Port Guide: Costa Maya Mahahual, Mexico
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Costa Maya is a popular cruise port in Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula and the coast of the Caribbean Sea. The Caribbean cruise port is located 4 miles (6.4 km) or a 10-minute drive from the quaint fishing town of Mahahual, which has just under 1,000 inhabitants. Swim with dolphins at Dolphin Discovery, located minutes away from the cruise ship with the Costa Maya cruise port.
Scuba Dive the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef
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. One of the highlights of the Costa Maya cruise port is exploring the charming fishing village of Mahahual. 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. 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.
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Sightseeing and cultural excursions
A small tourist region in Quintana Roo, a state in Mexico, the only one surrounded by the Caribbean Sea to its east. Settled on the southeast coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, roughly halfway between Cozumel, Mexico and Belize City. The rapid growth of this generally undeveloped area in the past has started when the large pier for cruise ships was constructed. Be Prepared for a Crowded PortWe will be honest that Costa Maya can get busy! Our last visit included four ships docked on the same day, meaning roughly 15,000 cruise passengers in port at once.
Dzibanche and Kohunlich Mayan Ruins
Take a dip in the sparkling blue waters of Cenote Azul, an open freshwater cenote known for prime snorkeling and swimming. 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. Snorkeling is one of the highlights of this port in the West Caribbean itineraries. The coast of Mexico is famous for snorkeling and diving, and Costa Maya is one of the best places to engage in these activities.
Sail in the Most Beautiful Water Aboard a Catamaran
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Known for its laid-back atmosphere, this stunning beach is ideal for those seeking tranquility away from the bustling tourist crowds. To tour this beach, visitors must reserve their spots at Maya Chan. The tour guides will reserve a cabana for you and pick you up at the port.
Situated on the Caribbean Sea, Costa Maya is an ideal destination for cruise ships exploring the Mexican Caribbean region. Unlike other Caribbean ports I’ve traveled to, Puerto Costa Maya is a destination in itself. This can be a great option if you want to stay nearby and just explore within the port, and it’s one of the popular shore excursions. 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.
Soak in the atmosphere and learn about the ancient Mayan people while exploring this unique and fascinating archaeological site. To ensure a tranquil experience, Yaya Beach requires reservations due to limited availability. This allows you to secure your spot on their pristine beach and enjoy the exclusivity of this private paradise. At Yaya Beach, you can relax and soak up the sun on their comfortable lounge chairs, with umbrellas to provide shade. As you bask in the breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea, you can enjoy refreshing drinks from their beach bars.
When it’s time to head back to your ship (be sure to allow at least a full hour) just walk back to the road through the hotel. Taxis are usually available, but leave enough time just in case you have to wait. Spend the day on the beach – there are several beach clubs along this stretch of promenade. You can take a $8 taxi ride (that’s per taxi for one or more people) to anywhere in Mahahual. Once you’re on the other side of Amorino’s, you’re getting closer to the taxi and rental area. Plus you’ve avoided at least another dozen shops that try to lure you inside to buy.
Discover Mayan History
There are free trolleys available for cruise passengers who have have difficulty walking or would like the service. The amenities, including beach floats, floating chairs, sand toys, showers, snorkel equipment, outdoor games, the pool, and the waterfront location are definitely beautiful. The port of Costa Maya is located in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, on the Yucatan peninsula.
The state also recorded an 18% increase in cruise passenger numbers (6+ million compared to the 5 million received in 2019). During the post-COVID season 2022, Port Costa Maya recorded a total of 363 cruise ship calls, following only Cozumel (864 calls). Port Costa Maya (locode MXCOM) is also the closest tourist destination to the lesser-known Mayan ruins in Mexico's Yucatan state (including Kohunlich and Chacchoben). In 2017 was discovered Ichkabal (the largest Mayan archaeological site) and since 2019 it is added to Costa Maya's Shore Excursion program for cruise companies-organized land tours. Snorkelers and scuba divers will have plenty to see at Banco Chinchorro, the largest coral atoll in the country.
Wind your way through the port area and you’ll eventually find a small sanctuary amid all the hustle and bustle. Just behind the low wall are several beautiful pink flamingos looking right at home on a small sandbar with tropical surroundings. Try not to disturb them, but it’s a great photo op and a cool way to see some beautiful creatures up close. Its location right near Cozumel (the most visited cruise port stop in the area) means that Costa Maya can be added into an itinerary without having to go far out of the way. Chances are good that if you are headed on a cruise that travels the western Caribbean, you’ll make a stop in Costa Maya.
Bacalar is located approximately 91 km/56 miles or a 1 hour 15-minute drive from Costa Maya. The best way to get here is through an organized shore excursion from the cruise ship. However, if you are more of an “on your own” person, then my suggestion is to check with the tourist information center for reliable tour companies and packages to this amazing place. Mahahual village is very safe and the beach is ideal for families and people of all ages.
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