Costa Maya Cruise Port
Mahahual, Mexico · Caribbean
Cruise ships dock at Puerto Costa Maya Pier, Mahahual.
Plan my port daysPurpose-built Caribbean pier; the port complex has a pool, shops and beach club, and taxis run to Mahahual village, the reef, ruins and Bacalar.
At a glance
Port summary
Ships dock at the deep-water pier at Puerto Costa Maya, a gated complex with a saltwater pool, shops and a beach club; the sandy beaches and reef of Mahahual village are a 5-minute taxi away, while the Chacchoben Mayan ruins (about 50 minutes) and the Bacalar lagoon (about 70 minutes) are the headline day trips.
Cruise dock
Puerto Costa Maya Pier
Purpose-built deep-water cruise pier at Puerto Costa Maya; up to three large ships berth alongside into the gated complex. Approx coord — pier not precisely OSM-tagged.
Latitude: 18.73, Longitude: -87.685
See dock on port map →Getting to Mahahual
From the cruise terminal to the city centre
Map & things to do
Money & payments
US dollars are widely accepted at the port and in Mahahual, but you get better value paying in pesos; carry small bills for taxis, beach clubs and tips.
Build your perfect day in Mahahual
Tell us your cruise line, ship and departure date and we'll give you a complete set of full port information and playbooks of how to spend your day.
Inside the Mexico & Central America collection
Here's a peek at everything waiting for your Mahahual cruise day.
Typical weather
Emergency & contacts
Excursions compared
4 comparedChacchoben Mayan ruins in the jungle
≈ 4 h · sold by 4 cruise lines
Cruise line
€100$112
Do it yourself
€53$59
Save ≈ €47Save ≈ $53 (47% off)
Easy to do independently: share a taxi or a small-group van from just outside the port gates for about 50 minutes each way. Site entry is a few US dollars, and hiring a licensed guide at the entrance brings the pyramids to life. Go early to beat the midday heat and the ship-tour crowds.
See the DIY plan →
Bacalar, the Lagoon of Seven Colours
≈ 7 h · sold by 3 cruise lines
Cruise line
€135$151
Do it yourself
€97$109
Save ≈ €38Save ≈ $43 (28% off)
Doable independently on a long call: a shared van or taxi runs about 70 minutes each way, and in town you can join a lagoon boat trip, swim at Cenote Azul and see the little fort. It is a full day, so only attempt it when the ship is in for 8+ hours and leave a big buffer.
See the DIY plan →
Ready-made port days
9 plansPuerto Costa Maya Complex — A Free Day Inside the Gates
You never leave the port and still get a saltwater pool, a swim-up bar and a craft market — for the price of a couple of drinks.
Mahahual Village & Malecón — The Real Town, Ten Minutes Away
Trade the cruise complex for a barefoot fishing-village Malecón, a free public beach and a proper taco lunch.
All-Inclusive Beach-Club Escape
Book ahead for a private palapa, a Mayan feast and all-you-can-drink on a quiet stretch of sand — away from the port crowds.
Chacchoben Mayan Ruins — DIY by Taxi
The port's headline day trip: jungle-wrapped pyramid-temples an hour inland, done independently for a fraction of the ship's price.
Frequently asked questions
- Where does my cruise ship dock in Mahahual?
- Your ship docks directly at the Mahahual cruise terminal in Mexico.
- Can I walk from the cruise port into Mahahual?
- Yes. Mahahual is walkable from the cruise port — many cruisers reach the city centre on foot.
- How do I get from the cruise port to Mahahual centre?
- Typical options include Taxi, Shuttle bus, Car rental, On foot. Durations and costs are listed in the transport section above.
- How much time do I need in Mahahual?
- Plan for at least 3 hours ashore to see Mahahual independently and return to the ship with a safe buffer.
- What currency is used in Mahahual and are cards accepted?
- Mahahual uses the Mexican Peso. Carry some cash for markets, taxis, and smaller vendors — cards aren't accepted everywhere.
- Is there Wi-Fi at the cruise port?
- Free Wi-Fi is available at the Mahahual cruise terminal.
- When should I be back at the ship?
- Cruise lines usually require all passengers on board about 30 minutes before scheduled departure. Confirm the exact all-aboard time on your daily programme.
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