
Kohunlich (pronounced Co-Hoon-Leech) sits in the middle of the Yucatan jungle, about an hour to an hour and a half from Costa Maya. Here, you can explore the 1500-year-old ruins without fighting large crowds or walking all day like larger sites. 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. Head over, order a few drinks of lunch and enjoy the time at the beach. The other issue is that they might be taken up by a restaurant or hotel offering beach service.
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Although shore excursions to Mahahual are available, we saw few cruise visitors in the village on the day of our visit. Unlike the larger Cancun and Cozumel, Costa Maya was developed specifically as a cruise destination by a private company. This cruise-focused port has shops, restaurants, bars and pools scattered among an open air mall. Visitors can easily spend the day at this small tourist village. The cruise port terminal is secured for cruise passengers and employees who work at the terminal only.
Visit Mahahual Malecon (Downtown)
Summer in the Caribbean is characterized by high humidity and temperatures in the low 90s Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius). The pier at Costa Maya has berths for up to four large cruise ships. The locals are generally friendly; although some sellers can be pushy.
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Two Hurricanes Affecting Multiple Cruise Ships and Ports - Cruise Hive
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Posted: Tue, 29 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
If you forgot or need anything, there is one other option — Costa Maya has a pharmacy in port with just about anything you’d need. It’s also considerably cheaper than buying these items on the ship. A free trolley service to take you from your ship to the terminal building. The pier can be long if you have walking difficulties or travelling with little children. A typical excursion there lasts the entire day and includes lunch, an open bar and transportation for $60 to $70. Anyone interested in Mayan culture may want to visit the ruins at either Chacchoben, Kohunlich or the ruins at Dzibanche and Kinichna.
Costa Maya shore excursions and tours
Spend the day on the beach – there are several beach clubs along this stretch of promenade. Once you’re on the other side of Amorino’s, you’re getting closer to the taxi and rental area. Plus you’ve avoided at least another dozen shops that try to lure you inside to buy. Costa Maya was the first “manufactured” cruise port in the Caribbean, but the infrastructure didn’t last too long.
Lost Mayan Kingdom Waterpark
Knowing a few words or phrases in Spanish, including please and thank you, is always helpful. However, English is widely spoken by tour guide, shopkeepers and restaurant workers at the cruise port and surrounding tourist areas. If you prefer to use the local currency, you can withdraw Pesos at ATMs, which are located within the Costa Maya cruise terminal. It was a long walk to the end of the port, but we felt that it was pretty easy to find the meeting spot.
Bars at Costa Maya Cruise Port
This tropical paradise offers many activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. From pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters to ancient Mayan ruins and vibrant coral reefs, Costa Maya has something for everyone. The port was damaged severely by Hurricane Dean in 2007, including the cruise ship dock, but quickly recovered and welcomed cruise ships again in 2008. Costa Maya, located on the Caribbean coast in Mexico, is famous for more than its stunning white sand beaches. Many shore excursions occur in spectacular Mayan ruins that showcase an ancient civilization.
Arriving at Costa Maya Cruise Port
Many cruise visitors walk along the Malecon to the lighthouse at the village’s north end. Sailing on a catamaran is one of the most popular activities when spending a day in Costa Maya. Many day excursions include food, drink, and a choice of snacks or food.

Located off the coast of Mahahual, Banco Chinchorro is the largest coral atoll in the northern hemisphere. There are even a number of shipwrecks to explore, including a Dutch galleon where you can still see its cannons on the seafloor. Dive shops in Mahahual will offer tours, and some cruise lines might also have excursions.
Once inside the terminal, shops are the first thing you will come across. On the left-hand side, craft markets sell all sorts of souvenirs. On your right, the typical duty-free shops you would expect in any Caribbean cruise port, such as the ubiquitous Diamonds International and its sister Tanzanite International. Dzibanche is said to be the first capital of the Kaan Dynasty, also known as the Snake Dynasty and the center of social and economic activities for the local population.
The best ATV shore excursions include fajitas or tacos, Mexican beers or non-alcoholic cold drinks, and time at the Costa Maya beach. The best thing is that the start-off point and return destination are only a five-minute taxi ride from the cruise port. You’ll find a tourist booth with information for local beaches and excursions that will take you outside of the cruise port area. There is also a meeting area for those who have pre-booked Costa Maya shore excursions and tours.
A 50-minute drive from Costa Maya are some of Mexico’s most stunning archaeological sites—the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins. Visit these places for a fascinating cultural experience and learn about Mayan civilization. Seeing them gracefully gliding through the air while performing acrobatic moves is mesmerizing.
Located just five minutes from the cruise port, it is an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the stunning views. Swim-up bars are popular in Costa Maya, offering a refreshing and convenient way to enjoy a drink while cooling off in the water. In the cruise port, you’ll find a variety of swim-up bars, each with unique offerings. You can discover this hidden gem on your next cruise ship stop in Costa Maya. Costa Maya, located on the eastern coast of Mexico’s Caribbean coast, is a vibrant destination that offers many attractions and experiences for visitors. From ancient ruins to cultural shows and exciting activities, Costa Maya has something for everyone.
For those looking for adventure and thrill, ride ATVs through Costa Maya while your guide introduces you to their local culture. Always wanted to learn to scuba diva but haven’t gotten to it? Discovery scuba is an amazing way for first-timers or beginners to get an introduction to scuba diving. You can purchase them through your cruise line, which usually includes a ride to the terminal, or you can buy them online and hop a taxi at the terminal.
While it takes only a couple of minutes to see, it’s a neat landmark on your way into town. You can also take a photo with the “Mahahual” sign (complete with a huge marlin sculpture) to remember your vacation. In the port area you’ll find all sorts of shops, including one selling dozens of different types of tequila. Stop in to pick up a bottle as an authentic (and tasty) souvenir before you head back to the ship. Alcohol is checked in when you get back to the ship and returned to you the last night of your cruise.
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