Costa Maya, Mexico Port

Mexico’s Costa Maya port is a unique destination that was designed as a dedicated port for cruise liners. It brings tourists to the southernmost stretch of coastline close to Mexico’s border with Belize. It’s a modern development that’s been constructed with the imaginative style of a theme park, boasting brightly coloured Mayan temples that double as shops and a private beach with gated access. It’s a popular stop with travellers, which has made Mexico a favourite cruise line destination.

Sightseeing in Costa Maya

The actual resort of Costa Maya is new and purpose built and provides guests with a variety of shore-based activities to enjoy. With large freeform swimming pools, grassed areas for picnics and some shops and restaurants to visit, it’s a perfect day spent off the ship. For more cultural activities though, travellers need to go deeper into Mexico where there are plenty of exciting locations to visit:

Chacchoben Mayan Ruins

A day trip is the perfect excuse to visit these authentic Mayan ruins, and with an expert guide you’ll uncover the secrets of this lost civilization. These impressive structures can only be seen in a few South American countries, and they make a real impact in the photo album back home.

Jungle tours

The unique vegetation of the South American jungles that cover most of the countries here offers an interesting excursion away from the ship. There are opportunities to trek through them on foot, or to travel by quad bike or jeep and cover greater distances. A guided tour means you’ll get the most out of the experience and notice things you might otherwise have missed.

Snorkelling

The crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea are the ideal location for snorkelling. The excellent visibility makes it easy to see the pretty coral reefs in all their glory and there are some interesting species of fish that shoal here. Most snorkelling excursions can be taken right from the beach but there are trips that head out to deeper waters for something a little different.

Shopping in Costa Maya

Costa Maya boasts its own range of shops dedicated to Mexican culture. They sell a variety of tourist souvenirs and gifts, as well as holiday essentials. The shopping here extends to a bazaar where local artisans offer their handmade items for sale. It’s located in the centre of the Mayan inspired village, and as well as the shops, visitors can enjoy access to the swimming pools and watch street performers from the comfortable seating of a nearby cafe.

Eating out in Costa Maya

The port of Costa Maya is designed to resemble a Mayan village, and it does feature some modern restaurants with everything from steak to seafood on the menu. It also invites travellers to visit a traditional Mayan family and dine with them on local cuisine. Some of the dishes on offer are cooked with traditional methods that may date back thousands of years, like pit-baked chicken, a selection of exotic fruits and vegetables and some authentic tortilla flatbreads made by hand. Of course, with the private beach not far away there’s always a picnic on the sand with the towering white hull of your cruise ship on the horizon.