Costa Maya Cruise Port Guide: 7 Best Things to Do in Port
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Costa Maya is a popular stop on Western Caribbean itineraries and often appears alongside ports like Belize and Roatán.
I visited Costa Maya on a cruise and spent time both at the port and in Mahahual — we ended up having a great beach day and maybe one too many tequilas at one of the local beach bars 🙂.
The port sits on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula and is one of the easiest cruise stops to explore.
You can stay within the port for pools, bars, and shopping, or take a quick ride to Mahahual for beaches, beach clubs, and a relaxed local vibe.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through what the port looks like, how to get around, and the best things to do during your day in Costa Maya.
Costa Maya Cruise Port
Costa Maya (Puerto Costa Maya) is Mexico’s second-largest cruise port after Cozumel, and it’s built almost entirely for cruise visitors.
The port sits about a 10-minute ride from the small beach town of Mahahual, and ships dock right at the long pier that leads directly into the main port area.
The port can handle four ships at once, including the largest cruise liners like Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class.
If more than four ships are scheduled, the extra one will anchor and tender passengers ashore.
Once you step off the ship, you can walk the long pier or hop on the free trolley, which is helpful if you’re traveling with kids or prefer not to walk.
The trolley drops you off right at the main terminal area, where most tours meet and where you’ll also find a last-minute excursion desk.
The port itself is huge and designed to look like a small Mayan village, with plenty of things to do if you decide to stay close to the ship. Here’s what you’ll find inside the port:
- Shops & Market: A mix of local handicrafts, souvenir stalls, and well-known stores like Diamonds International, Del Sol, Havana Club (great for cigars), and a massive tequila shop selling hundreds of brands.
- Restaurants & Bars: Poolside dining, beach bars, seafood spots, and plenty of places to enjoy cocktails with a view.
- Swimming Pools: Three large saltwater pools that are free to use, complete with swim-up bars, loungers, showers, and restrooms.
- Dolphin Discovery: A dolphin encounter facility located right inside the port, with a tour desk nearby for last-minute bookings.
- Spa & Wellness: A small massage center offering Mayan-inspired treatments.
- ATM: USD cash withdrawal available.
- General Amenities: Beach chairs (first-come, first-serve), shaded areas, restrooms, changing rooms, and easy access back to the pier.
📷 Check out my YouTube video where I walk through the port and visit Mahahual!
Getting Around Costa Maya Cruise Port
Once you exit the main port area (there are two exits), you’ll find everything you need for getting around — taxis, shuttles, rentals, and local tour booths.
Costa Maya is very easy to navigate, even if it’s your first time here.
🚕 Taxis & Shuttle to Mahahual
Right outside the port, you’ll see a large taxi rank and a small booth selling shuttle transfers to Mahahual, the nearby beach town.
- Shuttle: $5 per person each way
- Ride time: 5–7 minutes
- Walking: About 30 minutes from the port to Mahahual (flat, but hot)
Taxis also offer private tours to nearby attractions. Just make sure to agree on the price upfront.
🛺 Golf Carts, Bikes & Rentals
Golf carts, bikes, ATVs, and cars are available right outside the port. This is a fun option if you want to explore Mahahual at your own pace.
Car rentals are also available inside the port if you prefer to book directly there.
🌴 Shore Excursions
If you prefer organized tours, you’ll find a small tour booth outside the port where you can book last-minute shore excursions and beach club packages.
You’ll also see several local tour vendors near the exit offering similar options. Just check reviews beforehand if you choose to book independently.
👉 I personally like exploring on my own and usually book with Viator or GetYourGuide because they have reliable reviews and flexible cancellation.
🗿 Local Attractions Near the Port
Near the exit, you’ll also find:
- A small Jade Maya Museum
- A replica Mayan pyramid
- Souvenir stalls and small shops
🚫 Public Transportation
Public transportation exists, but it’s not ideal with limited time in port, especially if you don’t speak Spanish. Most cruisers stick to taxis, shuttles, or golf carts.
💵 Money & Payments
- Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN)
- Bring small USD bills for taxis, beach bars, and souvenirs.
- Always confirm whether your change will be in USD or pesos.
🗣️ Language
Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken across the port and Mahahual.
📘 Planning a Caribbean Cruise?
Make your trip easier with my Caribbean Cruise Port Guide — a complete, all-in-one resource covering 40 ports across the Caribbean.
Inside, you’ll find detailed port insights, practical tips for getting around, and the top things to see and do at every destination.
7 Best Things to Do in Costa Maya Cruise Port (and Mahahual)
Costa Maya is full of easy day-trip options, great beaches, and a few truly unique attractions you won’t find anywhere else.
Here are the best things to do when your cruise ship stops here.
1. Mahahual Beach & Village
Mahahual is the closest beach town to the Costa Maya cruise port, and it’s where most cruisers head for a classic beach day.
The village has a relaxed, friendly vibe, soft white sand, and calm, shallow water thanks to the offshore reef — perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and spotting turtles or rays if you’re lucky.
The town is safe, walkable, and great for families, couples, and anyone who wants a simple beach day without long travel times.
What to Expect at Mahahual Beach
Along the beachfront, you’ll find:
- Beach clubs with loungers and umbrellas
- Local restaurants and bars
- Watersports stands
- Beach massage tents
- Restrooms, changing rooms & showers
Most beach clubs work on minimum spend or open bar packages, and prices are generally reasonable.
Some popular spots include:
- Krazy Lobster (fun, lively, great value)
- Yaya Beach (nice loungers, calmer vibe)
- Blue Kay
- Ibiza Sunset
- Pez Quadro
- Pitaya Beach Club
How to Get to Mahahual
From Costa Maya cruise port, taxis and shuttles cost around $5 per person each way, and the ride takes 5–7 minutes. You can also walk (about 30 minutes), but it’s usually hot and not very scenic.
More Things to See in Mahahual
If you want to explore beyond the beach, check out:
- Faro de Mahahual Lighthouse
- The beachfront boardwalk (Malecon) lined with local shops, cafés, supermarkets, and bars
- Small stands selling handmade crafts and souvenirs
Mahahual is one of the easiest places to visit from the Costa Maya cruise port — everything is right along the beach, and prices are very straightforward.
2. Chacchoben Mayan Ruins
Chacchoben is the most popular Mayan archaeological site you can visit from the Costa Maya cruise port, and it’s one of the most accessible, making it perfect for a half-day shore excursion.
The ruins are located about 70 km (43 miles) from the port — roughly a 50–60 minute drive, depending on traffic.
The name Chacchoben means “Land of the Red Corn,” and the site dates back over 3,000 years, once serving as an important ceremonial and pilgrimage center for the ancient Maya.
When you visit, you’ll walk through peaceful jungle paths, learn about the site’s history, and see several restored structures, including the impressive Gran Basamento, the main ceremonial platform.
How to Get to Chacchoben Ruins
There are several ways to get to Chacchoben ruins, including:
- Booking a guided tour (the easiest and most popular option)
- Taking a taxi for a private trip
- Renting a car if you prefer to explore independently
Most cruise passengers choose a guided tour because it includes transportation, a certified guide, and a timed return to the port.
Chacchoben is known for being one of the most accessible Mayan sites in the region — no long hikes, no complicated transfers, and manageable walking paths for most visitors.
3. Bacalar Lagoon (Lake of the Seven Colors)
Bacalar Lagoon is one of Mexico’s hidden gems and one of the most beautiful places you can visit from the Costa Maya cruise port.
Often called the “Lake of the Seven Colors,” this massive freshwater lagoon is famous for its unreal shades of blue — all created by a white sandy bottom and a network of underground cenotes that feed the lake.
Bacalar is located about 91 km (56 miles) from Costa Maya, roughly a 1 hour 15-minute drive, and it’s absolutely worth the trip if you’re into nature, water activities, or photography.
What to Do in Bacalar
There are so many incredible experiences here that easily fit into the top things to do in Bacalar, including:
- Boat tours that take you through the lagoon’s most colorful sections
- A visit to Cenote Azul, a deep natural sinkhole perfect for swimming or diving
- Fort of San Felipe, where you can learn about Bacalar’s pirate history and take in panoramic lagoon views
- Snorkeling and swimming in the lagoon’s crystal-clear, shallow waters
Because of the distance, the safest and most convenient option is a guided tour from the cruise port.
4. Snorkeling & Scuba Diving
Costa Maya sits along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest reef system in the world, which makes it a great spot for snorkeling and diving.
The water near Mahahual is calm and clear, so it’s easy to see coral, tropical fish, rays, and sometimes turtles, perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a relaxed day in the water.
For something more adventurous, experienced divers can visit Banco Chinchorro, a remote reef atoll known for pristine coral, shipwrecks, and unique wildlife. It’s also the only place in the world where you can swim with crocodiles in the wild.
You’ll find local dive shops along Mahahual’s boardwalk, but most cruisers prefer booking ahead to match the ship’s schedule.
👉 Browse the top-rated Costa Maya snorkeling and scuba diving tours
5. Dzibanché & Kohunlich Mayan Ruins
If you want a true “lost in the jungle” experience, the ruins of Dzibanché, Kinichná, and Kohunlich are some of the most impressive archaeological sites you can visit from Costa Maya.
They sit deep in the rainforest near the Belize border and feel far more remote than Chacchoben.
Dzibanché & Kinichná
Dzibanché was once an important city of the powerful Kaan (Snake) Dynasty, and the site is still surrounded by thick jungle and wildlife.
Within the same archaeological zone, just a few minutes away, is Kinichná, a smaller but equally atmospheric site dominated by a large two-level pyramid you can climb for amazing rainforest views.
These ruins are quiet, rarely crowded, and ideal if you want something more off the beaten path.
Kohunlich
Kohunlich is best known for the Temple of the Masks, where large stucco masks of the Sun God decorate the central staircase.
The site is much larger than Dzibanché, with jungle paths, plazas, and tall palm trees — and you may even spot monkeys in the canopy if you’re lucky.
It usually takes around an hour to walk through the main structures.
Visiting the Ruins
Because these sites are located deep in the jungle and far from the cruise port, the best and safest way to visit is on an organized shore excursion.
Roads can be rough, there’s limited cell signal, and distances between the sites are long, so a guided tour removes all the stress.
If you go independently, bring water, insect repellent, snacks, comfortable shoes, and sun protection — it gets very hot, and you’ll be outdoors most of the time.
👉 Browse well-rated Dzibanché, Kinichná, and Kohunlich tours
6. Lost Mayan Kingdom Water Park
Lost Mayan Kingdom is a jungle-themed water and adventure park just a few minutes from the Costa Maya cruise port.
It’s a great choice for families and thrill-seekers, with high-speed water slides, long zip lines, a lazy river, and a kids’ area with smaller pools and slides.
The park has restrooms, changing rooms, showers, lockers, a snack bar, and a souvenir shop.
Shuttle transfers run regularly to and from the cruise port, and tickets are available through the cruise line, the last-minute tour desk, or at the entrance.
Some attractions may not be suitable for guests with mobility issues or certain health conditions.
7. Get a Cruise Port Pass
If you prefer to stay close to the ship, the Cruise Port Pass is an easy way to enjoy a few fun attractions right inside Costa Maya’s port area. The pass includes access to three experiences:
- Aviarius (Aviary): A walk-through aviary where you can meet and feed colorful tropical birds — great for kids and full of fun photo spots.
- Kakaw Chocolate Experience: A short tour where you’ll learn about the Mayan history of chocolate and see how it’s made, with plenty of tastings along the way.
- Tequila Museum: A quick introduction to how tequila is produced, followed by a tasting of several local varieties.
The port pass also includes three complimentary drinks at one of the bars near the port pools.
You can buy tickets through your cruise line or at the tour desk on the pier, which is a simple option if you want to enjoy the port without traveling far.
Wrapping Up
Costa Maya is one of those ports where you can keep it easy with a beach day in Mahahual or head out to explore ruins, wildlife, or the lagoon.
Whatever you choose, it’s a fun stop with plenty to see and do during your day ashore.
FAQ: Costa Maya Cruise Port
❓ Can you walk to the beach from the Costa Maya cruise port?
You can, but it takes about 30 minutes and the walk isn’t very scenic. Most cruisers take the $5 shuttle or a taxi to Mahahual instead.
❓ Is Costa Maya safe for cruise passengers?
Yes — Costa Maya and Mahahual are generally very safe, especially in the main tourist areas. Just use normal travel awareness and stick to licensed taxis and tour operators.
❓ What is the best beach near the Costa Maya cruise port?
Mahahual Beach is the closest and most popular. It has beach clubs, restaurants, calm water, and great snorkeling right offshore.
❓ Are there things to do without booking an excursion?
Definitely. The port has pools, restaurants, bars, shops, an aviary, and a chocolate/tequila experience. You can also take a shuttle to Mahahual for a beach day.
❓ How far is Mahahual from the cruise port?
About a 5–7 minute taxi or shuttle ride.
❓ Is the water safe for swimming in Costa Maya?
Yes — Mahahual has calm, shallow water thanks to an offshore reef, which makes it great for swimming, snorkeling, and families with kids.
❓ Is Costa Maya good for snorkeling?
Yes, the reef off Mahahual is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef and has clear water, coral, and marine life. For experienced divers, Banco Chinchorro is the top spot.
❓ What currency is used in Costa Maya?
The official currency is the Mexican Peso, but USD is widely accepted in tourist areas. Bring small bills for taxis, shops, and beach clubs.
❓ Should I book a Costa Maya excursion through the cruise line or independently?
Both are fine. Cruise line tours guarantee return to the ship, while independent tours (Viator/GetYourGuide) often offer smaller groups and better prices. Just make sure the timing fits your schedule.
❓ What are the best beach clubs in Costa Maya?
Most beach clubs are in Mahahual, and the most popular ones are Krazy Lobster, Yaya Beach, Blue Kay, Pez Quadro, Ibiza Sunset, and Pitaya Beach Club. Many offer minimum-spend deals or open bar packages, and all are right along the beachfront.
Helpful Resources for Costa Maya Cruise Port
🌐 Useful Websites
🚢 Other Ports Included in Western Caribbean Itineraries
Costa Maya is often paired with several popular Western Caribbean ports. If you’re planning your cruise, these guides may help:
- Cozumel – Snorkeling at El Cielo, Chankanaab Park, beaches, and easy DIY activities
- Roatán – Wildlife parks, great snorkeling, beach clubs, and adventure tours
- Belize – Barrier reef tours, Mayan ruins, cave tubing, and island escapes
- Nassau – Beaches, day passes, Blue Lagoon, and Atlantis
- Grand Cayman – Seven Mile Beach, Stingray City, and snorkeling spots
Western Caribbean cruises often depart from major homeports such as Galveston, Port Canaveral, Tampa, and Miami.
If your cruise starts in any of these cities, check out the above links for hotel suggestions and pre-cruise info to help you plan your stay.
You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, USA & Canada, Middle East, Australia & New Zealand
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Ho w can you swim with crocodiles in the wild at the reef atoll facing Mahahual Beach near the cruise port at Costa Maya, Mexico without being attacked?