Costa Maya – Mexico

The dock at Costa Maya can accommodate up to four cruise ships at once. This port has the capability to dock Oasis and Epic sized ships. The pier from the dock to the terminal (the faux village) is a long one. Fortunately, there are free trolleys that run in a continuous loop back and forth.

Many people choose to stay within the port area because there is lots to do – dining, shopping, large pool with swim-up bar, swimming with dolphins – but the meeting area for excursions is not far from the end of the pier.

There are some of the typical shopping options in Costa Maya, such as Diamonds International, Crown of Light and Del Sol. There are also local artisans such as:

Artitice: Here you will find hand painted craft souvenirs that reflect the surrounding Mexico area.

Casa Rosa: You will find colorful Mexican apparel, ornaments and decorations.

Dahlia: Unique blankets, cups, plates made in traditional style and colors.

Huichol: Objects made in traditional Mexican artform that represents the indigenous culture of the Huichol.

Oaxaca: Hand carved stone and wood items .

Telarte: Handmade thread purses and bags.

Vidrio Rojo: Beautiful blown glass pieces.

There is no shortage of food options in the cruise port area and at nearby Mahahaul. You will find Mexican, Caribbean and American cuisine throughout the area. Seafood, lobster, shrimp and fish are in abundance too.

Restaurants Near The Dock

A good amount of these restaurants have menu prices listed in pesos. Make sure that if you are paying in U.S. dollars that you are able to do the conversion so you are charged accordingly. 

Cantina Latina:

This restaurant is in the main cruise area. They serve typical Mexican food and have a swim up pool bar. Besides nachos, tacos, fish and ceviche, the restaurant also serves burgers and salads.

Café México

This coffee shop is in the port area if you need a Starbucks fix. They also offer frozen and iced coffees, along with authentic Mexican coffee.

El Mero Mero

El Pan Dulce

Created fresh each day, the various Mexican bread recipes are enticing with their delicious smells.

Playa Coco

This bar is right by the water so you can enjoy your drink and have a great view of the Caribbean.

Restaurants in Mahahaul

Jamies’s at The Blue Reef

Here you will find Mexican, Caribbean, Latin and seafood options. This restaurant is located in the Blue Reef hotel.

Tropicante Ameri-Mex Grill

The usual Mexican and Caribbean offerings, but the menu also has American fare along with seafood.

Pizza Papi

If you are looking for live music and pizza, Pizza Papi is the place for both.

Ki’Ha

You will find international cuisine and some of the best ice cream all within a mile from the port.

MJM Restaurant

Southern-Italian and Mediterranean cuisine is served at one of the more exclusive restaurants in Mahahual.

While this manufactured port is primarily a tourist region, there is more than enough in the area to occupy your time in the port.

This region of Mexico is home to some lesser-known but still important Mayan ruins.  The Chacchoben ruins are the site of a large Mayan community in 360 AD. Temple One still stands as testimony to the ingenuity of these ancient people. The jungle that surrounds Chacchoben is home to spectacular flora and inhabited by deer, peccary, armadillo, gray fox, spider and howler monkeys. The depths of the jungle will find jaguars, ocelot, puma and tapir.

There is a typical amusement park, called the Lost Mayan Kingdom Adventure Park that would be a favorite with the kiddos. Waterslides, ziplines, zip coaster and a lazy river would keep them busy the whole day.

Dolphin Discovery is a chance to swim with the dolphins. This is located in the cruise port area. You can purchase a ticket to experience this yourself, or watch from a distance for free.

The Bacalar Fort and Seven Colors Lagoon provides boat rides. One of these rides will take you to the Spanish Fort of Fuerte San Felipe Bacalar.

Beaches

There are several beach clubs along the malecon (a Spanish word for stone-built embankment) if you choose to spend the day lounging on the sand next to the waters of the Caribbean. The major cruise lines tend to recommend the Beach Escape Club, La Bamba Beach Club, Uchben Kah Eco Park and the Uvero Beach Club. Snorkeling, scuba diving, catamaran sailing, fishing and jet skiing are also activities that you can choose to participate in.