Puerto Costa Maya Photos
Recommended Reviews - Puerto Costa Maya
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Seriously the worst Caribbean port I've been to and I've been to many. There is nothing to see here walking off a cruise ship unless you are on a paid excursion. The cruise port shop complex is full-on old school fake built just for tourists getting off to say they've been to "Mexico." Plus you won't be getting Mexican prices, as these shops are higher than other Mexican ports or tourist towns. There are so many other ports Virgin could've chosen!
The cruise port of Costa Maya, Puerto Costa Maya has a modern tourist mall with saltwater pools, and swim up bars. My brother and I visited this port multiple times during our back-and-forth cruises from Galveston. The port can handle 4 cruise boats at the same time. On our first and second week, it was 3 boats. (NCL Escape, RC Harmony of the Seas, and Holland Eurodam for the 2nd week). Third week it will be 4 (RC Mariner of the Seas, Carnival Jubilee, MSC Seascape, NCL Encore). Even with three, the shopping area was very crowded. Being able to handle 4 boats of this size, means the pier is very long. Just to get to the village entrance probably takes 10 minutes of brisk walking, and then another 20 minutes to get through the crowds to exit the port. There is a trolley car that runs from one end of pier to the entrance of the port village. No fruits and other fresh foods are allowed off the boat, and there was a food-sniffing dog as you entered the shopping area, making sure that was the case. Your cruise card is necessary to get through the various security checks. It is recommended that you have a government issued picture ID with you, though I never had to use it. Tip: The path between the exit and the village entrance is long and windy, making you take the absolute longest way to pass by as many shops and restaurants as possible. It wouldn't be that bad except it is very crowded, so navigating it is slow and requires time and patience. One way to shorten it a bit is to go through the gelato shop (Amorino): it has two entrances one going towards the exit and one going towards the ships. It's a popular shortcut: as we were eating our ice cream at the shop, we saw plenty of people walking right through. Everyone has to walk through the large duty free shop fronting the pier. Prices here (as other shops at the port) were high. My brother (who has been to Costa Maya more than 10 times) told me that similar crafted items can be purchased just outside the port area from local merchants at significantly lower prices. They had a good selection of spirits (just for Glenmorganie, they had 4 varieties, though not the one I was looking for), but prices seemed a bit higher than on our actual boat. One free attraction are the Papantla Flyers, four men who performed a spinning aerial routine, starting on top of the 30 meter pole, and then slowly rotating down (13 full iterations), hanging from ropes that flare out using centrifugal force. The ceremony is called 'Danza de los Voladores' (Dance of the flying men), and is a fertility and rain ritual, that has been going on in Mexico for hundreds of years. On our first week, we took a taxi to the nearby village of Mahahua to enjoy a leisurely day at the beach (this still requires walking past all the shops first). On the second week, we explored the port area, watching the flyers, and stopping for ice cream and free wi-fi. Will update this review if we decide to leave the port area into the city on our final stop next week.
Great cruise portwhere you have to walk for about a mile on the pier to get to the terminals and go outside to get any tours not provided by the ship. Luckily my wife was able to get the tram back to the ship. If you aren't taking any tours, my advice is don't go outside of the terminals. It's pretty sketchy. The terminal has everything you need. Gelato, restaurants, several pools and bars and lots of shopping. You can take your passport and get it stamped, and even get a secluded spot near the water if you want.
What a fun port! I'm new to cruising, but from the 3 ports we stopped by, including the Cozumel port, this seemed to be the one with the most entertainment and peace. There a swim-up bar, restaurants, and shops right off of the boat.
There were a number of shops and places you could go within the walls of this particular port. There are also a number of excursions you can go on if you talk to the right people and if you have cash, it's a little easier to negotiate. We were only at this port for three or four hours, so we didn't do an excursion. They were a bunch of shops and I was a little disappointed to find their "Mexican coffee," was actually just a Starbucks! I actually thought it was going to be something authentic too Mexico, or a particular type of coffee that was locally grown not Starbucks. Sadly, you cannot go in any of the water that's nearby and the community pool looked like it needed to be treated! It had a weird murky sunscreen or perhaps urine in it and the dolphin pool looked better to swim. Lol I did not go in the water!!
Really nice port and they are still expanding it. There are 2 pools and if you purchase a drink you can sit in the pool chairs. There are more than enough places to find a drink and get something to eat. It can get crowded if more than one boat is in port but overall it's nice. There is also a dolphin experience right there at the port. $139 per adult and $119 per child and last about 30 mins.
Last time we were here we did not spend much time in port. In fact, twice before we had excursions to 2 different Mayan temples that were fantastic. Today, we just got off the Serenade of the Seas, looked around, and got back onboard an hour later. Like all the other ports we've visited this week, vendors are hawking their wares, enticing people to come in and buy. Prices are different all through the port. One place has 4 tee shirts for $20. Another had 8 for $20. But they are thin material, and with Costa Maya on the front, you also get a lizard or boat or something else. When I asked if I could get 2 for $10 or 4 for $10 both places said I'd have to pay $10 each if not 4 or 8. Really?? The beach/lagoon area in the middle of all this commerce is busy with people buying drinks to enjoy the area. The flamingos are nearby, and quite photogenic. Other spots to take photos are the big concrete painted gator head, a huge staircase leading to nowhere (I didn't climb it - maybe it does go somewhere) and the sign COSTA MAYA as you leave the pier (that's where we posed). If you happen to come here, get an excursion. Or just look around and you might find something inexpensive to bring home. We did neither. Just walked and looked today.
This port should be removed from all cruise ship itineraries. From afar, it looks like a sight for sore eyes civilization in the middle of nowhere. Up close, it's a tacky and fake Disney-like village full of touristy junk shops and overpriced restaurants. There was once a Hard Rock Cafe here but it survived for just a year or so before shuttering. There is a hotel here, I believe, with a playful pool that'd fit in at any resort. It's just an oddball place with good intentions but is slowly failing. We booked tickets for a "Costa Maya Triple Play" shore excursion via Celebrity Cruises that started with pick up at the port, a van ride to the "jungle" for a bike ride, cenote "swim" then a paddle boarding lesson at nearby Mahahual beach. The bike ride was fun, though we got bitten by all sorts of flying insects. The cenote "swim" was more of a dip into murky, disgusting waters. The Mahahual area was definitely worth seeing as it offered hotels, restaurants and beach activities where some of us partook in the paddle board lesson. But, be prepared for ripe and offensive smells as the indigenous seaweed is very prominent, everywhere. OVERALL: Skip the port. Fly in, drive and stay in the Mahahual Beach area.
Our cruise ship stopped here. Next time I will either pick a cruise that does not go to Costa Maya or at the very least not leave the Port Terminal. Prices here I found to be much higher than Cozumel. We made a stop at the drug store for much need Aspirin 800 milligrams. Also my hubby wanted a skull head with his favorite sports team NE Patriots painted on it. Well after much searching we found two one for him and one for a gift. After much negotiations we got two for $35. That is the trouble with this place you wouldn't think you would have to go back and forth on price but you do. Anyway this pier looks like a shopping mall back home. If you must have a souvenir get off at your on risk otherwise I strongly suggest to book all your outings through the cruise ship they know what they are doing and will keep you safe.
The place was beautiful the reason for my 3 starts was because the little stores will rip you off with fake items. I bought vanilla extract that was super little and expensive and according to the sale lady it was pure vanilla when we got home it has no flavor and it doesn't even smell like anything. I also bought a "leather" ankle bracelet and and it broke immediately the day after and lastly for those who drink the piña colada They use the fake syrup it's tasted like crap. DONT BUY ANYTHING HERE I promise if your next stop is Cozumel EVERYTHING is WAY CHEAPER and you can even negotiate the prices better. I PROMISE you Cozumel is the place to buy!!!!!!!
3 months ago
My second time here and won't be the last. You don't have to leave the area as everything you need is right here. They have the usual over priced shops and restaurants but the prices aren't terrible. It is very safe here. The fun thing I like to do is walk a few steps out of the port and take a picture at the old Mayan ruin replica. It looks legit. There are cheaper stores and excursion shops along the way too! read more
It's a very long pier! As you see, it can easily handle up to 4 large cruise ships. I've never seen such big dock fenders (or bumpers) on a pier before. They were huge! Maybe they're everywhere and I just haven't noticed them until now. It's a well-maintained port. The aft of the Norwegian Viva was facing all the ships. It wasn't the best view in the world for us. I'm not sure that the forward view was any better. The Celebrity Constellation was so close that we could see the Gorilla sculpture on their pool deck from the Haven Lounge. My husband commented that it was like the episodes on "Ghosts" when Thorfinn is shouting through the window over to his son in the neighboring house. I think they would have heard us if we shouted over from the balcony. Walking to and from the ship was a breeze. The walk from the pier to the shopping area wasn't too bad despite it being a long pier. The sunrise view from the starboard side of the ship was amazing during our early morning breakfast. I always love seeing the wake left behind as we're leaving the port. Doesn't everyone? read more
Seriously the worst Caribbean port I've been to and I've been to many. There is nothing to see here walking off a cruise ship unless you are on a paid excursion. The cruise port shop complex is full-on old school fake built just for tourists getting off to say they've been to "Mexico." Plus you won't be getting Mexican prices, as these shops are higher than other Mexican ports or tourist towns. There are so many other ports Virgin could've chosen! read more
The cruise port of Costa Maya, Puerto Costa Maya has a modern tourist mall with saltwater pools, and swim up bars. My brother and I visited this port multiple times during our back-and-forth cruises from Galveston. The port can handle 4 cruise boats at the same time. On our first and second week, it was 3 boats. (NCL Escape, RC Harmony of the Seas, and Holland Eurodam for the 2nd week). Third week it will be 4 (RC Mariner of the Seas, Carnival Jubilee, MSC Seascape, NCL Encore). Even with three, the shopping area was very crowded. Being able to handle 4 boats of this size, means the pier is very long. Just to get to the village entrance probably takes 10 minutes of brisk walking, and then another 20 minutes to get through the crowds to exit the port. There is a trolley car that runs from one end of pier to the entrance of the port village. No fruits and other fresh foods are allowed off the boat, and there was a food-sniffing dog as you entered the shopping area, making sure that was the case. Your cruise card is necessary to get through the various security checks. It is recommended that you have a government issued picture ID with you, though I never had to use it. Tip: The path between the exit and the village entrance is long and windy, making you take the absolute longest way to pass by as many shops and restaurants as possible. It wouldn't be that bad except it is very crowded, so navigating it is slow and requires time and patience. One way to shorten it a bit is to go through the gelato shop (Amorino): it has two entrances one going towards the exit and one going towards the ships. It's a popular shortcut: as we were eating our ice cream at the shop, we saw plenty of people walking right through. Everyone has to walk through the large duty free shop fronting the pier. Prices here (as other shops at the port) were high. My brother (who has been to Costa Maya more than 10 times) told me that similar crafted items can be purchased just outside the port area from local merchants at significantly lower prices. They had a good selection of spirits (just for Glenmorganie, they had 4 varieties, though not the one I was looking for), but prices seemed a bit higher than on our actual boat. One free attraction are the Papantla Flyers, four men who performed a spinning aerial routine, starting on top of the 30 meter pole, and then slowly rotating down (13 full iterations), hanging from ropes that flare out using centrifugal force. The ceremony is called 'Danza de los Voladores' (Dance of the flying men), and is a fertility and rain ritual, that has been going on in Mexico for hundreds of years. On our first week, we took a taxi to the nearby village of Mahahua to enjoy a leisurely day at the beach (this still requires walking past all the shops first). On the second week, we explored the port area, watching the flyers, and stopping for ice cream and free wi-fi. Will update this review if we decide to leave the port area into the city on our final stop next week. read more
Great cruise portwhere you have to walk for about a mile on the pier to get to the terminals and go outside to get any tours not provided by the ship. Luckily my wife was able to get the tram back to the ship. If you aren't taking any tours, my advice is don't go outside of the terminals. It's pretty sketchy. The terminal has everything you need. Gelato, restaurants, several pools and bars and lots of shopping. You can take your passport and get it stamped, and even get a secluded spot near the water if you want. read more
1 year ago
What a fun port! I'm new to cruising, but from the 3 ports we stopped by, including the Cozumel port, this seemed to be the one with the most entertainment and peace. There a swim-up bar, restaurants, and shops right off of the boat. read more
There were a number of shops and places you could go within the walls of this particular port. There are also a number of excursions you can go on if you talk to the right people and if you have cash, it's a little easier to negotiate. We were only at this port for three or four hours, so we didn't do an excursion. They were a bunch of shops and I was a little disappointed to find their "Mexican coffee," was actually just a Starbucks! I actually thought it was going to be something authentic too Mexico, or a particular type of coffee that was locally grown not Starbucks. Sadly, you cannot go in any of the water that's nearby and the community pool looked like it needed to be treated! It had a weird murky sunscreen or perhaps urine in it and the dolphin pool looked better to swim. Lol I did not go in the water!! read more
Really nice port and they are still expanding it. There are 2 pools and if you purchase a drink you can sit in the pool chairs. There are more than enough places to find a drink and get something to eat. It can get crowded if more than one boat is in port but overall it's nice. There is also a dolphin experience right there at the port. $139 per adult and $119 per child and last about 30 mins. read more
4 years ago
Last time we were here we did not spend much time in port. In fact, twice before we had excursions to 2 different Mayan temples that were fantastic. Today, we just got off the Serenade of the Seas, looked around, and got back onboard an hour later. Like all the other ports we've visited this week, vendors are hawking their wares, enticing people to come in and buy. Prices are different all through the port. One place has 4 tee shirts for $20. Another had 8 for $20. But they are thin material, and with Costa Maya on the front, you also get a lizard or boat or something else. When I asked if I could get 2 for $10 or 4 for $10 both places said I'd have to pay $10 each if not 4 or 8. Really?? The beach/lagoon area in the middle of all this commerce is busy with people buying drinks to enjoy the area. The flamingos are nearby, and quite photogenic. Other spots to take photos are the big concrete painted gator head, a huge staircase leading to nowhere (I didn't climb it - maybe it does go somewhere) and the sign COSTA MAYA as you leave the pier (that's where we posed). If you happen to come here, get an excursion. Or just look around and you might find something inexpensive to bring home. We did neither. Just walked and looked today. read more
This port should be removed from all cruise ship itineraries. From afar, it looks like a sight for sore eyes civilization in the middle of nowhere. Up close, it's a tacky and fake Disney-like village full of touristy junk shops and overpriced restaurants. There was once a Hard Rock Cafe here but it survived for just a year or so before shuttering. There is a hotel here, I believe, with a playful pool that'd fit in at any resort. It's just an oddball place with good intentions but is slowly failing. We booked tickets for a "Costa Maya Triple Play" shore excursion via Celebrity Cruises that started with pick up at the port, a van ride to the "jungle" for a bike ride, cenote "swim" then a paddle boarding lesson at nearby Mahahual beach. The bike ride was fun, though we got bitten by all sorts of flying insects. The cenote "swim" was more of a dip into murky, disgusting waters. The Mahahual area was definitely worth seeing as it offered hotels, restaurants and beach activities where some of us partook in the paddle board lesson. But, be prepared for ripe and offensive smells as the indigenous seaweed is very prominent, everywhere. OVERALL: Skip the port. Fly in, drive and stay in the Mahahual Beach area. read more
7 years ago
Our cruise ship stopped here. Next time I will either pick a cruise that does not go to Costa Maya or at the very least not leave the Port Terminal. Prices here I found to be much higher than Cozumel. We made a stop at the drug store for much need Aspirin 800 milligrams. Also my hubby wanted a skull head with his favorite sports team NE Patriots painted on it. Well after much searching we found two one for him and one for a gift. After much negotiations we got two for $35. That is the trouble with this place you wouldn't think you would have to go back and forth on price but you do. Anyway this pier looks like a shopping mall back home. If you must have a souvenir get off at your on risk otherwise I strongly suggest to book all your outings through the cruise ship they know what they are doing and will keep you safe. read more
4 years ago
7 years ago
The place was beautiful the reason for my 3 starts was because the little stores will rip you off with fake items. I bought vanilla extract that was super little and expensive and according to the sale lady it was pure vanilla when we got home it has no flavor and it doesn't even smell like anything. I also bought a "leather" ankle bracelet and and it broke immediately the day after and lastly for those who drink the piña colada They use the fake syrup it's tasted like crap. DONT BUY ANYTHING HERE I promise if your next stop is Cozumel EVERYTHING is WAY CHEAPER and you can even negotiate the prices better. I PROMISE you Cozumel is the place to buy!!!!!!! read more
4 years ago
10 years ago
Really cute spot after you leave the cruise ship. There's lots of little shops where you can buy a bunch of bracelets and other stuff! There was also a bunch of little restaurants which were nice. There is a taxi where it's 2 dollars per person and it takes you downtown so you can enjoy the beach and local cuisine. Overall I really liked this place. read more
More info about Puerto Costa Maya
Fraccionamiento Nuevo Mahahual S/N
77940 Mahahual, Quintana Roo
Mexico
Directions
Hours
Outdoor Amenities
