Free Things To Do in Costa Maya on a Cruise

Published March 23, 2025

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Costa Maya stands as a port that you can fully navigate without any planning, and the port is quite simple when it comes to cruise ports.

Just disembark from your ship and proceed along the sole pier leading into the cruise port toward the shore.

There are also many excellent photo opportunities during your stroll, which is actually fun since it's a very lengthy pier.

This article will guide you on the free things to explore in Costa Maya on a cruise. Read on to discover more!

Where's Costa Maya?

The port of Costa Maya is located on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.

It's between three and a half hours from Cancun South, just past Cozumel and Playa del Carman, also located approximately 2 and a half hours away from Tulum.

Costa Maya can be visited on a trip from the Cancun region and most of the other prominent tourist attractions, and it is primarily appreciated by cruisers.

The whole coastline is a significant tourist destination featuring day all-inclusive retreats, stunning coastlines, seaside clubs, and many more experiences.

In fact, Costa Maya is a concealed treasure in the Caribbean that was specifically made for cruisers.

So, be thrilled if you reserved a Costa Maya cruise as this cruise port is very lovely!

Even, it resembles a resort because of its large swimming pool in the middle, seating chairs, gift shops, etc.

Free Things To Do in Costa Maya on a Cruise

Taste Mexican Chocolate

Close to the dolphins and the Aviary is a store named Kakaw Chocolate Factory.

They offer people free samples of fresh Mexican chocolate every day.

If you haven't experienced Mexican chocolate before, you probably didn't know that it has a slight spiciness and is unlike any other chocolate found elsewhere.

Visit the Beach

This is one of the best free things to do in Costa Maya on a cruise.

You can have a fantastic day without leaving the Costa Maya cruise port.

However, if you’re really eager to visit the beach, there's one situated approximately 10 minutes from the Costa Maya port.

You can completely stroll the route to the port and then catch a taxi to the beach for some dollars.

Go Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

This is among the free things to do in Costa Maya on a cruise.

In Costa Maya, there exist catamaran excursions that'll take you on outings and allow you to snorkel or dive with scuba gear.

Also, you can go snorkeling directly from the shore.

In fact, there are many excellent choices for scuba diving and snorkeling in Costa Maya.

Since the sky is ever-blue and its clarity is amazing, you will always want to snorkel more.

Watch Wrestlers and Musicians

This is another free thing to do in Costa Maya on a cruise.

If you're looking for some amusement, there are entertaining musicians situated across the cruise terminal.

You will see them wearing Mayan outfits and performing near the shopping district.

Also, if you're passionate about wrestling, there is an eatery with a bar that has an arranged ring for lucha libre wrestling matches in goofy outfits.

You will really enjoy hearing the wrestling match from their pool.

Visit the All-Inclusive Beaches

Numerous all-inclusive beach excursions are available in Costa Maya and are among the things to do in Costa Maya on a cruise.

Some are ideal for families looking for a day at the beach while some are better suited for adults exclusively.

So, reserve an excursion in Costa Maya opting for any all-inclusive beaches, as it's definitely one of the best choices there.

It would also be ideal if you simply want to unwind and savor the scenery.

Discover the Vibrant Statues (Alebrijes)

This is one of the best free things to do in Costa Maya on a cruise.

Alebrijes are vibrant folk Mexican art sculptures featuring imaginative and mythical creatures.

There are a minimum of two massive Alebrijes statues at the Costa Maya cruise dock.

They are truly colorful and we believe are the best spots for Instagram photos in Costa Maya.

They’re situated as far from the dock as possible, making them somewhat of a hidden gem and discovered solely by tourists who roam the farthest.

Also, you will encounter numerous vendors offering miniature alebrijes for you to take back home.

Take a Trip to Seven Color Bacalar Lagoon

Arranging a Bacalar trip from the Costa Maya cruise port is what many people like to do and is part of the top things to do in port Costa Maya.

This is because the Seven Seas Lagoon in Bacalar is stunning, and its water is blue and lovely.

The excursion features a boat trip and swimming, and there is also a meal offered.

It is approximately one hour from Costa Maya.

Your family will definitely enjoy themselves and also remember to reserve a booking before going there.

The benefit of booking in advance is that you have to stroll a mile in order to reach the tour firm, so consider if that's an issue.

In general, going to the Bacalar Lagoon is an enjoyable journey on the lovely bay blue waters.

Capture a Photo with the Costa Maya Signs

Capturing a photo with the Costa Maya Signs is one of the free things to do in Costa Maya on a cruise.

There are a minimum of 3 distinct signs at which you can capture your photo and demonstrate that you truly went to Costa Maya cruise port.

Two of them are positioned immediately after you exit the wharf to enter into the retail area.

Then, the third (much less busy sign) is found in Costa Maya's rear section close to the taxi area and the alebrijes.

Visit the Chacchoben Ruins

In case you want to visit the Chacchoben Ruins, get set for a ride because it’s among the top things to do in Costa Maya port.

It is situated approximately 42 miles from the Port of Costa Maya and you can arrive in roughly an hour.

These Mayan Ruins of Chacchoben are in excellent condition, and you will be able to see and even ascend some of their edifices, which are quite impressive.

Though Chacchoben isn't as large as Chichen Itza (one of the sites of the Wonders of the World), it is still pretty neat.

The only thing that may prove difficult for you is the humidity here because it is extremely warm.

Then, another fascinating aspect of Chacchoben Ruins is the natural wildlife primates in all the trees which is truly enjoyable to watch.

By reserving a Chacchoben tour, you will receive a guide that'll inform you about certain aspects and the culture of these tidy archaeological discoveries.

You will also enjoy a fantastic time, and fortunately, there is usually a beach break following the tour of Chacchoben.

Watch Dolphins

This is among the free things to do in Costa Maya on a cruise, and it even constitutes animal tourism.

In Costa Maya, one can invest a significant sum to swim alongside marine mammals and assist in animal-based tourism.

Alternatively, you can take the cheaper approach and view the dolphins glide through the water freely.

In this way, you're conserving funds and not spending a dime.

Even, your small children will really enjoy watching the dolphins and believe that they are truly cool.

You can observe them for some time and also create some free recollections of watching dolphins.

However, note that there are notices everywhere near their dolphin tank requesting that you refrain from taking photographs.

Go on Your Cruise Ship Tours

If you arranged your shore excursions of Costa Maya via a cruise ship line, you won't need to walk much distance.

There exists a specific location to meet your tour directly.

You can even take part in the tour of Bacalar via your shipping company, which is part of the fun things to do in Puerto Costa Maya.

Also, when you make a reservation via a cruise ship, if something goes amiss they will take responsibility for you.

However, if you make a reservation via any third party, you'll assume your responsibilities.

Discover Mexican Souvenirs

When you are in search of Mexican souvenirs, several items are quite common.

First of all, Mexican pottery comes in various sizes and shapes, and it is one of the keepsakes that you will truly utilize.

Then, if you prefer trinkets, you might want to grab some tiny alebrijes to carry home alongside you.

Then, for jewelry, you'll discover authentic Mexican silver pieces.

Then, food-centered Mexican souvenirs feature cooking Vanilla bottles and Chocolate Mexicano.

Finally, there are always items such as maracas, ponchos, sombreros, and wrestling outfits that you can bring back home.

Check Out Aviarius

Aviarius charges an admission fee, though this is part of your Port Pass (it needs to be bought via your cruise line).

This pass is worth contemplating if you desire to engage in this adventure and it provides you with the choice to experience a few extra activities.

The Aviarius spans a bridge leading to a lovely bird sanctuary, so you will have the opportunity to observe flamingos and various types of exotic avian creatures.

They will provide you with birdseed to attract them straight to you.

Swim Inside the Free Swimming Pool

As you enter the Costa Maya port, you'll notice numerous arranged stands selling standard Mexican keepsakes.

If you stroll through them and slightly to your left, in the port center, there’s a massive fantastic swimming pool that's entirely free.

Simply take a chair and waitstaff will deliver any beverages or food you desire, and then you can dive right into the pool. It’s among the best things to do in Costa Maya.

The great part is that the pool is chilly and children typically aren't affected by chilly swimming pools whatsoever.

So, your kids will enjoy themselves thoroughly, playing and splashing inside the fountains at the pool's shallow end.

This pool remains free for all visitors, and you can float and unwind on its seaside loungers.

Then, once you have spent a while inside the pool, go ahead to stroll around and browse.

This activity is totally free and is an excellent Costa Maya spot to relax.

However, the manner in which cruise ships dock will influence how crowded the saltwater pool is.

Nonetheless, it is still an excellent Costa Maya adventure.

Watch the Papantla Flyers

In case you're looking to appreciate Mayan culture and customs, you should visit the awe-inspiring Papantla Flyers.

It is among the free things to do in Costa Maya on a cruise and is situated close to the swimming pool.

Papantla Flyers is a tall pole in Costa Maya Port's center where the elevated dance ceremony is executed.

Five men ascend nearly 100 feet into the air in order to execute the ritual.

One of the men will sit in the center playing a drum or flute, while the remaining 4 attach themselves to the wing inverted and a rope.

It’s remarkable and somewhat frightening to see!

Observe Colorful Birds

At the center of the Costa Maya cruise port, close to the free pool, there stands a sizable treehouse-like building where you may pay a nominal fee to ascend, watch, and touch various kinds of colorful vibrant birds of the tropics.

If you prefer not to pay, you can view several from the exterior having flamingos in a small pool.

Taste Guacamole and Tacos

Food options are available throughout the entire Costa Maya.

You will come across a location in the alley near the Alebrijes where grilled fresh meats are offered on skewers with tacos, and they are actually very tasty.

You can enjoy this leisurely hour seated at a sidewalk table, munching on tacos together with guacamole.

Conclusion

If you are seeking free things to explore in the Costa Maya port while on your cruise and aiming to enjoy an amazing Costa Maya trip, this article will help you out.

There are actually lots of free and enjoyable choices available across various levels.

Also, there are several Costa Maya tours that are solely offered by cruise lines, so consider all your choices while organizing your cruise.

Hopefully, this compilation of free Costa Maya activities will assist you in perfectly organizing your cruise adventure!