Costa Maya is the newest cruise destination port in the Western Caribbean. Located on used to be once mostly deserted stretch of the Yucatan peninsula 100 miles south of Playa del Carmen. Costa Maya has many things to offer from fabulous beaches to amazing historical Mayan ruins. Most favorite Costa Maya excursions site and beach clubs are built from scratch especially for cruisers.
Beach club and Mayan ruins are the most popular excursions. On busy day, Costa Maya can handle at up to three ships. It means there are at least 6,000 visitors come at once which make a few beach clubs a little crowded. Below, you can find a few ideas for Costa Maya excursions.
Chacchoben Costa Maya Excursions
The Chacchoben is the highlight and he most visited Mayan ruins site in Costa Maya. This site is an evidence of the greatness of one of the most brilliant nation of the world. Chacchoben was settled about 200 BC, the current buildings date around 700 AD so it is quite an old area. There are many palm trees and forest around the area, make this site a pleasant park-like atmosphere.
This Mayan Ruins, is located 73 KM West of Costa Maya. It takes around 4 hours including time to go to Chacchoben which take 35 minutes ride. Wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat, shades and sun block would be a good idea.
Maya Chan Beach Club
Maya Chan is exclusive all-inclusive beach club located minutes south of Puerto Costa Maya. Enjoy great white sandy beached, excellent snorkeling site, and wonderful beach activities including kayaking and cruiser bike. This is a rustic place with fantastic service, free flow drinks with some specialty drinks of your choice and great food; the grilled fish and fish taco are superb. The owner Mark, Jane, and their son David are fantastic; they will provide anything what they visitors ask. Just send them an email if you some concern, they will response you promptly.
If you require a secluded beach for some relaxing time this is the place. Maya Chan only accepts 60, booked before sailing is highly advice. The list price is $56/person; this fare includes transport to the resort and from the resort to the pier.
Nohoch Kay Beach Club
Nohoch Kay is located a little bit further down off Majahual. Take a taxi to the town and then walk down the Malecon to the resort; it’s the last beach on the strip. Nohoch Kay also an all-inclusive beach club, There’s a flat fee of $40 per person for the day which includes drinks (beer and frozen cocktails) and food. The food was fabulous, conch, shrimp ceviche, homemade chips, tacos and quesadillas. However the fare is not including transport to the resort, take at taxi or bus it only cost $3/person each way. Nohoch Kay only served 25 people so better book before sailing.
Another favorite beach club is Pez Quadro especially for those who don’t mind with a crowd busy beach. Costa Maya easily become favorite destination because of great beach and services their provide for the cruisers.
These places are the most popular Costa Maya excursions among cruises from Galveston island. However, not all cruises visited this port. Currently, only 6-day Carnival cruise from Galveston and 8-day Royal Caribbean Galveston listed this port as one of the destinations.