Things to Know about Costa Maya

[CowPrincess]

Thanks for the info, and sorry to go off topic, but there isn't a way to send a direct message, can you please tell me more about the kayaking and snorkeling in Roatan. I am overweight and I worry about having to get in and out of a kayak to snorkel. Are they are two different locations, or together? Is the kayaking hard (like lots of waves or long distance) or is it pretty easy?

 

 

My e-mail is now in my sig -- I only check it a couple of times a week but feel free to use it :)

 

The kayak/snorkel was one excursion, arranged thru the Holland America shorex dept. We went kayaking, had a hike in the jungle, returned to the home base/restaurant for lunch, then snorkelled FROM THE BEACH :)

 

My seat back on my kayak was broken, and I could not get stable enough to do much paddling BUT it was not difficult paddling, the water was very calm and it was around 25 mins paddling out to the hike, and another 25 mins back to the starting point. 2-person kayaks, there is a weight limit, but I'm not certain what it was.

 

Hope this helps :)

[CowPrincess]

Thanks, Cowprincess. We also did the Rio Dulce/Livingston trip last time, and it was amazing. Just loved it.

 

In Costa Maya, we're there from 8 to 4, late in the cruise, so we'll be feeling ready to chill perhaps. We can book an excursion now and always cancel later if we run out of steam. Last day is a seaday, which are always a delight, so probably try to book one of the Mayan sites.

 

I guess I'll ask about Quirigua over on the Guatemala board. I want to see one Mayan site this trip, loved Lamanai last time.

 

I suspect trying for Chacchoben AND spending time on the beach would be pushing it :) I just checked back on another board (not travel related) where I posted about the entire 14 days, and interestingly, I didn't say much about the Majahual beach day. And yet it is my clearest memory. I'm sure you will enjoy whichever you decide to do!

[gtcruzer]

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. :)

thanks!!! thats exactly the advice i was hoping for

we'll be there in sept. this will be our kick back day

[Wendy The Wanderer]

I suspect trying for Chacchoben AND spending time on the beach would be pushing it :) I just checked back on another board (not travel related) where I posted about the entire 14 days, and interestingly, I didn't say much about the Majahual beach day. And yet it is my clearest memory. I'm sure you will enjoy whichever you decide to do!

 

Thanks, we decided to do this: Jungle Beach Break

 

"Enjoy a day soaking up the sun at Costa Maya's most popular beach club on this tour. The best way to appreciate a day at the beach here is at this delightful Caribbean beach getaway that features an endless white-sand beach and amazing vistas of the aquamarine waters of the sea.

 

It's a short transfer from the pier to the picture perfect Uvero Beach Club. As you arrive, your hosts will give you a quick orientation of the area and the facilities that are available to you. Included in the cost of your tour is the open national bar, beach volleyball, beach chairs, animation/activities staff and kayaks. As you relax and unwind on this pristine beach, you will enjoy a sense of reassurance that you have made a great choice for your day in Costa Maya.

 

For an additional charge, you can enjoy a meal in the Beach Club's beautiful restaurant, avail yourself of some additional water sports (there is some good snorkeling straight off the beach), or pick up some souvenirs in the gift shop. Uvero Beach Club is truly a beach destination that offers all you could want.

 

Regular shuttle service operates back to the pier throughout the day, so you can stay for just an hour or two, or longer if you like. "

 

As I said, most of our excursions are included. We're doing Lamanai again in Belize to get our Mayan fix, and then we'll just chill in Majahual.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

By the way, I realize what Uvero is, and that it was completely rebuilt after the hurricane. Please tell me they did not turn this place into something like a Margaritaville. If so, I don't wanna go there, hate those places!

[maggie5555]

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.

 

 

Hi there, My DD and I can't wait to see Maya Chan! I totally agree with the adage "the port is what you make of it"...

 

We are doing the Native choice ruins and lunch with Mayans tour...can you give me an idea what time that it was over? We would love to check out Mahahual before we have to get back on ship..our ship leaves at 6PM....would Native Choice drop us off at Mahahual?

 

Thanks

[tandemcruzr]

thanks!!! thats exactly the advice i was hoping for

we'll be there in sept. this will be our kick back day

 

You're welcome. It has become our favorite port on a Western Caribbean itinerary. Disappointingly, we miss it on our next cruise. :mad:

[liberalpatriot]

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.

 

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.

 

So well said!!! Thank you for posting this, I am also a research nut for my trips and because of it can travel more often (saves $$) and get so much more from the destinations (by going "independent and talking to the locals). We all have to remember we are "guests" in a country, and often as you stated, an important part of the economy.

 

[Snick500]

When we were there several years ago there were men dressed all in black with uzi guns walking the path outside the whole in the fence. We were told not to walk the trail to the town (along the shore) as crew members had been beaten and robbed along it. I assume those men were security, but it sure scared me. My brother went to the ruins on a RC trip, and the bus stopped at several check-points and military (I guess) men with guns boarded the bus and then told the driver to go on through the gate. Not what I want to experience.

[J18ktleo]

we were there a few years ago too and we have the fondest memories! I don't thinj there was much traffic there then cuz we walked along the waters edge to the village which was very VERY rustic! (were challenged by an attack turkey protecting a new batch of puppies at a private home along the route!!!). We sat on the beach in plastic chairs drinking beer and eating hot chucharones and when we had to go to the bathroom one of the guys took us to his house!

I'm sure this was not the usual experience but it was one of the best days we've ever had just 'vegging' on the beach!

[MissRabbit]

speaking of bathrooms, is there only the one set of public restrooms at the north end of the Malecon in Mahuhual??

[Compass Rose]

This port reminds me sadly of Grand Turks. It's all about the port that was built by the cruise lines and there is nothing beyond that scope. Good luck with other ports as well, as it seems as though there is less and less time allotted at port to visit the areas. The cruise lines want you back on the ships to spend your money there. There is no such thing as leaving at 10pm as in the old days so that you can have dinner and drinks in port. I love this post. The OP hit the nail right on the head.

[Friscorays]

This port reminds me sadly of Grand Turks.....

 

It is actually Grand Turk.

 

I am sorry to read that you did not enjoy Costa Maya or Grand Turk. If you do not venture outside the pier areas built by the cruise lines, you should not expect to find anything but touristy ways for them to collect your money.

 

However if you venture beyond the pier gates and are open to experiencing some natural beauty and tranquility (in or out of the water), I think most people will find that both stops have much to offer.

 

Grand Turk is a world-renowned destination for snorkeling and diving for good reason.

 

I already sound like a broken record as far as my favorite way to spend the day in Costa Maya so I will not go into it again here, but there are many other options worth exploring there as well depending on what one likes to do.

[CowPrincess]

This port reminds me sadly of Grand Turks. It's all about the port that was built by the cruise lines and there is nothing beyond that scope. Good luck with other ports as well, as it seems as though there is less and less time allotted at port to visit the areas. The cruise lines want you back on the ships to spend your money there. There is no such thing as leaving at 10pm as in the old days so that you can have dinner and drinks in port. I love this post. The OP hit the nail right on the head.

 

Leave the port area and go to Majahual. The OP made the mistake of staying in the area of the purpose-built "tourism village". Every other post in this thead is talking about the charm of the area, and the great things to do.

[carwvu80]

I have enjoyed this post a lot. And what makes me excited for Costa Maya is that it is reminding me of Grand Turk - which I loved, loved, loved.

 

We researched Grand Turk, found out about Maurice and his golf carts. There were four of us, and we drove that cart all over the island (which is easy). The people were so friendly, and while it was sad to see the devastation from the hurricane 2 years ago (we were there a few months after the hurricane), we felt so good to be there and helping in some way with their economy. We found a "private" beach where we were the only ones there. We walked up and down the beach, collected beautiful sea glass and several large conch shells. It was, in all of our minds, the best island we have ever been to yet. The pool offered at the dock on Grand Turk was at Margaritaville - and what a horrible place that was. I mean, to each his own, but for us, the seclusion and the freedom Grand Turk offered was so wonderful compared to the loud, crowded, touristy Margaritaville.

 

So, I am excited about the prospect of Costa Maya being like Grand Turk. The other posts are correct, research the island, step out of your comfort zone and try something new. That is how we found Maurice, and that is how we are going to plan our visit to Costa Maya. Thanks for this, bc now me and my group of 4 are very excited for Costa Maya.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Glad to hear somebody else hated Margaritaville in Grand Turk. I agree, what a horrible place. We're so far playing it by ear in Costa Maya, we are booked to go to Uvero Beach Club for a few hours, it's free, laid on by the cruise line. Haven't read much about this, but we may end up wandering on our own as well.

[carwvu80]

Wendy,

 

We originally wanted to do Maya Chan, but waited too long and "missed out". Now we are glad we missed out bc we are so excited by the prospect of spending all day walking around and exploring the food and sights Mahahual has to offer. I will also tell you that we are most certainly eating at 100% Agave which is apparently one block off the main strip and is a locally owned and patronized restaurant. We are very excited with what we have found so far regarding Costa Maya. We plan to really just play it by ear and enjoy the wonderful day in Costa Maya. : )