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This secluded beach offers a tranquil and relaxing escape from the commotion of the cruise ship terminal—especially if four ships are in port. The day pass includes drinks, an all-you-can-eat Mayan buffet, snorkeling equipment, glass-bottomed kayaks, and round-trip transportation. ~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). While we’ve mentioned the pool at Costa Maya, there is also a man-made beach area near the pool with loungers available for cruise passengers. If you want to work on your tan, this is the spot to do it, within a short walk of the cruise ships.
Best Things to Do in Costa Maya Cruise Port
Now you have to walk past a zillion shops and snack bars until you come to the beautiful pink flamingoes. Here’s how to do exactly that, save a bundle of cash and have one of the best port days ever. Situated along the turquoise-colored Caribbean Sea, Puerto Costa Maya (Costa Maya cruise port) and its nearby towns rest between the sea and the deep jungle. In this article, I’ll explain how to spend a really great day in Costa Maya without buying an expensive shore excursion.
Carnival cruise passengers hospitalized after being struck by vehicle - USA TODAY
Carnival cruise passengers hospitalized after being struck by vehicle.
Posted: Mon, 04 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Cruising Solo: What the Cruise Lines Don’t Want You to Know
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.
Which cruise lines dock in Puerto Costa Maya?
It’s a great spot for a photo, and it also offers a nice view back toward the ships. 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.
With its pristine beaches, lush jungles, and ancient Mayan ruins, it’s not surprising that it has become a favorite spot for visitors from all over the world. Get to Chacchoben and Dzibanche by either cruise line excursions or independently booked tours. Chacchoben is just under an hour from the pier, while Dzibanche is a little further afield – at two hours and 20 minutes. Costa Maya consists of a cruise port that has a lot of shops. This is a tourist trap, it is better to go out of the port gates and take a $3 shuttle to the town called Mahahual. There is lots of brightly painted pottery, Mexican blankets, jewelry, etc.
Plenty of fun, adventurous shore excursions are available from the cruise terminal, showcasing everything from the natural to the historical. 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. The following map of Costa Maya cruise port shows all facilities in the terminal area. Costa Maya cruise port features a modern shopping mall, central plaza and saltwater pools.
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.
Take in the Malecon Near the Beach
Unfortunately, restaurants and hotels often “take over” the area with their loungers, tables, and facilities. So it can make some segments of the beach seem like they are off limits. You can find an empty spot, but most people simply visit a restaurant for lunch and then use the beach facilities while there. Kohunlich Mayan RuinsNo, it’s not as big or well-known as Chichen Itza, but that can be a good thing.
Bacalar Fort
If you take a tour while in port, you will likely end up at Mahaual Beach at the end of your tour. From visiting stunning archaeological sites to swimming with dolphins in crystal-clear waters, there are plenty of activities that will make your time here unforgettable. Nowadays, though, you’ll find tourists gathered around its impressive structures, such as the Temple of the Frescoes and El Castillo.
This thrilling water park is ideal for spending a cruise day with kids. They will love the variety of water slides, swimming pools, zip lines, and other water activities. 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.
But the Costa Maya cruise port is also the gateway to the lovely beaches of Mahahual and spectacular Mayan ruins like Chacchoben, Kohunlich, Dzibanche, and Kinichná. Yes, Costa Maya is generally considered safe for tourists and cruise travelers. The Costa Maya Cruise Port area in particular is quite secure. Like all destinations, visitors should take the usual precautions to protect themselves from petty theft. 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.
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. Next, we delve into the practical aspects of your visit to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey in this coastal paradise.
Home page with highlights and listing of reviews, port guides and articles. 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). Since the change to EST, Costa Maya is not scheduled to participate in daylight saving time.
