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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. Xcabal, said to be the largest Mayan archaeological site, opened in 2017 and is just over an hour’s bus ride from the port.
Related cruise ports
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. Shopping and restaurants are available in both locations, although they are somewhat limited compared to larger ports. Your trip wouldn’t be complete without swimming with the dolphins. Take advantage of the dedicated dolphin centers to swim with these beautiful and playful creatures. A marine specialist will teach you how to interact with these animals while having fun with them.
Playa del Carmen Shore Excursion Tips
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.
Beaches Near the Port
If you prefer to use the local currency, you can withdraw Pesos at ATMs, which are located within the Costa Maya cruise terminal. There are free trolleys available for cruise passengers who have have difficulty walking or would like the service. However, as in any major tourist cruise port, English is widely spoken. Right after the museum, there is a taxi stop and a Mayan pyramid replica that many cruise visitors like to climb for a photo memory. Some cruisers and staff say that the taxi stand rates are better at this stop than at the terminal but the Editor hasn't found this to be 100% accurate. Once inside the terminal, shops are the first thing you will come across.
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. The terminal has two exits into a large parking area - this is where shore excursions tour buses do park.
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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. The town is just at ~5-min drive distance from the cruise port. Shuttle bus service and taxis go to the Mahahual boardwalk, with fares (cruise port to Mahahual Town) at ~USD 5 per person. On the beachside of the Malecón, the cruise passenger will find one beach club after another with chairs, umbrellas, bars, and water sports.
Costa Maya port (Puerto Costa Maya) is Mexico’s second-largest cruise port after Cozumel. It is located about 10 minutes ride from the small fishing village of Mahahual, and around 290 km (180 miles) south of Playa del Carmen and the island of Cozumel. Many cruise passengers decide to hang out around the free saltwater swimming pool in the centre of the Costa Maya cruise port, followed by a bit of souvenir shopping.
You will enjoy strolling along the promenade (Malecon), browsing the colorful shops, and soaking in the village’s laid-back atmosphere. You can then stop off in one of the many beach bars to enjoy Mexican street food and authentic cocktails. 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. Most cruise passengers find walking the easiest way to get around the cruise port area.
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There are a variety of options, including just hanging out in the port or heading to Mahahual. However, there are a number of excursions you can take from Costa Maya that will make for a memorable day. The other issue is that they might be taken up by a restaurant or hotel offering beach service.
It faces Mahahual Beach and is home to turtles, crocodiles, catsharks, pink snails, and rich marine flora and fauna. With each visit, there’s a new layer to unveil, a fresh perspective to gain, and a novel story to create and recount. Embarking on a journey to the shores of Costa Maya is like opening a book filled with stories waiting to be lived. As we voyage further into this guide, we’ll explore personalized experiences for different travelers – families, solo adventurers, couples, and groups.
That’s why we recently traveled to Costa Maya to bring you more details of this growing destination. What follows should provide more insight into the port and what you can expect from your visit during your cruise. You can find free wi-fi all around the Costa Maya cruise terminal. At the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins, you’ll learn about ancient Mayan history and architecture, while exploring the Mayan temples. On site, along with a tourist shop, there’s a small taco and burrito stand that sold some inexpensive and delicious Mexican food. Above the boardwalk area, you’ll find a trail of hanging bridges where you can encounter exotic birds.
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. So that means you don’t want to just see an open lounger and plop yourself down. Still, you are allowed to enjoy the beach itself even if you aren’t a customer. The town itself is decidedly a beach town; there isn’t a lot more to do in Mahahual than to shop, have a bite to eat, enjoy a drink, and hang out on the shore.
The cruise port in Costa Maya has a very appealing character. The local population is very friendly but not pushy and speaks English reasonably well. For those cruising with families, there are lots of things to do.
Nestled in Quintana Roo on Mexico’s Eastern coast, Costa Maya is the perfect relaxation spot for cruise passengers. The resort has beautiful white-sand beaches, swimming pools, an aviary, and a marine park with dolphins. For culture buffs, Mayan ruins from this ancient civilization are relatively close. The Lost Mayan Kingdom Water Park is one of the top shore excursions within walking distance of the Costa Maya Cruise Port. This thrilling water park is ideal for spending a cruise day with kids.
In Mahahual, many cafes and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi if you need to upload your cruise holiday snaps. You are best to log on to an internet hotspot in the village rather than paying the hefty charges on the ship if you need to upload photos. 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. You can go swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or paddleboarding, which provides one of the most peaceful and tranquil ways to immerse yourself in the lagoon’s beauty. One of the highlights of the Costa Maya cruise port is exploring the charming fishing village of Mahahual.
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