Best Things to Do in Costa Maya, Mexico: Ultimate Cruise Port Guide

Costa Maya is a purpose-built Mexican port, located along the Yucatan Peninsula’s Caribbean coast. It was originally opened to cruise traffic in 2001 but was destroyed by Hurricane Dean in 2005. Luckily, the area was restored and is able to accommodate up to four ships simultaneously. This western Caribbean cruise port offers plenty to do but still provides an old-time Mexico feel. Is your cruise ship visiting this hidden gem? If so, you will want to explore our best things to do in Costa Maya on a cruise to make the most of your time ashore.

7 Best Things to Do in Costa Maya on a Cruise (2025)

1. Explore Ancient Civilization

Costa Maya is located in the heart of the ancient Mayan civilization. This means you are just steps away from exploring archaeological ruins that are centuries old. The most popular site is Chacchoben, located about an hour away from the cruise terminal. The site contains several temples and ruins dating back as far as 300AD. Guided tours of this site will give you a greater understanding of the history and culture of these complex people.

Other nearby sites include Kohunlich and Dzibanche which also provide great insight into the Mayan civilization. One of the largest Mayan ruins ever excavated, Ichkabal, is also a nearby site that recently opened to the public.

Tour Duration: 4-7 hours (including transportation time)
Price Range: $100 to $150 per person
Best For: Those interested in nature, culture, and history

Sample Tour: Chacchoben Extreme Tour

2. Get Back to Nature

There is much natural beauty to explore while visiting Costa Maya. In fact, it is a snorkeler’s and diver’s paradise. Located on the Meso-American reef, you can check out the 2nd largest reef in the world! In addition, many excursions get you up close and personal with some of the most colorful coral formations and diverse sea life in the Caribbean. So, get those fins on and hop into the crystal-clear waters for some amazing sightseeing. Bacalar Lagoon, the “Lake of Seven Colors,” (also known as Seven Color Lagoon) is also an awe-inspiring natural reserve to do some glass-bottom kayaking or bird watching. You can even take a river tubing excursion that ends in the lagoon.

If you’d prefer to stay closer to your cruise ship, you can still interact with some sea life at Dolphin Discovery located right within the port. You can choose a dolphin swim adventure or a dolphin encounter that the kids are sure to love. Even if you don’t want to pay for an excursion, you might want to take a stroll by this area to catch the creatures performing some neat tricks.

Tour Duration: 2-5 hours
Price Range: $50 to $130 per person
Best For: Those who love being in/on the water

Sample Tour: Snorkel and Boat Tour

3. Go Off-Roading

For those looking for a bit of off-roading adventure, consider taking an ATV tour — the only true way to get to the heart of Costa Maya’s unspoiled landscapes. These 4X4’s can maneuver through the dirt roads and trails, offering a beautiful ride through the tropical vegetation and terrain. You don’t have to have prior ATV experience to take a 4X4 tour — guides walk you through how to operate the vehicle and provide safety instructions. Many off-roading excursions include a visit to a beach towards the end so riders can wind down and cool off.

Tour Duration: 5-6 hours
Price Range: $60 to $150 per person
Best For: Thrill-seeking adults who want to explore the natural beauty of the area

4. Cook a Mayan Meal

If you love to cook (or eat!) this excursion is for you. Head out to Chacchoben village to meet a Mayan family and learn how to make tortillas and an authentic lunch amidst the Mayan ruins. During the process, you’ll learn about local cuisine and culinary techniques and then enjoy a meal made with local ingredients — including exotic Yucatan spices.

The adventure continues with a visit to the Seven Color Lagoon where you can cool off with a few hours of swimming and kayaking, complete with beverages such as piña coladas and margaritas.

Tour Duration: 5.5 hours
Price: $100 per person
Best For: Foodies and those who want to dive more into the local culture

Sample Tour: Mayan Family and Seven Color Lagoon

5. Make it a Beach Day

If all this talk of adventure doesn’t sound like much of a vacation to you, perhaps you’d rather spend your day relaxing on the beach in the warm Caribbean sun with a drink in hand. We can’t blame you. If you choose to book a beach excursion through your cruise company, many will take you to the Beach Escape beach club located on Uvero Beach. There are also many other beach clubs located on the Malecon of Mahahual, located only a short cab ride away from the port.

Some popular choices among cruisers are Pez Quadro at the 40 Canones Hotel, Nohoch Kay, and Maya Chan. Many of these options offer an all-inclusive experience with guaranteed lounge chairs and umbrellas, open bar, lunch, WiFi, use of non-motorized water sports, and more. An absolute day in paradise. What more could you ask for?

Tour Duration: 4-5 hours
Price Range: $60 to $100 per person
Best For: Those looking for a relaxing, all-inclusive day at the beach

Sample Tour: Costa Maya Beach Day

6. Explore the Lagoon and Learn Some History

If you’re looking for an exploration that combines history, culture, and nature, you may want to look into this excursion. The highlight is a boat ride on the Bacalar Lagoon, where you’ll learn about the lagoon and its pirate-filled history before anchoring and having a chance to go swimming in the crystal-clear water.

The journey also includes a visit to the village of Pedro Santos where you’ll get a chance to try the unique honey pineapple that the village is known for. A stop at a local restaurant with an overview on its sauces and seasonings is also on the schedule.

Tour Duration: 5 hours
Price: $169 per person
Best For: Those looking for a well-rounded experience

Sample Tour: Bacalar Cenotes and Lagoon Exploration

7. Stay Local

If you’d rather keep your day more low-key, the Costa Maya cruise port area itself is quite large, so there will be plenty to keep you occupied if you decide to stay local. You can dance to the beat of the Mayan drums, enjoy the traditional Papantla flying man ceremony, indulge in some Mexican cuisine, shop for handcrafted goods at the artisan market, or lounge near the saltwater pool with its very own swim-up bar.

The downtown area of the quaint fishing village, Mahahual, is also only a short distance away from the port. Here, you can stroll the pedestrian-only Malecon lined with beaches, hotels, and restaurants. Be sure to enjoy some seafood along with the views during your visit. This area is an approximately 30-minute walk or a short cab ride away. You can also take the port shuttle into town for just a few dollars per person. No matter what you decide to do during your visit to Costa Maya, you are sure to have a great time. With so much history, adventure, and natural beauty, you will see why this port of call is a true hidden gem. If you don’t have a cruise booked to Costa Maya yet, what are you waiting for?

Costa Maya Frequently Asked Questions

How long do cruise ships typically stay in Costa Maya?

Cruise ships usually stay in Costa Maya for around 7-10 hours, giving cruisers plenty of time to take one big excursion or a few smaller ones. Many visitors will utilize time before or after their excursions to explore the port area and do some shopping, as well.

Is Costa Maya the same as Cozumel?

While both located in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, Costa Maya and Cozumel are not the same port. In fact, they’re located nearly 200 miles apart. Cozumel is an island located in northern Quintana Roo, while Costa Maya is located in the southern part of the state more towards the middle of the Yucatán Peninsula.

Can you visit the Mayan ruins from Costa Maya?

Yes! There are several Mayan ruins sites in the area including Kohunlich and Chacchoben, among others.

Is the pool in the port area free to use?

Yes, the pool at the Costa Maya cruise port is free for cruise visitors to use.

What’s the weather like in Costa Maya?

Costa Maya has warm temperatures and a moderately humid climate year-round, with annual averages in the high 70s. Mid-fall into early spring is the area’s dry season, and the most popular time for tourists. The spring, summer, and early fall months are the hottest and bring the most rainfall, making that the low season for visitors.

Can I use U.S. dollars in Costa Maya, Mexico?

The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican peso. While pesos are preferred, U.S. dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas of Mexico as well.

Comments

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