Port of Calica Shuttles

Along the glimmering shores of the Yucatan, the Port of Calica is an especially relaxed way to get to know the region. Only one of two locations where cruise ships are allowed to dock, guests are surrounded by outskirt water parks as well as a handful of public transportation options upon arrival. Transport options include a ferry that departs to the nearby island of Cozumel as well as a few tourist bus routes that drop off into the bustling resort city of Playa del Carmen. For the chance to see things from a more intimate perspective, choose from a handful of private rentals like sedans, vans and SUVs to get a feel for the region’s renown geological idiosyncrasies, also considering relaxed meet-and-greet for the most convenient option possible, whether that means arriving all elegance to upscale seafood restaurants in a limousine or enjoying priceless perspectives with the help of a local personal driver.

With so many landmarks around the cruise terminal, guests can easily have a good time with what’s close to port. All-in-one locales include Delphinus Xcaret, a large ecological park home to swimming lessons with dolphins, a few sandy coves lined with cabanas, and snorkeling views of exotic underwater structures. Other landmarks within the theme park is the Archeological Zone, home to archaic steps leading toward a hilltop monument, while the Mariposario de Xcaret offers up-close views at exotic parrots and waterfalls. Further north is Xenses, another interesting theme park centered toward optical illusions and other sensory tricks, while something a bit more authentic can be found at the beautiful Río Secreto’s underwater cave tours that offer a view at some of nature’s most often overseen beauty. And of course, no trip to the area would be complete without a tranquil sun soak along one of its many beaches, whether it be in the Playa del Carmen just east of the port area or Cozumel’s famed Stingray Beach across the bay.