa Maya cruise terminal. As well, you can rent a golf cart for around $60 per day (there’s a rental booth at the port exit as well).
Nearby Beaches to Check Out
In my experience, it’s one of the larger ports that I’ve seen. Be sure to follow your ship’s instructions for what to bring (and not to bring) off the ship. Typically, you’ll need your ship key card and a photo ID, as well as your wallet with cash/credit cards, and towels from your ship. Like other international ports, you won’t be able to bring any fresh produce with you. Transfers and taxis from the Costa Maya cruise port to the beach cost around $5 USD per person each way.
Snorkeling Excursions
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. The Lagoon of Seven Colors is only an hour away from Costa Maya.
Taste Local Flavors
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. When we were visiting Costa Maya, I knew that we wanted to spend a relaxing day on the beach. I had heard about Maya Chan Beach – one of the more popular destinations among cruise passengers. It ended up being the best cruise ship excursion we’ve done due to the service, food, and atmosphere. Unlike other Caribbean ports I’ve traveled to, Puerto Costa Maya is a destination in itself.
Costa Mayan, Mexican Cuisine
But your port schedule may be disrupted due to high winds or heavy rain. 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. With close to 5 million passengers per year the Cruise Port of Miami is the busiest in the World. Costa Maya has changed time zone to EST (Eastern Standard Time), the same time zone in the East Coast of North America, 5 hours behind UTC (Coordinated Universal Time).
In August 2007, Hurricane Dean heavily damaged Mahahual's cruise dock and destroyed much of the village. From Costa Maya can be accessed two small villages (Xcalak and Mahahual) and the road extends south to the southern border of Sian Kaan (north) approx 100 km (62 mi). Costa Maya's largest liners in 2018 were Symphony OTS (RCI-Royal Caribbean) on November 20th (7-day from Miami / Nov 17-24) and MSC Seaside (MSC) on January 11th (7-day from Miami / Jan 6-13).
Fun Things For Cruise Passengers to Do in Costa Maya
Within the same archeological zone, in the heart of the jungle, you can also visit Kinichná ruins located approximately 4 km (2.5 miles) from Dzibanche. The complex is dominated by a huge two-level pyramid that you can climb and admire the spectacular views of the lush rainforest and surrounding pyramids. There are usually no crowds as the place is off the beaten track.
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. After almost three years, I recently had the chance to return to Costa Maya. Costa Maya has always been one of my favorite cruise ports in the Western Caribbean. This is one port where there is no choice except to purchase excursions what your ship offers.
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The Costa Maya cruise port is a gateway to beautiful beaches and cultural experiences in the Mexican Caribbean. We met our cruise sponsored shore excursion at the meeting spot and had a good 50 minute drive to the archeological site. The park guide showed us around the ruins and Mayan temples and explained about the ancient culture and people. Chacchoben Mayan Ruins are located about 30 miles (50 km) from Costa Maya.
In 2017 was opened the largest Mayan archaeological site Xcabal, located at ~1-hour bus ride from the cruise port. Until 2019, the site was open exclusively to cruise line-organized excursions. Puerto Costa Maya is Caribbean Mexico's second-largest cruise port - after Cozumel. This is also one of the country's most popular tourist regions. Port Costa Maya cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Costa Maya, Quintana Roo Mexico, Riviera Maya.
You can find an empty spot, but most people simply visit a restaurant for lunch and then use the beach facilities while there. Jaime’s at the Blue ReefThis isn’t a restaurant in the traditional sense. Sitting right on the beach, for $57 per adult you get all you can eat and drink, as well as beach chairs, palapas, and snorkel equipment. The menu is heavy on seafood, but there is something for everyone.

Next, we delve into the practical aspects of your visit to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey in this coastal paradise. Here, we unveil the best sights and experiences that promise to make your visit nothing short of magical. Not only is it more fun, but it’s also safer, especially if you plan on exploring more secluded areas.
Parallel to the Ocean and bordering the sand, there is a main pedestrian 'road' - the Malecón Mahahual. Bathed by the Caribbean Sea, Puerto Costa Maya is on the East coast of the Yucatan peninsula near the south border of the Mexican State of Quintana Roo with Belize. Since the construction of Puerto Costa Maya, Mahahual has been rapidly growing in population (around 3000) and in capacity to receive over 15,000 tourists in a day.
This incredible display of skill and agility takes place in the central square of the port and is a must-see attraction for all visitors. So please read on to learn how to plan your time in the beautiful port city of Costa Maya. All of the seating areas are conveniently located near the Caribbean Sea. Like other locations in this area, there is some seaweed in the water at times. But Maya Chan does have employees actively raking it out of the way. Kohunlich archeological complex is the largest Costa Maya ruins that consists of mainly residential buildings and palaces.
It’s a place where the gentle murmur of the Caribbean waves narrates tales of bygone eras, and the warm tropical breeze whispers the promise of unforgettable adventures. As we voyage further into this guide, we’ll explore personalized experiences for different travelers – families, solo adventurers, couples, and groups. Embarking on an adventure to Costa Maya entails a blend of excitement and the unknown. Here, we aim to equip you with essential practical knowledge to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.
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