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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. The best way to visit the Bacalar Lagoon is to book a shore excursion beforehand. The stunning inland freshwater lagoon is famous for its crystal-clear waters, which showcase seven shades of blue.
Nearby Beaches to Check Out
The pier trolley must not be confused with the shuttle , which runs between the cruise terminal and Mahahual. 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. Take a small group tour from Costa Maya cruise terminal to the Bacalar Lagoon, frequently referred to as the seven colors lagoon.
Swim-Up Bars
However, there are excellent seafront restaurants and bars along the promenade. Hayhu Beach is a high-end beach club offering a tranquil oasis away from the hundreds of cruise tourists at the port. The exclusive club is located 18 miles (29 km) south of Costa Maya and takes 30 minutes by car. However, a cruise day pass includes round-trip transportation from the Costa Maya Port.
What to Do In Costa Maya Mexico Instead of an Expensive Shore Excursion
A free trolley service to take you from your ship to the terminal building. The pier can be long if you have walking difficulties or travelling with little children. In the port area there are plenty of opportunities for souvenir shopping. In fact, it’s stall after stall of stands selling everything from jewelry to sombreros and everything in between.
Kohunlich is another site that’s about two hours from Costa Maya. That means if you want to explore a major archaeological site without the crowds, this is a solid option. That said, you don’t have to worry about packing any snorkeling gear since most places will offer complimentary gear. The ocean is warm throughout the year, making it perfect for snorkeling and diving.
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We also favor renting four-wheel-drive vehicles if visitors are craving the need for a little bit of added adventure. If you want to get out in the water but don’t want to snorkel or scuba dive, you can always take a glass-bottom boat tour. These trips will take you out in the gorgeous water and give you a chance to see what’s underneath the waves. The best part is you don’t get wet, making it perfect for small kids or those with mobility issues.
Known for its laid-back atmosphere, this stunning beach is ideal for those seeking tranquility away from the bustling tourist crowds. Don’t Miss a Visit to the LighthouseIf you head to Mahahual, be sure to check out the lighthouse that sits at one end of the walkway through town. It’s a great spot for a photo, and it also offers a nice view back toward the ships.
Tips for Visiting Costa Maya Cruise Port
Dive shops in Mahahual will offer tours, and some cruise lines might also have excursions. While it started as a small fishing village, it’s now a tourist attraction offering plenty of activities to enjoy. If you love water activities, paddle boarding is an exciting activity to try out. Costa Maya, also known as Puerto Costa Maya, grew out of developing the area to suit tourism. Tourism picked up, cruise ships started making the port’s waters a destination, and the process trickled to the nearby areas. The best beach in Costa Maya near the cruise port is Playa Bonita.
The main highlight is the Nohoch Mul pyramid, standing at an impressive height of 137 feet. Climbing to the top of this pyramid is an exhilarating experience and offers breathtaking views of the lush surrounding jungle. Located just two hours from Costa Maya, the Coba Ruins are a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and adventure seekers. These ancient Mayan ruins are known for their impressive Nohoch Mul pyramid, the tallest pyramid in the entire Yucatan Peninsula. The Dzibanche Ruins, an impressive archaeological site near the Kohunlich Maya site, offer a unique and immersive experience for history and culture enthusiasts.
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It’s like a mini-city, with many shops, restaurants, bars, rocky beach front, and even a free pool. Located about 5 miles down the coast from the Costa Maya port, Maya Chan is a small, independent day resort that features enough room for only a few dozen guests at each time. You book a private cabana complete with hammock and daybed and enjoy all the snacks, drinks, and food you can eat. In short, for about $70 per person you get to spend the day in paradise. Transportation to and from the port is included as well so you don’t even have to worry about how to get there. 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.
In fact, the Mexican port prides itself on a small-town Mexican village atmosphere with pristine waters and authentic villages. Sitting just north of Costa Maya lies the UNESCO Heritage Site of Sian Ka’an Reserve. This is one port where there is no choice except to purchase excursions what your ship offers. You can preview what excursions may be offered on the Puerto Costa Maya’s website. Hidden back in the small town near the port is a highly rated pizza joint — Pizza Papi. Described as “Bob Marley meets Day of the Dead,” the vibe is unique and the pizza looks amazing.
When you’re on the ship, you have two options if you need some toiletries or over-the-counter medicine. You can either go without… or pay insane prices at the ship’s shops (we’ve seen DayQuil for $17 a bottle!). If you forgot or need anything, there is one other option — Costa Maya has a pharmacy in port with just about anything you’d need. It’s also considerably cheaper than buying these items on the ship.
Meanwhile, cruise passengers get a spot to explore that’s off the beaten path and only easy to visit via cruise ship. That sort of remote location provides a destination that’s a world away from other ports. One of the highlights of the Costa Maya cruise port is exploring the charming fishing village of Mahahual.
Since the area is easy to navigate, these pristine beaches are easily within reach. The Caribbean beaches are also more comfortable and well-protected from swells and waves than the Pacific beaches. For unique shops that sell beautiful souvenirs to take home, shop at Casa Rosa or Colleen’s Magnetic Jewelry. This guide will answer all these questions to ensure you make the best of your vacation or business trip.
However, you can usually order transportation with your cruise line or get a taxi from outside the terminal. Electric bikes are another popular mode of transportation in Costa Maya. They provide a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the area without walking long distances or having the hassle of renting a golf cart. You can rent bikes from various vendors in the cruise port area and Mahahual village.
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. 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. 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.
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