Photo: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsBack to cruises
Overview
Costa Maya is the southern stretch of Mexico's Caribbean coast in Quintana Roo, far from the big resort towns. Cruise ships dock at Puerto Costa Maya, a purpose-built port next to the small beach town of Mahahual. It's the closest port to the Mayan ruins of Chacchoben and the gateway to Bacalar, the famous Lagoon of Seven Colors.
There is one cruise pier, so every ship docks in the same place. Pick your line below to see what to expect.
Country
Mexico (Quintana Roo)
Cruise port
Puerto Costa Maya: one pier with berths for up to four ships
Distance to town
Mahahual is about 3 km (2 miles) away: 5–10 minutes by taxi or shuttle
Getting around the pier
A free trolley runs along the pier, or walk 10–15 minutes to the port village
Currency
Mexican peso (MXN); US dollars are widely accepted at the port
Language
Spanish; English is spoken at the port and in Mahahual's shops and restaurants
Local time
Eastern Standard Time all year (no daylight saving)
Where your ship docks
Costa Maya has one cruise pier, Puerto Costa Maya, run by Royal Caribbean Group since 2025. Ships from other cruise lines still use it. Your cruise line confirms the port in your itinerary.
Pick your cruise line:
Puerto Costa MayaYour pier
A T-shaped pier just north of Mahahual with berths for up to four ships. If every berth is taken, a ship may have to tender guests ashore.
Used by:Carnival, Royal Caribbean, MSC, Norwegian
At or near the pier
A port village with pools, a swim-up bar, shops and restaurants at the end of the pier
A free trolley along the pier
Taxis and shuttles to Mahahual (about US$5 per person each way)
Tour meeting points inside the port
Getting to town
Mahahual's beach and malecón are about 3 km away: 5–10 minutes by taxi or shuttle
Excursions
Tours meet at the port, a short walk from your ship.
Photos
The plaza at Puerto Costa MayaPhoto: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The plaza at Puerto Costa MayaPhoto: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Walking into the port village from the pierPhoto: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The pool at the port villagePhoto: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The swim-up bar at the portPhoto: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Shops in the port villagePhoto: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Voladores (Papantla flyers) performing at the portPhoto: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The beachfront walkway (malecón) in MahahualPhoto: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Beach restaurants and loungers in MahahualPhoto: Luyten, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Boats on the beach in MahahualPhoto: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Mahahual's lighthouse across the waterPhoto: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Top things to do
Chacchoben Mayan ruinsStone pyramids and temples in the jungle, the closest Mayan site to the port. This is Costa Maya's most popular tour.
Bacalar, the Lagoon of Seven ColorsA long freshwater lagoon known for its bands of blue, with the Pirates Channel, cenotes and calm water for swimming and kayaking.
Mahahual malecónA beachfront walkway lined with restaurants, bars, shops and beach clubs, a short taxi ride from the pier.
The port villagePools, a swim-up bar, shops and restaurants right where you get off the ship.
Voladores showPerformers "fly" around a tall pole in this traditional ceremony at the port.
Quiet beaches down the coastTours visit secluded beaches south of Mahahual, such as Xahuayxol.
Best beaches
Mahahual beachThe town beach along the malecón, with beach clubs, loungers and turquoise water, 5–10 minutes from the pier.
XahuayxolA quiet, undeveloped beach about 30 km south of the port, visited on beach-day tours.
The port poolsIf you'd rather stay close, the port village has pools and a swim-up bar steps from the ship.
What cruisers love
An easy pierEvery ship docks at the same pier, and a free trolley saves you the walk.
Ruins without a long driveChacchoben is the easiest Mayan site to see on a port day.
A laid-back beach townMahahual is small and relaxed, with no big resorts on the waterfront.
Bacalar's colorsThe lagoon's shades of blue are a favorite for photos.
Food to try
CevicheFresh fish or shrimp "cooked" in lime juice, served at beach restaurants along the malecón.
Fish tacosA beach-day favorite, with fresh salsa and lime.
Cochinita pibilSlow-cooked achiote pork from the Yucatán Peninsula, often served in tacos or tortas.
Fresh coconut and aguas frescasCold coconut water and fruit drinks to beat the heat.
Popular Shore Excursions
Costa Maya tours meet at the port, a short walk from your ship. Jerrid books tours timed to your ship's hours.
Your pickup:
Explore Chacchoben's pyramids with a guide, with an optional beach-club stop in Mahahual.
Prices as of Oct 19, 2026, per person, subject to change.Excursion prices shown are the lowest public "from" prices we found for similar tours; final price depends on date and availability.
Want a tour added to your booking? Tap "Add this to my cruise" and Jerrid will check availability and confirm the pickup point for your pier.
A pyramid at ChacchobenPhoto: Ganeshk, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsGiant trees around the ruins at ChacchobenPhoto: Paul Harrison, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsTemple steps at ChacchobenPhoto: Ganeshk, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Chacchoben Mayan ruins small-group tour
from $55 per personDuration:4.5 hours
A small-group tour from the port. Your guide meets you near the port and drives you to Chacchoben, where you spend about an hour and a half exploring the pyramids, temples and jungle paths. On the way back you can stop at a beach club in Mahahual before returning to the ship.
What's included
Round-trip transport
Guide at Chacchoben
About 1.5 hours at the ruins
Optional beach-club stop in Mahahual
What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes
Insect repellent and sunscreen
Swimwear if you'll stop at the beach
Small US bills for tips
Meeting point
Your guide meets you near the port after you walk off your ship.
The main pyramid at ChacchobenPhoto: Edymax23xx, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsA plaza at the Chacchoben ruinsPhoto: Pabernosmatao, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsA temple in the jungle at ChacchobenPhoto: Ganeshk, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Chacchoben ruins day trip
from $64 per personDuration:3.5 hours
Ride in an air-conditioned van from the port to the Mayan city of Chacchoben, where pyramids and temples stayed hidden in the jungle until the late 20th century. A local guide explains the site and its history, and you may spot jungle wildlife along the way. Groups are small.
What's included
Round-trip port transport by air-conditioned van
Entrance fees
Local English- and Spanish-speaking guide
Bottled water and soda
What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes
Insect repellent and sunscreen
Small US bills for tips (not included)
Meeting point
Costa Maya tours meet at the port, a short walk from your ship. Jerrid books tours timed to your ship's hours.
A temple at ChacchobenPhoto: Paul Harrison, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsThe colors of Bacalar LagoonPhoto: Roberto Bolaños, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia CommonsRuins in the forest at ChacchobenPhoto: Ganeshk, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Chacchoben ruins and Bacalar Lagoon with a certified guide
from $119 per personDuration:5.5 hours
Start with a certified guide at the ancient Mayan city of Chacchoben, then continue to Bacalar Lagoon for swimming, kayaking and time in the sun, with a Mexican lunch by the water.
What's included
Round-trip air-conditioned transport
Certified guide at Chacchoben
Entrance to the ruins
Kayaks at Bacalar
Lunch and drinks
What to bring
Swimwear and a towel
Biodegradable sunscreen
Cash for the camera fee at the ruins
Small US bills for tips
Meeting point
Costa Maya tours meet at the port, a short walk from your ship. Jerrid books tours timed to your ship's hours.
Bacalar Lagoon's shades of bluePhoto: Roberto Bolaños, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia CommonsThe Pirates Channel at BacalarPhoto: Bernard DUPONT, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia CommonsA pier over clear water at BacalarPhoto: Bernard DUPONT, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia CommonsThe San Felipe fort by the lagoon in BacalarPhoto: Gildardo Sánchez, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Bacalar Lagoon of Seven Colors excursion
from $135 per personDuration:5.5 hours
A small-group trip from the port to Bacalar Lagoon. Visit spots on the lagoon such as Cenote Esmeralda, Los Cocalitos, the Black Cenote and the Pirates Channel, with time to swim. Lunch, snacks and drinks are included.
What's included
Round-trip transport from the port
Lunch and snacks
Bottled water, soda and alcoholic drinks
Insurance
What to bring
Swimwear and a towel
Biodegradable sunscreen
Small US bills for tips (not included)
Meeting point
Your guide meets you at the port terminal holding a sign.
Kayaking on Bacalar LagoonPaddling on Bacalar LagoonA sailboat on Bacalar LagoonPhoto: Gildardo Sánchez, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Bacalar Lagoon kayak adventure
from $99 per personDuration:5 hours
A small-group lagoon trip with a guide. After the drive from the port, paddle a kayak on Bacalar Lagoon, swim in the clear water and enjoy a fajita lunch with drinks before heading back.
What's included
Round-trip cruise-port transfers
Guide
Kayaks
Fajita lunch and drinks
What to bring
Swimwear and a towel
Biodegradable sunscreen
Hat and sunglasses
Small US bills for tips
Meeting point
Costa Maya tours meet at the port, a short walk from your ship. Jerrid books tours timed to your ship's hours.
Trade the busy port for a secluded beach at Xahuayxol, about 30 km south of the port. Spend the day swimming and relaxing, with food and drinks included, then ride back to the ship.
Hammocks on the beach in MahahualPhoto: Misael Lavadores, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia CommonsClear water off MahahualPhoto: holachetumal, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia CommonsThe beach in MahahualPhoto: Antonio Meneses L, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
All-inclusive beach break in Mahahual
from $85 per personDuration:5 hours
A short transfer takes you from the port to a beach club on the malecón in the heart of Mahahual. Relax on a lounger with lunch and an open bar, swim in the Caribbean, then ride back to the ship.
What's included
Round-trip transfer from the port
Beach club access with loungers
Lunch
Open bar
What to bring
Swimwear and a towel
Reef-safe sunscreen
Small US bills for tips
Meeting point
Costa Maya tours meet at the port, a short walk from your ship. Jerrid books tours timed to your ship's hours.
Stone stairs at ChacchobenPhoto: Paul Harrison, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsA giant tree at ChacchobenPhoto: ImagePerson, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsMorning light on a Chacchoben templePhoto: Ganeshk, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Chacchoben ruins and Mexican lunch at the beach
from $85 per personDuration:5 hours
Visit the Mayan ruins of Chacchoben with a guide, then head to the beach for a Mexican lunch and time to swim before returning to the port.
What's included
Round-trip transport
Guided visit to Chacchoben
Mexican lunch at the beach
Beach time
What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes
Insect repellent and sunscreen
Swimwear and a towel
Small US bills for tips
Meeting point
Costa Maya tours meet at the port, a short walk from your ship. Jerrid books tours timed to your ship's hours.
