Costa Maya Cruise Port
A Mexican port for cruise ships in the Caribbean
General
The Costa Maya port in Mexico was created specifically for cruise ships. The shops, restaurants, and shows there were all originally intended exclusively for ship passengers. The long pier leads to a large complex of shops selling everything from locally made souvenirs to gold and diamonds. Folklore shows including characteristic dances and songs are held on the stage of the large amphitheater on days when ships arrive at the port. A large and beautiful pool surrounded by colorful lounge chairs and even hammocks is located in the center of the port for the convenience of tourists who prefer not to stray far from the port.
Around the pool, various activities take place, including playful competitions, social games, and water aerobics.
Those looking for Maya ruins can go on guided tours to several sites in the vicinity, especially the Chacchoben ruins. Those interested in dipping in clear turquoise waters, snorkeling, boating, and engaging in water sports will greatly enjoy the beaches located a short drive from the port. Additionally, it is recommended to go on a trip to the Lagoon of Seven Colors, located about an hour and a quarter south of Costa Maya. There are recommended guided tours departing for the ruins and/or the Lagoon of Seven Colors.
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The Seaport:
The modern and innovative Puerto Costa Maya, in which millions of dollars were invested in its construction, can accommodate three ships simultaneously and receives cruise ships from all the major and leading companies in the industry. The ships, including the largest ones (such as the Oasis and the Epic), are moored to the modern pier, and there is no need to anchor at sea.
The port began serving cruise ships as early as 2001, but in August 2007 it was destroyed by Hurricane Dean, a category five hurricane that severely hit the area. The port was closed for 14 months during which it was rebuilt. The modern and well-maintained port includes restaurants, shops, clubs, a swimming pool (containing seawater), and even a beach (suitable mainly for sunbathing and not for swimming). The nearby fishing village was also renovated after the hurricane, and a pleasant 2.5 km promenade was built along the sea, featuring many restaurants and souvenir shops.
♦ Main Attractions in the Area:
♦ Book tours and excursions in Costa Maya from Viator:
Maya Ruins
The two most impressive and well-known archaeological sites in the area, which teach much about the ancient Maya culture, are:
Chacchoben - The meaning of the name is "The Place of Red Corn." it is located near the border with Belize, about an hour's drive from the Costa Maya port.
Kohunlich - This site is also located near the border with Belize, but in a more isolated location within the jungle. This causes a longer drive to it from the port. The ancient Maya city that was there was first inhabited as early as 200 BC, but the main construction was carried out between 200 and 900 AD. The site is known for its impressive temples decorated with sculpted masks, with the most interesting buildings being the "Temple of the Masks" and the "Plaza of the Acropolis." Organized tours to the site last about 7 hours (including travel).
The Beaches of Costa Maya:
There are no sandy beaches right next to the port, but the nearby village of Mahahual has excellent swimming beaches with clear water and soft sand. Along the entire stretch in the village's compact "downtown" area, there are lounge chairs and umbrellas.
Along the row of restaurants are also shops selling local souvenirs and handicrafts. You can pamper yourself with a beach massage at an attractive price (especially compared to the massage prices on the ships).
A particularly successful beach is Pez Quadro Beach Club, which is full of water sports options. Another successful beach is Uvero Beach.
Sports and Active Recreation
At the beaches of the nearby village of Mahahual, there is a variety of water sports and recreation options, ranging from snorkeling equipment or kayak rentals to boats and jet skis. You can go on a fast banana boat ride or fly with paragliders and even go on fishing trips.
The Lagoon of Seven Colors (La laguna de Bacalar)
The most successful tour from Costa Maya port is a cruise in the "Bacalar" Lagoon, also known as the "Lagoon of 7 Colors" due to the seven shades of blue it has. The difference in shades is caused by differences in water depth. This is a very photogenic freshwater lagoon, 55 kilometers long and about 2.5 kilometers wide at its wider part.
It has three "cenotes" - deep water cones - and several canals. It is surrounded by vegetation, including many mangroves and tropical plants. It is a popular destination for swimming, kayaking, SUPing, sailing, and pontoon boats.
The lagoon is located near a town of the same name: Bacalar, which has a large fortress and an expansive urban park. The lagoon is about a seventy-minute drive from Costa Maya port, passing through several small villages on the way. A recommended company leading tours to the lagoon is ChacEk Costa Maya which offers high-quality private and small group tours with excellent guides. We went on a tour with the perfect guide Selina, a driver named Moish who is also the owner of the company, and a lovely captain named Armando.
On the way to the lagoon, we stopped in the pineapple town and bought tropical fruits which we ate during the cruise. We sailed in the lagoon for about two hours, including a dip in the refreshing and clear water. From there we continued to an excellent Mexican restaurant (meal and drinks included in the price). It is possible to combine the tour with a visit to the Maya pyramids site. The scenery, atmosphere, food, and guidance were perfect. Book in advance and don't get stuck in the godforsaken town near the port or in the crowded and commercialized port where 3-4 ships arrive daily. Don't take expensive and boring tours from the ship.
Location and Climate:
Costa Maya is located on the Caribbean side of Mexico, in the state of Quintana Roo, about 160 km south of Playa del Carmen and slightly north of the border with Belize. Although it is located on a peninsula, the feeling is like being on one of the private islands of the shipping companies.
The growing and developing port is located near a sleepy fishing village of 200 residents named Mahahual.
Little Costa Maya should not be confused with the Riviera Maya which stretches between Cancun and Tulum a few hundred kilometers north of there.
Language:
Spanish
Currency:
The Mexican Peso. However, there is no need to exchange money; everything is priced in dollars.