The ports of Costa Maya & Cozumel, Mexico have long been favorite ports of call on the Mayan Riviera. Both ports offer many attractions right at the pier, and dozens of shore excursions are available to allow you to explore the culture and beauty of this unique region. You can spend the day exploring on your own, or book an excursion through Carnival or an independent tour provider.
Costa Maya
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Located along the eastern Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, Costa Maya was built specifically for cruise ship guests. The site was chosen for its beautiful coastline and proximity to ancient Mayan ruins, which allow visitors to dive in to Mexico's rich history and culture.
The Port: There are plenty of activities located right at the port. You'll find a wide selection of bars and restaurants and dozens of shopping opportunities. There are also three large complimentary salt water pools that flow through most of the port area, complete with swim-up bars. The craft market offers a plethora of authentic local handicrafts and Mexican delights. There is also a Dolphin Discovery Center with interactive experiences and shows. Flamingos, iguanas, and other wildlife frequently roam the areas as well. Beaches: There are no sandy beaches at the port. The closest beaches are in the nearby town of Mahahual, about a 7-minute taxi ride from the port area. Several beach clubs offer day passes that can be purchased online. Mayan Ruins: From Costa Maya, tours are offered to the Chacchoben and Dzibanche ruins, both about 50 minutes from the port. The Chacchoben ruins are one of the most impressive and popular ruin sites in the area. This 3,000-year-old site was once an important gathering point for the Mayan people. Several tours combine the ruins with an authentic Mayan lunch at a local home. This is an experience you will remember for a lifetime! |
Chacchoben Ruins & Maya Adventure
This is an optional private group tour we've arranged in Costa Maya for those who want to participate.
This is an optional private group tour we've arranged in Costa Maya for those who want to participate.
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Consider this day an adventure in every way. From the moment you set out, you'll become an explorer in a new land. The passion of your guide and the magnificence of the sites and experiences you have, will most likely make this the most memorable day of your vacation.
The name, Chacchoben, which translates to "The Place of Red Corn," may be unfamiliar to you, especially since this site has only been open to the public since 2003. During the '40s, a gentleman and his family settled here to farm. It wasn't until 1972 that they realized there was an amazing city under their backyard. Although it had been officially documented by the Mexican government, nothing was excavated until 1994. Excavation and restoration has continued since then and, in 2003, the land was opened to visitors. It's believed that this city originated between 500-700 A.D. The ceremonial center of the ruins brings you to the heart of the Mayan culture. The ruins are situated in the jungle, where you'll see indigenous plants and wildlife, and learn about different medicinal plants and how they're used. The setting is too perfect for words. After a wonderful, personally narrated tour of Chacchoben, we'll visit a traditional Mayan village. As you observe people engaged in their daily activities and listen to their language, you'll notice how their lives are filled with both ancient and modern culture. Witness daily life and celebrate the colorful culture of the modern Maya as it unfolds right before your eyes. Lunch will consist of traditional Maya dishes, cooked with local spices and ingredients. The recipes will be explained during your visit and you'll also have the opportunity to see and taste the ingredients and spices added to your meal. Expect a meal way beyond tacos, quesadillas and what's usually offered to tourists as Mexican food. Learn the secrets behind the prefect tortilla in a one-on-one tortilla making lesson! Learn about traditional home remedies, savor a traditional Maya meal, make new friends and see the world through the eyes of the Maya. This is a day you will never forget! |
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Purchase your tickets:
Visit our Store page to pre-purchase your tickets by April 5th. This is a private tour and tickets must be pre-reserved in our group block. You will receive an email confirmation after your purchase. Your email confirmation will serve as your "ticket". We will meet on the ship to disembark and begin the tour together. Meeting time and location will be mailed to you before the cruise.
Click Here to purchase your tickets in our group.
Visit our Store page to pre-purchase your tickets by April 5th. This is a private tour and tickets must be pre-reserved in our group block. You will receive an email confirmation after your purchase. Your email confirmation will serve as your "ticket". We will meet on the ship to disembark and begin the tour together. Meeting time and location will be mailed to you before the cruise.
Click Here to purchase your tickets in our group.
Cozumel
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Located off the coast of Cancun, the island of Cozumel is the most popular port of call in the Caribbean! Once an important site for Mayan religion, Cozumel offers endless activities for cruise ship guests.
The Port: Carnival ships dock at the beautiful Puerta Maya cruise port located just south of Cozumel's only town of San Miguel. At the port, you'll find dozens of shopping opportunities along with several bars and authentic restaurants. While you'll probably want to venture out onto the island, you may want to save some time for shopping at the port before you head back on the ship. |
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Chankanaab Adventure Park
There is a wide variety of excursions in Cozumel to suit every interest. We are recommending Chankanaab National Park as a great option if you're looking for something to do with others in our group.
Chankanaab Adventure Park is located inside Cozumel's National Marine Park, a short taxi ride from the port. No reservations are required. The entrance fee is approximately $26 per person and includes access to a multitude of attractions such as a sea lion show, beach with loung chairs, botanical gardens, tequila tasting, and more. Snorkel rental, food/drinks, snuba, manatee swim, zip lining, and more can be purchased for an additional fee.
For full info, visit: Chankanaab | Cozumel Parks
If you're wanting to visit Chankanaab, we'll meet on the ship walk to the taxi stand together to share cabs as a group. You can return to the ship on your own when you're ready. Specific meeting location and time will be in the Bon Voyage packet mailed to you after final payment.
Chankanaab Adventure Park is located inside Cozumel's National Marine Park, a short taxi ride from the port. No reservations are required. The entrance fee is approximately $26 per person and includes access to a multitude of attractions such as a sea lion show, beach with loung chairs, botanical gardens, tequila tasting, and more. Snorkel rental, food/drinks, snuba, manatee swim, zip lining, and more can be purchased for an additional fee.
For full info, visit: Chankanaab | Cozumel Parks
If you're wanting to visit Chankanaab, we'll meet on the ship walk to the taxi stand together to share cabs as a group. You can return to the ship on your own when you're ready. Specific meeting location and time will be in the Bon Voyage packet mailed to you after final payment.
Beaches/Attractions: Much like Costa Maya, there are no sand beaches at the port in Cozumel. However, there are many excellent beach clubs just a short taxi ride away. If you're looking for a hip, party atmosphere, check out Mr. Sanchos, arguably the most popular beach club on the island. If you're looking for a more quiet, relaxing beach day, head to Nachi Cocom Beach Club, which limits capacity to provide a serene all-inclusive experience (reservations required). If you're looking for something with many different attractions and things to do, check out Chankanaab Adventure Park. There you'll find dozens of activities such as zip lining, tequila tasting, snorkeling, dolphin interaction, sea lions and more. Keep a look out for the many iguanas as you stroll along the beautiful blue lagoon filled with colorful fish.
Been There/Done That: If you're looking for something off the beaten path, head to the remote eastern side of Cozumel. This side of the island is a photographer's paradise, known for its rough surf and stunning ocean rock formations. You'll find a few roadside bars and restaurants as well. Check out the lighthouse on the north shore of the island too. If you're wanting to stay closer to town, take a taxi to downtown San Miguel for the day. Do you have a history-loving sweet tooth? Check out the Mayan Cocao Company where you can learn the history and secrets of ancient Mayan chocolate, make your own flavors, and bring some home for your friends (or yourself). Rental cars, jeeps, and beach buggies can be reserved in advance. Cozumel isn't a very big island, so it's easy to get around on your own if you prefer to explore at your own pace.
Mayan Ruins: Cozumel has a small but interesting Mayan ruin site, San Gervasio, located on the island. There are many tours that combine a visit to the site with other attractions in Cozumel. The ruins at Tulum are some of the most breathtaking and well-known Mayan sites in the Yucatan. These ruins are located on the mainland near Cancun and require a long ferry ride each way. Due to the extensive travel required to reach them, I highly recommend booking a visit to Tulum through Carnival and not on your own to ensure you return to the ship in time.
Shore Excursions: Cozumel is one of the safest and easiest ports to explore on your own (just leave plenty of time to get back to the ship).
Been There/Done That: If you're looking for something off the beaten path, head to the remote eastern side of Cozumel. This side of the island is a photographer's paradise, known for its rough surf and stunning ocean rock formations. You'll find a few roadside bars and restaurants as well. Check out the lighthouse on the north shore of the island too. If you're wanting to stay closer to town, take a taxi to downtown San Miguel for the day. Do you have a history-loving sweet tooth? Check out the Mayan Cocao Company where you can learn the history and secrets of ancient Mayan chocolate, make your own flavors, and bring some home for your friends (or yourself). Rental cars, jeeps, and beach buggies can be reserved in advance. Cozumel isn't a very big island, so it's easy to get around on your own if you prefer to explore at your own pace.
Mayan Ruins: Cozumel has a small but interesting Mayan ruin site, San Gervasio, located on the island. There are many tours that combine a visit to the site with other attractions in Cozumel. The ruins at Tulum are some of the most breathtaking and well-known Mayan sites in the Yucatan. These ruins are located on the mainland near Cancun and require a long ferry ride each way. Due to the extensive travel required to reach them, I highly recommend booking a visit to Tulum through Carnival and not on your own to ensure you return to the ship in time.
Shore Excursions: Cozumel is one of the safest and easiest ports to explore on your own (just leave plenty of time to get back to the ship).
Project Expedition Tours
Project Expedition offers high-quality, independent tours in ports of call around the world. Quality is their top priority. Every tour operator they work with is vetted and verified to ensure that your are in good hands.
Independent tours operate in smaller groups than the cruise line tours, helping you avoid the crowds and have an overall better experience. Tours are operated by local tour providers who take pride in showing you thier homeland and can help you become fully immersed in the location.
In addition to our port calls of Costa Maya & Cozumel, Project Expedition also offers many great tours in New Orleans if you're planning to spend time there before or after the cruise.
You can view and book excursions for our cruise ports through the link below HERE
Independent tours operate in smaller groups than the cruise line tours, helping you avoid the crowds and have an overall better experience. Tours are operated by local tour providers who take pride in showing you thier homeland and can help you become fully immersed in the location.
In addition to our port calls of Costa Maya & Cozumel, Project Expedition also offers many great tours in New Orleans if you're planning to spend time there before or after the cruise.
You can view and book excursions for our cruise ports through the link below HERE
Carnival Shore Excursions
Carnival offers shore excursions in every port of call. Once you're booked, you'll be able to view and purchase Carnival excursions through your Cruise Planner at www.Carnival.com/BookedGuest using the confirmation number emailed to you.
Most Carnival tours include all transportation and meals. Tour tickets with meeting times and locations are placed in your room on the ship. Tours can be purchased at the shore excursion desk on the ship, but it's recommended to buy them ahead of time since they do sell out.
Most Carnival tours include all transportation and meals. Tour tickets with meeting times and locations are placed in your room on the ship. Tours can be purchased at the shore excursion desk on the ship, but it's recommended to buy them ahead of time since they do sell out.
