Things to Know about Costa Maya

[sammyt]

I just returned from my cruise last week and would like to report on the port Costa Maya.

 

I can not understand why cruise ships port here. Someone must be paying them big time. There is absolutely nothing here!

 

Do not rent a golf cart or any other vehicle to drive around. There is nothing to see, and we wasted $50 to find that out. This port was hit by a hurricane 3 years ago, and has not been cleaned up since. What you get is the terminal area, which has overpriced shops and bars. The only other place to go on your own, is what they call the downtown area, which is kind of like a boardwalk area. You can take a taxi for $2 each way, and stay there for as long as you like. Beers are $2, they also have food, which we did not price, and my husband got a massage for $20 for about 45 minutes.

 

Thats it folks, nothing else. We rode for several miles down the road with our $50 (rip off) golf cart, and all we saw was hurricane damage. The beach area is litered with garbage, and more plastic bottles, etc. then you can imagine. Not good for swimming or anything else.

 

My advise either stay on the ship, take a tour off the ship, or go to the downtown area.

[tandemcruzr]

We have been to CM 3 times. Once before the hurricane and twice after. Most recent was Jan 2010. We don't spend much time in the cruise village and take a cab to the fishing village of Majahual. Cab is $5/person round trip and much quicker and convenient than a golf cart. (The place to rent a golf cart is Isla Mujeres.)

 

Yes, there is still hurricane damage visible, but there is new construction and the vegetation is beginning to come back.

 

We walk the malecon (boardwalk, but it is a concrete sidewalk now.) Used to be a dirt road before Hurricane Dean in 2007.

 

We walk and look for a shady spot in front of a restaurant and spend our day there. Great food and service at El Delphin, Tapas, and Pez Quadro.

 

Food and drink is cheaper in Majahual than at the cruise port and the cruise port is cheaper than on the ship. :)

[crewsweeper]

Ports are what YOU make them. Not sure exactly what you were looking for. Lots of cruisers love the port area in CM with its swim up bar and shops versus having to walk the 1/4 mile out of the port to the taxi stand. Many can't wait for Hard Rock to open(is it yet?). Others like Tandemcruzr and myself enjoy the more rustic environment of Mahahual and its malecon and the small hotels and eateries on and off the malecon. There are at least 3 AIs in the area who take advanced reservations and limit the number of people using their facilities, maybe more on the way. You can go on power snorkeling excursions to remote beaches. Yes there is still hurricane damage from 2 1/2 years ago. Still hurricane damage in Nawlins after 5years but that joint was jumpin' at JazzFest last week. So is CM.

[mirglip69]

Well said Crewsweeper. We will be visiting Costa Maya for the first time via Carnival Dream on June 3rd (my 42nd birthday), and we cant wait. The laid back and rustic atmosphere is what I'm looking for on vacation.

[Lady_Jag]

Well said Crewsweeper. We will be visiting Costa Maya for the first time via Carnival Dream on June 3rd (my 42nd birthday), and we cant wait. The laid back and rustic atmosphere is what I'm looking for on vacation.

 

Mirglip, I will be on the same cruise and am looking forward to Costa Maya. I just wish we had more time in port. :(

 

Please come join our roll call:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=946626

 

There will be a LOT of CC members on board!

[pidds2]

Crewsweeper - If the ships keep coming it is only a matter of time before this sleepy fishing village loses all of it's personality and becomes just another cruise ship port. Enjoy it while you can because it will be another Cancun or Cozumel in 15 years. There is too much money on those ships that pull in everyday not to transform the town into a resort/ party destination. I enjoyed walking the back streets off the Malecon and seeing how the locals lived and ate.

[sammyt]

Ports are what YOU make them. Not sure exactly what you were looking for. Lots of cruisers love the port area in CM with its swim up bar and shops versus having to walk the 1/4 mile out of the port to the taxi stand. Many can't wait for Hard Rock to open(is it yet?). Others like Tandemcruzr and myself enjoy the more rustic environment of Mahahual and its malecon and the small hotels and eateries on and off the malecon. There are at least 3 AIs in the area who take advanced reservations and limit the number of people using their facilities, maybe more on the way. You can go on power snorkeling excursions to remote beaches. Yes there is still hurricane damage from 2 1/2 years ago. Still hurricane damage in Nawlins after 5years but that joint was jumpin' at JazzFest last week. So is CM.

 

There was absolutely nothing jumpin at Costa Maya. Hard Rock is open, no big deal. We saw a couple of places only on the road we went down, and we road for miles. There is absolutely nothing there!

 

As I mentioned, take an excursion from the ship, because that is the only way you can get to most sites.

[CowPrincess]

I just returned from my cruise last week and would like to report on the port Costa Maya.

 

I can not understand why cruise ships port here. Someone must be paying them big time. There is absolutely nothing here!

 

Do not rent a golf cart or any other vehicle to drive around. There is nothing to see, and we wasted $50 to find that out. This port was hit by a hurricane 3 years ago, and has not been cleaned up since. What you get is the terminal area, which has overpriced shops and bars. The only other place to go on your own, is what they call the downtown area, which is kind of like a boardwalk area. You can take a taxi for $2 each way, and stay there for as long as you like. Beers are $2, they also have food, which we did not price, and my husband got a massage for $20 for about 45 minutes.

 

Thats it folks, nothing else. We rode for several miles down the road with our $50 (rip off) golf cart, and all we saw was hurricane damage. The beach area is litered with garbage, and more plastic bottles, etc. then you can imagine. Not good for swimming or anything else.

 

My advise either stay on the ship, take a tour off the ship, or go to the downtown area.

 

 

How sad that you didn't do more investigation and research before you cruised. If you'd read a few posts on this board, you'd have known about the hurricane damage right at the dock, the poor swimming right at the dock, the lack of beach right at the dock. You'd have known that the best bet for a laid-back day was paying $5 round trip for a taxi to Mahahual and enjoying the malecon there. The dock area and the "tourism village" are not what this port stop is about.

 

BTW, the beach in Mahahual is not littered -- it is stunning and clean and beautiful. We were fortunate to spend 2 port days in Costa Maya, and I would love to go back.

[Wilfam]

Hi everyone, I am a past cruiser who ended up in the Costa Maya when it was the most charming village. When the only thing at the Port was the Port. When looking outside all you saw was a dirt road and then pavement where the Port stopped paying for upgraded road.

 

We were told it was dangerous by the Port Security to pass through the gate and adventure out to where the local and vacationers would go. We are however a family who does not appreciate the overpriced and generic packages put together by the Cruise Companies so out we went.

 

To the person who posted the first post here: I feel so sorry for you, that I am afraid is a typical uneducated travellers comment. I would prefer to go to each Port and see the different personalities of each Country and more specifically each area and the people who live and make a living in the area. I do my research on an area prior to getting to destinations and usually have the most amazing time, but my glass is always full. I actually appreciate the work and how much the people of these areas were effected by the Hurricane, can you imagine (you should if you watch the US News) what it would take to come back from the 3rd largest hurricane to ever hit shore. These people depended on the Sea and the Cruise Industry as their incomes. The reef damage,the fishing stocks and the lack of Cruise Industry hit this area horribly. Imagine losing everything you invested in in 2 hours, then having 2 years until your next paycheque. I imagine if a tourist has enough money to pay $50.00 for a golf cart (then complains about it) they have not done their homework, but on the up side the owner can help rebuild his/her life because like you I am guessing the owners life is all about him/her and the fact that some Gringo paid $50 for a golf cart is a bonus.

 

Now aside from the negative comment from the first poster, I would like to let everyone know after our first visit to Mahahual all those years ago, when the streets were sand and the palms lining the main beach area of Mahahual were some of the largest and lushest I have ever seen we found and purchased our very own piece of paradise just North of Mahahual.

 

There are so many amazing areas to see in and around Mahahual. Yes there is devastation which is slowly coming back, but there is also some beautiful areas and beaches to explore.

 

The restaurants and beach clubs line the Malecon in Mahahual, there are also beach clubs which are out and away from the Pueblo of Mahahual. Many of these if you go online and find them will even come and pick you up or organize for a taxi to pick you up and deposit you at their area. These are both North and South, but I would suggest if you want to do this to call in advance, because these places are used by locals and visitors, often if they are full they will not take two extra drop ins a reservation is best choice.

 

I would contact a beach club, my preference is Evan and Ana at the National Beach Club. Evan is an Ex Pat from Texas and Ana is an Ex Pat from Chile (her food is amazing and his Margaritas....wow) they are located in town to the South end of the Malecon and the other is Maya Chan which is more South by a few miles, but totally different and totally beautiful and secluded with great grilled food and kayaks etc at their beach Preston is a great help and a great host at Maya Chan. Once you have decided which one may suit your needs (and there are many more just do your Port queries and not just Costa Maya the Pueblo is Mahahual, Quintana Roo, Mexico) ask what connections they have with locals for fishing, bird watching, snorkling, scuba diving, beach combing for seeds and shells, where all the beautiful beach villas are located perhaps they can organize with the taxi which picks you up to also complete your day with a tour (ask for english speaking driver with local knowledge) and then spend the rest of the afternoon walking the Malecon, Massaging etc. There is more than enough time to beach club and afternoon in Mahahual Pueblo.

 

The snorkling and diving in Mahahual is fantastic, we have seen so many wonderful corals, fish, mamals and treasures we cannot wait to get back into the water.

 

The fishing available locally is amazing, it is not necessary to go through the Tour Companies ask for a fishing option with your host/ess letting them know you do not want to use a Tour Company.

 

The birding on the road leading to the El Placer Beach Access is amazing, there used to be a Monkey Sanctuary which I am not sure if they are trying to bring it back, but was totally destroyed in the hurricane. There is also a Turtle Museum.

 

There are many sights to see and things to do. Just get out of your $50.00 Golf Carts be respectful to the locals and look around. Be nice and ask questions this is one of the Ports with the most beautiful people and the most helpful people you will meet. Hire a taxi for the day, its less than $50.00 for the day!!!

 

To all of you who read this: Please remember you are in someone's back yard and they are not on a one day free for all holiday. Be respectful of private property, fences, do not litter, a driveway is not a bathroom, and drinking and driving is illegal. The Mayan People are a very kind and generous people who are willing to share their Pueblo and their day with you. Most Local Maya and Expats who live in Mahahual have gone through the worst disaster recorded, but because there is such a low population they rec'd very little help from government, cruise industry etc to rebuild Mahahual. What you see is on a large part built up by the people you are with during your day trip to Mahahual.

 

If all else fails, stop and have a Margarita with Evan and a delicious snack prepared by Ana. While sitting at the bar ask Evan a few questions and I know he will direct you to exactly what you are looking for.

 

Enjoy our favorite destination and slow down enjoy the beauty and lack of Commercialism I don't think it will last...........change is coming to Mahahual and the Costa Maya.

[Travel Lover]

This is one of our FAVORITE places.... We love to spend the day out at the most BEAUTIFUL beach and just kick back in the sand and relax all day. The water is calm enough the kids can just play and if you find the right spot there is a nice sand bar to play on too.

I personally like to have nice quiet beaches to relax on at least once on a cruise and not be constantly on the go on each island.

We were smart and just took a taxi there and spent little money. We ate the BEST shrimp tacos and guacamole ever and my husband loves that he got cheap Sol beers..

 

It is what you make of it.

[sammyt]

How sad that you didn't do more investigation and research before you cruised. If you'd read a few posts on this board, you'd have known about the hurricane damage right at the dock, the poor swimming right at the dock, the lack of beach right at the dock. You'd have known that the best bet for a laid-back day was paying $5 round trip for a taxi to Mahahual and enjoying the malecon there. The dock area and the "tourism village" are not what this port stop is about.

 

BTW, the beach in Mahahual is not littered -- it is stunning and clean and beautiful. We were fortunate to spend 2 port days in Costa Maya, and I would love to go back.

 

Excuse me, but that is the downtown place I mentioned to go to, do you people know what you are talking about? That is the only beach fit to use.

[CowPrincess]

Excuse me, but that is the downtown place I mentioned to go to, do you people know what you are talking about? That is the only beach fit to use.

 

Well silly me, not understanding that "downtown" really meant Mahahual. And also silly me for clarifying that the beach at Mahahual was clean and unlittered, unlike your comments:

 

The beach area is litered with garbage, and more plastic bottles, etc. then you can imagine. Not good for swimming or anything else.

 

so that other people reading your complaints are aware that the beach in Mahahual is clean.

[pidds2]

I walked the entire 5 block length of beach in Mahahual and did not see any trash or litter at all. The beach is cleaner than any beach on the east coast and of coarse a 100% times more beautiful. Stop hating on Mahahual. Just because you a stuck up ungrateful person don't try to put down this beautiful town and it's people. Unless you live in Celebration Florida or the town from the Truman show movie I am sure you home town is just as like Mahahual. It has charm and great generous people willing to help you and put up with the drunken day travelers coming in and disturbing their peaceful lives.

[sunandsnow]

We had an enjoyable time in Costa Maya in March. It was everything I expected. I read CC boards, info in travel books, etc. before cruising which helps us plan and know what to do in each port. We went to the ruins with Native Choice. Can highly recommend them. After our ruins tour we went to Mahahual. We thought it was beautiful. The water was a wonderful blue color. Large, clean beach area. Would love to return to Costa Maya again. Everybody's tastes and ideas for vacation are different but we had a great time in Costa Maya.

[Roots73]

I have found a lot of free information in this Travel Guide about Mahahaul and the Costa Maya. See the picture Gallery.

 

http://www.mahahualhotel.com/costamaya/photo-costamaya.htm

[jty1220]

So if I want to go to a beach where do I go and how far away is it?

[pjpu]

I second Evan and Ava at http://www.nacionalbeachclub.com/ing.html

we found them along the beach in Majahaul - great place to sit, (well, actually swing) and have great margaritas and guacamole! I agree there's not much to do - but after 3 busy days we really enjoyed just relaxing and enjoying the beautiful beach and surrounding area. We were traveling w/ another couple and we all agreed this was our favorite stop and wished we were in port longer that day! Don't get me wrong - we enjoy doing excusions and we'd already zip-lined, snorkeled, visted ruins, etc, but this day was a time to just sit, sip and enjoy! :D

[pjpu]

So if I want to go to a beach where do I go and how far away is it?

 

Majahaul is where we went, took the shuttle bus for $3 each (one way) about 10 min ride? Caught a taxi back for like $2 each. There are a lot of little local shops so be prepared to constantly be asked to look and buy 'today, almost free!" but we looked some and politely told them no thank you if we weren't interested. But we did end up buying more from this port than any other, maybe because we knew it was our last stop. Bought 16oz vanilla for $7 (after bartering), 4 t-shirts and some jewelry.

[FreezingInMichigan]

Majahual was the most relaxing port of our Western Caribbean cruise. "Sleepy little fishing village" is a terrific description. The beach was clean, the water crystal clear. Plenty of lounge chairs and palapas to be had for the price of a few cold drinks (alcohol not required). Cheapest jet ski rental we encountered. Beach massage complete with incredible view and Caribbean breeze.

 

Figured out we had to walk through the cruise port area to the back for the taxi stand. $3pp there. $2pp return. Fantastic port day.

 

Ports are what you make of them. Research is key. Attitude is everything.

[bebeyyo]

I must agree with both Crewsweeper and Tandemcruzr. We have been there twice and totally love it!!! Going back in November. We take a cab into Majahual lay out by the beach and they keep the drinks coming! Every one is super friendly and eager to please. The only complaint my partner and I have is that the stay is too short.

[mykdsmom]

We just booked Maya Chan at Costa Maya for our party of 12 the first of July and can't wait. It looks and sounds like paradise on earth and tripadvisor gives it rave reviews. I can't wait.

[jtmalt]

We were just in Costa Maya on the the 20th. Took the bus down to the Malecon for $3 each. We passed a snorkel/scuba stand (Bambu?) next to Boh Beach, and asked about doing a snorkel tour...the guy there hooked us up with Juan, who took us out to the reef for a full hour of guided snorkeling for $20pp. Beautiful coral formations, a really great snorkel experience.

 

This impromptu excursion turned out to be better (and cheaper) than any of the excursions we had meticulously planned.

[Silque1964]

We're booked on Radiance for December, and going to Cozumel and Costa Maya. I was planning on booking at Nachi Cocom (I think?) for a day of beach relaxation and pampering in Cozumel, but I think I'd like to see the ruins when we hit Costa Maya. Any favorite tours to suggest? We like to book without going through the cruise line. TIA!

[sunandsnow]

Look at tours with Native Choice to the ruins. We had an excellent tour with them in March. They get good reviews on CC. Do a search on this thread and you'll get lots of info.

[cheaptravel]

We just booked Maya Chan at Costa Maya for our party of 12 the first of July and can't wait. It looks and sounds like paradise on earth and tripadvisor gives it rave reviews. I can't wait.

 

 

Please come back here and give a review of Maya Chan. I know that they have purchased the beach next door and are getting it ready to use. We have a huge roll call booked there in October. I'm hoping we can spend a good amount of time there, but still find our way to do a little shopping in Mahahual too. (??)