Costa Maya Cruise Port Guide
Welcome to Costa Maya, a tropical paradise on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. This cruise port offers a variety of activities, from lounging on pristine beaches to exploring ancient Mayan ruins. Costa Maya is the perfect destination for a relaxing and exciting cruise stop with its vibrant culture, crystal clear waters, and lush greenery.
Where is the cruise port?
Costa Maya Cruise Port is situated on the Caribbean coast of Mexico, in the state of Quintana Roo. The port is located in the village of Mahahual, approximately 4 hours south of Cancun and 6 hours east of Mexico City by car. For cruise passengers arriving on a ship, the port is conveniently located just a short walk from the village center, where you can find a variety of shops, restaurants, and activities.
What to do in port on a cruise stop?
Beaches
Costa Maya is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful spot to sunbathe or a lively beach bar to enjoy a refreshing drink, there is a beach for every taste. Here are some of the best beaches to visit during your stop in Costa Maya:
- Mahahual Beach: This is the main beach in the village of Mahahual and is easily accessible from the cruise port. The beach has colorful beach bars and restaurants, offering a lively atmosphere. You can also rent beach chairs and umbrellas to relax in the sun.
- Uvero Beach: This secluded beach is located just a short drive from the cruise port and is perfect for those seeking a quieter and more peaceful spot. The beach is surrounded by lush greenery and crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling.
- Maya Chan Beach: This exclusive beach club is just a short distance from the cruise port and offers a luxurious private beach experience. The club features comfortable beach loungers, umbrellas, and a variety of water sports activities.
Landmarks
Costa Maya is rich in history and culture, with several ancient Mayan ruins and landmarks to explore. Here are some of the must-see landmarks to visit during your stop in Costa Maya:
- Chacchoben Mayan Ruins: This ancient Mayan site is located just a short drive from the cruise port and offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the Mayan people. The site features several well-preserved pyramids and temples, intricate carvings, and artwork.
- Bacalar Lagoon: This stunning lagoon is located just a short distance from Costa Maya and is known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant shades of blue. The lagoon is also home to several small islands and a popular kayaking and snorkeling spot.
- Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve: This protected area is located south of Costa Maya and is home to various rare and endangered plant and animal species. The reserve offers a unique opportunity to explore the region’s diverse ecosystem and natural beauty.
Restaurants and Bars
Costa Maya is known for its delicious cuisine, which combines traditional Mexican flavors with fresh seafood and international influences. Here are some of the best restaurants and bars to try during your stop in Costa Maya:
- Tropicante: This beachfront restaurant on Mahahual Beach offers a relaxed and casual atmosphere. The menu features a variety of fresh seafood dishes, Mexican classics, refreshing cocktails, and cold beers.
- Nohoch Kay Beach Club: This beach club is located on Uvero Beach and offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The menu features a variety of fresh seafood dishes, traditional Mexican favorites, and a selection of refreshing cocktails and ice-cold beers.
- Krazy Lobster: This lively restaurant and bar on Mahahual Beach offer a festive and energetic atmosphere. The menu features a variety of fresh seafood dishes, including their famous lobster, as well as live music and entertainment.
Popular shore excursions
Costa Maya offers a variety of shore excursions, both through cruise lines and independently. Here are some of the most popular tours to consider during your stop in Costa Maya:
- Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Tour: This excursion takes you on a guided tour of the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins, where you can explore the ancient pyramids and temples and learn about the history and culture of the Mayan people.
- Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: Costa Maya is home to some of the world’s most beautiful and diverse coral reefs. Several tours and excursions offer the opportunity to snorkel or scuba dive and explore the colorful marine life and underwater landscape.
- Beach Club Experience: Several beach clubs and resorts offer whole-day passes for cruise passengers, where you can enjoy a day of relaxation and luxury on a private beach. These experiences include beach chairs, umbrellas, food and drink, and water sports activities.
Weather
Costa Maya has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures and high humidity year-round. The best time to visit is during the winter (December-February), when temperatures are slightly cooler, and the humidity is lower. Here is a table of the minimum and maximum temperatures by month in the Costa Maya cruise port, alongside the rain data in both Celsius and Fahrenheit:
| Month | Minimum Temperature (°C) | Maximum Temperature (°C) | Minimum Temperature (°F) | Maximum Temperature (°F) | Rain (mm) |
| Jan | 21 | 29 | 70 | 84 | 70 |
| Feb | 21 | 30 | 70 | 86 | 40 |
| Mar | 22 | 31 | 72 | 88 | 40 |
| Apr | 23 | 32 | 73 | 90 | 50 |
| May | 24 | 33 | 75 | 91 | 120 |
| Jun | 24 | 33 | 75 | 91 | 220 |
| Jul | 24 | 33 | 75 | 91 | 190 |
| Aug | 24 | 33 | 75 | 91 | 200 |
| Sep | 24 | 33 | 75 | 91 | 270 |
| Oct | 23 | 32 | 73 | 90 | 200 |
| Nov | 22 | 31 | 72 | 88 | 90 |
| Dec | 21 | 30 | 70 | 86 | 60 |
More Information
Entry requirements
Visitors to Costa Maya must have a valid passport to enter Mexico. US and Canadian citizens do not need a visa for stays of up to 180 days. Visitors from other countries should check with their local Mexican embassy or consulate for entry requirements.
Emergency services
In case of an emergency, visitors should dial 911 for assistance. Costa Maya has a small hospital, medical center, and several pharmacies and clinics. Cruise passengers should check with their ship for medical services and emergency procedures.
Tipping etiquette
Tipping in Costa Maya is similar to other parts of Mexico. It is customary to leave a 10-15% tip at restaurants, bars, and for taxi drivers. Tipping hotel staff, tour guides, and other service providers are standard.
Smoking and drinking etiquette
Smoking is prohibited in most public spaces in Costa Maya, including restaurants, bars, and beaches. Some designated smoking areas may be available. Drinking is legal for adults aged 18 and over, and alcohol is widely available in bars and restaurants. However, public drunkenness is not tolerated, and visitors should drink responsibly and be aware of their surroundings.