Top 12 Things to Do in Costa Maya

Delve into ancient history, swim with abundant marine life and stroll across white sandy beaches during your cruise to Costa Maya. This Mexican city welcomes you with a relaxed vibe, authentic flavors, vivid colors and a host of adventures sure to get the blood pumping.

In fact, if there was a recipe for a cruise vacation of a lifetime, this is one region with all the right ingredients. Here’s what you can do in the beautiful city of Costa Maya.

Explore the Ocean

1. Scuba Diving

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, Costa Maya has some of the best scuba diving sights in the world, giving you the opportunity to get up-close and personal with turtles, barracudas, and tropical fish. First-time diver? No need to worry, guides are ready to give you an introductory lesson before your excursion under the sea. For those of you holding a valid C-Card, get ready to board a custom dive boat and discover the Meso-American Barrier Reef – the largest in the Northern Hemisphere.

2. Snorkeling

If you’re on a family cruise with teens, they’ll love snorkeling in the crystal clear, turquoise water of the coral reefs and spot fascinating sea creatures. To add to the fun, experienced swimmers can try power snorkeling with a Sea Doo Scooter and skim the surface faster than you can swim, or dive down easily to get a closer look at the underwater world.

3. Sailing

What could be better than breathing in the fresh, salt air as you sail the Caribbean Sea aboard a catamaran? Snorkel right from the boat to see Angelfish and Queen Triggerfish at home among the reefs. You’ll also enjoy music, drinks and incredible photo opportunities of the coastal landscape.

4. Swimming with Dolphins

Swimming with dolphins is a bucket list activity for many guests on a Mexico cruise and you can make your dreams come true in the Costa Maya. Not only will you get to see the playful mammals jump, twist and zoom through the water, but you can also look forward to a dolphin kiss and the chance to touch their sleek, rubbery skin.

Jump into Adventure Activities

5. Maya, Lost Mayan Kingdom

With water slides, zip line courses, a rope course and the Kukulcan Zip Coaster, the famous adventure park, Maya – Lost Mayan Kingdom, is heaven on earth for the young and the young at heart. The adventure park has something for everyone, including a river expedition for relaxation, miniature slides on Monkey’s Island for the little ones and a 78-foot Demon water slide for thrill-seekers.

6. ATV Drives

Venture deep into the jungle on off-road paths for an action-packed adventure with a single driver, All-Terrain vehicle. First, experienced guides will teach you how to operate your ATV and then, you’ll discover hidden trails most tourists never get to see. For those who want to challenge their driving skills, you will also get the chance to drive along rocky forest paths.

7. Segway Rides

Segways are a fun, novel way to see the sights of the Costa Maya. If you’ve never experienced riding one before, they’re super easy to operate and you’ll be given one-on-one instructions before you set off. Look forward to gliding along the beachfront with stunning ocean views and riding to town for shopping in Costa Maya.

8. Biking and Kayaking

Biking and kayaking are two of the top things to do in the Costa Maya. Cycling allows you to wind through local fishing villages for a taste of culture, while soaking up the coastal views. Out on the water, you’ll paddle over reefs teeming with corals and fish in a clear-bottom kayak, alongside palm-fringed beaches.

9. Fly Fishing

If you love fly fishing and dream of catching Tarpon, Snapper, Bonefish, and Permit, remote Costa Maya Channels are where the all action happens. A fly fishing excursion gives you the benefit of a professional guide, so you have the best chance of fishing success, on a catch and release basis.

Discover Ancient Civilization

10. Chacchoben Mayan Ruins

Located in a remote jungle area filled with deer and monkeys, Chacchoben is a site of mysterious temples, lush gardens, and remarkable history. Many of the ruins remain relatively untouched, so this is an experience that truly puts you in the midst of the ancient Mayan world. With a guide revealing secrets of an incredible history, you’ll walk across sacred ceremonial grounds and discover temples atop Gran Basamento, considered to be the ritual hub of Chacchoben.

11. Kohunlich Mayan Ruins

Kohunlich is a well-preserved Mayan ruin site dating back to 200 B.C and consists of elaborate palaces, temples, ball courts and residential complexes. On a tour of Kohunlich, you’ll stroll through manicured gardens to discover landmarks including the Temple of the Large Masks. Depicting Maya Kings or the Maya Sun God, some masks stand as high as 8 foot tall and all face the setting sun.

12. Bacalar Town

An excursion to Bacalar offers exciting insights into the real pirates of the Caribbean. Built to protect the citizens from pirate raids, the Bacalar Fortress boasts views across the sparkling water and you can still see imposing cannons on its ramparts. Close by is the Seven Colors Lagoon, reflecting incredible shades of blue. Here you can take a boat ride to Isla de Los Pájaros which is a bird watcher’s paradise, and Canal de Piratas, just like the pirates did.

With remote, ancient sites for history buffs, pristine stretches of sand for beach lovers and thrilling adventures both on and off the azure water, the Costa Maya is a must-see cruise destination that checks all the boxes for a memorable vacation.

Note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options may vary by ship and destination.