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Things to do in Costa Maya on a cruise port day
Sorted by how much time you need, travel from the pier included. Looking for a plan by hours? 4 hours · 6 hours · 8 hours.
Town
Port village and pools
Right at the end of the pier: souvenir shops, bars, a small beach and swimming pools that cruise passengers can use. Easy and close to the ship, but it is a cruise-only enclave, not a real town.
Town
Mahahual seafront
A pedestrian path runs along the beach through the village, lined with seafood places, beach bars and small shops. More local and relaxed than the port, and the reef lies just off the shore.
Water
Reef snorkelling off Mahahualbeing verified
The Mesoamerican Reef runs close to the shore here. Short boat trips from the village piers take you to the reef for an hour or so of snorkelling; conditions depend on the wind.
Tour
ATV or jungle buggy tourbeing verified
Off-road rides on dirt tracks through the coastal scrub and mangroves near the port, often combined with a beach stop. Dusty and bumpy; closed shoes recommended.
Beach
Beach club day in Mahahualbeing verified
Several beach bars along the seafront offer loungers and umbrellas if you buy food and drinks, some with a set minimum spend. Further south the beach gets quieter. Seaweed (sargassum) can pile up here in summer.
Tour
Chacchoben Maya ruins
Temples and plazas in the forest, about an hour inland on good roads. Shaded and less crowded than the famous sites further north, but limited to the main paths. Almost everyone goes with an organised tour.
Nature
Bacalar lagoonbeing verified
A long freshwater lagoon known as the lake of seven colours, with boat trips and swimming. A long day out: only realistic with a tour on a full-day call.