5 Things to Do at the Costa Maya Cruise Port

When many cruisers take a look at their itineraries, they often pass over Costa Maya as just another stop they are unfamiliar with.

However, Costa Maya is quickly climbing the list of best cruise stops in the Caribbean. Once you visit, you will easily see why. At the cruise port and the surrounding countryside, there are many different activities for every interest.

Impressive Mayan ruins dot the area, while lagoons and beaches cling to a shore which is lined with small restaurants and bars.

For those who don’t want to go more than a few steps from the port, there is a swimming pool, bar, and amenities right off the pier as well.

5 Things to Do While Docked in Costa Maya

Consider these top recommendations if your next cruise includes a stop in the Western Caribbean cruise port of Costa Maya, Mexico.

1. Explore the Cruise Port Area

Discover the enchanting Costa Maya, where a sandy beach with swaying palm trees and wooden walkways awaits. In the background, a grand cruiser is docked beneath a clear blue sky. Meanwhile, in the foreground, exotic birds gather around a circular enclosure—one of many things to do here.

Costa Maya’s cruise port offers a range of amenities right off the pier, including shops, bars, restaurants, and a central swimming pool.

Unlike busier port destinations, this relaxed area lets you ease into the local culture. A convenient shuttle service runs from the pier, making it easy for guests to reach the main port without the long walk.

A thatched-roof building in Costa Maya stands beside a turquoise swimming pool. Several chairs and tables are set under the structure, perfect for cruisers lounging nearby. The pool curves around the building, with palm trees swaying under a clear blue sky.

Recent updates have expanded the port area, introducing more dining options and spaces for excursions, such as local tours and transportation to nearby Mahahual.

Popular thing to do at the Costa Maya cruise port are hang out around the saltwater pool, book a dolphin encounter, go to the fish spa (where fish eat the dead skin off your feet), or dine at one of the local venues.

2. Visit the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins

For history enthusiasts or those looking to do more than a beach day, Costa Maya is home to some remarkable ancient Mayan ruins, including the Chacchoben and Dzibanche sites.

Founded over 1,300 years ago, these ruins are a fantastic option to witness ancient history firsthand. Chacchoben, the closer of the two, is about an hour from the pier and offers a stunning look at Mayan architecture, with temples, pyramids, and ball courts.

Most cruise lines offer excursions to the ruins, and you can also book a private tour. To fully enjoy the experience, remember to bring sunscreen, cash, and comfortable shoes.

3. Relax at an All-Inclusive Beach Club

A person casually holds a beverage in a white cup, partially visible inside a beachside hut, reminiscent of Costa Maya. The view unfolds with a sandy path leading to palm trees, hammocks, and the ocean. Wooden chairs and tables add to the rustic cruiser vibe in the foreground.

Costa Maya’s white-sand beaches are just minutes away, and Mahahual offers several all-inclusive resorts that have become popular with cruisers.

Maya Chan Beach, a standout, offers an all-you-can-eat-and-drink package with transportation from the port.

With snorkeling gear, beach loungers, umbrellas, and free WiFi included, this option is perfect for a worry-free beach day. It’s best to book in advance, as these clubs often reach capacity.

Read More: Maya Chan Beach Club Review

4. Snorkel the Meso-American Barrier Reef

Costa Maya’s proximity to the Meso-American Barrier Reef, the world’s second-largest, makes it a top spot for snorkeling and diving.

You’ll see vibrant marine life, including tropical fish, stingrays, and sea turtles. For certified divers, tours provide access to deeper reef sections where you may spot more significant marine life, like sharks and dolphins.

Bring your diving certification to explore the reef’s more profound areas.

5. Spend the Day in Mahahual

Aerial view of Costa Maya's beach with white sand and clear blue water, bordered by palm trees and a few structures. Cruisers are swimming and relaxing on the shore. A boat is anchored near the beach, and a lighthouse stands in the distance. — ( Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Mahahual, a laid-back beach town just a ten-minute trolley ride from the port, offers a slice of local life with its beachfront promenade lined with cafes, shops, and bars.

A favorite among cruisers, 40 Canones provides great views of the Caribbean Sea, beachside loungers, and a variety of local bites. Though seasonal seaweed can be an issue, the town works hard to clear the beaches.

Tips for Visiting Costa Maya

Bring Sunscreen and Bug Spray: The sun and occasional mosquitoes make these essentials.
Have Cash on Hand: ATMs are limited, and cash is often preferred at smaller vendors.
Try the Local Seafood: Freshly caught seafood is a local specialty and adds to the authentic experience.
Book Excursions Early: Popular activities can fill up quickly, especially at all-inclusive resorts.
Look over Itinerary Carefully: Cozumel, Mexico will likely be on your itinerary and may offer more accessible options.

Final Thoughts

In Costa Maya, a charming wooden weather sign by the beach uses coconut conditions to depict the weather: moving, steady, wet, dry, invisible, half, and absent signal windy, calm, rainy, sunny, foggy conditions—or if you're aboard Celebrity Edge during hurricane Class 1—it's time to "run.

Costa Maya’s relaxed vibe and unique mix of cultural, historical, and beachside activities make it a standout destination.

Doug Parker

Doug Parker is a cruise journalist known for his no-nonsense reporting and in-depth coverage of cruise news, ship launches, and industry trends. With over a decade of experience, he’s earned a reputation as a trusted source for both travelers and industry insiders.