Costa Maya is a purpose-built cruise port on Mexico’s southern Caribbean coast, close to the small fishing village of Mahahual. Unlike Cozumel, there is no big town on the doorstep, so most cruisers either spend the day in the port complex and its saltwater pool, take a short taxi to the beach clubs of Mahahual, or head inland to the Mayan ruins at Chacchoben. This guide explains your options and how to make the most of a day in Costa Maya.
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Costa Maya at a glance
- Where ships dock: the Costa Maya Cruise Port pier, near Mahahual in Quintana Roo. No tender boats.
- Walk to town: Mahahual is about 2.3 miles away, roughly 45 minutes on foot. Most people take a taxi of about 5 minutes.
- In the port: a large saltwater pool with a swim-up bar, shops, restaurants and free Wi-Fi.
- Currency: Mexican peso, but US dollars are widely accepted.
- Best for: beach clubs, an easy pool day, or Mayan ruins without the crowds of Tulum.
Where cruise ships dock in Costa Maya
Ships tie up at a long T-shaped pier that can take three or four ships at once. Allow at least 15 minutes to walk from the ship to the port complex and the excursion meeting area. Free trolleys run along the pier for anyone who has difficulty walking.
The port itself is a small village of shops, bars and restaurants built around a central square, where you can watch the Papantla Flyers perform. Taxis to Mahahual and the beach clubs leave from the far end of the complex.
Things to do in and near the port
- The port pool: a big saltwater pool with a swim-up bar and free loungers. Go in the morning, before it fills up on multi-ship days.
- Mahahual beach and malecón: a laid-back seafront walkway lined with beach bars and restaurants, about 5 minutes away by taxi.
- Beach clubs: clubs in Mahahual let you use their loungers and umbrellas if you buy food and drinks. All-inclusive beach resorts nearby sell day passes.
- The lighthouse: a photo stop on the road between the port and Mahahual.
- Shopping: Mexican vanilla, chocolate, tequila, mezcal, hot sauces and silver jewelry, both in the port and in Mahahual.
Seaweed (sargassum) can wash up on Mahahual’s beaches, particularly between spring and early fall. If the beach looks heavy with it, the port pool or a beach club further south may be the better choice.
Best Costa Maya shore excursions
| Excursion | Time from the ship | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Chacchoben Mayan ruins | About 45 to 60 minutes by road | Jungle temples, monkeys and history, with far fewer crowds than Tulum. Allow about two hours on site. |
| Bacalar Lagoon | A full-day trip | The “lagoon of seven colors”, for swimming and kayaking in calm freshwater |
| Beach resort day pass | 15 to 30 minutes | An all-inclusive day with food, drinks and a quieter beach |
| Snorkeling or diving the reef | Short boat ride | The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest reef system in the world |
| Dolphin encounter | Minutes from the pier | Families with children |
Chacchoben and Bacalar are a long way from the ship. If you book independently, choose a tour that guarantees to return you before all-aboard, or book through the cruise line so the ship will wait if the tour runs late.
Tips for a day in Costa Maya
- Check your change. Pesos and dollars both use the “$” sign, and you may be given change in pesos.
- Bring insect repellent for Chacchoben and any jungle trails.
- Learn a few words of Spanish. English is common in the port but less so in Mahahual.
- Plan for heat. It is warm all year, typically from the mid-70s to low 90s °F, and the rainy season runs from May to October.
If your itinerary pairs Costa Maya with Florida, our Key West cruise port guide explains the piers, sunset timing and the best things to do.
Frequently asked questions
Can you walk from the Costa Maya cruise port to Mahahual?
You can, but it is about 2.3 miles and roughly 45 minutes in the heat. Most cruisers take a taxi, which takes about 5 minutes.
Is Costa Maya worth getting off the ship for?
Yes. Even if you just want a relaxed day, the port pool and Mahahual’s beach clubs are easy and good value, and Chacchoben is one of the most atmospheric Mayan sites you can reach from a cruise ship.
How far are the Chacchoben ruins from the cruise port?
About 30 miles, or 45 minutes to an hour by road, depending on traffic.
Do I need pesos in Costa Maya?
No. US dollars are widely accepted in the port and in Mahahual, though small bills help.
More Mexico ports: see our guides to things to do in Cozumel and every cruise port in Mexico, browse this week’s cruise deals, or explore all our cruise port guides.
