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The cruise port features pristine beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. The area also has colorful lagoons and diverse flora and fauna, making you feel like you’re in a tropical Mexican paradise. The terminal has two exits into a large parking area - this is where shore excursions tour buses do park. We met our cruise sponsored shore excursion at the meeting spot and had a good 50 minute drive to the archeological site.
Largest cruise ship in the world docks at Mahahual - Riviera Maya News
Largest cruise ship in the world docks at Mahahual.
Posted: Wed, 07 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Hurricane Matthew Shuts Down Port Canaveral
That said, despite its location, it’s likely that when you visit you won’t be alone. While there are quieter times, don’t be surprised if the port is busy during your call. Cruise port pass tickets can be obtained through the cruise line or at the tour desk on the pier.
How to Get to Mahahual Beach from Costa Maya Cruise Port
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). Since the change to EST, Costa Maya is not scheduled to participate in daylight saving time. For upscale options, like fresh seafood and Maya-inspired dishes, opt for Costa Maya’s resorts and boutique hotels. Definitely try cochinita pibil, a traditional dish of slow-roasted pork, and Agua de Jamaica— a sweetened hibiscus flower iced tea that’s a Mexican favorite.
Excursion transportation
The best ATV shore excursions include fajitas or tacos, Mexican beers or non-alcoholic cold drinks, and time at the Costa Maya beach. The best thing is that the start-off point and return destination are only a five-minute taxi ride from the cruise port. The Lost Mayan Kingdom Water Park is one of the top shore excursions within walking distance of the Costa Maya Cruise Port.
The port pass also includes 3 complimentary drinks at one of the bars located close to the port pools. Mahahual Beach is the closest beach to the cruise port area in Costa Maya. From the north end of the village, you can walk just over a mile from the lighthouse (Faro de Mahahual) along the beautiful beach or the Malecon (promenade). You can find various beach facilities, cafes, and beachfront bars along the walk. Electric bikes are another popular mode of transportation in Costa Maya. They provide a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the area without walking long distances or having the hassle of renting a golf cart.
Best Things to Do in Costa Maya Cruise Port
Snorkeling adventures along this barrier reef allow you to get up close with a wide variety of tropical marine life, such as snappers, jacks, angelfish, and queen triggerfish. Diving or snorkeling at Banco Chinchorro is not just an activity; it’s an experience that stays with you, offering a blend of adventure, history, and natural beauty. Many tourists rate diving or snorkeling at Banco Chinchorro as one of the best experiences on the cruise. The Costa Maya cruise port includes Dolphin Discovery—a marine park where you can get up close to dolphins without leaving the port.
Can you use US dollars in Costa Maya, Mexico?
The port of Costa Maya opened in 2001 and continues to expand, providing significant employment for local people. Gentle haggling here is a way of life, so it’s always worth trying to negotiate for pricier souvenirs. Most people speak English, but you’ll get further and make more friends if you can speak a little Spanish. Puerto Costa Maya is a purpose-built cruise port, sandwiched between bottle-green rainforest and the blue Caribbean Sea. The coastal area here has been inhabited since around 6500 B.C., with the first Maya cultures appearing around 200 B.C.
Many cruise visitors walk along the Malecon to the lighthouse at the village’s north end. The Caribbean waters off Mahahual are among the best in the Mexican Caribbean for snorkeling and scuba diving. Banco Chinchorro is a UNESCO site and the largest coral atoll in Mexico, consisting of three islands. You can marvel at coral reefs, colorful fish, sea turtles, manatees, and dolphins here. While spending time in the port, check out the spectacular performance of the Papantla Flyers. Known locally as Danza de los Voladores, this traditional and artistic flying performance will amaze you.
Once you purchase your admission, you’ll be given instructions for finding the transportation. You’ll need to make your way out of the port to a small location outside. There, you can meet your guide who will arrange your transportation in small groups.
It’s a great spot for a photo, and it also offers a nice view back toward the ships. Embarking on a cruise to Costa Maya, you'll be welcomed by the lush, jungly landscape of Mexico's southeastern Yucatan peninsula. This destination is the gateway to 60 miles of white sand beaches, dazzling coral reefs, and ancient Mayan ruins. If there are more than 4 cruise ships in port simultaneously, other ships will anchor and transfer their guests ashore via tender boats. The locals are generally friendly; although some sellers can be pushy. However, politely saying no once or twice is usually enough to deter them.
Celebrity Cruises offers as many 48 shore excursions and Royal Caribbean has 43 cruise excursions. Oceania Cruises organizes 19 shore excursions, Holland America offers 19 cruise excursions, and Princess has 19 excursions available. Ships dock on a medium-size cruise purposely built port with T-shaped piers and quays for up to four cruise ships to moor.
There is a viewing platform at Dolphin Discovery where you can watch the dolphins interact with their trainers and people, as well as get a great view of the cruise ships. Taxis, shuttles and golf carts are available to take you to areas outside of the cruise terminal, including the Mahahual Village. You can’t “cut” through behind the stairs anymore to the taxi and transportation area.
If you have an excursion to meet, allow at least 15 minutes to walk to the meeting area. Upon arriving in Costa Maya, we had a beautiful view of the expansive port. Be sure to follow your ship’s instructions for what to bring (and not to bring) off the ship. Typically, you’ll need your ship key card and a photo ID, as well as your wallet with cash/credit cards, and towels from your ship. Like other international ports, you won’t be able to bring any fresh produce with you.
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