Table Of Content
This day trip includes a guided tour and may also include a visit to the nearby Seven Color Lagoon. The Caribbean coast of Mexico is renowned for its exceptional diving and snorkeling opportunities, largely due to the stunning beauty of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. This reef is the second-largest barrier reef system in the world and a haven for a diverse array of marine life.
I cruised to a tiny town in Mexico you've probably never heard of, and it was the highlight of my cruise vacation - Royal Caribbean Blog
I cruised to a tiny town in Mexico you've probably never heard of, and it was the highlight of my cruise vacation.
Posted: Mon, 06 Mar 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
View All Cruises to Costa Maya, Mexico
Mahahual Beach is a 5 minute taxi ride from the Costa Maya cruise port. This natural beach is great for cruisers who are looking for an inexpensive beach day. Check reviews for Playa Mahahual before you go, as occasionally sea weed can be an issue at this popular beach. Passengers can walk off the cruise ship along the t-shaped pier into the cruise port area.
Guide to the Costa Maya Cruise Port In Mexico
After lunch, an employee comes around to find out what time you’d like to leave the beach. A cab will be ordered for you, so you’ll be able to leave whenever you’d like, and won’t have to worry about finding a ride back. All of the seating areas are conveniently located near the Caribbean Sea. 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.
Things to do in Costa Maya cruise port
Costa Maya is very much a laid-back beach destination with more than 60 miles of shoreline to explore. Here, coconut palms wave in the tropical breeze, draping over soft white sand lapped by the turquoise Caribbean. Beaches range from quiet and deserted to chic beach clubs serving all-day food, drink, and watersports. Just offshore is the vast Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, presenting fantastic opportunities for diving and snorkeling. 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.
Learn More About Costa Maya Shore Excursions
This means that you’ll need to book one of these all-inclusive beach clubs on your own – not through your cruise line. Pizza PapiThere is no shortage of beachfront restaurants serving cold beer and seafood. Believe it or not, Mahahual has a highly rated pizza spot — Pizza Papi. If you don’t want pizza, there are other Italian favorites as well. The spot is funky (we’ve seen it described as a mix between Bob Marley and Day of the Dead), with live music playing in the evenings.
By the time you’re finished reading this article, you’ll know why it’s one of my top Caribbean cruise ports. It offers a beach-front location, beach loungers with lots of shade, games, a pool, clean restrooms, WiFi, several beach bars (plus lounge chair service), a small gift shop, and more. Transportation in cabs to and from the port is included and organized for you, so you don’t have to worry about it. 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.
This thrilling water park is ideal for spending a cruise day with kids. They will love the variety of water slides, swimming pools, zip lines, and other water activities. There are a lot of great things to do in Costa Maya while on a cruise, including activities right at the cruise terminal, shore excursions to Mayan ruins, and beach clubs. 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.
Also known as the Land of the Red Corn, this 3,000-year-old site was once an important pilgrimage place for the ancient Mayans. Learn about the rich history and the importance of this site, and admire the big ceremonial temple known as Gran Basamento. Here are some of the best things to do in and around Costa Maya during your cruise day. With close to 5 million passengers per year the Cruise Port of Miami is the busiest in the World.
Virgin Voyages cruise destination guide: The line's 5 best itineraries - The Points Guy
Virgin Voyages cruise destination guide: The line's 5 best itineraries.
Posted: Wed, 08 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
The Maya Chan Beach Resort is a hidden gem 4 miles (6.4 km) south of Costa Maya. This secluded beach offers a tranquil and relaxing escape from the commotion of the cruise ship terminal—especially if four ships are in port. The day pass includes drinks, an all-you-can-eat Mayan buffet, snorkeling equipment, glass-bottomed kayaks, and round-trip transportation. When we were visiting Costa Maya, I knew that we wanted to spend a relaxing day on the beach.
Stroll the malecón (boardwalk), drop into a beach club for fresh ceviche and an ice-cold margarita, browse local craft shops for souvenirs, and relax on the white sand beaches. Swim from the beach or take a boat out to the spectacular reef that’s just offshore and snorkel over brilliant corals teeming with rays, morays, turtles, and tropical fish. Costa Maya, located on the Caribbean coast in Mexico, is famous for more than its stunning white sand beaches. Many shore excursions occur in spectacular Mayan ruins that showcase an ancient civilization. Also, the famous Bacalar Lagoon is an hour’s drive from the cruise port.
Prices are per person and are the same price as the shuttle bus. All you must do is flag one down to get back to the cruise ship. One of the charms of Costa Maya is its relatively undeveloped landscape.
As with any unfamiliar place, exercising caution and being aware of your surroundings is always good advice. It’s important to note that, due to the distance and range of activities on offer, a visit to the Bacalar Lagoon means you won’t have time to explore Mahahual near the cruise port. Spending a few hours in a glass-bottom boat is a fantastic way to appreciate the crystal-clear waters in the Caribbean.
