Mexico is no stranger to bustling cruise ports, most of which you've likely heard of. Cozumel, for example, is the most popular cruise destination in Mexico, but sea-faring travelers have likely also heard of cruise hot spots like Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta.
Tucked along the southern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, practically kissing the border of Belize, is the Costa Maya cruise port, a destination in Mexico you may have yet to hear of but, oddly enough, is the second-most popular cruise port in Mexico after Cozumel. Costa Maya is scheduled to welcome nearly 600 cruise ships in 2024, with visits from Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean and others. However, don't feel bad if you've never heard of Costa Maya — it's less of a destination cruisers seek out on an itinerary and more of a pleasant surprise once they discover it exists.
Costa Maya is a dreamy destination that offers cruisers a blend of adventure, relaxation and cultural enrichment, but you'll have to go outside the port to find it. Almost at the southernmost point of the state of Quintana Roo, hours past Tulum, Costa Maya offers white sand beaches, turquoise waters, a sleepy fishing village vibe and lots of Mayan history.
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The Costa Maya cruise port is dressed up much more than other ports in Mexico because the land outside of the cruise port is dominated by quiet beaches, remote roads, small villages and thick jungles. To entertain cruisers, the port was built almost like a theme park with amusem*nt rides, animal encounters, souvenir shops and beach clubs.
What makes cruising to this part of Mexico so special is that because it is so remote, cruisers have easier access to attractions and beaches that see far less foot traffic than Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Cancun. With a unique mix of archaeological ruins, jungle wildlife, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, restaurants, bars and beach clubs, this coastal slice of Mexico provides an alternative to the more crowded cruise destinations in the country.
Whether you're looking to sunbathe on a stretch of sand, zip line through the jungle canopy or walk in the footsteps of the ancient Maya, you can find your ideal diversion in Costa Maya during your Caribbean Mexican cruise.
Related: Caribbean cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do
Costa Maya cruise port overview
3 things TPG loves about Costa Maya
- Sun-bleached beaches and calm, turquoise water make the area between the port and nearby Mahahual one of the prettiest spots in the Mexican Caribbean.
- The sparsely populated area jolts into action when cruise ships are in town, offering cruisers lots of options from easy-to-access beach clubs and restaurants to more off-the-beaten-path activities like archaeological ruins and local beaches.
- The cruise port provides easy access to harder-to-reach attractions in this more remote part of Mexico.
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What we could do without
- The closest beaches are actually in the town of Mahahual, a 45-minute walk or an $8 taxi ride away.
- The port area was developed with cruising in mind, so it's a bit culturally limited unless you go on an excursion.
- It's a long walk down the pier to the terminal, but there is a shuttle that can take passengers back and forth.
Costa Maya cruise port fast facts
Address: Av. P. del Puerto, 77976 Mahahual, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Language: Spanish, though English is widely spoken
Currency: Mexican pesos, though many businesses accept dollars
Top things to do in Costa Maya cruise port
For a typically less visited part of Mexico, the port of Costa Maya has an impressive number of things for cruisers to do. The cruise port was built specifically for cruise tourism, so most of the attractions in the port are in a contained area directly at the end of the pier. For travelers who want to stick close to the pier and skip the excursions, here are the best things to do right in the Costa Maya cruise port.
Take a dip in the saltwater pool
While the port area itself does not have a beachfront, it does have a large resort-style pool that is the main focal point of the port. Walk from where the ship docks at the end of the pier toward the mainland, and it's impossible to miss. Cruise passengers love the complimentary lounge chairs and swimming facilities, including a swim-up bar.
Encounter exotic birds at Aviarius
Like most attractions within the port area, Aviarius is within walking distance of the pier — turn left after Cafe Mexico. This is a fun, immersive nature experience for people who want to learn about exotic birds. A series of rope bridges suspends visitors above the Costa Maya port. Visitors meander the sky-high bridges, all the while observing the rich display of tropical birds in various displays. Entry costs $14 for adults and $12 for children.
Watch the Danza de los Voladores
One of the most popular things to do at Puerto Costa Maya is to watch the Danza de los Voladores. This traditional performance is popular all around the country and involves a flying performance by the Papantla Flyers from the top of a very tall pole. You can find them right in the center of the cruise port's square, and it's free to watch.
Get soaked at Maya, Lost Mayan Kingdom
Families love this archaeology-inspired water and adventure park, which is part of the overall cruise port complex. The center of the park is the Great Pyramid, and all around you are activities like zip lining, ropes courses and suspension bridges. Tons of waterfalls twist their way around the pyramid, including one that descends an impressive 78 feet. For those who want a little less excitement, the Jaguar Lazy River is a relaxing meander through jungle scenery. Entry is $120 for adults 13 and older and $115 for kids ages 6 to 12.
Walk around Mahahual
The largest town near the cruise port is the sleepy fishing village of Mahahual. Featuring a sandy strip of casual beach bars and restaurants, Mahahual is one of the most laid-back destinations in Quintana Roo. The addition of the cruise port in the 1990s brought a mixed bag of results. When the cruise ship is in town, it's booming for business, and cruisers will feel like they have the run of the place. But standing on the typically quiet beaches of Mahahual and looking left to the cruise port, the mega construction can feel a bit out of place for an otherwise quiet town.
Related: 9 best cruise ports for repeat visits
Popular Costa Maya excursions
While the cruise port has much to offer passengers, Costa Maya packs a punch for travelers interested in history, culture and nature.
Visit Mayan ruins
The Yucatan Peninsula is a treasure trove of ruggedly beautiful Mayan ruins and jungle-shrouded archaeological sites. If you're interested in Mexico's Indigenous history, the Costa Maya cruise port is the ideal jumping-off point for an excursion to three stunning historic centers: Chacchoben, Dzibanche and Kohunlich. Some of the archaeological site excursions also include Mayan cultural experiences like locally prepared meals in a family's home.
The ruins of Chacchoben date back more than 3,000 years. Its most famous structure is its Gran Basem*nt, the most important ritual plaza. To this day, only a small portion of the massive complex is open to the public, while its many other structures are shrouded in wildlife-rich jungles.
The Dzibanche archaeological zone is a remarkable example of architecture and urban planning. The complex includes plazas, palaces, platforms and tombs. The name Dzibanche means "writing on wood" and refers to wood bearing eight glyphs that date back to the seventh century.
Finally, Kohunlich is spread across 21 acres and is known for its many beautifully preserved structures. The Temple of the Masks is its most famous. The pyramid features a central staircase decorated by gorgeously carved stucco masks.
Related: Shore excursions: What new cruisers need to know
Travel to Laguna de Bacalar
Once one of southern Mexico's best-kept secrets, Laguna de Bacalar is fast becoming one of the hottest destinations in the country. Known as the Lake of Seven Colors, this spectacular freshwater lake dazzles with turquoise blues, eco-friendly hotels, lakefront restaurants and a small, artistic town also known as Bacalar.
Group tours leave from Costa Maya and make the hourlong trip to Bacalar, where cruisers can explore the art-splashed streets or post up at a lake club for lunch and stand-up paddleboarding. The lagoon is one of Mexico's most beautiful natural attractions, and the thriving community is quickly rising in popularity among low-key travelers who want to skip the busyness of Tulum.
Scuba diving and snorkeling
The waters just off the coast of Puerto Costa Maya happen to be part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world after the Great Barrier Reef. Scuba divers and snorkelers have a veritable kaleidoscope of color awaiting them beneath the surface of the waves.
Unplug at a beach club
If it's a Mexican beach town, chances are there's a great beach club to match. Costa Maya is no exception. There are several beach day clubs near the port in neighboring Mahahual.
Malecon21 Beach Club serves up a chic, boho aesthetic with nest-inspired lanterns, bamboo daybeds and a palapa-topped beachfront bar. The shore here forms a natural pool protected by the nearby reef and rocks, making it a great place for swimming. Visitors can choose a variety of packages, which include sunbeds, Wi-Fi, food and beverages, ranging from $40 per person to $120 per person. Platinum is the most expensive package and includes unlimited drinks, one meal from the menu (including the splurgy lobster), a beach bed and Wi-Fi. You can dial it up with massages that range from $60 to $90.
Chunky Monkey Beach Club is less about the chic scene and more about bright splashes of color and a more rustic, castaway vibe. The oceanfront club has a swath of fine white sand and a shady restaurant and bar area serving cold drinks and freshly caught seafood.
A third beach club is Pez Quadro, a buzzy beach hangout with lounge chairs, food, drinks, massages and fishing trips or snorkeling excursions.
Best Costa Maya beaches near the cruise port
Some of Mexico's most beautiful beaches are along the Costa Maya. They're known for their powdery soft white sand, turquoise water and groves of gently swaying palm trees. Puerto Costa Maya is short on beaches but is blessed with spectacularly tranquil beaches within a short taxi ride from the pier.
Playa Mahahual
A quick taxi ride from the cruise port puts you in the heart of Mahahual and its most famous beach, Playa Mahahual. This lively beach fills up with tourists when cruise ships are in town, as it's peppered with restaurants, bars and beach clubs.
Maya Chan Beach
About 4 miles from the cruise port, Maya Chan Beach is another lovely white sand beach spot that is popular with cruisers. You can book a trip to this beach as part of a shore excursion. When you've checked in, you'll enjoy lounge chairs, a restaurant and snorkel equipment to get up close and personal with the abundant marine life.
Xcalak
Although it's not near the cruise port, if you're willing to put in a bit of legwork, Xcalak is a beach destination worth traveling for. About an hour and 15 minutes south of the cruise port, Xcalak is about as far south as you can go in Quintana Roo before you hit Belize. The bite-size fishing village has fluffy white sand beaches, spectacular fishing and diving, and a handful of casual restaurants. It also serves as the entrance to Xcalak National Reef Park.
How to get around Costa Maya on your own
On foot: Many of Costa Maya's attractions, from beach clubs and shops to restaurants and the adventure park, are directly in the cruise port. While the pier from the ship to shore is a lot longer than it looks, a complimentary shuttle chauffeurs passengers back and forth.
Taxi: Plenty of taxis wait at the port to take passengers around the area. The closest spot you'll visit is the village of Mahahual, about an $8 cab ride away. You can also take a taxi to visit destinations like Xcalak, Bacalar and the archaeological sites, which cost more. A taxi to Xcalak is about $20. The fare to Bacalar costs about $30.
Costa Maya restaurants near the cruise port
Costa Maya's cuisine is rooted in seafood dishes and a fusion of traditional Mexican and Mayan cuisine, but because it's a cruise destination and a beach spot beloved by international travelers, cruisers can look forward to a (growing) variety of international options.
You'll find most of the restaurants in the cruise port and Mahahual. The restaurants within the cruise port are within walking distance, while the ones in Mahahual may require a quick taxi ride. You can walk into Mahahual, but the walk is roughly 45 minutes.
Most restaurants are scattered along the coastline, whether in the form of beach clubs or restaurants. Malecon21 Beach Club's restaurant is consistently a fan favorite thanks to its vibe and seafood. La Chilangaloense Beach Club is another highly rated beach club for food and atmosphere.
Along the beachfront in Mahahual are a variety of charming seafood restaurants, coffee shops and bars — most of which offer ocean views.
Foods to try in Costa Maya
"Mexican food" means many things. In the Costa Maya region of Mexico, the emphasis is on seafood, from ceviche and lobster to whole grilled fish and shrimp. But you'll be able to find many popular Mexican dishes, including guacamole, quesadillas and tacos. Thanks to the sizable Italian population in this part of the country, you can find great Italian dishes as well.
Costa Maya cruise port shopping
Because Puerto Costa Maya was built for cruising, you won't find much in terms of authentic shopping outside the cruise terminal. Mahahual is a beach town, so you'll find plenty of beach souvenirs, but the options are limited when it comes to locally made artisanal products.
However, some of the things to look for when shopping in port are traditional Mexican specialties like chocolate, vanilla, local spices and hot sauces, woven hammocks and Mayan-inspired crafts and artwork.
Free things to do in Costa Maya cruise port
- Walk El Malecon in Mahahual for people-watching and window shopping.
- Although you'll have to pay for a taxi ride (around $8) or endure a 45-minute walk to get there, the beaches of Mahahual are free to use.
Bottom line
Costa Maya is one of the more unique cruise port destinations in Mexico because of how remote it is from most major tourist destinations. Far fewer visitors come down to this part of the country unless they are on a cruise, and it's interesting to note that when cruise ships are not in town, the area is incredibly quiet. But what most travelers miss out on by skipping this part of Mexico is unspoiled beaches, rich Mayan history and colorful towns. If you have the opportunity to visit this part of Mexico, it's one that you should not pass up.
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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
