Destination: Costa Maya, Quintana Roo
The region of Costa Maya is essentially made up of three Caribbean jewels: Chetumal, Bacalar, and Mahahual. Each one of these sites has its own unique charm, which is why Costa Maya Cruises are so popular. Costa Maya is found on the East coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, south of Cancun. This region remains very traditional compared to the bigger cities in the area such as Cancun. This makes Costa Maya more special and intimate; truly a destination you can't miss. As the rest of the Yucatan Peninsula, Costa Maya was inhabited by the Mayan Civilization once who left several important World Heritage sites and pieces in the region. Costa Maya is full of tradition, culture, and history everywhere you look at, plus an outstanding nature that will take your breath away.
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Costa Maya, Quintana Roo is a Port of Call for the following Caribbean Cruises:Victory Cruise Lines
For reservations and more Information please call our
Travel Specialist Toll Free at 1-888-756-9008 Email: [email protected] |
Things to do in Costa Maya
WATER ACTIVITIES
Costa Maya is packed with water activities for everyone. Tourists (and locals) love paddle boarding or kayaking across the Laguna de Bacalar. This is one of Costa Maya's top attractions as the lagoon offers unmatched turquoise, clear waters and an access to several cenotes inside the lagoon. On the other hand, Chetumal has some tranquil beaches that are a dream for tourists in search for a peaceful setting to just lay down and relax. Mahahual offers some of the best snorkel for travelers who seek more adventure during their stay: only 30 kilometers away from costa Maya you'll find Banco Chinchorro, a coral reef zone that belongs to the Mesoamerican Arrecifal System.
NATURAL PARKS
Costa Maya's top natural-park attraction is the Manatee Sanctuary. This protected area is world-known since it's home to this Caribbean-endemic specie. The Jardin Zoologico de Payo Obispo, to the Costa Maya zoo will also show you some endemic species of the region. Right next to the zoo, you'll find the Yook-ol Kaab Planetarium which is a tourist-favorite as well.
MUSEUMS
Visit the museum inside the San Felipe Fort in Bacalar, Costa Maya for more insight on the history of the region. The fort was originally built by the Spanish to protect themselves from English pirates, so visitors get to witness the view over the lagoon from the fort. When in Chetumal, stop by the Museo de La Ciudad, which portrays the town's history since the Guerra de Las Castas war. Get to know the ancient Mayan Civilization by making a stop at the Museo de la Cultura Maya in Chetumal, Costa Maya.
BEACHES
Enjoy the beaches in Chetumal and Mahahual, Costa Maya. One of the top-rated beaches in the region is Xcalak (in Mahahual), since the Mexican government has made an effort to keep these areas clean and strongly promotes eco-friendly tourism. These beaches are some of the cleanest and most peaceful you'll visit during your Caribbean Cruises experience.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES
Grab a tour and get to know all the archaeological sites in the Costa Maya region. Dzibanche, Kinichna, and Kohunlick are some fo the magical sites in the region that will take you back in time. Get a glimpse of how the Mayan Civilization was structured and witness 400-year-old structures that became part of our World Heritage.
Costa Maya is packed with water activities for everyone. Tourists (and locals) love paddle boarding or kayaking across the Laguna de Bacalar. This is one of Costa Maya's top attractions as the lagoon offers unmatched turquoise, clear waters and an access to several cenotes inside the lagoon. On the other hand, Chetumal has some tranquil beaches that are a dream for tourists in search for a peaceful setting to just lay down and relax. Mahahual offers some of the best snorkel for travelers who seek more adventure during their stay: only 30 kilometers away from costa Maya you'll find Banco Chinchorro, a coral reef zone that belongs to the Mesoamerican Arrecifal System.
NATURAL PARKS
Costa Maya's top natural-park attraction is the Manatee Sanctuary. This protected area is world-known since it's home to this Caribbean-endemic specie. The Jardin Zoologico de Payo Obispo, to the Costa Maya zoo will also show you some endemic species of the region. Right next to the zoo, you'll find the Yook-ol Kaab Planetarium which is a tourist-favorite as well.
MUSEUMS
Visit the museum inside the San Felipe Fort in Bacalar, Costa Maya for more insight on the history of the region. The fort was originally built by the Spanish to protect themselves from English pirates, so visitors get to witness the view over the lagoon from the fort. When in Chetumal, stop by the Museo de La Ciudad, which portrays the town's history since the Guerra de Las Castas war. Get to know the ancient Mayan Civilization by making a stop at the Museo de la Cultura Maya in Chetumal, Costa Maya.
BEACHES
Enjoy the beaches in Chetumal and Mahahual, Costa Maya. One of the top-rated beaches in the region is Xcalak (in Mahahual), since the Mexican government has made an effort to keep these areas clean and strongly promotes eco-friendly tourism. These beaches are some of the cleanest and most peaceful you'll visit during your Caribbean Cruises experience.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES
Grab a tour and get to know all the archaeological sites in the Costa Maya region. Dzibanche, Kinichna, and Kohunlick are some fo the magical sites in the region that will take you back in time. Get a glimpse of how the Mayan Civilization was structured and witness 400-year-old structures that became part of our World Heritage.
Get to Know Costa Maya
The region of Costa Maya began developing around agricultural activity in the 6500 BC. Spanish interaction didn't happen until 1606. The Spanish conquistadors were situated at what's now the State of Yucatan (north of the Yucatan Peninsula), so the area of Costa Maya was mostly affected by the English pirate invasion. In that time, pirates stole "palo tinto" (red tinted wood) a type of tree that seemed to be as valuable as gold for them. The wood the "palo tinto" provided was precious back then due to what's found in its inside: red tint. Pirates used this tint to dye their bandanas; the red color represented power, and only the royalty use to wear it. The rest of the wood was utilized for making ships, so it became an important resource for them.
Later on, Spaniards took the Costa Maya region, and English pirates continued the attacks, this time in an attempt to steal gold from the Spanish ships. The Spanish built forts for protection, and one of them still remains on site: Fuerte de San Felipe (San Felipe Fort). When Mexico finally took over the Peninsula, their navy built the port of Xcalak. This resulted in a major economic boost to the region since Mexico's access to the port of Chetumal had been blocked when the Mexico-Belize border was established. Chetumal kept growing significantly due to its fishing and tourism, and it had become one of the top destinations for Caribbean Cruises.
Later on, Spaniards took the Costa Maya region, and English pirates continued the attacks, this time in an attempt to steal gold from the Spanish ships. The Spanish built forts for protection, and one of them still remains on site: Fuerte de San Felipe (San Felipe Fort). When Mexico finally took over the Peninsula, their navy built the port of Xcalak. This resulted in a major economic boost to the region since Mexico's access to the port of Chetumal had been blocked when the Mexico-Belize border was established. Chetumal kept growing significantly due to its fishing and tourism, and it had become one of the top destinations for Caribbean Cruises.