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Top 10 things to do in Costa Maya + 2 bonus ideas
Discover the top things to do in Costa Maya, including their destination from the cruise port and duration info, so you can plan your port of call.
This isn’t just another stop — Costa Maya cruise port (Puerto Costa Maya) was built from scratch in 2001, designed to be a one-stop haven for cruise ship passengers. With enough room for three grand-scale ships and thousands of passengers, it’s packed with restaurants, shops, and more. So, what to do in Costa Maya?
The port’s modern vibe makes it the perfect starting point for your adventure. Whether you want a quick shore excursion or a full-day trip, we’ve got you covered with a list of top things to do in Costa Maya, all organized by how close they are to the port.
Let’s work down this list of the top 10 things to do in Costa Maya and two bonus spots for those who want a bit more excitement.
We’ll start with things to do in the Costa Maya cruise port.
1. Explore the Costa Maya port complex
There are plenty of things to do in the Costa Maya cruise port complex. It is more than just a cruise stop—it’s a vibrant place filled with entertainment, shopping, and dining options. From lively restaurants like Señor Frogs to artisan shops packed with local crafts, it’s a perfect introduction to the region. You can even cool off in a massive saltwater swimming pool or catch live Mayan-inspired performances.
Travel tip: For great souvenirs, head to the artisan market and look for handwoven hammocks or locally sourced vanilla. If you’re planning to eat, try authentic dishes like fresh ceviche or “cochinita pibil” tacos — both local favorites.
Price: Free (shopping, dining, and activities vary)
Distance from port: At the port.
Duration: 1–2 hours
2. Check out flamingos at the port
Just steps from your cruise ship, you might spot flamingos near the shops and walkways at the Costa Maya cruise port. Their iconic color comes from the beta-carotene in their algae and brine shrimp diet. Otherwise, they turn pale or gray. That’s why local wildlife professionals feed them this special diet so that the flamingos keep their color.
Travel tip: Flamingoes are often seen in areas with water features. Pack a camera with a good zoom lens for your trip to Mexico to make amazing photos without getting too close.
Price: Free
Distance from port: At the port
Duration: 15–30 minutes
3. Swim with dolphins
The Costa Maya cruise port offers a rare opportunity to interact with dolphins in a conservation facility. Consider visiting Dolphin Discovery Costa Maya. This facility offers various programs designed to provide memorable encounters with these intelligent marine mammals.
Travel tip: Wear a rash guard or quick-dry clothing for your dolphin experience to stay comfortable and avoid the need for sunscreen, which can be harmful to marine life.
Price: $79 for a dolphin encounter to $109 USD for a dolphin swim adventure
Distance from port: At the port
Duration: 1–2 hours (including orientation and interaction)
4. Visit the Mahahual lighthouse
A short trip from Puerto Costa Maya, the Mahahual lighthouse is a must-see for history buffs and photography enthusiasts. This iconic landmark offers breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and the surrounding town. Climbing to the top will give you a fantastic panoramic view of this part of the Quintana Roo, and the Mahahual town. That alone secures its place on your list of Costa Maya things to do.
Travel tip: Visit during sunset for spectacular views and fewer crowds. If you’re exploring on foot, the lighthouse is within walking distance of the main pier.
Price: Free
Distance from port: A 5–10 minute walk or short taxi ride from Costa Maya cruise port
Duration: 30–45 minutes
5. Go snorkeling or diving at Puerto Costa Maya
Puerto Costa Maya serves as the gateway to the stunning Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest reef system in the world. Snorkeling and scuba diving tours depart directly from the cruise ship port, so organizing this activity is easy. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, this is an unforgettable way to explore the region’s marine beauty.
Travel tip: Add reef-safe sunscreen to your cruise packing list to protect the delicate coral ecosystems. You’ll definitely need some SPF, but make sure the marine life doesn’t suffer for it.
Price: $40–$100 USD, depending on the tour and equipment rental
Distance from port: Departures from Puerto Costa Maya
Duration: 2–4 hours (including transportation and dive/snorkel time)
6. Take a Segway tour along the beachfront
Explore the charming coastline of Mahahual on a Segway, offering a fun and eco-friendly way to enjoy the sights. Glide along the boardwalk with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea, stopping at local shops, beachfront restaurants, and even unique cultural landmarks. This guided tour is perfect for those who want to cover more ground without too much effort, making it a favorite shore excursion for cruise passengers.
Travel tip: Book a morning tour to enjoy cooler temperatures and quieter streets. Some tours include a brief cultural stop or access to a beach club, so check your itinerary for extras.
Price: $35–$50 USD, depending on the tour package
Distance from port: A 5–10 minute taxi ride from the cruise terminal
Duration: 1–1.5 hours
7. Experience a traditional temazcal ceremony
This is one of the top things to do in Costa Maya if you are looking for an authentic experience. One of the ancient traditions of the Mayan culture is a temazcal ceremony. It is a spiritual and physical detox experience. This sweat lodge ritual, rooted in Mayan history, involves sitting in a small, dome-shaped structure where hot stones are infused with medicinal herbs to create steam.
The ceremony is led by a guide who uses chants and rituals to achieve healing and relax the participants. It’s a unique and transformative way to connect with the culture of Quintana Roo.
Travel tip: Make sure you have internet access in Mexico to book your session in advance, as temazcal ceremonies often have limited availability. Drink plenty of water before and after the ceremony, and wear lightweight, comfortable clothing. This experience is best followed by a restful activity to absorb its benefits fully.
Price: Varies; contact the provider for specific rates
Distance from port: A 10-minute taxi ride from Puerto Costa Maya
Duration: 1.5–2 hours
8. Learn traditional Mayan cooking
One way of exploring Mayan culture is by joining a traditional cooking class in Mahahual. Local hosts will show you how to make local dishes like “cochinita pibil,” a slow-cooked pork dish marinated in citrus and achiote, or “panuchos,” fried tortillas stuffed with refried beans and topped with fresh ingredients.
In these classes, you can often hear stories about Mayan history and the cultural significance of the recipes, making it a truly authentic experience.
Travel tip: Don’t forget to sample “salbutes,” a local delicacy made from fried tortillas topped with shredded chicken, avocado, and pickled onions.
Price: $40–$70 USD, depending on the class and group size
Distance from port: A 10–15 minute taxi ride from Puerto Costa Maya
Duration: 2–3 hours
9. Go for Mangrove kayaking
Paddle through narrow waterways surrounded by lush vegetation, where you’ll encounter unique wildlife like tropical birds, iguanas, and even baby crocodiles. Mangroves near Costa Maya are vital to the Yucatan Peninsula’s ecosystem, protecting coastlines and serving as nurseries for marine life.
Travel tip: Morning tours are best for spotting wildlife and avoiding the midday heat. Don’t forget water shoes, bug repellent, and a waterproof bag for your belongings.
Price: $50–$80 USD, depending on the tour and equipment rental
Distance from port: Approximately 15–20 minutes by taxi
Duration: 2–3 hours (including transportation and paddling time)
10. Visit the Costa Maya ruins (Chacchoben or Kohunlich)
Take your time to explore the fascinating Mayan history at the Chacchoben or Kohunlich – the famous Mayan ruins. These ancient sites, located within a short drive from Costa Maya, showcase the ancient Mayans’ architectural brilliance and rich culture. Chacchoben, the closer site, features towering temples surrounded by jungle, while Kohunlich is famous for its Temple of the Masks with intricate stone carvings.
Travel tip: Hire a local guide for an in-depth tour—many guides are descendants of the Mayans and share personal stories along with historical insights.
Price: $55–$120 USD, depending on the tour and inclusions
Distance from port: Chacchoben is approximately 50 minutes by taxi, while Kohunlich is about 90 minutes. Make sure you can use your phone in Mexico to be able to call a taxi.
Duration: 3–5 hours (including travel time)
11. Bonus: Take a jungle tour or ATV adventure
The adrenaline rush of speeding through the jungle makes this a top choice for thrill-seeking travelers. An ATV adventure is one of the most active ways to explore the wild side of Costa Maya. These tours take you off the beaten path and deep into the lush jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula, where you’ll navigate rugged trails, cross streams, and enjoy cenotes (sinkholes filled with crystal-clear, cool water). Keep an eye out for spider monkeys and tropical birds.
Travel tip: Some ATV tours include a stop at a cenote for swimming, so pack a swimsuit and towel! To the ancient Mayans, cenotes were considered sacred. They believed cenotes were gateways to the underworld and used them for rituals and as a primary water source.
Price: $50–$100 USD, depending on the tour type
Distance from port: Approximately 50 minutes by taxi
Duration: 2–3 hours
12. Bonus: Visit the Lagoon of Seven Colors (Bacalar)
If you have a bit of extra time, visiting this place would definitely be first on the list of top things to do in Costa Maya. The stunning Bacalar Lagoon, known as the Lagoon of Seven Colors, is a natural wonder just two hours from Puerto Costa Maya. Its name comes from the extraordinary blue and turquoise hues of the crystal-clear waters. Visitors can enjoy boat tours, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the shore, soaking in the surrounding beauty.
Travel tip: For the best experience, join a guided tour with a boat ride to explore hidden cenotes and the famous “Pirate’s Channel,” a narrow waterway used by pirates centuries ago. Try the local specialty, “marquesitas,” a crispy crepe-like snack.
Price: $50–$150 USD, depending on the tour and activities
Distance from port: Approximately 2 hours by taxi
Duration: 6–8 hours (including travel time and activities)
Tips for enjoying Costa Maya
Before you start ticking off things from the list of Costa Maya things to do, check out these expert tips that will help you have an authentic experience you’ll remember.
- Plan your day based on proximity: Save time by starting with activities near the port, like swimming with dolphins, before heading to farther spots like Chacchoben ruins or Bacalar Lagoon.
- Time your visit strategically: Avoid crowds by visiting popular spots like Mahahual Beach early morning or late afternoon. Choose less busy options like mangrove kayaking for a quieter experience.
- Keep comfort in mind: Bring reef-safe sunscreen, bug repellent, and quick-dry clothing. Bring a towel and water shoes if water activities are on your list.
- Chat with vendors or guides: Locals always know about quiet beach spots, hidden cenotes, or unique restaurants off the tourist trail. They are your go-to source if you’re wondering what to do in Costa Maya.
- Extend your stay to visit Playa del Carmen: If you’re touring the Yucatán Peninsula, make time for Playa del Carmen. Its nightlife, beaches, and shops complement Costa Maya’s relaxed vibe.
- Stay connected with eSIM for Mexico: Get internet access in minutes with Holafly’s eSIM for Mexico. Share photos of the Mayan ruins, navigate easily, and book tours on the go with flexible plans from 1 to 90 days.
Staying connected while exploring Costa Maya is also handy for booking last-minute excursions and sharing cool photos, and looking for a Mexican SIM card takes too much time. Holafly’s eSIM for Mexico allows you to access the internet without swapping your physical SIM cards or paying data roaming fees for Mexico.
Installation and activation take just minutes, so your connection is up and running before leaving the ship. Only need it for a day? No problem—you can choose anywhere from 1 to 90 days with this eSIM. Making more stops in Mexico? Simply add on extra days as you go for uninterrupted coverage.
Connect instantly
Spend time exploring Costa Maya, not looking for SIMs.
Plans that may interest you
With a background in English literature and a focus on storytelling, I’ve turned my interests in travel and technology into a career helping others stay connected abroad. Originally from Serbia, I work remotely with my husband, experiencing local cultures firsthand and bringing that perspective to my writing for Holafly. Fun fact: before focusing on content creation, I was a professional volleyball player.
