New Port of interest in Costa Maya, Mexico

The port at Costa Maya, located about 100 miles south of Playa del Carmen, has the first port in the Western Caribbean that was built specificallyt for cruise ships and their passengers. Originally built in 2001, it was almost destroyed by hurricane Dean in 2007. After extensive repairs, which lengthened the port by 100 feet, it reopened in mid 2008, and is able to accommodate the new mega ships, like the Oasis of the Seas, which is scheduled to call there regularly.

The ships dock at the port, where passengers can get transportation from the main exit area, on busses and vans to the town of Mahahua at a cost 3.00 per person. There are also trollies available to take them to the to the Plaza, at the end of the Pier, these should be reserved in advance as there are not enough to satisfy the large number of dis-embarking passengers.

The 70,000 square foot Plaza, is a focal point for the usual stores selling jewellery, liquor, local handicrafts and souveniers, and where Folkloric performances are held several times a day. Next to the cruise terminal is a Hard-Rock cafe. Costa Maya, is the only port in Mexico, that has a salt-water pool, with a swim-up-bar. Next to the pier is a beachfront, which is owned by the Pier, and is equipped with lounge chairs, and offers beach service.

Excursions are a large part of a Port call, and Costa Maya has many unusual and exciting tours available to passengers.

1. First and foremost are the Ruins at Chacchoben, estimated to have been built between
300 and 360AD, and is older than many of the other Mayan ruins on the Yucutan
Peninsula. Experience the heart of this abandoned ceremonial center, which opened
only four years ago.

2. Visit an authentic Mayan Village, visit with native families and learn about the exotic fruit
and vegetables they grow.

3. Take the "Bio Maya Zipline Tour", a breathtaking experience that hoists you above
the jungle canopy with spectacular views of Laguna Bacalar, "The lake of seven
colours", topped off with a tube ride on it's clear turquoise waters.

For those who prefer to just stay at the port, there is a nearby Beach Club, complete with restaurant, non-motorized water sports and beach volleyball, that is accessible to cruise passengers. There is also the centujries old fishing village of Mahahual about 2 miles south. Not much more than a half-mile of hard packed sand running parrallel to the beachfront, where traffic is prohibited. With no traffic it is easy to wander thru the town checking out the shops whose prices should be lower than at the Port. To get there one must purchase a 3.00 bus ticket to the town, on the return there are taxis, at a cost of about 2.00.