Costa Maya Port © Sean and Lauren

Once a bustling trading post for the Mayan civilization, most of the commerce happening today in Puerto Costa Maya comes from the city's status as a popular port of call on Caribbean cruises in Mexico. Mexico's newest port, Puerto Costa Maya is the first port on Mexico's Caribbean Coast to have been built exclusively for cruise ships and cruise holiday visitors. Situated on the Yucatan Peninsula near the fishing village of Majahual, Puerto Costa Maya is the fastest growing cruise port in the Caribbean and consists of three grand pavilions in the style of ancient Maya.

Known as a site for good beaches, lush subtropical jungles, and fascinating ancient ruins, Puerto Costa Maya is frequented by nearly a dozen popular cruise lines. The commercial, cultural and entertainment centre offers dining, shopping and recreational facilities, a swimming pool and swim-up bar, local performances in the amphitheatre, as well as art and craft galleries showcasing the region's local artists and their art - a lot to enjoy on holiday. The infrastructure has been carefully designed to meet the special needs of cruise ship passengers.

Beyond the pavilions, Costa Maya provides access to undeveloped areas of coastline, colourful reefs and shipwrecks for diving and snorkelling, and the chance to explore ancient Mayan sites. Puerto Costa Maya tour operators offer dune buggy tours, trips to Mayan sites like Kohunlich and Dzibanche, and kayak adventures along the coast. Free shuttles transport passengers regularly between the pier complex and their ships.

Contact

Costa Maya Tourism
www.puertocostamaya.com

Transport

Although the dock area has many entertainment and shopping opportunities immediately available for cruise ship passengers, most of the popular attractions, including the Mayan ruins, are not within easy distance and transport will need to be arranged with tour operators.

Attractions

There is no real town at Puerto Costa Maya, so visitors shouldn't expect to see everyday life and culture in Mexico; rather, Puerto Costa Maya is the gateway to the ancient Mayan civilisation, and the amazing ruins of Chacchoben and Kohunlich are popular shore excursions. Visitors also have the opportunity to explore the area's sparkling beaches and dense jungles, or they can simply entertain themselves in the massive shopping and entertainment complexes in the dock area.

Restaurants

Hard Rock Café - American-style food in a music-themed setting

Mamasita's - Mexican food and cocktails near the shopping pavilion

Best Dish

Fresh seafood ceviche

Shopping

Passengers alighting from cruise ships in Puerto Costa Maya are carried by shuttle to the Mayan-inspired port complex, which boasts 70,000 square feet (6,503sq m) of shops and a bazaar. Shoppers should beware of apparently silver jewellery, as much of it is actually only silver-plated. Bargaining is expected, and prices listed with the $ symbol are in Mexican pesos, while US Dollar prices are listed as US$ or USD.

Best Buy

Tequila

Excursions

Tour the Mayan ruins at Chacchoben and Kohunlich.

Snorkel the coral reefs at Banco Chinchorro.

Hire an ATV and drive to the town of Mahahual.

Relax and soak up the sun at Uvero Beach.

Take a zipline canopy tour of the Bacalar Lagoon.