Explore Costa Maya Cruise Port: What You Need to Know
While Cozumel is the most well-known figure among Mexican cruise ports, Costa Maya is another gem. Like Cozumel, Costa Maya, Mexico is situated on the eastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico, and is a popular stop for many Western Caribbean cruises. It services most of the major cruise lines and can accommodate up to four cruise ships simultaneously. The pier is long, but a shuttle is available to transport cruisers with mobility issues or small kids. Language and Currency in Costa Maya Unlike Cozumel, where most vendors near the port speak both Spanish and English, and US currency is almost universally accepted, that may not always be the case in Costa Maya. In my experience at the shops just outside the port terminal, many vendors spoke little or no English, and several merchants only accepted Mexican Pesos (MXN). Credit cards are generally accepted, although not universal. The symbol for pesos is the same as a dollar ($), which can become confusing, so always double-check the currency before purchasing anything. The Costa Maya Port can fit four ships. About the Costa Maya Port Cruisers should first note that Costa Maya has earned the unfortunate nickname “Costa Maybe” because of the frequency with which calls here are canceled due to high winds. When this happens, the call is either changed to another local port of call or (what happens more often) canceled completely, and that port day is changed to a sea day. While it is more likely than not that you will enjoy a great day in Costa Maya with no issues if this port is on your itinerary, it’s a good idea to plan ahead. First, make sure that any pre-booked excursions allow for a refund if your call does get canceled. Second, prepare activities for a potential unexpected sea day. Enough about the potential for bad — let’s talk about the good. Things to do at the Costa Maya Cruise Port Nestled just south of the Riviera Maya, the Costa Maya cruise port is more than just a stop on your itinerary. It’s a gateway to ancient Mayan ruins, stunning beaches, and an authentic slice of Mexican culture. Unlike its rustic sister port Progreso, the Costa Maya cruise port is notably modern yet calls back to the area’s ancient history and is designed to cater to cruise passengers, ensuring that you’re immersed in a world of vibrant culture from the moment you step off the ship. Staying at the Terminal In fact, this port is so interesting that some cruisers choose to stay in the port area at the terminal rather than venture outside of it. As you disembark, the lush, tropical surroundings and the architectural charm of the port invite you to explore further. The terminal is new, clean, safe, and filled with things to do beyond even just the standard cruise port shops, bars, and restaurants, although not all of these activities are free (more on that below). The scenery is lovely, and even flamingos and parrots live on site to admire. Hayhu Beach is about 40 minutes from port. (Swimsuit: CharmLeaks 2-piece) Some critics, however, refer to this as a “tourism village” and prefer to explore the authenticity of Mahahual (Majahual), a small (actual) village nearby with just 600 inhabitants. If doing the latter, note that the areas outside the cruise terminal aren’t as developed as at other cruise ports, like Cozumel. Free Things to Do at the Costa Maya Cruise Port The port has a saltwater pool that is free for cruisers to enjoy at the terminal. However, food must be purchased from the adjacent restaurant to use a lounger or chair surrounding the pool. There is also a separate beachfront lounge area, although entry to the ocean is not an option here. Food or drinks must also be purchased to use the chairs, swings, and loungers here. The truly free activities are quite limited here, other than just walking around and admiring the scenery and window shopping. Paid activities at the port include an Aviarius Bird Tour, Fish Spa, Dolphin Discovery, and Mayan Baths. Costa Maya Excursions Because this port isn’t as developed as some of the others, cruisers may find excursion choices here to be quite limited. Below are my recommendations for beach day options, including more luxurious private experiences further from port, like at Hayhu Beach, to more affordable all-inclusive “beach breaks“. Aside from beach excursions, many activities here center on ocean activities, like private boat charters, which are expensive for couples but can be a bargain for bigger groups, and snorkeling. For those who seek more cultural immersion and history, there are some tours of ancient Mayan ruins, although these are a bit of a distance, about 30 miles, from the cruise port. Krazy Lobster Costa Maya is an interesting port because while the pier area is new and expansive, it is a bit of a tourist trap. Due to the underdeveloped nature of the surrounding areas, venturing out isn’t always an attractive option, either. A happy medium for many cruisers is to visit Krazy Lobster, which is a private beachfront restaurant immediately adjacent to the cruise port, just a short taxi ride away. At Krazy Lobster, guests can enjoy beach access and Wi-Fi in exchange for purchasing food and drinks. While erosion has cut away the beachfront area, there’s still a great swim area sectioned off from the waves, and a floating platform for patrons to use. Due to the erosion, and poor snorkeling conditions, the beach experience here is fairly limited. Kayaks and beach massages are available here for a cost. Krazy Lobster isn’t the most luxurious destination, but the food is good and inexpensive, it provides beach access (although not the most ideal), and is a bit more of an authentic experience than one found at the terminal. Beaches at the Costa Maya Cruise Port As noted above, there is no direct ocean access from the Costa Maya cruise terminal, although beachfront access is available for those who just want to dig their toes in the
