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From the north end of the village, you can walk just over a mile from the lighthouse (Faro de Mahahual) along the beautiful beach or the Malecon (promenade). You can find various beach facilities, cafes, and beachfront bars along the walk. Spending a few hours in a glass-bottom boat is a fantastic way to appreciate the crystal-clear waters in the Caribbean. 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.
Costa Maya Excursions
Most cruise passengers find walking the easiest way to get around the cruise port area. However, it’s best to use another form of transport to explore the surrounding area. La Fruteria is a must-visit for those looking for a refreshing and healthy drinking experience. This swim-up bar specializes in fresh fruit cocktails, offering various delicious options with locally sourced fruits.
Beach Resorts at Bacalar Lagoon (Seven Colors Lagoon)
Located at the start of the promenade in Mahahual is the Mahahual Lighthouse. This historic landmark offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and surrounding area. For a small admission fee, you can tour the lighthouse and learn about its history and role in protecting sailors at sea. Many cruise visitors walk along the Malecon to the lighthouse at the village’s north end.
What activities can I do in Costa Maya?
Options range from hiring a beach chair at one of the many lively beach bars in the beach town, Mahahual, to luxury VIP beach resorts south of Costa Maya. But with limited time in port, you want to choose the right beach destination to maximize your relaxation and enjoyment. There are a variety of activities to enjoy in Costa Maya, ranging from relaxing on the beach to exploring ancient ruins. Visitors can also take part in a variety of water sports, such as snorkeling and scuba diving, or enjoy an eco-adventure through the jungle. Other popular activities include shopping in Mahahual and visiting the nearby islands of Cozumel and Holbox.
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. Costa Maya is one of the smaller cruise ports in the Caribbean because it was privately developed. The company that developed the port also invested in the town of Mahahual. Anyone who doesn’t want to spend the day at Costa Maya has some options outside of the cruise port.
As the place only takes in 35 people, you’ll want to book ahead of time via the website. The port feels much like a theme park in that it’s designed like a caricature of a Mexican village. However, if you want an easy and comfortable way to spend the day, then the port is perfect. In addition, Costa Maya is known for it’s beach and water activities, Mayan ruins, the small village of Mahahual, cultural performances, eco-tourism and shopping and crafts. There are some really good restaurants and bars, even the Costa Maya cruise port area. Try some traditional Mexican dishes or some well loved favorites (like nachos, salsa and guacamole).
It’s a great spot for a photo, and it also offers a nice view back toward the ships. There’s no beach access from the Costa Maya port, so head into Mahahual. From there, you can walk the street until you find a spot you like at a restaurant. Head over, order a few drinks of lunch and enjoy the time at the beach. If you’re expecting a wide, sandy beach with crystal water, that’s not the case. In this part of the country, the shore is a mix of white sand and rock.
Here are other excursions you can plan while spending the day in the Bacalar Lagoon area. Seeing them gracefully gliding through the air while performing acrobatic moves is mesmerizing. 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. While spending time in the port, check out the spectacular performance of the Papantla Flyers.
Chunky Monkey Beach Club
Cruise passengers should check with their ship for medical services and emergency procedures. Chantelle is a nationally syndicated travel writer, and travel advisor. An avid cruiser, Chantelle has explored many parts of the world through her travels.
It is a beautiful stretch of white sand surrounded by lush palm trees and crystal-clear waters. Located just five minutes from the cruise port, it is an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the stunning views. Xahuayxol means “Garden of the Sea,” and this tranquil beach club offers opportunities for swimming, kayaking in glass-bottomed boats, and snorkeling. The beach-day pass also includes appetizers, lunch, and an open bar.
Most cruise visitors who want a beach end up at Mahahual Beach, which is narrow and packed with chairs and tables for the hotel visitors. Mahahual Beach is often available as a shore excursion from cruise lines that include transportation. It doesn’t have cultural or historical attractions like other major cruise ports. Walkers will find that most sightseeing consists mainly of the many shops and restaurants. Unlike the larger Cancun and Cozumel, Costa Maya was developed specifically as a cruise destination by a private company.
The area is beautifully preserved, with tall palm trees and monkeys that you can spot high up on the trees. Also known as the Land of the Red Corn, this 3,000-year-old site was once an important pilgrimage place for the ancient Mayans. Learn about the rich history and the importance of this site, and admire the big ceremonial temple known as Gran Basamento. Located in the south of Quintana Roo state, approximately 70 km (43 mi)/50-minute drive from Costa Maya, Chacchoben Ruins are the most popular ancient ruins in the Costa Maya region. The park has restrooms, changing rooms, showers, lockers (extra cost), a snack bar, and a souvenir shop. Children can have fun at pint-sized slides and mini pools at the Monkey’s Island kids’ area.
Along the beach, you will encounter local restaurants, bars, and beach clubs offering beach chairs, umbrellas, watersports, and fantastic service. Also called the Lake of Seven Colors, the Bacalar Lagoon is a stunning shore excursion when visiting Costa Maya. The beautiful lagoon is located about an hour’s drive from the cruise port. It offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere, making it a great place to spend the day. The best ATV shore excursions include fajitas or tacos, Mexican beers or non-alcoholic cold drinks, and time at the Costa Maya beach.
Check Out the Tiendas for Snacks and DrinksOn the way in between Costa Maya and Mahahual you’ll pass by a number of small convenience stores selling snacks, sodas, and beers. These are a great for picking up some munchies to bring back to the ship for cheap. And while you can’t bring beers back on the ship, you can get one to enjoy in port for just a buck or two. The other issue is that they might be taken up by a restaurant or hotel offering beach service. While beaches in Mexico are public, many restaurants and hotels have put out loungers and umbrellas for their guests — seemingly making it a “private” beach.
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. For those interested in history or yearning for something besides a beach day, Puerto Costa Maya has you covered. Discover the impressive builds the ancient Maya people erected—the most popular of which we cover below. 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!
Cruise passengers wishing to discover famous Mayan Ruins like Chacchoben should look into booking shore excursions, be it with your cruise ship or with local tour operators. For those who want to enjoy an all-inclusive beach, it is advisable to book a day pass. Are you looking for the top shore excursions and activities when your cruise ship berths in Costa Maya? My guide has top recommendations and tips to help you maximize your time in port. Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore ancient ruins, or shop for souvenirs, this article has you covered.
