Costa Maya Mexico is a popular cruise ship stop on Western Caribbean itineraries. Costa Maya is an area in Mexico that has been developed for cruise ship passengers.
I admit the first time I went here, I didn’t realize all that it had to offer or how great it really is. We walked off the ship, saw 2 open lounge chairs facing the ocean beside a pool with a swim up bar. Headed straight there, parked our butts and relaxed until it was time to head back to the ship.
While we still enjoyed our day, we didn’t realize what we were missing. The next time we went we walked around and realized all the great other options.
Costa Maya is one port where if you choose, you can save your money on a shore excursion and have a really great day in the Costa Maya port.
Here are some inexpensive things to do in Costa Maya Mexico on a cruise.
Check out the flamingos
I was so excited to see these incredible creatures. In front of the shops at the back of the port you will see the flamingos. They do take them away for little breaks so if they aren’t there, just check back again. You won’t want to miss them.
Lounge by one of the pools
There are two shallow pools, one is quite large. Both have a swim up bar.
We were told you can use any of the lounge chairs, they just ask you to buy a drink. The waiters came and serve you in the lounge chairs.
The first two photos below were taken on our first trip to Costa Maya. Both are different views from our lounge chairs. This is the smaller pool and the one closest to the ship. It has great views of the ocean.
Further back there is a larger pool also with a swim up bar and near a large open air bar. It is a really nice pool and area but without the ocean views.
On our second trip, it was raining hard so we sat in the bar rather than the loungers.
I mention that walkway you see in the above photo a little further down.
Have a drink in one of the open air bars
Having a drink in an open air bar just feels like vacation. Great views and a fun atmosphere. It is a great way to enjoy a few hours ashore.
Watch the pole show
This the Danza de los Voladores, a traditional show where a group of dancers climb a tall pole and then fly down. It is free to watch and held in the center of the square in the Costa Maya cruise port.
It is enjoyable yet slightly terrifying to watch.
It will happen several times so keep your eyes out for that. It is free to watch, they do however ask for tips.
I somehow don’t have a great photo of that. In the photo below you can see above one of the palm leaves a man hanging upside down tied on by his ankles.
Visit Aviarius
By the flamingos you will find the entrance to Aviarius. This is a very cool bird exhibit. It consists of several treehouse type buildings connected by a walkway high above the ground.
The birds are loose in each little treehouse and you have to be careful entering and exiting each one. You can take as little or as long at each exhibit as you like.
At one point you are above the swim with dolphins exhibit. There are some pretty great views from many of the walkways.
We thought this bird exhibit was so well done and worth every penny. When we went it was $14USD for adults and $12 for kids under 12.
Even having done it once, it is something I would do again. It is a great inexpensive activity in Costa Maya.
Browse local shops
There are no shortage of shops in Costa Maya, from souvenir stores to jewelry stores. There was also talented local artists doing spray paint art that you can watch.
If you are wondering if you need to get Mexican pesos, the answer is no. We have only ever used US dollars and have never had an issue. Most stores have their prices listed in US. I prefer to use cash ashore rather than a credit or debit card. Bring smaller bills especially if you are planning on bartering.
If you don’t have smaller bills, use the kiosk machines in the ship’s casino before heading off. There is a bill break option that is really handy and so much quicker than waiting in line at guest services.
Costa Maya cruise port where you don’t need a shore excursion to enjoy it. We have had great days in Costa Maya without ever leaving the port.
Other articles you might find helpful: