Making the most of Calica
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Calica can berth two ships simultaneously and is one of only two Yucatan Peninsula locations where ships dock without long tender rides. With more than 2 ships present, passengers are tendered.
Calica port lies about 3 miles south of Playa del Carmen; the short taxi ride costs $10.
There are few, if any, services or hotels within Calica port. Immediately north is Xcaret, an "ecological theme park" combining a Mayan tourist destination, archaeological site and beach.
Sightseeing
Xcaret Park is less than a mile from the ship and is the obvious place to explore. Use the ship's transfer and tour or take a taxi to its entrance. Bring a bathing suit, mask and snorkel. The ecological park includes an underground river through caves and around the grounds before it empties into the ocean.
Aktun-Chen, or Indiana Joes, is a natural park of cenotes and caves. Aktun-chen means "natural well inside a cave" in Mayan; it is 25 minutes from Playa del Carmen, in the Riviera Maya's heart and 2.5 miles south of Akumal. Indiana Joe's Tour starts on foot through a spectacular cave more than 5 million years old, with stalactites, stalagmites and columns. It then flies over a kilometer (0.62 miles) on 10 zip lines and two suspension bridges above tropical trees, plants and flowers.
Getting around
Cars can be hired at the dock, a good choice for anyone not joining an organised excursion.
Nearby places
Take a taxi to Playa Del Carmen for shopping. In the Riviera Maya's centre, it is the region's leading destination for shopping, dining and nightlife, with plenty to do; it is also an ideal base for exploring the rest of the Riviera Maya and its local beach. On Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, Tulum was among the country's earliest resorts, providing worship and solitude to Mayan Kings, clergy and Gods. Its tropical beach setting is the principal attraction of this much-visited, picturesque small Caribbean-shore ruin.
Money
Mexico uses the peso (MXN). Its symbol is also used for US dollars, which may confuse; tourist-area dollar prices show "US$" or an S with a double stroke. There is about 17 peso to 1US$.
US dollars are widely accepted in the far north and in tourist locations elsewhere.
Credit cards are less widely accepted than in Europe or the USA, and some companies add around 5% to these transactions.