When many cruisers check out their itineraries, they typically go over the Costa Maya cruise port as simply one other cease they’re unfamiliar with. However, there’s a lot to do on this Caribbean port.
Costa Maya is rapidly climbing the checklist of finest cruise stops within the Caribbean. Once you go to, you’ll simply see why. At the cruise port and the encircling countryside, there are numerous totally different actions for each curiosity.
Impressive Mayan ruins dot the realm, whereas lagoons and seashores cling to a shore that’s lined with small eating places and bars. For those that don’t need to go quite a lot of steps from the port, there’s a swimming pool, bar, and facilities proper off the pier as effectively.
The Costa Maya Cruise Port
The Costa Maya Cruise Port Area
Ships dock proper on the pier in Costa Maya, so there isn’t any want for tendering to shore. This is nice as a result of it means you’ve the choice of getting off the ship immediately to profit from 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 is loads to do on the port itself together with swimming with the dolphins, swimming in a large swimming pool, visiting the bars, getting a therapeutic massage, and going buying. While that is nothing like the key buying district in Cozumel, it’s nice and enjoyable to stroll round.
Ship-organized excursions assemble and board buses on this space. If you might be on a privately-arranged tour, or need to take a taxi or bus to the close by village of Mahahual, then you definitely’ll need to head proper outdoors the port gates.
Going to Mahahual
With only a tiny little bit of effort, you possibly can 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 the choice to take the trolley bus or taxi (each about $3 per particular person) for ten minutes south to the city.
A preferred selection amongst cruisers right here is “40 Canones” which gives scrumptious bites and a first-rate viewing spot proper on the Caribbean Sea. Patrons can chill out 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 downside with seaweed, however the locals do their finest to maintain it cleared away. When you might be able to return to the ship (go away 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 extra assets and improvement. So relying in your views, both get there earlier than that occurs or be enthusiastic about further choices and services.
Costa Maya Cruise Port Beach Clubs
Of course, Costa Maya is situated alongside the shores of the Caribbean Sea, and as such gives stunning white sand seashores. Along with the seaside bars and eating places in Mahahual, there are a number of totally different all-inclusive seaside golf equipment to select from, with the preferred being Maya Chan.
REVIEW: Maya Chan Beach Club
For $69 per grownup and descending value tiers for the under-18 crowd, guests get pleasure from all-you-can-eat food and drinks (together with alcohol), non-motorized water sports activities together with snorkel tools, and seaside loungers with umbrellas. Children’s sand toys can be found at no cost as effectively. Free WiFi can be obtainable.
To prime all of it off, transportation from the port can 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 learn how to get there.
Visit the Mayan Ruins
For these fascinated about historical past or which might be craving for one thing apart from a seaside day, the Costa Maya cruise port has you lined.
There are two unbelievable, historic Mayan cities comparatively near the cruise port. Actually, there are fairly just a few smaller websites close by as effectively, however the two largest and most fascinating are Chacchoben and Dzibanche.
Built over 1,300 years in the past, they are surely spectacular. If the one Mayan website that you’ve got seen is Tulum, close to Cozumel, then these ruins will probably be particularly spectacular.
While 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 somewhat additional afield, at two hours and 20 minutes.
Both comprise a number of pyramids, ball courts, and different ruins of those as soon as mighty cities. Many excursions present visits to both a mixture of each cities or one metropolis, with the addition of a butterfly farm or different fascinating stops.
If you might be restricted on time, Chacchoben is the higher selection because the ruins there are extra full and the closeness to the port makes it a simple journey. Make positive to deliver alongside money for any small purchases in addition to sunscreen, a hat, and cozy strolling sneakers.
Bacalar Lagoon
This lake is commonly generally known as the “Lake of Seven Colors” and by no means fails to impress guests with its many-hued waters. At almost 26 miles lengthy, however only one.2 miles broad, Bacalar Lagoon is breathtakingly stunning.
Around an hour from the port, the Bacalar Lagoon is commonly mixed with visits to the Chacchoben Mayan ruins mentioned above.
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Situated on the water’s edge is the Bacalar Fort, which was constructed to protect in opposition to pirate assaults. Another standard exercise is to take a ship out into the lagoon with stops for swimming and bathing within the clear waters. However you select to benefit from the lake, it’s positive to impress.
Final Thoughts of Costa Maya Cruise Port
Whatever you resolve to do in Costa Maya, you might be certain to have a spectacular time. The port is far more relaxed than Cozumel, but it surely nonetheless carries lots of the charming Mexican tradition that vacationers have come to like.
With the seashores, ruins, and lovely sights, the Costa Maya cruise port is bound to go away you with lasting reminiscences and improbable pictures.
This article was initially revealed in November 2020. It was up to date and republished in December 2022.
