When many cruisers check out their itineraries, they usually move over the Costa Maya cruise port as simply one other cease they’re unfamiliar with. Nonetheless, there’s a lot to do on this Caribbean port.
Costa Maya is rapidly climbing the listing of finest cruise stops within the Caribbean. When you go to, you’ll simply see why. On the cruise port and the encircling countryside, there are various completely different actions for each curiosity.
Spectacular Mayan ruins dot the realm, whereas lagoons and seashores cling to a shore that’s lined with small eating places and bars. For individuals who don’t wish to go various steps from the port, there’s a swimming pool, bar, and facilities proper off the pier as properly.
The Costa Maya Cruise Port
The Costa Maya Cruise Port Space
Ships dock proper on the pier in Costa Maya, so there isn’t any want for tendering to shore. That is nice as a result of it means you’ve gotten the choice of getting off the ship instantly to take advantage of your day or lingering round and ready for the crowds to disembark first.
After strolling off (a reasonably lengthy) pier, guests are greeted by a beautiful port space with retailers, just a few eating places and bars, and a swimming pool.
There’s a lot to do on the port itself together with swimming with the dolphins, swimming in an enormous swimming pool, visiting the bars, getting a therapeutic massage, and going purchasing. Whereas that is nothing like the main purchasing district in Cozumel, it’s nice and enjoyable to stroll round.
Ship-organized excursions assemble and board buses on this space. In case you are on a privately-arranged tour, or wish to take a taxi or bus to the close by village of Mahahual, then you definitely’ll wish to head proper outdoors the port gates.
Going to Mahahual
With only a tiny little bit of effort, you may spend the day within the seaside city of Mahahual, which has a enjoyable and laid-back promenade lined with retailers, eating places, and bars. After leaving the port space, you’ve gotten the choice to take the trolley bus or taxi (each about $3 per particular person) for ten minutes south to the city.
A well-liked alternative amongst cruisers right here is “40 Canones” which presents scrumptious bites and a primary viewing spot proper on the Caribbean Sea. Patrons can calm down in a lounger, order meals and drinks (a la carte), and spend the day stress-free within the stunning sunshine.
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This a part of the Caribbean does have a seasonal drawback with seaweed, however the locals do their finest to maintain it cleared away. If you find yourself able to return to the ship (depart time for about an hour earlier than departure), merely get again on the trolley or hail a taxi.
The village of Mahahual has been recognized by the Mexican authorities for added sources and improvement. So relying in your views, both get there earlier than that occurs or be enthusiastic about extra choices and services.
Costa Maya Cruise Port Seaside Golf equipment
After all, Costa Maya is positioned alongside the shores of the Caribbean Sea, and as such presents stunning white sand seashores. Together with the seaside bars and eating places in Mahahual, there are a number of completely different all-inclusive seaside golf equipment to select from, with the most well-liked being Maya Chan.
REVIEW: Maya Chan Seaside Membership
For $69 per grownup and descending worth tiers for the under-18 crowd, guests get pleasure from all-you-can-eat foods and drinks (together with alcohol), non-motorized water sports activities together with snorkel gear, and seaside loungers with umbrellas. Youngsters’s sand toys can be found at no cost as properly. Free WiFi can also be out there.
To prime all of it off, transportation from the port can also be included, making this a very easy option to get pleasure from a enjoyable day on the seaside with out having to fret about costs or the best way to get there.
Go to the Mayan Ruins
For these serious about historical past or which are craving for one thing in addition to a seaside day, the Costa Maya cruise port has you lined.
There are two unimaginable, historical Mayan cities comparatively near the cruise port. Really, there are fairly just a few smaller websites close by as properly, however the two largest and most fascinating are Chacchoben and Dzibanche.
Constructed over 1,300 years in the past, they are surely spectacular. If the one Mayan website that you’ve seen is Tulum, close to Cozumel, then these ruins might be particularly spectacular.
Whereas Tulum is located in a really atmospheric location, perched alongside the ocean, each of those websites are a lot bigger and decidedly extra spectacular to view.
Chacchoben and Dzibanche are simply visited by both cruise line excursions or independently booked excursions. Chacchoben is just below an hour from the pier whereas Dzibanche is a bit additional afield, at two hours and 20 minutes.
Each comprise a number of pyramids, ball courts, and different ruins of those as soon as mighty cities. Many excursions present visits to both a mix of each cities or one metropolis, with the addition of a butterfly farm or different fascinating stops.
In case you are restricted on time, Chacchoben is the higher alternative because the ruins there are extra full and the closeness to the port makes it a straightforward journey. Be certain to carry alongside money for any small purchases in addition to sunscreen, a hat, and comfy strolling footwear.
Bacalar Lagoon
This lake is usually often called the “Lake of Seven Colours” and by no means fails to impress guests with its many-hued waters. At practically 26 miles lengthy, however only one.2 miles vast, Bacalar Lagoon is breathtakingly stunning.
Round an hour from the port, the Bacalar Lagoon is usually mixed with visits to the Chacchoben Mayan ruins mentioned above.
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Located on the water’s edge is the Bacalar Fort, which was constructed to protect in opposition to pirate assaults. One other widespread exercise is to take a ship out into the lagoon with stops for swimming and bathing within the clear waters. Nonetheless you select to benefit from the lake, it’s certain to impress.
Closing Ideas of Costa Maya Cruise Port
No matter you determine to do in Costa Maya, you’re sure to have a spectacular time. The port is far more relaxed than Cozumel, however it nonetheless carries quite a lot of the charming Mexican tradition that vacationers have come to like.
With the seashores, ruins, and lovely sights, the Costa Maya cruise port is certain to go away you with lasting reminiscences and unbelievable photographs.
This text was initially printed in November 2020. It was up to date and republished in December 2022.
