Costa Maya Travel Info

Arriving to Costa Maya on a Cruise Ship

Most visitors arriving by sea will do so on a cruise ship, spending a few hours at our beautiful destination. Your cruise will dock directly at the Costa Maya Port, a modern, purpose-built cruise terminal.

The disembarkation process in Costa Maya is typically quick and easy. While minor delays can occur when multiple ships arrive at the same time, the process is generally efficient.

The port itself is an exclusive compound designed for cruise guests, offering a variety of shops, restaurants, and a pool. Please note that land-based visitors are not permitted to enter this area.

The port is an enclosed commercial hub separate from the local towns of Costa Maya. If you have booked a tour with a local company, you must exit the port gates to meet your service provider. This is because independent tour operators are not allowed to operate inside the port compound.

Arriving to Costa Maya by land

The primary route to Costa Maya is via Highway 307, the main road that runs the length of the Riviera Maya. Here are the directions depending on your starting point.

From Chetumal

From Chetumal, you'll travel north on Highway 307. You will pass through four towns before reaching the turnoff for Costa Maya: Huay-Pix, Xul-Ha, Bacalar (This is the largest town in the area and a popular place to stop. It's famous for the historic San Felipe Fortress, the beautiful Seven Color Lagoon, and Cenote Azul), and Pedro Santos; you'll know you've arrived when you see vendors selling pineapple by the speed bumps on the side of the road.

A few kilometers after passing Pedro Santos, look for a turnoff on your right with clear signs for Costa Maya and Mahahual. Turn east and travel another 55 kilometers to reach Mahahual.

From Cancun

From Cancun, you'll drive south on Highway 307. Your journey will take you past several well-known cities, including Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, in that order.

After passing through the town of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, you'll continue south and pass three smaller towns: Uh-May, Andres Quintana Roo, and Limones

About three kilometers after you pass Limones, you'll see a turnoff on your left with signs for Costa Maya and Mahahual. From here, you will head east for 55 kilometers until you reach Mahahual.

Essential Costa Maya Tips

Here are a few important tips to help you prepare for your visit to Costa Maya.

Time Zone & Weather

Costa Maya is on Eastern Time (UTC-5), but does not observe Daylight Saving Time. This means the local time may differ from your ship's time for part of the year.

The average temperature ranges from 75-85°F (24-29°C). The region's "winter" is from December to February, when temperatures can dip into the 60s. The rainy season runs from late May to early November, with the highest risk of hurricanes in September and October. The average annual rainfall is 60-70 inches.

Currency & Payments

The official currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN), but US Dollars are widely accepted. Be aware that you will almost always receive a better exchange rate from a bank or ATM than at local shops or the cruise port.

Credit cards are accepted in very few places outside of the cruise port. We highly recommend carrying Mexican Pesos or small denominations of US Dollars, especially if you plan to venture beyond the port area.

Food & Water

It's always recommended to drink bottled water, as even locals do. You can find it everywhere, just be sure the seal is intact.

If you want to experience authentic Mexican cuisine, you'll find a variety of small eateries (puestos) and taco stands (taquerias) that offer simple and delicious food. For more elaborate dishes, especially seafood, there are also a number of excellent restaurants.

Language

Spanish is the official language in Mexico, but you'll find that many people in Costa Maya also speak English, Italian, or German. It is also common to meet people who speak Yucatec Mayan as their native language.

Health

For medical assistance, you can find a doctor at the clinics in Mahahual or Xcalak. It's important to remember that when traveling, your body needs time to adjust to a new environment, temperature, and food.

There are only a few pharmacies in Mahahual, and their selection of medicines may be limited. If you are on special medication, be sure to bring an adequate supply, along with your prescription.

Electricity & Local Laws

The electricity standard in Costa Maya is 110 Volts. If you have devices that use 220 Volts, you should bring your own adapters as they are not commonly available.

It's crucial to know that possession of drugs or weapons is illegal in Mexico and is met with severe penalties. Violations can result in serious legal difficulties and a lengthy prison sentence.