Costa Maya, located in Quintana Roo, Mexico, is a favored port for Western Caribbean cruises, celebrated for its stunning beaches and clear waters. Wondering where to find the finest white sand beaches for your port day? Do you want an exclusive, all-inclusive beach day, including food, water activities, and pampering? Or would you prefer to relax in the shade of palm trees, sipping cocktails and swimming in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean?
Costa Maya’s beaches rank among Mexico’s most stunning, yet this gem remains less famous compared to well-known spots like Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen to the north. This actually works in your favor. While finding a spot on a Cancun beach might be a challenge, Costa Maya offers the chance to enjoy a beach all to yourself, if you know where to look.
Caribbean cruise visitors can choose from many beach clubs near the Costa Maya Cruise Port. Options range from hiring a beach chair at one of the many lively beach bars in the beach town, Mahahual, to luxury VIP beach resorts south of Costa Maya. But with limited time in port, you want to choose the right beach destination to maximize your relaxation and enjoyment.
This article is a guide to the top beaches near Costa Maya Cruise Port, a popular cruise port. You will learn about the most popular beach clubs in the nearby town offering day passes for cruise passengers. I’ve also listed the available amenities, approximate cost, and other tips to make your day in the port memorable.
In this guide, I’ve selected beach resorts that are no more than an hour’s drive from the cruise port terminal. This way, you can maximize your time enjoying the beach instead of wasting the majority of your day on the road.
Why Choose a Beach Club in Costa Maya
Relaxing on a gorgeous beach is a great way to spend time in Costa Maya. The best beach clubs offer day passes that give you access to a varied range of facilities and amenities. These can include complimentary food and drinks, snorkeling, kayaking, beach loungers, freshwater pools, and round-trip transportation.
Beyond the immediate comfort and entertainment, these activities give you a unique opportunity to explore the stunning natural beauty of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Located just offshore, this reef system is the largest in the Northern Hemisphere, providing a vibrant underwater landscape teeming with marine life, making your beach day not just relaxing but also an exploration of one of the world’s most vital and magnificent coral ecosystems.
You’ll find that the beach bars and free beaches in Costa Maya village can be hectic on cruise days, especially if many ships are in the port. Therefore, you may want to choose a beach club outside the town. This way, you can escape the commotion of hundreds of tourists looking for the best spot on the beach.
For example, private beach clubs like Maya Chan, Hayhu, and Almaplena are small corners of paradise on the Caribbean coast. You can reserve your spot in advance and enjoy the peace and tranquility you expect in tropical destinations. And you don’t have to worry about getting there—the resorts arrange taxis.
How to Choose the Best Costa Maya Beach Excursion
How can you choose the best resort to spend your cruise day in the quaint fishing village of Costa Maya?
The primary consideration is time. If you plan to take a shore excursion to the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins, you should choose a beach close to the cruise terminal in the village. However, if you plan to spend the entire day at the beach, try one of the resorts south of Mahahual village.
Then, decide on what you want from your beach day. A beach-day pass typically gives you access to the following amenities and facilities:
- Free food and drink (check to see if there are limits)
- Beach lounge chairs
- Snorkeling gear
- Kayaks or paddle boards
- Bathroom facilities and showers
- Water sports lessons for kiteboarding, paddleboarding, and scuba diving
- Massage and spa facilities
- A restricted number of places so the resort is never overcrowded
Map of Beaches in Costa Maya Close to the Cruise Port
The Best Beach Clubs in Mahahual (Near the Cruise Port)
Here are the best beach clubs if you want to stay close to the cruise terminal in Costa Maya.
Mahahual Beach
Mahahual Beach is the closest beach to the cruise port in Costa Maya. Being the nearest beach, it’s where most passengers go after disembarking. You can walk to Mahahual Beach from the cruise terminal, but it takes 40 minutes, and it’s usually easier to get a taxi, shuttle bus, or golf cart.
You’ll find that the beach in Mahahual stretches for a mile. The beach is lined with small clubs, beach bars, and cafes. Therefore, if you plan on staying in the village, it’s best to take your time to pick a beach club you prefer. The beach facilities include snorkeling, kayaking in glass-bottomed boats, scuba diving, and trips to Banco Chinchorro coral reef reserve.
Banco Chinchorro is a captivating atoll reef off the southeastern coast of Mexico, near the Belize border. It’s part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the largest coral reef system in the Northern Hemisphere and the second-largest in the world. Home to tropical fish, turtles, mangroves, crabs, and nine shipwrecks, it’s also one of the most extensive barrier reefs in the Northern Hemisphere. Therefore, Mahahual Beach provides some of the best diving opportunities on your Caribbean cruise.
- Distance from Costa Maya Cruise Port: 10 minutes by taxi or shuttle bus
- Type of Access: Free public access and a variety of beach clubs
- Amenities: Beach loungers, umbrellas, showers, restrooms, water sports rental equipment
- Activities: Snorkeling, diving, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding
- Food and Beverages: A variety of beachfront restaurants and bars serving local and international cuisine, seafood dishes, refreshing drinks, and cocktails
- Price Range: $-$$$
- Atmosphere: Relaxed and friendly, some clubs have a party atmosphere
- Accessibility: Ramps leading to shoreline
Krazy Lobster
The Krazy Lobster is one of the most popular spots in Mahahual to relax in the Caribbean sun. The beachfront cafe has a wide range of seafood dishes—from fish to ceviche, shrimp, and lobster. You can also rent beach lounge chairs, umbrellas, hammocks, showers, and palapas. It also has free WiFi for uploading your snaps.
In addition to serving delicious Mexican food, you can also hire kayaks and paddle boards to enjoy the crystal-clear waters. However, if you need some pampering, you can arrange massages in their outdoor spa. There is no need to book, and the facilities are available for ordering food.
If you’re interested in jet skiing, inquire about renting jet skis at Krazy Lobster.
- Distance from Costa Maya Cruise Port: 10 minutes
- Type of Access: Free access to facilities and the beach
- Amenities: Kayaks, paddle boards, showers, Wi-Fi, lockers, lounge chairs
- Activities: Swimming and snorkeling
- Food and Beverages: Complimentary margarita when you buy food
- Price Range: $-$$ (lobster is $25).
- Atmosphere: Friendly and relaxed
Malecón 21 Beach Club
The Malecón 21 Beach Club is located at the south end of the beach town. It’s one of the best beaches in the area to relax and soak up the sun on the white sand beach. The restaurant and beach club has a more upmarket feel than many of the other beachfront cafes and clubs.
After arriving at the cruise terminal, you can take a taxi to the beach club. A beach-day pass gives you access to beach beds and free WiFi. Depending on the package, you can get unlimited drinks and one meal from the menu. The club also offers massage and hot stone massage services for an extra cost.
The Malecón 21 gets excellent customer reviews, and it’s not as busy as some other beach clubs in the north of the village. It’s also beside one of the best places for snorkeling in the sea, and you can book scuba diving lessons at the Mahahual Dive Center. Note that you must arrange transportation yourself.
- Distance from Costa Maya Cruise Port: 10 minutes
- Type of Access: Open to the public, no reservation required
- Amenities: Beach lounges and Wi-Fi
- Activities: Massage for an extra charge, $45-$90
- Food and Beverage: All-inclusive packages cost $60 to $120 per person
- Price Range: $$-$$$
- Atmosphere: Relaxed and kid-friendly
- Accessibility: Wheelchair ramp to the shade lounge area
Yaya Beach Club
Yaya Beach Club is a laid-back, family-friendly beach club located in Mahahual. The club offers shaded beach beds and lounge chairs under palapas. The restaurant serves various dishes, including fresh seafood and traditional Mexican cuisine. There is also an extensive drinks menu selling a range of cocktails and spirits.
Facilities at the Yaya Beach Club are limited if you want more than food and beverages and to relax in the sun. They offer three bar packages—Standard, Deluxe, and Platinum. Each package gives access to a lounge sunbed in the shade. Only the Deluxe and Platinum packages include food.
- Distance from Costa Maya Cruise Port: 10 minutes
- Type of Access: Open to the public, and advance reservation is recommended
- Amenities: Beach sun lounges, fresh water showers, and free WiFi (note, there are no lockers)
- Activities: Massage with a professional masseuse for an extra charge
- Food and Beverages: All-inclusive beach-day packages range from $50 to $100
- Price Range: $$-$$$
- Atmosphere: Family-friendly and relaxed
- Accessibility: Wheelchair access
Nacional Beach Club and Bungalows
Located in the center of the beach town, the Nacional Beach Club offers VIP beach-day passes for cruise ship passengers. The beach club’s main attractions are its tasty food and beach chairs. The all-inclusive package costs $135 and includes food throughout the day, drinks, and bottled water.
The National Beach Club is an excellent place to relax away from the masses of tourists and enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine. The day-long access to food and drinks makes it somewhat reasonable. However, it lacks facilities for water activities like snorkeling, paddleboarding, or kayaking.
- Distance from Costa Maya Cruise Port: 10 minutes by taxi
- Type of Access: Open to the public, and reservation is advisable
- Amenities: Beach chairs, umbrellas, towels, fresh-water showers, and restrooms
- Activities: None
- Food and Beverages: Traditional Mexican cuisine, including lunch, breakfast, and dinner, plus free drinks for $135
- Price Range: $$$
- Atmosphere: Friendly and relaxed
- Accessibility: Accessible for strollers, but no wheelchair access
Chunky Monkey Beach Club
The Chunky Monkey Beach Club is the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of Mahahual on cruise days.
The club has stunning panoramic views over the pristine waters of the Caribbean. It has a private beach, away from pesky sellers that try to sell trinkets and souvenirs. The beach-day pass includes a snorkeling trip, lunch and drinks.
One of the best things about spending a cruise day at Chunky Monkey Beach Club is the proximity of the coral reef. Just 350 ft (107 m) from the shore, you can snorkel around the reef looking for exotic marine life like stingrays, turtles, and shoals of tropical fish, not to mention the beautiful corals.
If you don’t want to take the boat trip, you can switch it to a 60—or 90-minute massage.
- Distance from Costa Maya Cruise Port: 15 minutes
- Type of Access: Private beach access
- Amenities: 60 or 90-minute boat trip included, massage, lunch, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) all day, fresh water showers, and sun beds
- Activities: Snorkeling, swimming, and massage
- Food and Beverages: Traditional Mexican food and cocktails, $100 for adults and $45 for children
- Price Range: $$
- Atmosphere: Super-relaxed and welcoming
Pez Quadro Beach Club (40 Canones Hotel)
If you’re looking to spend your day enjoying a white sand beach and swimming in blue waters, Pez Quadro Beach Club is the perfect choice. The beach club offers cruise travelers day passes that allow you to unwind and soak up the sun on the beach. These packages include complimentary drinks, one dish from the menu, and a guaranteed lounge chair.
Pez Quadro Beach Club has good, clean facilities that include restrooms, showers, and free WiFi. You can also book additional excursions for an extra price. These include snorkeling, catch-and-release fishing, and bottom fishing. And to relax, you can arrange a full-body, deep-tissue professional massage.
The proximity of the beach lounges to the sea means that vendors tend to pester guests. Also, some people report that the food is average and overpriced.
- Distance from Costa Maya Cruise Port: 10 minutes
- Type of Access: Private for hotel guests or purchasing a beach package
- Amenities: Lounge chairs, fresh-water showers, restrooms (no towels)
- Activities: Fishing, snorkeling, diving, and massages for an additional cost
- Food and Beverages: $55 or $95 for the food and drinks packages
- Price Range: $$-$$$, ($90 to $130 per hour for fishing)
- Atmosphere: Friendly and relaxed
- Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchairs
Tropicante Ameri-Mex Grill
The Tropicante AmeriMex Grill is a favorite beach bar with cruise travelers. It’s a bar-restaurant situated in the center of Mahahual. With stunning views over the calm waters of the Caribbean, you can relax on a sun lounger under an umbrella. The atmosphere is incredibly laid-back, and the scrumptious food and drinks are very affordably priced.
Unlike the other beachfront establishments in this review, the Tropicante AmeriMex Grill is more of an informal restaurant/bar than a beach club. However, you can do everything you want on a Caribbean cruise excursion—eat, drink, swim, snorkel in blue, shallow waters, and get a massage.
- Distance from Costa Maya Cruise Port: 10 minutes by taxi
- Type of Access: Free to anyone
- Amenities: Lounge chairs, umbrellas on a first-come-first-served basis, and Wi-Fi
- Activities: Swimming and sunbathing
- Food and Beverages: Combination of Mexican, Caribbean, and American cuisine
- Price Range: $
- Atmosphere: Relaxed, laid-back atmosphere made better by a friendly host
- Accessibility: Wheelchair access from the Malecon (promenade)
Barefoot Beach Club at Costa Maya
Just 10 minutes from the Caribbean cruise port, the Barefoot Beach Club offers a day of fun and Mexican culture. The spectacular beachfront club has swaying palm trees and palapas, giving it a truly tropical feel. The club provides an all-inclusive package with food, cocktails, hammocks, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and kayaking.
Barefoot Beach Club boasts pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, and plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas for relaxation. The ultimate beach-day pass is the deluxe package that includes a dish from the lunch menu, free drinks, and a one-hour massage.
All day packages include a reserved lounge chair, shaded palapa, snorkel gear, free kayak use, and complimentary Wi-Fi. It seems like the perfect place to spend the entire day on Mahahual Beach, Costa Maya.
- Distance from Costa Maya Cruise Port: 10 minutes
- Type of Access: Pre-booking only
- Amenities: Reserved lounge chairs, umbrellas, palapas, inflatable water toys, snorkeling and kayaking gear, and restrooms (no towels)
- Activities: Snorkeling, kayaking, swimming,
- Food and Beverages: Full restaurant and bar serving a range of Mexican and international cuisine
- Price Range: $$
- Atmosphere: Relaxed atmosphere and suitable for families
Big Mama Beach Club
The Big Mama all-inclusive beach club lets you escape the commotion of hundreds of tourists when several cruise ships are in port. The club has pristine white sandy beaches and offers a range of activities and delicious food. You can go snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. And you have a reserved lounge chair.
Located in the center of Mahahual Beach, the beach club lets you come and go throughout the day. Therefore, you also get the chance to explore the village. However, with so much to do at the club, the chances are you’ll not venture far.
All packages include a selection of food and drinks, free WiFi, a reserved lounge chair, shaded palapas, and one hour for snorkeling and kayaking in the calm water around the reef. The VIP day pass also includes a massage. Also, remember to bring a towel, sunscreen, and water shoes.
- Distance from Costa Maya Cruise Port: 10 to 15 minutes
- Type of Access: Reservation only with limited availability to ensure it’s never crowded
- Amenities: Paddle boards, kayaks, snorkeling gear, and beach inflatables.
- Activities: Paddleboarding, snorkeling, kayaking, and, for an extra fee, scuba diving, boat trips, and parasailing
- Food and Beverages: Traditional Mexican nachos, tacos, quesadillas, and burritos, as well as a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
- Price Range: $$, adult day passes range from $40 to $70
- Atmosphere: Calm and peaceful without the hum of hundreds of tourists
Blue Kay Eco Resort
The Blue Kay Resort, positioned conveniently near the Costa Maya cruise port terminal and just steps away from the iconic Faro de Mahahual lighthouse, offers a comprehensive beach day experience. This resort provides a beautiful beach setting, engaging water activities, and a range of dining options, including a restaurant and bar, complemented by all-day snacks and drinks.
An additional unique feature available for guests is the opportunity to book a Temazcal ceremony separately. This traditional Mexican steam room experience is designed for purification and renewal, offering an enriching cultural experience beyond the standard amenities, as an optional extra for those interested.
Several excursions are available at the beach club; however, you must pay separately. You can book snorkeling and scuba diving boat tours. Additionally, you can cleanse your mind and body with the therapeutic Temazcal. The reasonably priced day pass includes drinks and snacks; you can order lunch from the menu.
- Distance from Costa Maya Cruise Port: Less than 10 minutes
- Type of Access: Private—for resort residents and day-pass holders
- Amenities: Restaurant, beach access, lounge chairs (no reservations), and fresh-water showers
- Activities: Most watersports for an extra charge
- Food and Beverages: Traditional Mexican dishes like tacos, quesadillas, or nachos, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
- Price Range: $-$$, prices from $22 to $70 per adult
- Atmosphere: relaxed and suitable for families and children
Maramao Beach Club (El Fuerte Hotel)
The Maramao Beach Club is a beautiful beach resort in the center of Mahahual with one of the best beaches in the village. With stunning views over the Caribbean, you can enjoy lunch, drinks all day, a 30-minute massage, and a snack plate. Additionally, you get a reserved lounge chair in the shade and a snorkel mask to explore the turquoise waters of the Caribbean.
The Maramao resort is more expensive and has fewer facilities than other beach clubs. However, it’s incredibly peaceful, allowing you to unwind. And the addition of the professional massage will help restore your inner peace.
The beach-day pass doesn’t include transportation or towels.
- Distance from Costa Maya Cruise Port: 15 minutes
- Type of Access: Private access for resort residents and day-pass holders
- Amenities: Shaded sun loungers, showers, restrooms, and a snorkel mask
- Activities: Only a massage is included, and you can book additional excursions beforehand
- Food and Beverages: One dish from the menu and all-day snacks and drinks
- Price Range: $$-$$$, prices starting from $33
- Atmosphere: Quiet and peaceful
- Accessibility: Accessible for wheelchairs and strollers
Los Arrecifes in Costa Maya
Los Arrecifes is a beach club and part of the attractive stretch of Mahahual Beach. This stunning beach has shallow, crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white sand, and vibrant coral reefs. The day pass gives you access to lounge chairs, shaded palapas, and free food and drink (depending on the package).
You’ll love spending your day lounging on the beach, swimming in the warm waters, or snorkeling among the colorful marine life. If you are more adventurous, you can book a variety of water sports at an additional cost. The coral reefs just off the shore are perfect for viewing a variety of tropical fish and even turtles.
Guests can enjoy traditional Mexican cuisine at the on-site restaurant and bar, with options like nachos, tacos, quesadillas, and burritos. All packages for adults include an open bar pass.
- Distance from Costa Maya Cruise Port: 10 minutes
- Type of Access: Only available for hotel residents and day-pass holders
- Amenities: Beach chairs, loungers, restrooms, fresh-water showers, and Wi-Fi
- Activities: Swimming, massage, and, for an additional cost, various water sports
- Food and Beverages: Serves a selection of traditional Mexican food, cocktails, and local beers.
- Price Range: $$
- Atmosphere: Family-friendly and uncrowded
- Accessibility: Access for wheelchairs and strollers
Nohoch Kay
Nohoch Kay is a good-value beach club at the southern end of Mahahual village. Unlike some beachfront clubs in the center of the town, Nohach Kay is relatively spacious, with plenty of room on the beach and sea. The all-inclusive pass includes an all-day open bar, an excellent lunch menu, and snorkeling gear.
The stunning stretch of white sandy, uncrowded beach lined with palm trees is ideal for relaxing. The crystal-clear turquoise waters are suitable for snorkeling or kayaking in clear-bottom kayaks. You can also pre-book sailing and snorkeling excursions to explore the stunning coral reef at Banco Chinchorro.
- Distance from Costa Maya Cruise Port: 15 minutes
- Type of Access: Only available with a day pass
- Amenities: Lounge chairs, shaded palapas, umbrellas, snorkeling gear
- Activities: Swimming and snorkeling, with options for booking additional water excursions
- Food and Beverages: The usual range of Mexican dishes, cocktails, cold beer, and soft drinks
- Price Range: $$-$$$, an all-inclusive day pass is $70, and sailing and snorkeling tours are between $45 and $200, depending on the package
- Atmosphere: Joyful and relaxed
- Accessibility: Wheelchair access to the resort
Pitaya Beach Club
The Pitaya Beach Club is a trendy spot located in the center of Mahahual Beach. The club offers a more laid-back beach experience on the shores of the Caribbean. Depending on the type of package—three are available for adults—you get access to the following:
- Lounge bed
- Unlimited drinks
- Food
- Kayak and paddleboard
- Bike
- Food
- Snorkeling tour (VIP package)
- Round trip
You can also order a professional full-body massage to help you relax on your vacation. The beach club also serves a range of Mexican and international-style fast food and cocktails.
- Distance from Costa Maya Cruise Port: 10 minutes
- Type of Access: Free for anyone
- Amenities: Lounge chairs, shaded sitting and dining areas
- Activities: Swimming and snorkeling, with options for a snorkeling boat tour for $30
- Food and Beverages: Choice of Mexican fast food, cocktails, local beer, and non-alcoholic drinks
- Price Range: $-$$, $45, $55, and $100 for the all-inclusive packages
- Atmosphere: Party atmosphere
- Accessibility: No wheelchair access
Best Costa Maya Beach Clubs Outside Mahahual
Booking a beach pass in one of the stunning beach clubs outside the port town is the best way to escape the Mahahual crowds. In these picturesque corners of paradise, you won’t be bothered by annoying street vendors, hordes of people, or noisy ATVs. Instead, you can relax in the Caribbean sun, enjoying the panoramic views.
Maya Chan Beach Club
The Maya Chan Beach Club is one of the most popular locations for a day at the beach in Costa Maya. It’s far enough away from Costa Maya, which can feel packed on cruise days. You can also arrive later than planned if you want to shop in the Costa Maya cruise port or village.
The all-inclusive resort is ideal for a stress-free beach break. You have a reserved spot in the shade, so there is no rush to get off the ship. The beach-day pass includes snorkel gear, glass-bottom kayaks, and pre-arranged transportation from the cruise terminal. As they say, “It’s your vacation, own it.”
Here are a few things you can expect if you reserve a spot at the Maya Chan Beach Resort:
- Pristine beach with few other tourists
- All-day open bar
- All-you-can-eat Mayan-inspired buffet
- Guaranteed shaded location on the private, secluded beach
- Use of glass-bottom kayaks, beach toys, and professional snorkeling equipment
One of the reasons discerning cruise travelers choose the Maya Chan beach resort is their tasty menu. They serve lunch fresh off the grill when you want, not on a set schedule.
- Distance from Costa Maya Cruise Port: 30 minutes by pre-arranged taxi
- Type of Access: Private
- Amenities: Clean bathrooms, fresh-water showers, life jackets, free WiFi, lockers, changing rooms, floating chairs, plenty of shaded areas
- Activities: Snorkeling and kayaking
- Food and Beverages: Mayan-inspired buffet that includes chips, guacamole, and salsa, complemented by a refreshing rum punch. Additionally, there’s an all-day open bar with food cooked to order.
- Price Range: $$, $80 for the all-inclusive day pass
- Atmosphere: Tranquil, away from the commotion of Costa Maya
- Awards: Travellers’ Choice 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020
- Accessibility: No wheelchair access
La Bamba Beach
Leave the hustle and bustle of Costa Maya and head to La Bamba Beach Club. The club is on a private, secluded beach with picturesque white sand beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters. The exclusive beach club provides an open bar, kayaks, and lounge chairs.
It is the perfect spot for you to relax and soak up the sun after disembarking the cruise ship in Costa Maya. The club also features two “container” pools filled with fresh water. Additionally, you can go swimming and play beach volleyball and beach games.
La Bamba Beach is the ideal spot to have fun away from the commotion and packed beaches that sometimes occur on busy cruise days in Costa Maya.
- Distance from Costa Maya Cruise Port: 25 minutes
- Type of Access: Private reservation required on the cruise line
- Amenities: Shaded lounge chairs, kayaks, live music, grill menu, changing rooms, restrooms, lifeguards, and transportation
- Activities: Kayaking, kiteboarding, snorkeling, and windsurfing
- Food and Beverages: Mostly a grill menu and all-day cocktails
- Price Range: $-$$
- Atmosphere: The live music creates a party atmosphere
- Accessibility: Limited accessibility for wheelchairs
Almaplena Beach Resort
Almaplena Beach is one of the most secluded beaches near Costa Maya. Located 17 miles (27 km) from the cruise port, Almaplena Beach Resort offers everything you need for a relaxing Caribbean holiday. You can enjoy a pristine white sand beach, crystal-clear turquoise waters, shaded beach beds, and food.
The beach break packages include lunch, an all-you-can-drink open bar, snorkel gear, a fresh-water pool, a Mayan jewelry shop, and a guaranteed shaded area. The coral reef is also close to the resort, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling. Also, the private beach means total privacy during your cruise day on the beach.
- Distance from Costa Maya Cruise Port: 35 minutes
- Type of Access: Private, pre-booking with the cruise line is recommended
- Amenities: Lounge chairs, clean restrooms, changing rooms, showers, free WiFi, guaranteed shaded area, pool, round-trip transportation
- Activities: Snorkeling and massage (extra charge)
- Food and Beverages: A choice of tacos and nachos, including an open bar throughout your stay
- Price Range: $$-$$$, the day pass is $96 for adults, and add-ons include first-row lounges, snorkel equipment, massage, lobster, and sparkling wine
- Atmosphere: Relaxed and peaceful
Hayhu Beach Club
The Hayhu is a stunning beach club 19 miles (30 km) south of the cruise port in Costa Maya. The club features a private beach with white sands and crystal-clear blue waters. Here, you can enjoy a relaxing and luxurious experience in a private beach shack with your partner or friends.
Hayhu Beach Club is surrounded by lush vegetation and swaying palm trees, creating the perfect tropical paradise setting. Facilities at the high-end club include kayaking, kiteboarding, massage, towels, and transportation.
If you want complete privacy, the VIP package gives you access to a private deck with a shaded dining area, hammock, towels, and full bathroom facilities. There are also paddle boards, kayaks, and snorkeling equipment included in the price.
To get the best out of your visit to Hayhu Beach, you can book a massage for $40 to $60. The standard package and VIP package include credit to order food from the tasty a la carte menu.
- Distance from Costa Maya Cruise Port: 35 minutes
- Type of Access: Advance booking is essential
- Amenities: Private beach, kayaking, lounge chairs, round transportation
- Activities: Kayaking, snorkeling, kiteboarding lessons (for an extra charge), massage (for an extra charge)
- Food and Beverages: A la carte menu, and you must order food and drinks separately
- Price Range: $$$, a day pass is $250 for two people and $600 for the private deck experience (up to 6 people)
- Atmosphere: High-end but relaxed and informal
Xahuayxol Beach Club
Xahuayxol Beach Club is located beside a beautiful stretch of white sand beach lined with palm trees. It’s 25 miles (40 km) from Costa Maya Cruise Port and offers you an unforgettable Caribbean experience. A reef 350 feet (107 m) from the shoreline makes it ideal for snorkeling in the shallow waters to marvel at marine life and colorful corals.
Xahuayxol means “Garden of the Sea,” and this tranquil beach club offers opportunities for swimming, kayaking in glass-bottomed boats, and snorkeling. The beach-day pass also includes appetizers, lunch, and an open bar. Free WiFi is also available in this tropical paradise.
Including transportation, the entire shore excursion takes five hours.
- Distance from Costa Maya Cruise Port: 50 minutes
- Type of Access: Private, pre-booking required
- Amenities: Shaded sun loungers and kayaks
- Activities: Snorkeling, kayaking, and sunbathing
- Food and Beverages: Traditional Mexican snacks, fresh fish, ceviche
- Price Range: $$, a day pass costs $75 per person
- Atmosphere: Friendly and relaxed
- Accessibility: Not accessible for wheelchairs
Global Costa Maya Beach Club
The Global Costa Maya Beach Club is 6.5 miles (10.5 km) north of the cruise terminal and has a 650-foot (198 m) stretch of private white sand beach. The private beach resort and club features several swimming pools, beach beds, sun loungers, and an excellent restaurant. You can also hire kayaks, jet skis, and bikes. Additionally, you can arrange scuba diving.
If you want the ultimate luxury beach club experience in Costa Maya, the Global Costa Maya is the best choice. Despite being a stone’s throw from the port, this secluded spot offers privacy from throngs of cruise passengers. Three packages are available—Families, Adults, and VIP.
- Distance from Costa Maya Cruise Port: Approximately 6.5 miles (10.5 km), which is about a 15-minute drive
- Type of Access: Private, pre-booking required
- Amenities: Shaded sun loungers, beds, showers, shopping, spa, pool lounge area, pool bar and kayaks
- Activities: Snorkeling, diving, tennis, gym, kayaking and sunbathing
- Food and Beverages: Traditional Mexican snacks, fresh fish, ceviche
- Price Range: $$, VIP day pass is $60 per person, Adult is $50, and Family is $40 per person
- Atmosphere: High class but relaxed and informal
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Other Beaches in Costa Maya
Costa Maya also has several other stunning beaches south of Mahahual. However, their distance makes them impractical if you have limited time in port. These beaches include:
- Xcalak Beach Resorts
- Playa Sonrisa
- Punta Xcayal Beach
Beach Resorts at Bacalar Lagoon (Seven Colors Lagoon)
Spending a day at the beach while docked in Costa Maya doesn’t always include swimming in the Caribbean Sea. The Bacalar Lagoon is a spectacular freshwater lake with ample opportunities for swimming in fresh water and kayaking in the stunning lagoon.
However, it’s important to note that travel to the lagoon takes around 1hr 30 minutes. Therefore, planning a shore excursion is only feasible if you have a long time in port.
In most cases, it’s best to plan a shore excursion to Bacalar Lagoon that includes a mixture of water activities, lunch, and maybe a visit to the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins. This way, you can maximize your time in Costa Maya.
If you have more time to spend in and around Costa Maya, some of the best beach clubs in Bacalar Lagoon include the following:
- Bacalar Beach Club
- Beach Club Blu
- Bertilla Lagoon and Beach Club Bacalar
Costa Maya Beaches: FAQs
To help you prepare for your cruise day in Costa Maya, here are some answers to some questions you may still have.
Is Costa Maya safe to walk around?
Costa Maya is generally safe to walk around. The village is relatively small and built around the tourist industry. Of course, it’s essential to take precautions to ensure your safety. These include staying in popular tourist areas and always keeping your belongings with you.
What is the best beach in Costa Maya near the cruise port?
Mahahual Beach stretches the length of the fishing village and has several cafes and bars offering all-inclusive packages. Pez Quadro Beach Club and Krazy Lobster are two highly rated spots for cruise passengers. However, if you want to travel outside the city, Maya Chan offers the best tranquil beach experience.
What currency is used in Costa Maya?
The official currency used in Costa Maya is the Mexican Peso (MXN). Although some businesses may accept US dollars, it’s recommended to have pesos for better exchange rates. Also, you may receive your change in pesos if you pay in dollars.
One peso is approximately 5 cents. However, be aware that the peso sign is also $. You may also see prices listed in MX, MXN, or Mex$. Therefore, always be sure of the currency before paying.
What language is spoken in Costa Maya?
Spanish is the primary language spoken in Costa Maya. English is also widely understood in tourist areas, especially hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, as a courtesy to locals, and considering Spanish is widely spoken throughout the Caribbean, learning some Spanish phrases is always recommended.
What is the closest beach to the Costa Maya cruise port?
Mahahual Beach is the closest to the Costa Maya cruise port. You can get there from the terminal building by taxi, shuttle bus, golf cart, or electric bike. Walking from the cruise port building is also possible, but it takes 40 minutes.
Is the water in Costa Maya blue?
The sea in Costa Maya is renowned for its stunning blue hues, reflecting the Caribbean’s vibrant colors. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for snorkeling, diving, and kayaking in glass-bottomed boats. Also, Costa Maya is home to the largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere.
Is it OK to drink tap water at resorts in Mexico?
Drinking tap water at resorts in Mexico is generally not recommended. Stick to bottled or purified water, which is readily available. Also, check local cafes before purchasing food or drinks to confirm they use purified water when preparing beverages or food.
Do Costa Maya beaches have seaweed (sargassum)?
Costa Maya beaches can experience mild to severe seaweed problems. However, there is an anti-seaweed barrier in the sea, and local businesses clean the beaches regularly. Therefore, it’s relatively rare to experience heavy influxes of seaweed.
When is seaweed season in Costa Maya?
Seaweed season in Costa Maya typically occurs during the summer months, particularly from May to October. However, seaweed influxes can vary from year to year. This is due to environmental factors like currents and weather patterns. But it’s always best to check the seaweed conditions online before arriving at the port.
In any case, wearing water shoes is always recommended on Costa Maya beaches. This is to protect your feet from sharp rocks, coral fragments, and sea urchins hidden under the sand and in the water.
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