Costa Maya is located in Mahahual, Quintana Roo, Mexico, and is a very popular cruise port destination. I visited this port for the first time with Norwegian Cruise Lines aboard their ship the Norwegian Joy. I actually did some research on this port before visiting but even knowing things ahead of time it didn't prepare me for the chaos I was going to experience. 

The day I visited there were three ships in port, which in my opinion was far too many. Costa Maya is the epitome of a commercialized area and despite its massive size it was very difficult to walk around. Once you get into port, you're immediately shuffled through the duty free store which reminded me of an airport. From there it's an endless stream of stores and vendors trying to get you to buy something. The port is designed in such a way it almost traps you in making it seem almost impossible to leave. I had to navigate many twists and turns before finally finding the exist which was almost a 45 minute adventure on its own due to members of my group getting pulled into stores.

However, this doesn't mean Costa Maya is all bad! Here is my list of recommendations when visiting.

Things to Do in Costa Maya

1. Get Out of the Cruise Port ASAP!

Unless you enjoy huge crowds, or get really lucky on not many ships being in port, leave. Just keep walking & find the exit! I'm someone that is ok with big crowds in most circumstances but found Costa Maya very overwhelming and unenjoyable from barely being able to walk. The prices in the port are also obscene. 

2. Don't Book a Tour with the Vendors in the Port

If you didn't book an excursion, I would probably skip the vendors selling tours inside the port. They're just as expensive as booking through the cruise line and there's zero haggling. They can however, charge the trip to your cabin which I thought was interesting. 

3. Book a Deal with the Vendors by the Taxis

Once you get out of the port there are a ton of people and taxis outside that can take you places. Work out a deal with one of them to get the best price! Here you can haggle and make sure to have cash. Make sure to think through what they're offering though because we paid $15 to be taken to to a beach club which included our first drink at the restaurant, but we still had to pay $4 each, each way for the taxi. At the time I didn't realize we basically paid $15 for the drink since the taxi was separate, plus our food. I was just in awe at the time of how "cheap" it was compared to the other prices I had just heard. So make sure to slow down and know what you're getting. I wouldn't quite say I was scammed. It wasn't the best deal, but still better than the cruise port vendors.

4. Order Fish Tacos

Whenever I'm in the Caribbean (yes, I know Mexico is in North America, but Costa Maya is RIGHT IN THAT AREA) I have to get fresh fish. So to be honest, I actually ordered the pork tacos first, as I'm a huge fan, but did get a second order to share of the fish tacos which were superb. Think grilled fish on a corn tortilla with salsa and lime. These are not Baja style fish tacos.

5. Visit a Beach 

I'm not really a beach person, but when in Rome! Or Mexico? There's just something different about it. I won't spend my whole port day at the beach as I do think that's a waste, but an hour or so is perfect. I really enjoyed being at a beach club for this reason as I easily went from lunch straight to the sand.

6. Get a Massage on the Beach

There are lots of vendors trying to sell items and services in the touristy spots. The beach club we were located at had entire areas set up for massages. I wasn't originally interested but my boyfriend convinced me & we haggled for $5 for a 5 minute shoulder rub. The lady also got my scalp and oh my goodness. It was so relaxing! Most of what she was offering was $30 for an hour if that's more of your speed. I did really enjoy this so I highly recommend!

7. Hold an Iguana

If you see someone walking around asking if you want to hold an iguana, do it. The people carrying them around are working for tips but will let you do somethings for free. A guy dressed as a Mayan didn't charge us for a picture, but I did spot the Iguana guy $2. The lizard has to eat too! This was a really cool experience and the iguana wore a little sombrero which made him a truly fine gentleman.

8. Try a Mexican Coca-Cola

As most Americans are aware coca-cola in the US is made with high-fructose corn syrup, which is plainly, disgusting. Mexican coca-cola can be found in the US, however, it often comes with a markup, but is made with cane sugar. If you've never tried one you should definitely be able to taste the difference! You can grab one of these anywhere! Definitely make sure it's cold!

Check Out the Vlog!