Costa Maya is one of the most unique cruise port in Mexico. It served as a gateway to the Mayan culture and the old Mexico. The port also has the largest number of Mayan archeological sites. In 2001, the current port was built to attract people who love to travel on cruise ships. The 70,000 square foot shopping center offers tourists virtually anything they would like to buy on their trip. Here are some of the things you will enjoy when you visit Costa Maya.
Explore the Beaches
If you sail for just 45 minutes from the main pier, you will get to Uvero Beach. This beautiful white sand beach stretches for about 1,300 feet. Cruise liners provide day packages to take you to the beach and bring you back to the main port. On this beach, you can engage in snorkeling from the beach. You will see a big palapa (a traditional form shelter, roofed with palm leaves) with two bars; and there are additional shops that offer open-air massages, temporary tattoos and hair-braiding. Other popular beaches you should try to explore include the Mahahual Beach and Maya Chan Beach.
Dive and Snorkel
Costa Maya is part of the well known Meso-American Barrier Reef – the second largest coral reef in the world. This coral reef has over 60 coral species, more than 500 types of tropical fish, as well as dolphins, sharks, turtles and giant crabs. The clean clear water allows you to see as far as 100 feet below the water surface. This makes it a great site for diving and snorkeling.
Go On Fishing Tours
You will enjoy going on fishing adventures in Costa Maya. This port has an age-long fishing culture. You can go on a fishing excursion with local captains who can be chartered for a day of fishing with all required equipment and licenses. Then you will be able to catch marlin, snapper, tuna, and other freshwater species. Some charters will even offer to help you cook your catch for a small fee.
Visit the Ancient Mayan Ruins
You should not visit Costa Maya without taking time to see the Mayan ruins at Kohunlick, Chacchoben and Dzibanche. There are some guided tours that will take you through the pyramids and ruins at Chacchoben which is about 4-hours from the cruise port. Traditionally, Chacchoben means a place of red corn. In fact, when you look the walls of the pyramids you will see some that have very old red paint. You should be able to climb up some of the ruins to have a panoramic view of the area.
Eat Delicious Seafood
You can eat freshly caught fish and lobster burritos at the Mexican eatery situated in at the cruise port. Just outside the main gate, there is a big restaurant and bar where you can enjoy a lovely atmosphere while you eat delicious food. In the main pool within the complex, there’s a swim-up bar surrounded by fountains while another eatery is located further inland from the port, surrounded by hammocks and palm trees.
Conclusion
Those are some of the most exciting activities you can do at Puerto Costa Maya in Mexico. When you are preparing to travel to Costa Maya, ensure that you do additional research about excursions and cruise lines so you can get the best value for your money.
