Costa Maya cruise port guide: How to spend your day ashore

If you've sailed the Western Caribbean on a major line like Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean or Norwegian Cruise Line, chances are Costa Maya has been on your itinerary.Unlike Cozumel or Puerto Vallarta, Costa Maya isn't a historic port. It was built specifically to handle large cruise ships. Tucked at the southern end of the Yucatan Peninsula, near Belize, it's surrounded by quiet beaches, fishing villages and jungle. That remoteness is part of its appeal.The port itself is packed with pools, restaurants, shops and other attractions designed for cruise passengers, while a short taxi ride takes you to the beach town of Mahahual. If you venture farther afield, you can visit ancient Mayan ruins, snorkel the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef or spend the day at Laguna de Bacalar.Costa Maya welcomes hundreds of cruise ships each year, making it one of Mexico's busiest cruise ports. But unlike Cozumel, where the destination is the draw, Costa Maya is more of a jumping-off point: You can spend the day without leaving the port, or use it as a gateway to some of southern Mexico's less-visited attractions.Here's what to know about the Costa Maya cruise port and how to make the most of your day...