Cruises from Costa Maya

Costa Maya is the western Caribbean’s first port designed exclusively for cruise ship passengers. It is also the closest port that allows access to many of the less well-known Mayan sites in the Yucatan, including both Chacchoben and Kohunlich.

Costa Maya has a resort and a cruise ship pier, both of which sustained significant damage due to Hurricane Dean. However, repair efforts are underway, and the port is expected to reopen later this year, with the Disney Magic scheduled to be the first ship to return, at the end of September.

The whole Costa Maya region is centred on a small tourist town in Quintana Roo, Mexico. It has two small villages, Majahual and Xcalak. Costa Maya is located between the more popular tourist areas of Cancun and Belize, is largely undeveloped, but it is growing rapidly. The only recent setback was due to the particular violence of Hurricane Dean.

As soon as cruise ship passengers disembark they find themselves in the centre of a resort complex, including a new and modern shopping mall. The complex also includes a central plaza with saltwater pools, complete with “swim up” type bars. This particular resort area is generally only available to cruise ship passengers.

There is plenty to see and do in Costa Maya, with visits to the Chacchoben and Kohunlich ruins being among the most popular. There are also a variety of excursions for cruise ship guests, including speed boat rentals, dune buggy tours, bike and kayak tours, an airboat adventure and a jungle beach break, complete with guided snorkelling. Snorkelling from a catamaran is also available, along with a 4 x 4 all-terrain vehicle adventure.

Croc World is an interactive museum that the kids in particular will love. Not only can they learn about the three indigenous species of crocodiles in Mexico, but they can also head over to three observation towers, connected to the museum, to view the animals in their natural habitat.

There’s also swimming with the dolphins, another favourite with the kids and a fly fishing excursion. Scuba diving is also available, including a site where divers can explore the Meso-American barrier reef system that encircles the port.

Guests, who prefer to just relax, can remain in the resort centre complex at the cruise pier, where there is plenty for them to see and do. If they are tired from shopping in the stores, they can relax on the beach or enjoy the saltwater pools at the complex. An on-site restaurant and bar, along with “swim up” bar facilities, are readily available, so a laid back day in the sun is definitely great way to while away the time.

Bus tours take guests to the ruins, where experienced guides will share the history and culture of the Mayan people. Visitors can view, first-hand, the structures that have been excavated and learn what their various purposes were. For those hearty souls looking for a climb, roughly hewn stone steps provide a way to get to the top to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the entire Mayan community.

A visit to Costa Maya is sure to be a hit with the whole family and there is more than enough here to keep even the most discerning traveller occupied and happy.