All ships dock at the Puerto Costa Maya terminal — no tendering — and a free tram shuttles passengers along the lengthy pier to the complex.
💡 Pro move: Royal Caribbean Group acquired the port in September 2024 and is building 'Perfect Day Mexico,' a major resort development due to open around September 2027. The port remains fully operational for all cruise lines during construction, though RCG contracts may mean some days are Royal Caribbean-exclusive.
One purpose-built pier accommodates up to four cruise ships simultaneously — all dock, no tendering.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian, MSC, Carnival, Princess, Virgin Voyages, TUI, Oceania, Regent | Puerto Costa Maya Terminal, Mahahual📍 | Docked |
| Smaller/expedition vessels | Puerto Costa Maya Terminal or occasional anchorage📍 | Docked |
Costa Maya punches far above its size: Mayan temples, a seven-color lagoon, the second-largest barrier reef in the world, and a water park are all within reach.
The closest major Mayan archaeological site to the port, Chacchoben features well-preserved temple pyramids rising from dense jungle, dating to around 200 AD. Far less visited than Tulum or Chichén Itzá — on a quiet morning you can have the pyramids nearly to yourself. Shared vans run from outside the pier gate for around $25-35 per person round-trip.
Find Chacchoben tours →About 75 minutes from the pier, Bacalar is one of Mexico's most extraordinary natural sites: a 42 km freshwater lagoon that shifts through seven luminous shades of blue and turquoise. Take a catamaran or boat tour, swim from a dock, or explore the 18th-century Fort San Felipe overlooking the water. A full-day commitment, but unforgettable.
Find Bacalar day tours →The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef — second-largest in the world — runs right along the Costa Maya coastline. Boat tours launch from the pier area and deliver you to healthy coral gardens alive with sea turtles, rays, and tropical fish. Half-day combos that pair kayaking through mangrove channels with open-water snorkeling are a favorite format.
Find reef snorkel tours →Banco Chinchorro, 30 km offshore, is the largest coral atoll in the Northern Hemisphere and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Advanced boat tours bring divers and snorkelers to pristine reef walls, historic shipwrecks, and the famous saltwater crocodile colony on Middle Cay. Weather-dependent and requires advance booking.
Find Chinchorro atoll tours →For those who want to go deeper into Mayan history, Kohunlich and nearby Dzibanche are larger, more remote sites about 2 hours from the pier. Kohunlich is famous for its Temple of the Large Masks — massive stucco faces of the sun god. Far fewer tourists than Chacchoben, making it a rewarding full-day excursion for archaeology enthusiasts.
Find Kohunlich tours →Right inside the Puerto Costa Maya terminal complex, Lost Mayan Kingdom is a full water park with slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool — themed around Mayan aesthetics. Day passes are available dockside and it's a zero-logistics option for families or anyone who wants to stay close to the ship.
Find water park passes →The flat malecón from Mahahual village to the surrounding beach strip is the walk worth taking — easy, scenic, and genuinely local.
Take a taxi ($8/cab) from the pier gate to Mahahual village, then walk the malecón south toward the pier. The beachfront promenade passes family restaurants, dive shops, beach clubs (Malecon21, La Chilangaloense), and souvenir stands. At the south end the path fades into the access road back toward the port. Walk the malecón, grab a taco and a cold beer, then taxi back with time to spare.
Stay inside the Puerto Costa Maya complex and explore on foot: the pool area, beach club strip, Aviarius aviary, and the Lost Mayan Kingdom entrance. Walk the short beach section south of the terminal where the water is calm and swimmable. Good option if you have limited time or mobility concerns.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for Costa Maya (Mahahual), Quintana Roo, Mexico (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 80°F / 27°C | 72°F / 22°C | 16 | 7:26 AM | 6:34 PM |
| Feb | 81°F / 27°C | 74°F / 23°C | 11 | 7:18 AM | 6:51 PM |
| Mar | 83°F / 28°C | 76°F / 24°C | 13 | 6:58 AM | 7:00 PM |
| Apr | 85°F / 29°C | 78°F / 26°C | 10 | 6:33 AM | 7:07 PM |
| May | 86°F / 30°C | 79°F / 26°C | 18 | 6:16 AM | 7:17 PM |
| Jun | 85°F / 29°C | 79°F / 26°C | 22 | 6:14 AM | 7:28 PM |
| Jul | 87°F / 31°C | 80°F / 27°C | 19 | 6:22 AM | 7:30 PM |
| Aug | 87°F / 31°C | 80°F / 27°C | 23 | 6:32 AM | 7:17 PM |
| Sep | 87°F / 31°C | 79°F / 26°C | 24 | 6:38 AM | 6:52 PM |
| Oct | 85°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 22 | 6:45 AM | 6:27 PM |
| Nov | 82°F / 28°C | 75°F / 24°C | 19 | 6:58 AM | 6:12 PM |
| Dec | 81°F / 27°C | 74°F / 23°C | 16 | 7:15 AM | 6:16 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
Taxis wait at the cruise terminal exit for the 5–10 min ride to Mahahual town. Confirm the fare before you go; expect ~$5/person or $8 for a group of four.
An open-air tram runs one-way from the port to Mahahual village for about $4/person. Return trips require a taxi due to local transport rules.
Golf carts are a popular way to explore Mahahual at your own pace. Rentals are available near the port and in town.
Mahahual is relatively flat and bike-friendly. Rental shops in town offer an easy, scenic way to explore the malecón and beaches.
Mahahual town is about a 30–45 min walk from the port, but the route offers little shade and can be hot mid-day. A tram or taxi is more comfortable for most passengers.
Upcoming cruises that call at Costa Maya (Mahahual), Quintana Roo, Mexico. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.