Port Guide | Mexico | Dive Deep
Calica
David Nakamura | Editor
Published on 2025-09-05
Congratulations-you've just arrived in Calica, a Mexican port so under-the-radar and enigmatically unpretentious it doesn't even bother putting itself on most maps. Frankly, that's part of the charm. Nestled on the Caribbean doorstep of the Riviera Maya, Calica is like the quiet sibling who politely lets Playa del Carmen take all the Instagram selfies. But don't underestimate this humble harbor; beneath its sleepy exterior lies prime access to some spectacularly cool Mayan ruins, lush eco-parks brimming with jungle adventures, and cenotes so clear you'll swear they're Photoshopped. Quirky historical trivia alert: The nearby ruins of Tulum once served as a Mayan lighthouse-possibly history's most stunningly sophisticated traffic signal. Practical note: adventurous excursions around here fill up faster than happy hour margarita orders, so wise travelers (that's you) book early and avoid the existential dread of FOMO. Welcome ashore-grab a taco, ditch the cliches, and dive into the breezy authenticity of Calica.
Mexico has 16 Travel Advisories
Stay up to day with regional travel advisories.
Notes from the Editor
Calica offers proximity to attractions such as the Mayan ruins and eco-parks. Guests should book excursions in advance as they can fill up quickly.
Where do cruise ships dock in Calica?
Port Name Calica
Country Mexico
Region Central America
Ship Terminal Calica Cruise Terminal
Port Type Dedicated port
Accessibility The terminal is approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) from Playa del Carmen city center, accessible via taxi or shuttle.
What's the weather like in Calica?
Best Season to Visit Winter/Spring (December to April)
Climate Tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round and a wet season from May to October.
Weather Notes Hurricane season occurs from June to November, but winter months tend to have mild weather.
Temperature Range 70F to 85F (21C to 29C)
High Temp 90F
Low Temp 60F
Average Temp 75F
What do I need to know about Calica?
Language Spanish
Currency Mexican Peso (MXN)
Card Widely Accepted 1
Population Approximately 2,000
Timezone UTC-5
How do I get around Calica?
Taxis, shuttles, tour buses, rental cars.
What are The Best Things to do in Calica?
Discover what you should do while you're in Calica.
Adventure and Outdoor Activities
Explore Cenote Azul
Highway 307, Km. 266
Swim and snorkel in this stunning, crystal-clear open cenote featuring lush surroundings and diverse marine life.
Distance from Terminal: 4 miles
Xel-Ha Eco-water Park Adventure
Carretera Chetumal-Puerto Juarez Km. 240
Float down a peaceful river with natural mangrove surroundings, snorkel among colorful fish at this sustainable ecological park.
Distance from Terminal: 24 miles
Rio Secreto Underground River Experience
Highway 307, Km. 283.5
Walk and swim through spectacular underground caves filled with dramatic stalactites and stalagmites.
Distance from Terminal: 17 miles
Las Mojarras Cenote Adventure
Cenote Las Mojarras
Adventure awaits with ziplining, jumping platforms, and swimming in this large, picturesque cenote.
Distance from Terminal: 15 miles
Experiences you can't replicate elsewhere
Mayan Ceremony Experience
N/A
Participate in an authentic Mayan cleansing ceremony led by a local shaman, featuring traditional rituals and blessings.
Distance from Terminal: 7 miles
Temazcal Traditional Steam Bath
N/A
Purify your body and spirit with a traditional temazcal-Mayan sweat lodge ceremony guided by an indigenous healer.
Distance from Terminal: 5 miles
Visit Jungle Spa Experience
N/A
Enjoy a holistic Mayan massage and treatments performed by indigenous practitioners in a tropical jungle setting.
Distance from Terminal: 15 miles
Historical and cultural landmarks
Hidden Tulum Ruins Beach
Zona Arqueologica de Tulum
Visit the secluded white sands beach below the scenic clifftop Tulum ruins. Absorb history while relaxing by the Caribbean Sea.
Distance from Terminal: 36 miles
Traditional Mexican Pottery Workshop
N/A
Learn the traditional pottery-making techniques from local artisans and create your ceramic souvenirs.
Distance from Terminal: 10 miles
Birdwatching in Muyil Ruins
Muyil
Spot unique species of tropical birds among ancient Mayan archaeological ruins and lush jungle trails.
Distance from Terminal: 34 miles
Overnight Trips
Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve Tour
Reserva de la Biosfera Sian Ka'an
Explore marshes, mangroves, coral reefs, and Mayan archaeological remains on this guided eco-tour of a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Distance from Terminal: 50 miles
Explore Punta Laguna Monkey Reserve
Punta Laguna
Encounter spider and howler monkeys in their natural habitat while also enjoying a zipline and cenote swim.
Distance from Terminal: 40 miles
A Little Extra
Taste Authentic Cochinita Pibil
N/A
Try mouth-watering Cochinita Pibil, a slow-roasted pork dish flavored with traditional achiote paste and wrapped in banana leaves.
Distance from Terminal: 8 miles
Eat at a Traditional Cocina Economica
N/A
Enjoy a home-style cooked Mexican dish at a small, family-owned establishment frequented by locals.
Distance from Terminal: 6 miles
Attend a Local Lucha Libre Match
N/A
Experience the excitement of Mexican wrestling, enjoying its colorful masks, vibrant characters, and enthusiastic crowd.
Distance from Terminal: 20 miles
Sample Unique Tastes at Casa del Jaguar
Tulum
Enjoy fusion cuisine in a jungle setting under starlit skies, combining traditional flavors served uniquely.
Distance from Terminal: 30 miles
Mexico Regional Tip
Eating Tacos with Hands Eat tacos with your hands—using forks can appear overly formal or out of place.