Costa Maya, Mexico Cruise Port Guide

Costa Maya is the port with the nearest access to the Mayan ruins, the lesser-known historic place in the Yucatan, including Chacchoben and Kohunlich. A small tourist region in Quintana Roo, a state in Mexico, the only one surrounded by the Caribbean Sea to its east. Settled on the southeast coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, roughly halfway between Cozumel, Mexico and Belize City. It is Mexico’s second largest cruise port. The rapid growth of this generally undeveloped area in the past has started when the large pier for cruise ships was constructed. 

A fishing village Mahahual is near the port, and Xcalak, about 60km away from Costa Maya, rich with a 100 kilometers long beach with soft sand, and also coral reefs in nearby. 

With the new pier, a New Mahahual village has been created, right on the beginning on land, with a new modern shopping mall, central plaza and many bars to enjoy while waiting for shore excursions. 
The port was damaged severely by Hurricane Dean in 2007, including the cruise ship dock, but quickly recovered and welcomed cruise ships again in 2008. 

Places to visit:
The Dolphin Discovery is located near the cruise terminal, a top attraction including pools with shows and opportunities to swim with the aquatic mammals. 

The Mayan ruins or Chacchoben is the place where people can experience the remaining of the ancient Mayan world and understand their vision of the universe while enjoying the sounds of nature. They are built in the eighth century AD and presented the vast Mayan settlement with the Great Plaza, the four grand temples and the Gran Basamento (where religious ceremonies were held), the Temple of the Vessels and pyramids, as a part of the archaeological wonders. 
The Mayan Museum is a small free museum where various jade exhibits and historical boards are displayed, for the people interested in this pre-Columbian civilization.
Kakaw Chocolate Factory where a taste of the Mayan culture can be experienced.
Xcalac reef is one of the most beautiful reefs in the world, located in the southern end of the Caribbean coast of Mexico. It is a precious jewel in Costa Maya and a very popular destination for scuba diving, snorkeling and other sport activities. Lost Mayan Kingdom is a fun water park nearby.