Cruises to Costa Maya, Mexico

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.

On a Caribbean cruise that stops in Costa Maya, dive into the clear blue waters or snorkel alongside vibrant sea life. Try your hand at sea kayaking, join the thrill of a banana boat ride, or drift serenely along slow-flowing rivers in a tube. Wander through the sleepy village of Mahahual, where you can immerse yourself in the colorful crafts and tantalizing cuisine of Mexico. Don't forget the atmospheric Mayan antiquities waiting to be explored, such as Kohunlich and Chacchoben, nestled deep in the heart of the rainforest.

Mexico has a rich and diverse cuisine that extends way beyond nachos, tacos, salsa, and guacamole, although all of these are available at Costa Maya and are perfectly tasty. You may find the restaurants within the port cater to more international tastes, with local establishments along the coast packing more of a spicy punch.

Local flavors of Quintana Roo include slow-roasted pork served in a taco, chicken tamales with a spicy sauce, and salbutes, which are a small, thicker tortilla topped with shredded turkey or chicken and a spicy mole sauce that contains bitter chocolate. You’ll find tangy ceviche on most menus, as well as juicy seafood skewers. If you’re grazing local food stalls, look out for empanadas, filled with meat, cheese or vegetables, and decadently sweet churros.

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. The Maya demonstrated advanced agricultural and architectural skills, building elaborate cities and transporting jade, obsidian, and fabrics for trade in their dugout canoes.

The Maya were subjugated by Spanish adventurers in the 16th century, which led to the colonial era. But the colonialists themselves were victims of regular raids by English pirates, attacking ships carrying gold back to Spain, a situation that plagued the coast here until the 19th century.

In 1940, the Mayan territories in the Yucatan joined the United States of 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.

The pier at Costa Maya is long, and on a hot day, you might want to take the free trolley service from your ship to the port village. All the attractions of the village itself are accessible on foot. Otherwise, there’s a shuttle bus to Mahahual, the nearest beach, for a small fee. Taxis wait outside the port and golf carts are available to rent. You can rent a car, too, but most visitors choose to book shore excursions.

Cruises to Costa Maya, Mexico, put you right in the middle of a vast array of shopping opportunities. Discover elaborate, hand-painted plates, traditional blown-glass pieces, woven Mexican blankets, and beautiful silver and turquoise jewelry.

A Maya-style hand-woven hammock makes a great souvenir, as do hand-painted Talavera tiles, a Spanish legacy. If you’re looking for an edible souvenir, pick up a pack of vanilla, a costly spice that’s widely available in Mexico. There are dozens of shops within the port itself, but you may find a greater choice if you extend your search to nearby Mahahual.

The currency in Mexico is the peso, although U.S. dollars are widely accepted. If you pay cash in dollars, you may receive change in pesos, so pay attention as their value is completely different. Also, the same dollar sign is used for both pesos and U.S. dollars, so always double-check prices. ATMs are located at the cruise terminal and dispense U.S. dollars.

Mexico has a strong tipping culture, especially in tourist areas. Tip 10% to 20% in restaurants, and round up the fare in a taxi. Tip local guides up to 10% of the cost of the tour. It’s preferable to tip in pesos rather than dollars.

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