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Also called the Lake of Seven Colors, the Bacalar Lagoon is a stunning shore excursion when visiting Costa Maya. The beautiful lagoon is located about an hour’s drive from the cruise port. It offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere, making it a great place to spend the day. Plenty of tour operators offer shore excursions to these archaeological wonders. The Maya Chan Beach Resort is a hidden gem 4 miles (6.4 km) south of Costa Maya.
Excursions from Costa Maya Cruise Port
Try to avoid the hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through November. But your port schedule may be disrupted due to high winds or heavy rain. Here are some of the best things to do in and around Costa Maya during your cruise day. There are a few ways to get around Costa Maya as a cruise traveler. The symbol for Pesos is $, like the US dollar, which can cause some confusion. It’s a good idea to double check pricing when making a purchase in US dollars, as well as to check the change that you’re receiving.
Can you walk to the beach from the Costa Maya cruise port?
Unfortunately, everything was already booked since this trip was a spur-of-the-moment decision. I was relieved my hubby loves to drive because steering a doorless, windowless golf cart isn’t exactly my style. Make sure you’re comfortable behind the wheel before you take off. In no time, we were haggling like pros, securing a five-hour rental for a steal.
Mazatlan, Mexico – Cruise Port Guide
Costa Maya is a popular cruise port in Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula and the coast of the Caribbean Sea. The Caribbean cruise port is located 4 miles (6.4 km) or a 10-minute drive from the quaint fishing town of Mahahual, which has just under 1,000 inhabitants. We met our cruise sponsored shore excursion at the meeting spot and had a good 50 minute drive to the archeological site. The park guide showed us around the ruins and Mayan temples and explained about the ancient culture and people. Many cruise passengers decide to hang out around the free saltwater swimming pool in the centre of the Costa Maya cruise port, followed by a bit of souvenir shopping.
Port Congestion Forces Princess Cruise Ship Elsewhere - Cruise Hive
Port Congestion Forces Princess Cruise Ship Elsewhere.
Posted: Fri, 05 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
However, there is a free trolley for those with walking difficulties or not willing to walk, which is particularly convenient if cruising with young children. The entrance to the terminal with its massive Mayan replica door at the end of a perpendicular pier to the coast is impossible to miss. At a 90 degree angle to this pier is what used to be the primary docking pier. 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.
Time Zone
The cruise port in Costa Maya has a very appealing character. The local population is very friendly but not pushy and speaks English reasonably well. For those cruising with families, there are lots of things to do. Cruise passengers with disabilities or with walking difficulties will find it easy to wander around in Costa Maya on their own. Once you enter the port, you’ll see the expansive amenities available to guests right at the port. It is a pretty long walk off the pier, so make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes.
Walking
Stop at one of the area’s best restaurants or bars for lunch. That said, you don’t have to worry about packing any snorkeling gear since most places will offer complimentary gear. I hope you are able to plan and fulfill all of your fantastical travel dreams!
Free trolley at the pier
Electric bikes are another popular mode of transportation in Costa Maya. They provide a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the area without walking long distances or having the hassle of renting a golf cart. You can rent bikes from various vendors in the cruise port area and Mahahual village. Most cruise passengers find walking the easiest way to get around the cruise port area.
Discover Mayan History
You’ll need to make your way out of the port to a small location outside. There, you can meet your guide who will arrange your transportation in small groups. Other excursions in Costa Maya include cenotes tours, all-inclusive beach breaks, and other ruins tours.
If you haven’t planned any excursions or activities in advance, I would still recommend getting off the ship. There are several ways to get to Chacchoben ruins, including renting a car, taking a taxi, or booking a guided tour. Chacchoben ruins are probably one of the few accessible Mayan ruins in Mexico. Cruise port pass tickets can be obtained through the cruise line or at the tour desk on the pier. The port pass also includes 3 complimentary drinks at one of the bars located close to the port pools.
From there, you can walk the street until you find a spot you like at a restaurant. Head over, order a few drinks of lunch and enjoy the time at the beach. As mentioned, the port complex at Costa Maya was built specifically for cruise passengers.
There is also an anti-sargassum barrier to help reduce the amount of seaweed in the shallow waters beside the seashore. 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. Here are other excursions you can plan while spending the day in the Bacalar Lagoon area.
The community is invested in ensuring that visitors have a pleasant experience. Costa Maya is the port with the nearest access to the Mayan ruins, the lesser-known historic place in the Yucatan, including Chacchoben and Kohunlich. A small tourist region in Quintana Roo, a state in Mexico, the only one surrounded by the Caribbean Sea to its east. Settled on the southeast coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, roughly halfway between Cozumel, Mexico and Belize City. The rapid growth of this generally undeveloped area in the past has started when the large pier for cruise ships was constructed. Be Prepared for a Crowded PortWe will be honest that Costa Maya can get busy!
You can visit La Bamba Beach Club and unwind for the entire afternoon. Standard cruise port shops include Diamonds International, Del Sol, and Crown of Light, among others. Snorkeling is one of the highlights of this port in the West Caribbean itineraries. The coast of Mexico is famous for snorkeling and diving, and Costa Maya is one of the best places to engage in these activities. It’s a place where the gentle murmur of the Caribbean waves narrates tales of bygone eras, and the warm tropical breeze whispers the promise of unforgettable adventures. Each tip is a stepping stone towards creating an enriching, hassle-free, and memorable adventure in Costa Maya cruise port.
All you must do is flag one down to get back to the cruise ship. Costa Maya, also known as Puerto Costa Maya, grew out of developing the area to suit tourism. Tourism picked up, cruise ships started making the port’s waters a destination, and the process trickled to the nearby areas. Puerto Costa Maya is a popular destination, making it one of the busiest cruise ports in Mexico. You’ll enjoy the long stretches of spectacular white sand beaches during your trip. The terminal has two exits into a large parking area - this is where shore excursions tour buses do park.
