Costa Maya
Costa Maya, Mexico, is a cruise port that serves as a unique gateway to the untouched beauty of the southern Caribbean. Unlike other Mexican ports, Costa Maya is not a bustling city but a purpose-built cruise village surrounded by quiet beaches, remote roads, and thick jungles.1 This tranquil setting is a perfect base for exploring ancient Mayan ruins, enjoying a relaxing beach day, or immersing yourself in the laid-back atmosphere of a small fishing village.
⛵ Port Introduction
Your ship will dock directly at the Costa Maya Cruise Port, a large, modern facility that can accommodate up to four ships at once. You can walk right off the ship and onto a long pier that leads to the main port area. A shuttle is available for a small fee for those who prefer not to walk. The walk from the ship to the main plaza is about 390 feet and is on a flat, well-paved surface.
⚓ Terminal Information
The Costa Maya Cruise Port is an open-air, resort-style complex. It is designed to feel like a Mexican village, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and amenities. The main attraction is a massive, saltwater swimming pool with a swim-up bar that is free for all cruisers to use.
🚻 Terminal Facilities
The port is a destination in itself. You'll find a wide variety of duty-free shops, from jewelry and electronics to local crafts. There are also bars and restaurants, a large saltwater pool, and an aviary with exotic birds. You can also find a dolphin discovery center and a water adventure park. The port has restrooms and showers available. A tourist information desk is located in the Welcome Plaza, and tour pickups and a taxi stand are located just outside the complex.
🗣️ Language
The local language is Spanish, but due to a high volume of tourism, English is widely spoken and understood, especially in the port and in the nearby town of Mahahual. You will have no problem navigating or communicating.
A few useful phrases:
Hola (OH-lah) - Hello
Gracias (GRAH-see-ahs) - Thank you
Por favor (por fah-VOR) - Please
¿Dónde está? (DOHN-day ehs-TAH) - Where is...?
¿Cuánto cuesta? (KWAHN-toh KWEHS-tah) - How much does it cost?
💰 Money
The official currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN), but the U.S. Dollar (USD) is widely accepted everywhere, and many prices are listed in both currencies. It's often easier to use U.S. Dollars, but you may receive change in pesos. For purchases within the port complex, you can charge to your shipboard account. For purchases from local vendors and taxis, it's a good idea to have some cash on hand. ATMs are available on-site, but they dispense pesos.
🚗 Transportation
Costa Maya is a self-contained destination, and you are not permitted to walk out of the port. To explore the nearby town of Mahahual, you have a few options.
Taxis: Taxis are the most common and convenient way to get to Mahahual. The rates are fixed and regulated by the official Taxi Association. A one-way trip to Mahahual will cost around $5 per person.13
Golf Carts: Renting a golf cart for the day is a popular way to explore the area on your own.14 It gives you the freedom to explore the area at your own pace.
Trolley: A trolley service runs from the port to the town of Mahahual.15 The fare is a few dollars and is a convenient way to get around.
Tours: The most convenient way to explore the area is by booking a shore excursion through your cruise line or with a third-party operator at the port.
♿ Accessibility
Costa Maya has an accessibility rating of 4 out of 10. The cruise pier and the port facility itself are generally wheelchair accessible with paved walkways and ramps. The port is a large, open-air complex, and it is easy to navigate. However, if you venture outside the port, the town of Mahahual has some uneven sidewalks and terrain that can be challenging to navigate. The Mayan ruins and other attractions outside the port are not easily accessible for people with limited mobility.
🚶♀️ The best way to get to town from cruise port
The best way to get from the cruise port to the town of Mahahual is to take a taxi or the trolley. The ride is short and affordable, and it will drop you off in the heart of the town, where you can then explore on foot.
🚽 Toilet
Public toilets are available throughout the Costa Maya complex and are generally clean and well-maintained.
💊 Drugstore
There are no major drugstore chains in Costa Maya. The port has a small medical facility with basic first aid, but it is not a full-service pharmacy. For any medical needs, it's a good idea to bring your own medication with you.
✨ Authentic Experience
Dine at a Local Beach Club in Mahahual: Instead of dining at the restaurants in the port, take a taxi to a local beach club in Mahahual. The town's beach is lined with a variety of restaurants and bars that offer fresh seafood, authentic Mexican dishes, and a more laid-back atmosphere than the port.
Explore the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins: For a taste of the region's rich history, take a tour to the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins.17 This archaeological site is a testament to the ancient Mayan civilization and is a great way to experience a different side of Mexico.
Visit the Local Market in Mahahual: The town of Mahahual has a small, local market where you can find a variety of vendors selling handmade crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs.18 It's a great place to buy a unique souvenir and support the local artisans.
