Costa Maya is one of Mexico’s most popular ports, located near the southern border of the Mexican state Quintana Roo. The name of the western Caribbean port means the Mayan coast, which is quite fitting (and literal) since it is a port located there. This port is mostly rivaled by the Cozumel port, which has more excursions.
Nonetheless, this port overlooks the stunning turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea and has made a name for itself. The area surrounding the port is tailored to cruise passengers, so tourists often appreciate the offerings of the area. The small town near the port is called Mahahual and has everything cruisers may need. This town is a tourist hot spot with some of the best shopping. While Costa Maya’s cruise port is not very central to other popular Mexican cities, it has its own unique offerings. Learn more about this port and its best offerings to travelers.
Is the Costa Maya Cruise Port Popular?
The Costa Maya cruise port is not as popular as some other modernly developed ports. The area has a lower population, so travelers will notice that it is not a very bustling port. However, the port is actually quite popular for its unique shape and style. The T-shaped pier offers travelers a long cruise terminal, which is meant to accommodate traffic flow. The cruise port is the gateway to Mahahual, which has fantastic Mayan attractions, comfortable amenities and delicious food.
The port is also known for its clean environment, but it is important to note that the beach is not immediately accessible from the port area. It has a welcoming and warm charm which can even be experienced through the locals. The locals of the Costa Maya cruise port area (Mahahual) are very friendly and speak English well. This means that travelers may find it easier to get around without a language barrier.
What Cruise Lines Dock There?
Carnival, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Norwegian, Virgin, MSC, Holland America, Costa and Aida cruise lines all dock at Costa Maya. Due to the port’s shape, it can not handle a high number of cruise ships at one time. In fact, it can handle at most four ships at once. Depending on the docking schedule, this maximum capacity may be unpleasant for travelers. Since the surrounding area is not exceedingly large and the port is quite slender, there can be crowds. If travelers are excited to leisurely explore this cruise port after departing from their ship, it may be worthwhile to research the port schedule.
This predetermined schedule can help travelers gauge how busy the port area will be. Costa Maya’s port schedule seems to consider its slender pier by scheduling only two ships at one specific time. This helps to alleviate some of the potentially frantic energy that may occur when several large cruise ships are unloading their passengers. Some travelers may choose to opt out of particular cruises if their established itinerary says they dock on days where the port will be overwhelmed with ships (and therefore, cruisers). Port days and staggered arrivals are important factors that help this small cruise port juggle large crowds.
Things To Do Near the Costa Maya Cruise Port
Travelers have plenty to do around the port and in Mahahual. In the cruise terminal travelers will find plenty of amenities. These include a tour informational desk, restrooms and ATM’s. Some of the fun things near the port include pool bars, crafter’s markets and The Dolphin Discovery. The Dolphin Discovery is one of more popular attractions since it offers shows and opportunities to swim with aquatic mammals. Other than those options, there is an array of restaurants, spas, museums and cuisine tastings in Mahahual.
For travelers who are comfortable straying a little further from the port, there are other adventurous places to visit. The Maya Chan Beach is a private beach resort available to cruise ship passengers. Tours of the Chacchoben Mayan City are enlightening and active excursions for tourists. For tourists who are tired of the beach and want to try something new, Mayá The Lost Mayan Kingdom may be the perfect fit. This new park located in the Mayan jungle is an adventurous traveler’s dream. It is filled with exciting experiences like zip lining, a coaster and huge water slides that come out of a structure resembling a massive Mayan temple.
Transportation
Cruisers certainly have to rely on public transportation when getting to and from excursions or simply exploring a destination. So, ports are considered much safer and nicer for cruisers when public transportation is readily available. Costa Maya has great options for cruise passengers trying to utilize their time off their ship. For groups with children, mobility difficulties or even travelers that simply prefer not to walk down the long pier there is a trolly. This free trolly transports guests on a continuous loop. Travelers that, by chance, arrive during a crowded time (when the maximum capacity of four ships are in port) may have to wait a bit for the trolley to return. Once travelers get to the cruise terminal, they will need to secure transportation to Mahahual.
The most popular options are the local shuttle, taxis or golf carts. The shuttle bus to Mahahual and taxis are pretty affordable options since they both cost around $3 per person each way. Golf carts are a better fit for those who want to independently explore. But travelers will pay a hefty price for that autonomy (compared to the other transportation options) as golf carts cost around $30 each hour to rent.