🕒 Updated: February 17, 2025 | Published: February 14, 2025 | Written by: Joenid
Cruise Port Costa Maya Mexico has become a must-visit destination with Virgin Voyages 🚢 cruises. If you’re debating whether to book a Virgin Voyages cruise to this destination, you’re in the right place!
In this post, we’ll explore the unique experience at the cruise port in Costa Maya, Mexico, helping you determine if it’s a must-visit on your voyage.
*This post might include affiliate links, meaning I could earn a commission if you buy through my link, without any additional cost to you. But don’t worry because I only recommend products or services I genuinely believe in and think will add real value to you.
Where is the Cruise Port in Costa Maya Mexico?
The cruise port Costa Maya is located on the Southeastern coastline of Mexico and opened in 2021. This unique port was designed exclusively to welcome cruise sailors visiting the beautiful Costa Maya coast.
The cruise port can accommodate up to four ships at the same time. I visited the cruise port in Costa Maya, Mexico 🇲🇽, when I sailed with Virgin Voyages. However other cruise lines dock at this cruise port, some other cruise lines include:
- MSC
- Norwegian
- Carnival
- Princess
In October 2024, Royal Caribbean announced a major investment in the cruise port Costa Maya Mexico, and the adjacent land (plans for completion by 2027). Guests sailing with the Royal Caribbean cruise line will have access to their new port day experience called “Perfect Day Mexico”. The other cruise lines will only be able to enjoy the port facilities.
Arrival at Costa Maya Cruise Port
The cruise port design in Costa Maya allows ships to dock directly at the pier. After disembarking, you’ll need to walk the pier towards the cruise port in Costa Maya, Mexico (which I consider a long walk).
The cruise port in Costa Maya, Mexico provides free trolley transportation. However, during my visit, the trolley was out of service. If you’re planning to visit during the summer, be sure you bring a hat 🧢 and water because it gets hot very quickly.
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Costa Maya Cruise Port Tours
When you arrive at the Costa Maya cruise port in Mexico entrance:
- The pre-booked excursions on your right side ➡️
- The last-minute excursions on your left side ⬅️
I visited this port while sailing with Virgin Voyages, and they offer several excursion options. You can check them on the Virgin Voyages website for the shore things excursions in Costa Maya.
Note: The pre-booked excursion area is only for tours booked through the cruise line. If you opt for a third-party tour, you’ll have to walk to the exit area of the cruise port to meet the tour crew.
You can skip ⏭️ the cruise port booking tours and continue walking toward the Costa Maya cruise port. You’ll need to pass through a duty-free store to access the port area.
Things to do in Cruise Port Costa Maya Mexico
The cruise port developer did an excellent job (in my opinion) creating this beautiful blend of entertainment and relaxation. If you want to have a fun port day, you’ll find several things to do:
- Two family swimming 🏊♀️ pools, which are free to use, but they encourage you to buy drinks to enjoy them. Lounge chairs are available around the pool, but they ask you to purchase a drink or food for access. (drinks dos veces corridas)
- Massage 💆♀️ services are available within the port area (not free).
- Live music 🎶 and shows. A show called “Dance of the Flyers” showcases a cultural ritual that involves several men descending from a tall pole while attached by ropes.
- Shopping where you can find handmade souvenirs, local coffee, jewelry, and even a pharmacy 💊 for any essentials.
- Several bars and restaurants surround the pools, where you can enjoy Mexican food, coffee, and tequila.
Does the Cruise Port in Costa Maya, Mexico, have a beach?
The cruise port in Costa Maya, Mexico, made an impressive design tailored to entertain and accommodate sailors. However, the port itself does not offer direct beach access.
Last Summer, in 2024, I visited the nearest beach located in Mahahual town, and I will be covering my experience below. Additionally, there’s the famous Bacalar Lagoon (known as the Lagoon of Seven Colors), just an hour away by car. This post by the Eat, See, RV travel blog highlights the Bacalar Lagoon 7 Colors (La Laguna de Siete Colores)
Exploring Outside the Cruise Port
The outside of the port is more of an authentic experience. The surrounding area of Mahahual town has a humble and welcoming vibe compared to the more touristy environment within the Costa Maya port.
Are you wondering if Costa Maya is safe for cruise passengers?
I visited the Downtown Costa Maya (Mahahual Town), and I felt quite safe. People outside the port are eager to sell their products, and they generally don’t insist if you’re not interested.
I typically buy something to support them, knowing they have fewer opportunities. But I appreciate that they are not as pushy as other cruise port vendors.
I haven’t faced scams on this port, but unfortunately, I have read about scams on Costa Maya. Scams can happen to ANY TOURIST ANYWHERE in the world, so my recommendation is when you visit Mahahual or any other place:
- Know your taxi 🚖 fare beforehand because you don’t want to get a surprise when you get back to the port.
- Avoid 🚫 bars or restaurants that don’t display prices 💲 on the menu.
- If you find a menu with prices, take a picture before ordering. I’ve heard that sometimes they charge more to customers and when they try to claim it, the waitress brings out a similar menu but with different prices. Having that picture 📸of the original menu can save you from being scammed.
Mahahual beach costa maya Mexico
Mahahual Beach, near the Costa Maya cruise port in Mexico, is a small beach town just 10 minutes away by car or a 30-minute walk. You can take a taxi or bus shuttle from the cruise port exit area to get there.
Note: I recommend you bring cash 💵 to pay for this transportation. The taxi fee was $4 per person in the Summer of 2024 (prices might change).
Is Mahahual worth visiting?
If you want a more authentic experience, I do recommend visiting Mahahual. Mahahual Beach used to be a fishing village and has quickly become a popular stop for sailors visiting the cruise port of Costa Maya, Mexico. This town is just a block long by the ocean, with one street where you can find:
- Small restaurants and bars with authentic food
- Shops with local handmade souvenirs, jewelry, hats,
- Massage by the ocean
- Beach access where you can rent lounge chairs with shades
I visited Mahahual in June and it was very cloudy with a few rain showers. The best time to visit is during the dry season from November to April.
Although sargassum affects many beaches, Mahahual takes some measures to keep the coast clean. They use fishing nets to keep the sargassum from getting onto the beach, and they mentioned that they clean the contained beach area daily. You can see the sargassum collected outside the water. This fishing net also works as a wave breaker to create a perfect calm water area for visitors.
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Bottom Line
The Cruise Port Costa Maya Mexico, is adorable and offers several things to do for a relaxing port day. However, as with many other cruise ports, the vibe inside the port is not an authentic cultural experience.
For a genuine Mexican experience, consider visiting Mahahual, especially on a day when multiple ships dock in this port. Mahahual is very close and easy to do on your own.
If you opt for Bacalar Lagoon of 7 Colors, I suggest you book via the ship tour instead of a third-party company. The lagoon is a little bit far, and it ensures a timely return.
Lastly, remember to follow cruise time instead of local time during your port day to ensure you return to the ship on time.
