Costa Maya is a purpose-built cruise port located about 100 miles south of Playa del Carmen along Mexico's Caribbean coast. Built in 2001 to highlight the ancient and colonial heritage of the Mexican Caribbean, the port was virtually destroyed by Hurricane Dean in 2007, damaged again in 2012, and has since been beautifully rebuilt.
The port and surrounding Mahaual Peninsula offer relaxing white-sand beaches and some of the best diving and snorkeling on Mexico's Caribbean coast — thanks to the proximity of the Mesoamerican Reef System, the second largest reef in the world after Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
Designed to resemble a small-town Mexican village, the Costa Maya complex features three grand pavilions, artisan and luxury shopping, beach, saltwater pools, and restaurants. The nearby village of Mahahual — redeveloped from a one-time fishing village — has a charming waterfront malecón lined with seafood restaurants, hotels, and dive shops. It's sometimes compared to early Tulum for its relaxed, authentic character.
Check out these excursions in Costa Maya.
Know Before You Go
Hot Tip
Costa Maya, Mexico – Quick Facts
Where You Dock in Costa Maya, Mexico
Pier locations and what's available at each terminal.
The dock at Costa Maya can accommodate up to four cruise ships simultaneously, including Oasis and Epic-class vessels. The pier from the dock to the terminal village is a long walk — but free trolleys run in a continuous loop back and forth so you never have to do it on foot.
Costa Maya pier
Many passengers choose to stay within the port area — there's dining, shopping, a large saltwater pool with swim-up bar, and dolphin experiences all within the complex. The excursion meeting area is not far from the end of the pier.
Getting Around Costa Maya, Mexico
Transportation options once you're ashore.
🚶 Walking
The pier-side village complex is easily explored on foot. Mahahual is walkable — about a 20-minute stroll north along the coast — but can be hot. The free trolley within the port makes navigating the long pier easy.
🚕 Taxis
Taxis are available at the pier and in town. A short five-minute ride takes you from the pier to Mahahual — a good option when the heat makes walking unappealing.
🚌 Shuttle Bus
Shuttle buses to Mahahual depart from the village behind the shopping area. Purchase tickets beforehand at the booth in the same area before boarding.
🛺 Golf Cart & Car Rental
Both golf carts and cars are available to rent in Costa Maya. You don't need an international driver's license to drive in Mexico, but you will need to present a credit card. Mayahual Red Shirts Golf Carts is a popular option. Check out car rentals in Costa Maya through Expedia.
Things To Do in Costa Maya, Mexico
Make the most of your time ashore.
🎯 Costa Maya has more to offer than its port complex — from ancient Mayan ruins to beach clubs and wildlife-rich jungle:
Chacchoben Ruins — A large Mayan community dating to 360 AD, about 55 miles inland (roughly 1 hour each way). Temple One still stands as a testament to ancient ingenuity. The surrounding jungle is home to deer, peccary, armadillo, gray fox, spider and howler monkeys — and deeper in, jaguars, ocelots, pumas, and tapirs. Arrange transport through the pier tour desk.
Lost Mayan Kingdom Adventure Park — A family-friendly amusement park with waterslides, ziplines, a zip coaster, and a lazy river. A full day of fun for kids and families.
Dolphin Discovery — Located within the cruise port complex. Purchase a ticket to swim with dolphins or watch from a distance for free.
Bacalar Fort & Seven Colors Lagoon — Boat rides on the famous lagoon, including a trip to the Spanish Fort of Fuerte San Felipe Bacalar. The lagoon's remarkable color variations make it one of the most visually striking natural sites in the Yucatán.
Beach Clubs & Water Sports — Several beach clubs line the Mahahual malecón, including Beach Escape Club, La Bamba Beach Club, Uchben Kah Eco Park, and Uvero Beach Club. Snorkeling, scuba diving, catamaran sailing, fishing, and jet skiing all available.
Beaches & Outdoors in Costa Maya, Mexico
The best beaches, parks, and outdoor experiences for cruise passengers.
🏖️ The Caribbean coast at Costa Maya is excellent — calm, clear, warm water with good snorkeling thanks to the nearby Mesoamerican Reef System:
Port Complex Beach
Well-maintained and convenient — beach chairs and umbrellas available. The large saltwater pool with swim-up bar is right alongside. A great option if you don't want to venture beyond the terminal.
Mahahual Malecón Beach
About a 20-minute walk north — more authentic and less crowded than the port beach. Several beach clubs line the malecón including Beach Escape Club, La Bamba Beach Club, and Uvero Beach Club.
Uchben Kah Eco Park
A recommended eco beach option in the area — snorkeling, scuba diving, catamaran sailing, fishing, and jet skiing are all available along this stretch of coast.
Shopping in Costa Maya, Mexico
Where to shop and what to look for.
🛍️ Costa Maya offers a mix of familiar duty-free brands and excellent local artisan shopping:
Duty-Free & Brand Stores
Diamonds International, Crown of Light, and Del Sol are all present in the port complex — the usual Caribbean cruise shopping staples.
Local Artisans
- Artitice — Hand-painted craft souvenirs reflecting the surrounding Mexican culture
- Casa Rosa — Colorful Mexican apparel, ornaments, and decorations
- Dahlia — Blankets, cups, and plates made in traditional style and colors
- Huichol — Objects made in the traditional Huichol indigenous artform
- Oaxaca — Hand-carved stone and wood items
- Telarte — Handmade thread purses and bags
- Vidrio Rojo — Beautiful hand-blown glass pieces
Dining in Costa Maya, Mexico
Where to eat and drink ashore.
🍽️ There is no shortage of food in and around Costa Maya — Mexican, Caribbean, and American cuisine throughout the area, with an abundance of fresh seafood, lobster, shrimp, and fish.
At the Port
- Cantina Latina — Mexican food with a swim-up pool bar. Nachos, tacos, fish, ceviche, burgers, and salads.
- Café México — Coffee shop in the port area with frozen and iced coffees and authentic Mexican coffee.
- El Pan Dulce — Fresh Mexican bread and pastries baked daily — the smell alone is worth stopping for.
- Playa Coco — Waterfront bar with great Caribbean views. A perfect spot for a drink.
- El Mero Mero — Popular local spot in the port area.
In Mahahual
- Jamie's at The Blue Reef — Mexican, Caribbean, Latin, and seafood. Located in the Blue Reef hotel on the malecón.
- Tropicante Ameri-Mex Grill — Mexican, Caribbean, and American fare alongside fresh seafood.
- Pizza Papi — Pizza and live music — a lively local hangout.
- Ki'Ha — International cuisine and some of the best ice cream in the area, within a mile of the port.
- MJM Restaurant — One of the more upscale options in Mahahual, serving Southern-Italian and Mediterranean cuisine.
Top Tours & Shore Excursions
Book before you board for best availability and pricing.
Caribbean Snorkel and Boat Tour
⏱ 2 Hours · Easy activity
<p>Spend two hours in the Mexican Caribbean snorkeling over vibrant coral reefs. This tour is in the area of the reef la...
Book This Tour →Chacchoben Extreme Tour
⏱ 5.5 hours · Moderate activity
Experience the beauty of Costa Maya by first seeing the Mayan ruins of Chacchoben, then spend time in the crystal waters...
Book This Tour →Chacchoben Mayan Ruins
⏱ 4 hours · Moderate activity
<p>Chacchoben in Mayan means “place of the red corn.” Because these ruins are not near large cities, they don’t get the ...
Book This Tour →Mayan Experience
⏱ 5.5 hours · Moderate activity
<p>This tour will take you to the Chacchoben ruins with a guide that will share the history of the city and give insight...
Book This Tour →Costa Maya, Mexico – FAQ
Common questions from cruise passengers.
What is Costa Maya known for?
Costa Maya is known for its purpose-built cruise port at Mahahual, the nearby Chacchoben Mayan ruins, excellent reef snorkeling and diving on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, and its laid-back beach atmosphere.
Is Costa Maya the same as Cozumel?
No — they are different ports on Mexico's Caribbean coast. Cozumel is an island further north. Costa Maya is on the mainland near the Belize border, about 4 hours south of Cancun.
Can I walk from the Costa Maya cruise port?
The cruise port has a large shopping and restaurant complex right at the pier. The town of Mahahual is about 1 km away and reachable on foot or by taxi.
What Mayan ruins are near Costa Maya?
Chacchoben is the closest and most visited site — about 1.5 hours from the port. Kohunlich and Dzibanché are further afield but also accessible on full-day excursions.
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