Table Of Content
When it’s lunch time, you are served a simple, yet delicious Mexican lunch. From there you can head out to kayak, snorkel, or just work on your tan. Maya Chan is the highest-rated thing to do in the area, and for good reason. The Costa Maya is becoming one of the most popular cruise ports on Caribbean cruise itineraries.
MSC Cruises adds Costa Maya and Cozumel to Seascape ship's ex-Galveston itinerary
The journey by bus or taxi is about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and road conditions. Cruise passengers should use caution to make sure that they are back to the cruise ship on time. With soft sands, turquoise waters, and a relaxed atmosphere, it offers a tranquil escape from busy cruise ship life. You can unwind on comfortable lounge chairs, enjoy delicious Mexican cuisine, and even snorkel to explore the marine life. Passengers can walk off the cruise ship along the t-shaped pier into the cruise port area.
Costa Maya Cruise Terminal Attractions
Visitors to Puerto Costa Maya will have various activities to enjoy during their short stay. Since the area is easy to navigate, these pristine beaches are easily within reach. The Caribbean beaches are also more comfortable and well-protected from swells and waves than the Pacific beaches.
Top Attractions and Activities
Costa Maya, Mexico: 3 Places You Have to Visit - International Living
Costa Maya, Mexico: 3 Places You Have to Visit.
Posted: Thu, 28 Jun 2018 07:00:00 GMT [source]
This sleepy village on the coast is essentially connected to Costa Maya and is a touch of more authentic Mexico. There are some really good restaurants and bars, even the Costa Maya cruise port area. Try some traditional Mexican dishes or some well loved favorites (like nachos, salsa and guacamole). There is a viewing platform at Dolphin Discovery where you can watch the dolphins interact with their trainers and people, as well as get a great view of the cruise ships.
Sitting right on the beach, for $57 per adult you get all you can eat and drink, as well as beach chairs, palapas, and snorkel equipment. The menu is heavy on seafood, but there is something for everyone. As the place only takes in 35 people, you’ll want to book ahead of time via the website. There’s no beach access from the Costa Maya port, so head into Mahahual. From there, you can walk the street until you find a spot you like at a restaurant.
Where do cruise ships dock in Costa Maya?
Taxis, shuttles and golf carts are available to take you to areas outside of the cruise terminal, including the Mahahual Village. In 2023, Quintana Roo State received 1618 cruise ship calls (of which 462 were in Mahahual/Costa Maya) bringing in 2+ million cruise tourists. The state also recorded an 18% increase in cruise passenger numbers (6+ million compared to the 5 million received in 2019). In December 2020, Quintana Roo media reported that a new (USD 10 pp) tourist tax on foreigners goes into effect on April 1, 2021. Details on how it will be collected or will it be applied also to cruise ship tourists were not revealed.
Maya Chan Beach Resort
You can walk — it’s about 45 minutes to the beach — or catch a cab. During our visit, the cost was $4 per person for the taxi ride, and it’s well worth it. You can find taxis at the exit of the Costa Maya cruise terminal. As well, you can rent a golf cart for around $60 per day (there’s a rental booth at the port exit as well). Situated on the Caribbean Sea, Costa Maya is an ideal destination for cruise ships exploring the Mexican Caribbean region. 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.
Restaurants at Costa Maya Cruise Port
The following map of Costa Maya cruise port shows all facilities in the terminal area. Costa Maya cruise port features a modern shopping mall, central plaza and saltwater pools. There are also several shops selling discount-priced brand jewelry, beachwear, Mexican silver and handicrafts, hand-made souvenirs. Costa Maya counts with many experiences offered via Port Pass - an access pass to all in-port activities.
The locals are generally friendly; although some sellers can be pushy. However, politely saying no once or twice is usually enough to deter them. 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.
This is one port where there is no choice except to purchase excursions what your ship offers. You can preview what excursions may be offered on the Puerto Costa Maya’s website. You’ll need to make sure you make it to your ship before all-aboard time. It’s also important that you know the cancellation and refund policy, in case your ship can’t stop at the port or if the itinerary changes at the last minute. When you book a ship excursion, it will be refunded in those circumstances but that may not always be the case if you book for something on your own. When the Royal Caribbean Odyssey of the Seas cruise we were planning to take over February break switched ports of call due to some port closures, I didn’t mind.
The docks around Costa Maya village have a nearby beach, but the water is too rocky for swimming. The other three sites are about two hours from the port, so visiting them is a full-day trip. Anyone interested in Mayan culture may want to visit the ruins at either Chacchoben, Kohunlich or the ruins at Dzibanche and Kinichna. These excursions usually cost $100 to $150 per person depending on the location and amenities. It is near the border with Belize, so it is an occasional port of call for ships that also visit Belize City. It also is an occasional stop for ships that visit nearby Roatan.
The Costa Maya cruise port was specifically built to cater to cruise passengers, providing many activities and attractions both in and around the cruise terminal. Although a few years ago this port was lesser known than popular Cozumel, Costa Maya is now frequented by several cruise lines. Plenty of tour operators offer shore excursions to these archaeological wonders. Hayhu Beach is a high-end beach club offering a tranquil oasis away from the hundreds of cruise tourists at the port.
Be aware that although most vendors accept US dollars, they may give you change in pesos. So, it’s always worth checking beforehand what type of change you’ll get. Located at the start of the promenade in Mahahual is the Mahahual Lighthouse.
In Port Costa Maya, you may find the best deals on tequila and cigars from any of the Caribbean ports. There’s plenty to do at Costa Maya Cruise Port without venturing too far. The custom-built port area has free swimming pools, restaurants, bars, and a dolphin marine center. You can also treat yourself to a Shamanic massage or admire the flamingos.
You can choose from a selection of beach bars or swim-up bars if you want to relax in the large saltwater swimming pool. Costa Maya Cruise Port has a diverse range of shopping options. Some of the first shops you come across are craft markets selling souvenirs. Opposite these are the typical duty-free shops common in all Caribbean cruise ports.
If you decide to spend the day at the Costa Maya Cruise Port, there is plenty to do. Although you can hire a car, it’s not worth it as taxis are cheap, and booking a shore excursion is the best way to get to the Mayan ruins. In this article, I’ll explain how to spend a really great day in Costa Maya without buying an expensive shore excursion. Other excursions in Costa Maya include cenotes tours, all-inclusive beach breaks, and other ruins tours. There’s also the Mayan Wellness Retreat, which includes a spa experience that runs for a little over an hour. Because of the short duration of this experience, you can also combine it with some other activities at the port.
No comments:
Post a Comment