Plan a CruiseCosta Maya is a purpose-built cruise port located on Mexico's southern Yucatan Peninsula, designed to accommodate up to four ships, including large Oasis and Epic-class vessels. The port facilities are designed to resemble an ancient Mayan city, offering a blend of ancient heritage and modern conveniences.
Ships dock directly at the pier. A free trolley service is available to transport passengers from the ship to the terminal building, which is helpful as the pier can be long. The immediate port village offers several free-to-use amenities, including pools (one large with a swim-up bar), restaurants, bars, shops, and a small rocky beach with hammocks.
Getting Around from the Port
The nearby village of Mahahual is approximately 2 to 3 miles (3 to 5 kilometers) from the cruise terminal.
- Walking: It's a pleasant walk for those who enjoy exploring on foot, but allow sufficient time.
- Taxi: A taxi ride to Mahahual costs about 8 US$. Taxis can be arranged at the kiosk just outside the terminal.
- Shuttle: A more economical option is a $3 US shuttle service available from outside the port gates to Mahahual.
- Golf Carts: Golf carts can be rented by the hour at the kiosk located just outside the terminal building.
Attractions and Activities
For your 8-10 hours in port, consider these activities:
- Mahahual Village: Just 2-3 miles (3-5 km) from the port, this small, relaxed village (population ~600) offers a 1.5-mile long beach promenade with restaurants and shops. Accessible via an 8 US$ taxi or a 3 US$ shuttle.
- Mayan Ruins:
- Chacchoban: The closest Mayan archaeological site, located just over an hour's drive from the port.
- Kohunlich: This site is situated a bit further inland than Chacchoban.
- Xcabal: Said to be the largest Mayan archaeological site, Xcabal is about an hour's bus ride from the port. Note: For a period after its 2017 opening, Xcabal was exclusively accessible through organized shore excursions from cruise ships.
- Chinchorro Reef Underwater National Park: Less than an hour away, this national park is a popular destination for diving enthusiasts.
- Beaches: Costa Maya is known for its beautiful beaches. When exploring, remember to bring insect repellent.
Shopping
While shops within the immediate port area can be geared towards tourists, Mahahual offers a wider selection of local souvenirs such as brightly painted pottery, Mexican blankets, and jewelry.
Safety
- Insect Repellent: Given the tropical environment, carrying insect repellent is highly recommended, especially for excursions.
- Shopping: Be aware that shops within the cruise port are often considered "tourist traps" and may have higher prices. Better deals and more authentic souvenirs are often found in Mahahual.
- Cell Service: There is no cell phone signal in the area. Plan accordingly for communication needs.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN). The symbol '$' is used for both pesos and US dollars, which can lead to confusion; look for "US$" or an 'S' with a double stroke to indicate US dollars. The exchange rate is approximately 17 Mexican Pesos to 1 US Dollar.
US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas like Costa Maya. Credit cards are not as universally accepted as in Europe or the USA, and some businesses may add an extra charge of around 5% for credit card transactions.
Spanish is the main language, but English is largely spoken in tourist destinations.