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Costa Maya at a glance

Where ships dockCosta Maya cruise port, next to Mahahual
Getting aroundOn foot in the port, taxi to Mahahual
Excursion needed?No, there’s lots to do in the port
CurrencyMexican peso, US dollars widely accepted
Best forBeach clubs, pools, Mayan ruins
Time you needA half day to a full day
Amy Davoli, CTA, Travitude Travel Group travel consultant
Amy Davoli, CTAOwner and Travel & Cruise Consultant

“Costa Maya might be the largest cruise port area I’ve ever been to, and I’d definitely like to go back!”

Our top picks in Costa Maya

Our recommendations on what to see and do, based on our own experience in port.

A cruise port with so much to see

Walkable from the shipShopping

Right from the pier, you walk into a colourful village of shops, restaurants and bars, and Amy thinks it might be the largest cruise port area she’s ever visited! There’s plenty to keep you busy without ever leaving the port. When she was there, Royal Caribbean’s Jewel of the Seas was docked right next to Wonder of the Seas, and seeing the two ships side by side, the size difference was incredible!

Cost
Free to explore
From the ship
Walk right off the pier
Good for
Shopping, food and drinks
Bring
Small US bills for drinks and tips
Tip: Shop the port first while it’s quiet, then grab your spot at a beach club. Small US bills are handy for drinks and tips.

Beach clubs, pools and dolphins

Beach clubFamily friendly

The port even has its own beach clubs, with pools, sand and lounge chairs, so you can have a beach day steps from the ship without a taxi or a tour. For anyone who loves dolphins, there’s a dolphin experience right within the port too. It’s an easy, relaxing day for families.

Where
Inside the cruise port
From the ship
Walking distance
Good for
Families and an easy beach day
Good to know
Day passes can sell out on busy days
Tip: Beach club day passes inside the port can sell out on busy days with several ships in port. Ask us to help you book ahead.

Swing bars and tequila

DrinksWalkable from the ship

Around the port, you’ll find bars with swing seats under thatched palapas, so you can sip your drink and swing at the same time! In between, browse the colourful shops full of Mexican crafts and souvenirs, and the carts and shops selling tequila.

Where
All around the cruise port
From the ship
Walking distance
Good for
Drinks, shopping and photos
Bring
Small US bills
Tip: The port is big, so give yourself time to wander. There’s something fun around every corner!

A golf cart ride into Mahahual

Golf cartBeach day

Amy’s group rented golf carts and drove into the little beach town of Mahahual, stopping at the colourful Mahahual sign and the white lighthouse along the way. They ended up at The Krazy Lobster, right on the beach, for drinks and a swim in the calm turquoise water.

Cost
About $80 USD per golf cart
Distance
A short drive from the cruise port
Includes
The cart only. Food and drinks are extra
Good to know
Bring small US bills for drinks and tips
Tip: Stop for photos at the Mahahual sign and the lighthouse on the way in, then grab a drink at a beach bar like The Krazy Lobster and swim right out front. Keep an eye on the time, since you’ll need to drive the cart back before all aboard!

More ideas for your day in Costa Maya

Popular things to do that we book for clients.

Wooden pier leading to a thatched palapa over turquoise water in Mahahual, near the Costa Maya cruise portStroll the Mahahual beachfront

The little beach town of Mahahual has a long beachfront boardwalk lined with beach bars, restaurants and wooden piers stretching out over the turquoise water. It’s a short taxi or golf cart ride from the port, and a lovely, laid-back change from the busy cruise village.

Fish spa hut with a thatched roof in the Costa Maya cruise portTry the fish spa

Look for the little thatched-roof fish spa in the port, where tiny fish nibble your feet for a tickly, one-of-a-kind pedicure. It’s quick, a little silly and something you’ll be laughing about at dinner back on the ship. Kids love it too!

Amy Davoli and her family group under the Costa Maya welcome sign at the cruise portStop for a photo at the sign

The big colourful Costa Maya sign in the cruise port is the perfect spot for a group photo to remember your day. Go early, before the crowds from the other ships arrive, and ask someone to snap one of your whole group together!

Know before you go

  • Stay in the port if you like: there’s enough to fill a whole day without leaving.
  • Bring pesos or US dollars: US dollars are widely accepted in the port.
  • Book busy days ahead: beach clubs and excursions can fill up when several ships are in port.
  • Bring your passport: valid for at least six months past your return date (the safest rule of thumb).

Costa Maya FAQs

Quick answers for your day in port

Is there a lot to do in the Costa Maya cruise port?

Yes. Amy thinks it might be the largest cruise port area she has visited, with shops, restaurants, bars, beach clubs with pools and a dolphin experience, all inside the port.

Can you swim at the Costa Maya cruise port?

Yes. Beach clubs inside the port have pools, sand and lounge chairs, so you can swim without leaving the port.

How far is Mahahual from the Costa Maya cruise port?

The town of Mahahual is just outside the port, a short taxi ride away.

Is there a dolphin experience in Costa Maya?

Yes, there is a dolphin experience right within the Costa Maya cruise port.

Do I need a passport for a cruise to Costa Maya?

Yes. Canadians must travel with a valid passport, and we recommend it be valid for at least six months past your return date. Some destinations only require three months, but six months is the safest rule of thumb.

Does it cost more to book a cruise with a travel agent?

No, there’s no fee to book a cruise with Travitude Travel Group. You get a travel consultant who has actually been to ports like Costa Maya and can help you pick the right ship, itinerary and shore excursions.

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