JD Lasica / Special to CruiseableTemple of the Owl, the main stepped pyramid at the Mayan ruins of Dzibanche, dates to 309-600 A.D.

Things to see & do in Costa Maya

Culture & history

Three primary Maya archaeological sites close enough for a day visit. Note that Mexican law requires a fee of about $5 (US) for the use of video cameras at these sites.

• Chacchoben dates to about 350 AD. The tallest pyramid rises above the trees, and though visitors could once climb to the top, that is no longer permitted. Several smaller ruins may have been the houses of nobles. Until 1972, this site was unknown, but today it's the most popular Maya ruin in the Costa Maya region. 

• Kohunlich covers 21 acres and encompasses some 200 mounds, most of which have not been excavated. Its most renowned structure is the Temple of Masks, which features five well-preserved stucco masks along its central stairway. Plazas, courtyards and a palace complex are among the other structures here.

• Dzibanché was once a major Maya city and believed to have been the early capital of the Kan dynasty. It's considered the most spectacular of the region's archaeological sites. Among its important structures are the Temple of the Captives, Temple of the Lintels and Temple of the Owl. The largest structure is the Cormoranes Pyramid, a funerary pyramid of a Kan dynasty king. This is the only site accessible from the cruise port where visitors are still allowed to climb to the top of the pyramids (the laws change so check to be sure). 

Courtesy of Morph KiteboardingEver want to try kiteboarding? It's a new extreme sport that combines windsurfing, paragliding and wakeboarding.

Beach & water fun

One of Costa Maya's defining natural features is the chain of reefs just off shore, part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which stretches nearly 700 miles from the northern Yucatan Peninsula down to Belize, Guatemala and the Bay Islands of Honduras. Costa Maya waters, protected by the reef,  are calm enough for snorkeling, kayaking, sailing and diving, all of which are offered by cruise ships in port. 

Fun fact

• It is required by Mexican law that the VAT (Value Added Tax) is already included in the price on an item's label.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise LineShop for souvenirs in Costa Maya during your Norwegian Jewel cruise to Mexico.

When you arrive

Docking information

The Costa Maya Port was built exclusively for cruise ships in 2001. Up to three ships can be accommodated at the same time. From the pier, travelers are transported to the Mayan entertainment complex. Pools, restaurants and bars as well as a modern shopping center featuring artisan crafts are part of the complex.

Getting around 

In the pier area you can get taxis and shuttles to the village Majahual, which is only half a mile or a $5 USD taxi ride away.

Free Wi-Fi

• Bazar Costa Maya, Centro comercial del Paseo del Puerto, Mahahual
• Loco Ricky’s Sports Bar & Restaurant, located in the Las Casitas area
• Mamasita’s Restaurant, located in the port area across from the pool
• Mobius Internet Cafe, Othón P. Blanco, Q Roo, located 1.5 miles west of the port at the end of the main street
• V@mos Cafe, Calle Cherna between El Malecon at Calle Huachinango

Need to know

Store hours: Stores are typically open from 10 am to 5 pm, Monday through Saturday. Stores in the cruise pier shopping complex will be open on Sunday when a cruise ship is in town.

Tipping:  15% of your bill is adequate.

Safety: If you have an emergency while driving, call the Ministry of Tourism’s hotline or (55) 5250-8221, extension 130/297, to obtain help from the Green Angels.

Your take

Have you been to Costa Maya? Please share a story, tip or discovery. What was the highlight for you?