Costa Maya is a cruise port on Mexico's southern Caribbean coast, near the town of Mahahual. Unlike bustling Cozumel, Costa Maya offers a quieter, more relaxed experience with pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and a purpose-built port village with shops, pools, and restaurants.
Highlights
- Chacchoben Mayan Ruins — The most popular excursion from Costa Maya. These well-preserved ruins are set in the jungle and offer a fascinating look at ancient Mayan civilization.
- Mahahual Beach — A laid-back beach town about 10 minutes from the port. The malecón (boardwalk) stretches along the coast with beach clubs and clear water.
- Port Village — The cruise port itself has a large pool, shopping area, restaurants, and a saltwater pool. You can spend the day without leaving the port.
- Bacalar Lagoon — Known as the "Lagoon of Seven Colors" for its stunning shades of blue. A longer excursion but absolutely worth it.
- Snorkeling — The nearby reef offers excellent snorkeling in calm, clear waters with abundant marine life.
- Kayaking and paddleboarding — Available at beach clubs along Mahahual's coast. Calm waters make it ideal for beginners.
Tips for Kosher Travelers
- Eat on the ship — Costa Maya is a purpose-built cruise port with limited outside food options. Return to the ship for meals.
- Bring sealed snacks — Especially if you're heading to Chacchoben or Bacalar, which are 1-2 hour excursions from the port. See our packing list.
- Stay hydrated — The Yucatán heat can be intense. Bring a water bottle and buy sealed bottled water at the port.
- Port village pool — The port has a free pool area if you just want a relaxing day close to the ship.
- Tipping in pesos — US dollars accepted everywhere, but pesos are appreciated for tips.
Port Guide
Costa Maya is a pier port — your ship docks directly at the purpose-built cruise terminal. The port village has shops, a pool, bars, and restaurants right at the pier. Taxis and tour operators are available just outside the port gate for trips to Mahahual, Chacchoben, or Bacalar.
US dollars are accepted at the port and in Mahahual. Credit cards are accepted at most port shops but less so in the town. Bring cash for small purchases and tips.
Sailings That Visit Costa Maya, Mexico
Costa Maya appears on our Western Caribbean itineraries:
- Caribbean sailings from multiple departure ports
- Florida departures
Client Testimonials
Unforgettable Journeys, Exceptional Kosher Experiences
"Chanah, Shimon, and the entire Go Beyond team arranged an incredible cruise for us! The Fresh Kosher dining onboard was outstanding, truly gourmet, and having everything taken care of under reliable supervision allowed us to relax completely. Your attention to detail, from booking the kosher package to ensuring smooth sailing, was remarkable. We can't wait for our next kosher adventure with you!"
Alexandra
Oasis of the Seas • Caribbean
"Booking our European cruise with Fresh Kosher Cruises by Go Beyond was the best decision! Finding a cruise with truly fresh, high-quality kosher food can be challenging, but they made it seamless. The selection was excellent, the service top-notch, and knowing Rabbi Weberman was onboard overseeing everything gave us peace of mind. Highly recommended for any kosher traveler!"
Ronit
Odyssey of the Seas • Mediterranean
"Go Beyond helped us plan two different Fresh Kosher cruises – Alaska and the Caribbean – for our large family. They expertly handled coordinating our rooms and ensuring everyone had the Fresh Kosher Dining package booked. Having delicious, Glatt Kosher meals readily available, including Cholov Yisroel options, without any hassle, made the vacation truly special. Their professionalism and knowledge of kosher travel needs are unmatched."
Nora
Discovery Princess • Alaska
"A huge thank you to Shimon, Chanah, and the Go Beyond team for organizing our Wonder of the Seas kosher cruise! The dedicated dining in the Solarium Bistro was fantastic, and the food was fresh and plentiful for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Your team's dedication ensured every detail, including the kosher arrangements, was perfect. We look forward to booking our next Fresh Kosher Cruise with you!"
Yossi
Wonder of the Seas • Caribbean
"Our Fresh Kosher cruise exceeded all expectations! We never thought cruising could be so easy while keeping strictly kosher. The food was delicious, the planning meticulous, and the onboard atmosphere with daily Minyanim was wonderful. Thank you, Go Beyond, for a truly terrific and worry-free kosher vacation."
Judy
Harmony of the Seas • Caribbean
"Shabbat at sea was absolutely beautiful! Sailing on the Symphony of the Seas while enjoying delicious, Fresh Kosher meals and meaningful Tefillot organized by Go Beyond was a unique and special experience. Thank you for making kosher cruising so accessible and enjoyable!"
Devory
Symphony of the Seas • Caribbean
"Five stars for Fresh Kosher Cruises by Go Beyond! From securing our spot on the sold-out Allure of the Seas sailing to ensuring our kosher meals were perfect every day, they handled everything flawlessly. Knowing we could explore amazing destinations without compromising on Kashrus made all the difference. Truly memories of a lifetime!"
Tova
Allure of the Seas • Mediterranean
"We sailed the Norwegian Epic through the Mediterranean and it was a dream come true. Waking up to the Italian coastline with a Fresh Kosher breakfast waiting for us every morning – that's something you just can't get anywhere else. The kids loved the ship and we loved not having to worry about a single meal. Go Beyond thought of everything."
Miriam
Norwegian Epic • Mediterranean
"Alaska on the Quantum of the Seas was breathtaking, and having Fresh Kosher meals while watching glaciers pass by was surreal. The Go Beyond team coordinated everything so smoothly – from the kosher package to shore excursion tips. We've cruised before, but never this worry-free. Already planning our next one!"
Eli
Quantum of the Seas • Alaska
"Our family of twelve sailed from Galveston on the Harmony of the Seas and it was pure magic. Coordinating rooms and kosher dining for that many people sounds impossible, but Chanah and Shimon made it effortless. The grandchildren are still talking about the food! We're already booked for next winter."
Batsheva
Harmony of the Seas • Caribbean
"The Southern Caribbean on the Norwegian Epic was exactly what we needed. Seven nights of incredible ports, gorgeous weather, and gourmet kosher dining every single day. What surprised us most was the variety – different menus each night, and everything tasted homemade. Go Beyond really understands what kosher travelers want."
Daniel
Norwegian Epic • Southern Caribbean
"We took the Sun Princess to the Caribbean and were blown away. The ship was stunning, the ports were beautiful, and having Fresh Kosher dining included made the whole experience seamless. Not having to think twice about what we could eat meant we actually got to relax on vacation for once!"
Sarah
Sun Princess • Caribbean
"As a solo traveler, I was nervous about joining a cruise, but the Minyan Sailing on the Liberty of the Seas was perfect. Having a frum community onboard, daily Minyanim, and Shabbat together with like-minded travelers made it feel like home – on the ocean! The Go Beyond team was warm and welcoming from the very first call."
Avi
Liberty of the Seas • Bahamas
"Cruising from Seattle to Alaska on the Discovery Princess was a bucket-list trip, and the kosher dining made it possible for our family. Breakfast with mountain views, lunch as we sailed through the Inside Passage, and elegant dinners each evening – all fresh, all kosher, all taken care of. We can't thank Go Beyond enough."