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However, as in any major tourist cruise port, English is widely spoken. May 1 - Labor Day The pier trolley travels on a continuous loop. If none of these packages appeal, or if you just want to spend a couple of hours at the beach in Mahahual, it is pretty easy to get on the shuttle, take a taxi or a golf car to look around Mahahual before deciding where to lay your towel and what to do. Carnival lists 32 shore excursions. Although the following have received excellent reviews, none are in any way affiliated, endorsed, or approved by IQCruising: There isn't an official Tourist Information kiosk in the cruise terminal. there are numerous resorts and beach clubs south of the cruise port to enjoy; some can only be booked through your cruise line or online excursion services, but there are other that can be booked directly. As much as there are lots of nice and easy things to do on your own when calling at the port of Costa Maya, all cruise lines and independent local tour operators offer excellent cruise excursions, which cruise passengers should consider. Haggling is normal and expected on any shop, in particular, on duty-free shops. Whatever you decide to do, all cruise travelers will have to pass by the terminal building unless you stay onboard. March/April (movable) - Holy Thursday You should have in mind that Mahahual is a very, very laid back sort of beach and that no one is in a rush to offer any service in this small village. On the right - Golf Cars available at the Terminal - taxi, shuttle area. May 5 - Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla But you can easily travel on your own (by taxi, golf cars, or an affordable shuttle bus) to the Mahahual Village, where there is a long beach with lots of activities, bars, and restaurants. one of the nicest and most affordables places to enjoy a relaxing day on your own, the beach in Mahahual is dotted by beach clubs, bars, restaurants and all sorts of water-sports. To call US or Canada just need to dial 001 prior to the number. When at a restaurant a tip is appropriate as in the US (15-20%). There are 5 different coins: 50 centavos, $1, $2, $5 and $10 pesos; and 6 larger bills: $20, $50, $100, $200, $500 and $1000 pesos. Cruise tip: join the flow (or lack of) and look at leisure for whatever you feel like doing with no pressure. Some cruisers and staff say that the taxi stand rates are better at this stop than at the terminal but the Editor hasn't found this to be 100% accurate. A local tourist booth offers different packages for Mahahual's beach clubs, including umbrellas, lounge chairs, showers, all sorts of water sports, and, obviously, bars (some serving light fares as well). December 12 - Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe There is only one exit out of the gated cruise terminal's parking area. Obviously, all cruise lines offer many and diverse shore excursions in Costa Maya. built in the eighth century AD, Chacchoben was a vast Mayan settlement with a Great Plaza, four grand temples, the Gran Basamento (used for religious ceremonies), the Temple of the Vessels and pyramids among other archaeological wonders. All links on this review to cruise lines, local tour operators and servicees have been double-checked and are upated. Here are the ones used by the major cruise lines: Reputable online shore excursion services and local operators also offer beach day passes but to different clubs. December 25 - Christmas, Costa Maya Adventure Park: Official Website, Wikipedia, CIA World Factbook, WHO, World Bank. The already mentioned large saltwater swimming pool bordered by pool bars is a major highlight of the cruise terminal. All Rights ReservedDuplication in part or whole without prior written consent is prohibited by international laws. The information on this page was accurate when last updated and published but changes may have occurred without notice. The Peso is divided into 100 centavos (cents). On your right, the typical duty-free shops you would expect in any Caribbean cruise port, such as the ubiquitous Diamonds International and its sister Tanzanite International. If you enjoy sightseeing, there are many ways of doing it:glass bottom boat, catamaran sail, segway adventure, scenic cycling ride, off road ATV adventure, 4X4 scenic safari, dune buggy beach drive. Like in the US, the peso uses the $ sign and it can be sometimes confusing when seeing prices in Mexican pesos. Kohunlich, Dzibanche and Kinichn Mayan Ruins: frequent cruisers that have been in Costa Maya repeatedly and visited Chacchoben, should look into booking an excursion to one of the three other Mayan ruins close to Costa Maya cruise port. This small free museum has a rather shabby entrance, but the interior displays interesting jade exhibits and historical boards for those wishing to learn more about this pre-Columbian civilization.. Chacchoben Mayan Ruins site is only 1 hour drive away and you will have enough time afterwards to enjoy at least a couple of hours at the beach in Mahahual. Sept 16 - Independence Day Chacchoben Temple, a top attraction in Costa Maya. Full disclosure: considering that cruise ships couldn't visit Costa Maya since March 2020, this updated review is based on: Consequently, if you are planning to cruise to Costa Maya in 2022, it is advisable to double check the information on this review that may be of interest to fully enjoy Costa Maya. the cruise terminal has great places to taste local flavors but if you want to have a more genuine experience, it is in. Objective reports by local tour operators in the last months. Must-know: tourist info, language and currency, Pez Quadro beach club of 40 Caones Hotel. Unfortunately, in 2007 and 2012, two hurricanes devastated Costa Maya, and these buildings are still waiting for restoration. Independent Quest: Maps and Guides for Travelers . Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has available 26 shore excursions. Keep reading to learn more about Mahahual. Country Code: 52 (Mexico). You can tip Taxi drivers but it is not expected. Mexico Population: 123,166,749 (July 2016 est.). Because the Costa Maya area is so sparsely populated, the local port authorities developed along the last decade an excellent cruise terminal with all services and amenities for passengers, lots of entertainment, bars, restaurants, pools, and great shopping. But you should be prepared for a bit of a wait if four mega-ships are in port, which only seldom happens. With close to 5 million passengers per year the Cruise Port of Miami is the busiest in the World. Mahahual Beach is very close to Costa May cruise port. When in doubt, makes sure you look for symbols like MX, Mex$ or MXN. Be aware that you may get back change in pesos. Scuba is available for both beginners and certified divers. Cruise tip: regardless of how you plan to get to Mahahual, head to the middle section of the beach. The Mexican Peso (MXN) is the legal tender, but US dollars are widely accepted everywhere. The local population is very friendly but not pushy and speaks English reasonably well. Other popular cruise ports in the Western Caribbean itineraries are also within a night sail away from Costa Maya, such as Roatn, 182 miles (293 km), Harvest Caye, 158 miles (255 km), and Grand Cayman 420 miles (675 km). The shore excursions offered by the cruise lines that have been visiting Costa Maya. The Mayan Museum is also on this street (on the right-hand side). For those cruising with families, there are lots of things to do. the theme adventure water park offers great thrilling attractions such as the twisty zip coaster, along with 12 other zip lines, adrenaline-packed water slides, tubing, swiming pool, restaurants and bars. Since the cruise industry suspended operations, Costa Maya cruise port is on a stand still waiting for better days and many businesses have shut down. Cruise passengers will also find in the terminal many activities, diverse entertainment, and shopping (more about all these below). On the beachside of the Malecn, the cruise passenger will find one beach club after another with chairs, umbrellas, bars, and water sports. The saltwater swimming pool bordered by pool bars is a great and popular attraction of the cruise terminal in the port of Costa Maya. Some also offer massages. Enjoy the party atmosphere around the saltwater swimming pools with swim-up bars, go on a shopping spree, or bargain hunting for tequila, vanilla, and local spices. For more Traveler's Health advice to Mexico see the CDC Website. Most places have a 3 prong outlet but in older venues you may find 2 pin ones. Cruise passengers with disabilities or with walking difficulties will find it easy to wander around in Costa Maya on their own. Since the change to EST, Costa Maya is not scheduled to participate in daylight saving time. Besides the cruise excursions organized by cruise liens, there are also shore excursions and tours offered by the following reputable private online services: There are many local tour operators not affiliated with the top online services. But it is also where you will find other local transportation. Theme by 17th Avenue. February (1st Monday) - Constitution Day ), January 1 - New Year's Day To make it, even more, confusing, many businesses display prices in US dollars. And the following services and amenities: Once inside the terminal, shops are the first thing you will come across. But there are also many other attractions such as: The terminal has two exits into a large parking area - this is where shore excursions tour buses do park. The T-shaped piers in the port of Costa Maya have berths for up to four Mega-cruise cruise ships to dock, including the largest ships in the World. Ships dock on a medium-size cruise purposely built port with T-shaped piers and quays for up to four cruise ships to moor. But the Costa Maya cruise port is also the gateway to the lovely beaches of Mahahual and spectacular Mayan ruins like Chacchoben, Kohunlich, Dzibanche, and Kinichn. The pier trolley must not be confused with the shuttle , which runs between the cruise terminal and Mahahual. On the whole, Costa Maya is very safe. At the northern tip of the beach, there is a Seor Frogs. For comprehensive and updated information about traveling to Mexico see the U.S. Department of State website page evolving advisory. Costa Maya Population: Under 920 Residents in the village of Nuevo Mahahual. A Beach Break is also combinable with a Catamaran Sail, Snorkel, Dune Buggy, Paddle-board or a Segway Tour. Cruise passengers booked with online tour operators will meet their guides along this street outside the gated area of the cruise terminal. These attractions are between 2 miles (3.2 km) and 100 miles (160 km) from the cruise port terminal. Although a valid passport is preferred, cruise lines will handle all the procedures before docking and you will not need to take any sort of ID with you besides your ship card. Although the golf cars may not be available in the parking area of the cruise terminal, check this link - Mayahual Golf Carts - to double-check availability and eventually book an alternative golf car rental. Oceania Cruises organizes 19 shore excursions, Holland America offers 19 cruise excursions, and Princess has 19 excursions available. Sept 1 - President's Report Day Cruise passengers wishing to discover famous Mayan Ruins like Chacchoben should look into booking shore excursions, be it with your cruise ship or with local tour operators. Many passengers on a cruise to Puerto Costa Maya (in Mexico) choose to stay at the cruise port terminal without realizing that there is much more to do and many attractions to enjoy nearby. Costa Maya area code: 983. Within walking distance, there is a run-down but intriguing Mayan Museum and, of course, all the attractions in the Cruise Terminal. In this large parking area, you will also find a shuttle bus to Mahahual ($3.00 per person each way), taxis (around the same price per person), and Golf Cars (starting at $30 per hour) if you wish to explore the area on your own. ), Religion in Mexico:Roman Catholic 82.7%, Pentecostal 1.6%, Jehovah's Witness 1.4%, other Evangelical Churches 5%, other 1.9%, none 4.7%, unspecified 2.7% (2010 est. On the left-hand side, craft markets sell all sorts of souvenirs. November (3rd Monday) - Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution (1910) By contrast, at the southern tip of the beach, the ocean is very shallow and not as inviting. US Consular Agency: 872-4574 (Cozumel) - Embassy in Mexico City. If cruising with children cruise passengers can enjoy zip line courses and water slides at the May, Lost Mayan Kingdom Theme Water Park, close by. Standard American 120 V current. Reports by cruise passengers who have been in Costa Maya since the lifting of cruise restrictions. As you get close to the entrance to the Terminal, you will see the Tour Dispatch area and a late minute tour desk to book an excursion if you haven't booked one already. Here are the top things to do on a cruise to Costa Maya: The pristine beaches south of the port are natural top attractions for cruise passengers wondering what to do in Costa Maya. However, the cruise port authority kiosks provide excellent information for those wishing to explore Costa Maya independently. Follow the pedestrian walk along your right side, past the little shops until you see the grand staircase on your right. Mexico Ethnic Groups:Mestizo (Amerindian-Spanish) 62%, predominantly Amerindian 21%, Amerindian 7%, other 10% (mostly European) | Note: Mexico does not collect census data on ethnicity (2012 est. Costa Maya has changed time zone to EST (Eastern Standard Time), the same time zone in the East Coast of North America, 5 hours behind UTC (Coordinated Universal Time). This is lined on the land side by bars, restaurants, souvenir shops, a couple of hotels, water sports shops (fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, catamaran, jet skiing and so on); and one of the Editor's favorite bookshop in the Caribbean where no-shoes and no-shirts are welcomed. However, most attractions didn't just vanish and there is a lot to look forward in the near future. Typical tours like the ones exploring the Mayan Ruins of Chacchoben or Kohunlich are a must - the first can also be combined with beach time. But there are also well-known Mexican stores selling Tequila or Boots like Veari and Rogers Boots. In the cruise terminal, the "Dolphin Discovery" dolphinarium offers two interactive programs - the Dolphin Swim Adventure and the Dolphin Encounter. The Dolphin Discovery, with pools where shows and swimming with the aquatic mammals are the main features, is among the top attractions in the Costa Maya cruise terminal. For those looking to enjoy a relaxing day basking in the sun, there are pristine beaches; and if more into active pursuits, snorkeling, scuba, catamaran sailing, fishing or jet skiing are available. The entrance to the terminal with its massive Mayan replica door at the end of a perpendicular pier to the coast is impossible to miss. Easy Car Rental at Mahahual - can be booked online and car delivered to Terminal. Discover other reviews and cruise port guides in the Caribbean, Port and Terminals Driving, Tunnel and Parking Highlights Shopping. The gates open into a street with a central pedestrian corridor lined by buildings, which not long ago had a bustling activity. The beach clubs offered by cruise lines are exclusive and you do not have access to these unless booked throught your cruise ship. Is it possible to visit the Mayan Ruins and also enjoy time at the beach?Yes. Celebrity Cruises offers as many 48 shore excursions and Royal Caribbean has 43 cruise excursions. The perpendicular pier to the coast is rather long. Home page with highlights and listing of reviews, port guides and articles. 2022 INDEPENDENT QUEST LLC Florida - USA. March/April (movable) - Good Friday East, West and South Caribbean Top Cruising Destinations. Costa Maya is a major cruise port of call in the Western Caribbean itineraries during the Fall-Winter season, with as many as 1.5 million passengers and over 500 cruise ships visits in 2019. For those who want to enjoy an all-inclusive beach, it is advisable to book a day pass. May, the Lost Mayan Kingdom Theme Waterpark, is within walking distance of the cruise terminal in Costa Maya and a top attraction for cruise passengers, mainly for those with children. Walk (or take the free tram) along the lengthy pier from your ship to the ports colorful Disney-esque entrance. Cruise tip: cigars and tequila are the best buy (quality/price) in Costa Maya. March (3rd Monday) - Benito Jurez's birthday Keep reading to find out more about all beach day-pass available in Costa Maya cruise port. The port area is neat and well maintained. The information on this page was accurate when last updated and published but changes may have occurred without notice.It is advisable to confirm details with local tourist information before planning your cruise, tour or excursions of Costa Maya.If any inaccuracies are found or if there are any suggestions to improve the content of this page please let us know. Besides the wonderful Terminal, Puerto Costa Maya (as it is known by locals and cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Celebrity) is one of the ports in the West Caribbean itineraries that offers a great variety of experiences. November 2 - Day of the Dead At the May the Lost Mayan Kingdom you can enjoy the excitement of a two zip-line course, the fun of water-slides or relaxing by a pool. Spanish is the official language. Cruisers who enjoy water activities will have the opportyunity to enjoy diverse watersports such as snorkeling, diving, kayaking, river tubing, rafting, fly fishing or stand-up paddle boarding. Your email address will not be published. However, there is a free trolley for those with walking difficulties or not willing to walk, which is particularly convenient if cruising with young children. Cruise lines, local tour operators and online excursion services offer all types of beach break pakages and many shore excursions combos with the main highlights of Costa Maya. For updated coronavirus (Covid-19) information and travel advice to Mexico and Costa Maya visit the website of the U.S. Embassy in Mexico. A couple of spectacular Mayan ruins are highlights close by - in particular Chacchoben. There are three possible ways to discover and enjoy a day at the cruise port of Costa Maya: Bathed by the Caribbean Sea, Puerto Costa Maya is on the East coast of the Yucatan peninsula near the south border of the Mexican State of Quintana Roo with Belize. Right after the museum, there is a taxi stop and a Mayan pyramid replica that many cruise visitors like to climb for a photo memory. To call other countries dial 00 + country code + area code + local number. Costa Maya Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Mayan descent. The cruise terminal is close by the village of Nuevo Mahahual (with a tinny population of 920) Cozumel cruise port is 128 miles (206 km) to the north, and Belize City cruise port is 77 miles (144 km) to the south. Parallel to the Ocean and bordering the sand, there is a main pedestrian 'road' - the Malecn Mahahual. Discover all Reviews and Travel Guides to The Most Popular Cruise Ports in the Caribbean. The cruise port in Costa Maya has a very appealing character. May, the Lost Mayan Kingdom Theme Waterpark, is within walking distance of the cruise terminal in Costa Maya, and the Maya Chan Beach (an all-inclusive private beach resort) is a 20-minute drive south. Here are the ones you can book with online services: Finally, cruise visitors that prefer to explore ports independently or on their own can book day-passes directly with the following resorts and clubs (links ordered alphabetically): Besides the top things to do already mentioned, cruise travelers who enjoy adventurous fun will have the opportunity to enjoy diverse activities in a variety of shore excursions, such as: Last but not least, cruise passengers who prefer sightseeing and more contemplative pursuits also have a lot to choose from with shore excursions, such as:: If planning to go to Mahahual, it is good to know that the northern area is the nicest but the most crowded. At a 90 degree angle to this pier is what used to be the primary docking pier. Everything you must-know about Costa Maya cruise port: the terminal; things to do, shore excursions; Mahahual beach, Mayan ruins, and more By: Editor-in-Chief | Date: July 29, 2022. 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