10 Best Costa Maya Shore Excursions: How to Spend Your Port of Call

Cruising to Costa Maya and thinking about booking an excursion? You’re in the right place! 

Costa Maya sits on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, right near the laid-back fishing village of Mahahual. And while you could easily spend your day hanging around the cruise port, we think it’s well worth venturing a little further, where you’ll find coral reefs, ancient Mayan ruins, beautiful beaches, and the famously blue waters of Bacalar Lagoon.

So to help you make the most of your time on land, we’ve rounded up our favorite Costa Maya shore excursions, including plenty of options that work well with a standard day in port. Ready? Let’s get to it!

Why We Book Shore Excursions Independently

We almost always book our shore excursions independently, and Costa Maya is a great port for it. There’s one main cruise terminal, Puerto Costa Maya, and many local operators have built their schedules around ship arrivals and all-aboard times. The excursions in this guide are either designed specifically for cruise passengers or have practical meeting points a short distance from the port. 

We’ve used Viator many times for cruise ship tours, and we’ve had nothing but positive experiences. We love that groups tend to be smaller, so you get more personal time with your guide and access to activities that may not appear in your cruise line’s excursion list. For Costa Maya specifically, it’s a super practical way to venture further afield and see places like Bacalar Lagoon, Chacchoben, Mahahual, and the reef without having to follow a large busload of guests all day.

Of course, timing is important when you’re booking independently. Always double-check your ship’s arrival and departure times and choose an excursion that gives you plenty of time to get back to the pier before all-aboard. It’s also helpful to have some flexibility in case your cruise itinerary changes. Many of the tours below also offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, so you won’t necessarily be out of pocket if your plans change. 

Best Costa Maya Shore Excursions

1. Explore the blue Bacalar Lagoon and cenotes 

If there’s one Costa Maya shore excursion that we wish we could relive, it would be this magical day trip to the Bacalar Lagoon! The “Lagoon of Seven Colors” is one of Mexico’s must-see lakes, so don’t miss the chance to explore!

Even better, pickup from the Costa Maya cruise port is included, making it super easy to visit Bacalar during your day in port.

From the moment we caught our first glimpse of the lagoon’s shimmering shades of blue, we were in awe. We loved visiting the lagoon’s different cenotes, from swimming in the aptly-named Cenote Esmeralda to admiring the striking Black Cenote. Seeing the stromatolites at Cenote Cocalitos was pretty incredible, too – they’re one of the oldest types of fossils on Earth!

For me, the Pirate Channel was a real highlight of this tour, because I loved learning about the real pirates of the Caribbean! While their antics might not be quite as crazy as those shown in the movies, it was still super fun to hear about how they used to sneak into the lagoon and steal precious wood. 

Then, we finished the day at Cocalitos Beach Club, which was nothing short of paradise. The food was delicious, the drinks were flowing, and the staff even served us fresh pineapple and mango while we were hanging out in the water. How cool is that?

Basically, this tour is nothing short of epic (check out these glowing reviews!), and if you only have one day in Costa Maya, it’s an incredible way to make the most of it!

2. Visit the ancient Chacchoben Ruins

If you’re visiting Costa Maya on a cruise and want a perfect blend of history and relaxation, this small-group tour to the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins is our top choice! It’s ideal for cruise passengers looking to make the most of a day in port, and as a bonus, it also includes the option to stop at the postcard-perfect Mahahual Beach.

Pickup from the Costa Maya cruise port is included, so getting started couldn’t have been easier. We met our guide a short walk from the cruise port, and then climbed aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, with complimentary water and soft drinks. After a seamless journey to Chacchoben, we loved exploring the ancient site.

In fact, we couldn’t believe how quiet it was compared to sites like Tulum! We were able to see the ancient pyramids and structures without any hassle at all, and learning about Mayan culture from our guide, Victor, was so interesting. 

On the way back to the port, we had the option to stop at a beach club in Mahahual, and of course, we wanted to go! We were welcomed with a cold beer, although there was the option to do a tequila shot instead. Relaxing on the pristine white sands and swimming in the turquoise waters was the perfect way to wrap up our shore excursion.

This tour is one of the best ways for cruise passengers to experience what Costa Maya has to offer in just one day – with everything planned for you! It’s no wonder this tour has HUNDREDS of positive reviews!

3. Maximize your time with a Chacchoben Ruins and Bacalar Lagoon combo tour

Can’t decide between exploring ancient Maya ruins and relaxing beside one of Mexico’s most beautiful lagoons? With this Chacchoben Ruins and Bacalar Lagoon combo tour, you don’t have to! 

Your first stop is Chacchoben, an ancient Maya city tucked away in the jungle. You’ll spend about 90 minutes exploring the archaeological site with a certified guide, who will share more about Maya history and culture while showing you some of the site’s most impressive structures.

Then, you’ll head to the beautiful Bacalar Lagoon, where you’ll have time to cool off with a swim, grab a kayak and explore the lagoon, or simply kick back and relax by the water. Lunch is also served beside the lagoon with refreshing iced teas and aguas frescas, making this a pretty perfect way to relax after a morning spent exploring the ruins.

The tour meets at Plaza Las Fuentes, just outside Puerto Costa Maya, and departure is scheduled for around one hour after your ship docks. Other than the 15-minute walk from the cruise terminal to the meeting point, transportation between both attractions is taken care of, making this an easy way to pack a lot into a single port day.

Related Read: Spending more time in Costa Maya? Check out our 1-day and 2-day Costa Maya itinerary for the best activities, beaches, restaurants, and more!

4. Relax on an all-inclusive private beach

If you’re visiting Costa Maya on a cruise and want to spend your day in port enjoying the beautiful coastline, then this tour to a private beach club is the ultimate shore excursion!

It’s not often that you get to enjoy Mexico’s stunning beaches in complete peace and quiet – they only allow a maximum of 35 people per day, and often there’s even less!

We were picked up from the port and whisked off to the beach club, which was about a 30-minute drive away. We received such a warm welcome from Gia, the hostess, and she really made us feel like part of the family! Although big, commercial beach clubs can be a lot of fun, what we loved about this one was that it’s small, intimate, and friendly. 

The setting was as breathtaking as you’d expect, with pristine white sand, crystal clear water, and plenty of tropical greenery around. We loved the chance to go snorkeling around the barrier reef, and we also had fun kayaking, too. There were only a handful of people there, so we really felt like we had the beach and the water all to ourselves.

And we can’t forget to mention the incredible food and drinks. We gorged ourselves on fresh ceviche, flavorsome tacos, guacamole, and, best of all, margaritas! Gia went above and beyond to ensure that we had a perfect day, and it was such a relaxing way to make the most of our limited time in Costa Maya. We would book this tour again in a heartbeat.

5. Snorkel the Great Mesoamerican Reef

The waters just off Mahahual are part of the Great Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world, and this small-group snorkeling tour is one of the best ways to experience this incredible underwater ecosystem for yourself! 

You’ll start by boarding a traditional panga near Hotel 40 Cañones and head out to two different snorkeling spots, which are chosen based on the conditions that day. Once you’re in the water, you’ll have the chance to spot colorful parrotfish, pufferfish, damselfish, rays, and even sea turtles. Of course, wildlife sightings and visibility always depend on the conditions, but that’s all part of the fun of snorkeling in the wild! 

One thing we especially love about this tour is that groups are limited to just eight travelers, so the whole experience feels super relaxed and personal. All of your snorkeling gear is also provided, along with snacks and drinks (you may even get fresh guacamole made by the captain himself!), so you really don’t need to bring much besides your swimsuit and sunscreen. 

The only other thing we’d like to mention here is that cruise-terminal pickup and drop-off isn’t included, so you’ll need to make your own way to the meeting point in Mahahual.

6. Learn how to cook Mexican food in a cooking class

If eating your way through Mexico is one of the things you’re most excited about, why not take some of those flavors home with you? This hands-on cooking class at Cafe Jaguar teaches you how to make some Mexican favorites from scratch, all while enjoying a beautiful beachfront setting in Mahahual.

Over two hours, you’ll learn how to press your own tortillas, whip up fresh guacamole and pico de gallo, and cook delicious al pastor tacos on a traditional comal. And this isn’t one of those cooking classes where you spend most of your time watching someone else do the work. You’ll be getting your hands dirty and making everything yourself, with plenty of guidance from the friendly local instructors. 

Of course, the best part comes at the end when you get to sit down and eat everything you’ve made while looking out over the Caribbean Sea. One alcoholic drink or soda is included as well (margarita, anyone?). And you’ll also have access to lockers and Wi-Fi, so it’s easy to hang around and make the most of the beachfront location afterward.

Before you book, know that Cafe Jaguar is around a 10-minute taxi ride from the cruise port, and you’ll need to arrange your own transportation there and back. The taxi fare is typically around $5 USD per person each way, so just make sure to factor that into your plans! 

Related Read: Before you set sail, check out our personal Mexico packing list for our favorite travel essentials and everything we recommend bringing along!

7. Go scuba diving

If you’re a certified diver, you definitely won’t want to spend your entire Costa Maya port day above the water! Instead, join this two-tank scuba diving experience, which takes you out to explore the beautiful Mahahual reef, with all of your scuba equipment included! 

The dive center is located at Blue Kay Ecocabañas, around a 10-minute taxi ride from the cruise port. Once you’re geared up, you’ll join a small group and hop aboard a boat for the short ride out to the reef. There are five local dive sites to choose from, with the exact locations and depths determined by your certification level, experience, and conditions on the day.

One thing we especially like about this experience is the small group size. There’s a maximum of five divers per dive master, so you’ll get plenty of attention throughout both dives. And judging by the glowing reviews, the dive team is fantastic, with past guests frequently mentioning how patient, friendly, and professional they are. As for what you’ll see, every dive is different, but you can expect everything from turtles and lobsters to eels, colorful reef fish, and plenty of coral. 

Just remember that you must be a certified diver to participate. You’ll also need to arrange your own transportation back to the cruise port, so make sure you leave yourself plenty of time before your ship departs.

8. Learn how to scuba dive

Never been scuba diving before? Costa Maya is a pretty incredible place to give it a try! This introductory scuba diving experience is designed specifically for complete beginners, so you don’t need any previous experience or a scuba certification to join.

You’ll start with a simple introduction to scuba theory and equipment before getting into shallow, confined water to practice the essential skills. There’s no rush here, and you’ll have plenty of time to get comfortable breathing underwater and using your gear before heading out to the reef.

Once you’re ready, you’ll hop aboard a boat and head to the coral garden for your first open-water dive. You’ll stay close to your instructor throughout and dive to a maximum depth of 40 feet (12 meters), giving you the chance to experience the reef and its colorful marine life without committing to a full scuba certification course.

We recommend this experience for anyone who’s always wanted to try scuba diving but is a little nervous about taking the plunge. The instructors are very patient and knowledgeable, so you’ll be in great hands as you learn the basics and build your confidence underwater. 

The meeting point is at Blue Kay Ecocabañas, which is around a 10-minute taxi ride from the cruise port. Port pickup and drop-off aren’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation. It’s also worth noting that participants must be at least 10 years old, so adventurous older kids and teenagers can get involved too! 

9. Go birdwatching

We loved every second of this birdwatching tour in Costa Maya! If you’re looking for a peaceful shore excursion away from the crowds, this is such a unique way to spend your time in port. Beyond spotting elusive birds, we connected with nature in a way that felt truly special.

Even better, pickup from the Costa Maya cruise port is included, making this excursion super easy for cruise passengers. Our guide, Victor, was incredible, and his passion for birdwatching was contagious. His ability to identify bird calls and locate them so quickly truly astounded us. He also ensured that everyone in the group had a chance to see the birds through the telescope. 

We saw so much as we explored grasslands, mangroves, and the jungle. We were so excited to see vibrant green jays and even a ferruginous pygmy owl, which is a super rare bird, not to mention a very cute one.

I also loved seeing so many black-headed trogons, but the best part was spotting a laughing falcon. We told Victor we had both always wanted to spot one, and he went above and beyond to find one for us, so we really cannot thank him enough.

This tour delivered an absolutely perfect morning in Costa Maya, and it was such a memorable way to make the most of our time in port. We promise you won’t regret booking this tour!

10. Try out sport fishing

Whether you love fishing or just want to try it out for the first time, this private sportfishing charter is such a fun way to spend a day in port in Costa Maya! We were so excited for this tour, and it didn’t disappoint. 

We met our skipper and guide, Nick, at La Nacional Beach Club, which is only about a 10-minute drive from the Costa Maya cruise port, so it’s super easy to reach during a day in port. His enthusiasm was one of the highlights of the day! As we cruised out into the ocean, Nick taught us how to identify prime fishing spots and expertly guided us through different types of fishing, including jigging and fly fishing.

The waters off of Costa Maya are teeming with marine life, so we didn’t have to wait long before we caught something! Between us, we caught barracuda, tuna, and mahi mahi, and each catch felt so exciting. 

After a fun few hours out on the water, we sailed back to shore and relaxed at the beach club, which was a real treat. The staff cooked up our catch for us as we chilled out in hammocks and swam in the pool, and then we chowed down on all of the fish that we had caught. It was such a relaxing way to finish the excursion before heading back to the cruise port.

It truly felt like the ultimate Caribbean experience, and we will definitely do this again the next time that we’re in Costa Maya.

Related Read: Is Cozumel another stop on your cruise? Check out our guide to the best Cozumel shore excursions for snorkeling, beaches, adventure tours, and more!

Where to Stay Before or After your Cruise

If you’re cruising to Costa Maya, there’s a good chance your trip will start from either Miami or Galveston, and we recommend arriving a night or two before setting sail. This gives you some extra time to explore, relax, and avoid the stress of traveling to the port on the same day as your cruise.

In Miami, Downtown is our top pick since you’ll be close to PortMiami, Bayside Marketplace, and plenty of restaurants and attractions. If you’re sailing from Galveston, staying near the Seawall is a great option, putting you close to the beach while still being just a short drive from the cruise terminals.

Here are some of our favorite Downtown Miami and Galveston hotels for every budget:

Downtown Miami

Courtyard Miami Downtown Brickell Area – $$$ 

Courtyard Miami Downtown Brickell Area is a great option if you want something comfortable and well-located for a short stay. It sits right between Downtown and Brickell, so you’ve got easy access to both areas, plus you’re only a short drive from the cruise port.

The hotel has a modern, business-style feel, with spacious rooms and a reliable setup that works well for a quick stop in the city. There’s also a pool and on-site dining, which is handy if you don’t feel like heading out after a long travel day.

It’s not the most exciting stay, but it’s very practical and easy. Rooms here usually start at around $300 USD per night. Check availability and book your stay here!

The Elser Hotel Miami – $$

The Elser Hotel Miami is a solid choice for cruise travelers who want a little extra space before or after setting sail. It’s right in Downtown Miami, close to the waterfront and Bayside Marketplace, with an easy drive to PortMiami.

The rooms here are more like apartments, with full kitchens and living areas, plus floor-to-ceiling windows in some units. We think this is a great option if you’re staying for a few nights or just want somewhere a bit more comfortable to spread out.

There’s also an awesome infinity pool with great views over the bay! Rooms here usually start at around $280 USD per night. Reserve your stay at The Elser Hotel Miami here!

citizenM Miami World Center – $

CitizenM Miami World Center is a great budget-friendly option if you want something modern and central. It’s located near the Worldcenter complex, so you’re close to shops, restaurants, and transport links, plus PortMiami is just a short drive away, making it super convenient for cruise passengers.

The rooms are compact, but they’re very well designed, with a smart layout that makes the most of the space. The hotel also has a fun, tech-forward feel, with self-check-in and a stylish rooftop pool area. It’s a great pick if you’re happy with a smaller room in exchange for a great location and lower price.

Rooms here usually start at around $120 USD per night. Reserve this budget-friendly stay here before rooms are booked!

Choose from even more great stays in Miami, Florida, here!

Related Read: For even more hotel options, check out our guide on the best hotels near Port of Miami for the best areas and hotels for every budget!

Galveston

Grand Galvez Resort, Autograph Collection – $$$

Grand Galvez Resort, Autograph Collection is a great choice if you want to turn your Galveston cruise into a bit of a getaway. This historic beachfront hotel sits right along Seawall Boulevard, so you’re steps from the beach while still being just a short drive from the Galveston cruise terminals.

The hotel has an elegant, upscale feel, with stylish rooms, a beautiful outdoor pool, a spa, and plenty of historic charm. We think it’s perfect if you’re arriving a day or two before your cruise and want somewhere special to relax before setting sail.

Rooms here usually range from around $250 to $500+ USD per night. Check availability and book your stay at Grand Galvez here!

Homewood Suites By Hilton Galveston – $$

For a solid mid-range option with a little more space, Homewood Suites By Hilton Galveston is a great choice. It’s located near the eastern end of Seawall Boulevard, close to the beach and just a short drive from the Galveston cruise terminals.

The suites are spacious and come with kitchen facilities, making this a particularly handy option for families or anyone staying for more than one night. There’s also an outdoor pool, fitness center, and complimentary breakfast, so you’ve got everything you need for an easy stay before your cruise.

Rooms here usually start at around $150 USD per night. Reserve your stay at Homewood Suites By Hilton Galveston here!

Seabreeze Hotel – $

Seabreeze Hotel is a good budget-friendly option if you’re looking for somewhere simple to stay in Galveston before your cruise. It’s close to the famous Seawall and beaches, while the cruise terminals are only a short drive away.

The rooms are fairly basic, but this is a practical pick if you’re only spending a night in Galveston and would rather save your money for the cruise. You’ll also be well-positioned for enjoying the waterfront and exploring a little of the island before boarding your ship.

Rooms here can start as low as $95 USD per night. Book your budget-friendly stay at Seabreeze Hotel here!

Want more great choices? Check out all the hotels listed for Galveston, Texas, here!

Renting a Car in Mexico

Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to get around Mexico is in a rental car. 

I struggled to get around by bus and taxi for the longest time. But after renting a car in Cancun in 2023, I never looked back. It allowed me to explore the country without worrying about tours or taxis. It was why I fell in love with Mexico and eventually decided to live here periodically. 

I refuse to use local services whenever I rent a car in Mexico. The truth is they sometimes can’t be trusted or come with hidden fees (or costly insurance that doesn’t make sense.) There are even rental car scams! So instead, I use Discover Cars, the company most experienced travelers or ex-pats in Mexico recommend. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!

The rates on Discover Cars are cheap, too, with the average rental costing around $25 USD per day. Full coverage insurance can be added for an extra $10 USD a day too. 

Driving in Mexico also only requires a driver’s license using the Roman alphabet. If yours uses another like Japan and China, you simply need an international driving permit. 

Insurance is required, but if you book with Discover Cars and get the full coverage, that’s all you need! Oh, and being over 18 is required, and if you’re over 25, your rental will be much cheaper! 

Costa Maya may only be one stop on your cruise, but there’s so much you can pack into a day here! You can explore ancient Mayan ruins, cruise across the incredible blue waters of Bacalar Lagoon, snorkel or scuba dive along the reef, escape to a quiet private beach, or even spend the morning fishing or birdwatching. Whatever kind of adventure you’re after, we hope this guide helps you find the perfect shore excursion and make every moment in port count!

If Costa Maya has you dreaming about more tropical adventures, be sure to check out our other Mexico blogs before you go. We have tons more travel tips, tours, itineraries, and beautiful destinations to help you plan your next trip. Or keep reading below for even more inspiration!

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