Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico, it just keeps on growing

In June of 2010 I wrote about the new port on the southern part of the Yucatan Peninsula, in Mexico. Since then this very popular port has added more attractions for cruise passengers.

About 35 percent of the cruise passengers disembarking at Puerto Maya,take trips to the surrounding area, so the port is dedicated to providing more attractions for them to enjoy while the ship is in port.. Since my last article there has been two new added attractions.

The Dolphinarium on the left side of the pier, facing the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, makes it easy for passengers to participate - it's just a short stroll. They offer two programs, the first the "Dolphin Swim Adventure" allows participants to swim with them, kiss them or take a ride on their belly - an experience not easily forgotten. The other, the "Dolphin Encounter", is an excellent choice for all ages - from kids to grandparents - interact with the dolphins. They sing and dance, give handshakes and love to be pet ted, while swim with them in the clear waters of the Caribbean Sea.

The company has about ten dolphins and a team of expert trainers, who acquaint participants with the nature of the dolphin and how they communicate underwater, before they enter the water to enjoy the flips and jumps of their new friends. The 1 hour and 45 minute encounter can be sealed with a kiss.

Just outside, the main gate, of the port a new 4,200 square-foot Senor Frog's restaurant has opened,able to welcome up to 34 guests at one time. There are over 34 Senor Frog's Restaurants, in Puerto Rico, Bahamas, St. Thomas and Aruba.  Even Myrtle Beach in the United States, has one. They say "if we are open, it's Happy Hour" where one comes for the food but stays for the fun, and if you have ever been to a Senor Frog, you know what it means. The restaurant is open only when a ship is in port, so hours vary.

A Hard Rock Cafe, just outside the port's main complex, has opened a souvenir shop - which is a must for cruise passengers - they plan to begin operating a restaurant this year.

But the major news is the excavating of a once great city, known as Ichkaba, which is expected to open to visitors within the next two years,  with structures up to 150 feet high and 650 feet wide.  The Costa Maya region is said to be home to the world's largest indigenous Mayan population, from 200 B.C to 900 A.D. and includes two villages - Mahahual and Xcalak.

The port was built for cruise passengers and today passengers on several of the largest cruise ships, will have the opportunity to visit this exciting destination. Royal Caribbean's "Oasis of the Seas" and "Allure of the seas" both call here; along with Norwegian Cruise Lines new ship the "EPIC" and Celebrity's Eclipse. Not to outdone many other cruise companies -Carnival, Holland America and Regent Seven Seas (to name a few) call at Puerto Costa Maya, as the pier extends out into the ocean, allowing the new mega ships to dock, with no tendering.

The main facility is modern, the main complex is designed to resemble an ancient Mayan city with, among other things a 70,000-square foot shopping center, a bazaar, beach club and two saltwater pools. There is about 70 shops selling, Mexican Souvenirs, liquor, and pottery. The passenger who does not want to take a tour, outside the port area, their time in-port will be well spent in this complex, which includes a swim-up bar in one of the pools, hammocks and lounge chairs - but no access to the sea. Rounding out the many attractions, a folkloric band performs at various times, during the day, and best of all the ship lies at anchor - just a short walk down the pier.