I’m being a little chicken about Costa Maya

[TheBeachBears]

Ok, it would seem that I’m being a little chicken about Costa Maya, my wife and I have gone from exploring to just exploring the area of the pier to not getting off the boat at all. So these are the questions I have if anyone can shed some light on what seems like a mystery port that would be great. It will be me, my wife and my six year old daughter. What we would like to do is get off the ship and spend a couple hours at a beach. We do not drink but once and a while and since we burn rather quickly we will not spend all day at the beach. What can you do right off the port is there a place to swim (we say what looked like a pool and a beach?) We can shop? I have seen real Mexico and we will just be shopping for tourist stuff. I assume if we want to venture further it will be a bus/cab ride (how much) and a fee for the beach (Which one and how much?) We will not be jet skiing, parasailing, taking in the ruins, snorkeling with anything – just sitting on the beach while out daughter plays we then getting back on the boat is it worth the effort and money to venture further. We will be doing a lot in Cozumel and the Caymans this is just a down day. Thanks for any help.

[Paula_MacFan]

try this website: http://www.puertocostamaya.com

 

There are pictures of the cruise ship pier area, where there is a big pool, hammocks, loungers, volleyball area, and lots of shops.

 

If you don't want to go on the bus ($5) into the fishing village of Majahual (free beach area there), your family could easily spend an afternoon right at the pier area. If I remember right, last year there were some umbrellas too, if burning is a problem. We went back to the ship to unload our purchases and get some (free) lunch, then went back in the afternoon...listened to the local band, enjoyed the swim up bar, dance show...you get the picture.

 

This port is what you make of it...you can call it a beach day or do some shopping. All in all, I found it very relaxing and I'm sure your family will find some activities to stimulate you. There are also some independent vendors right there, that will take you on various tours as well.

[BobbieSu]

You can do all that you wrote that you wanted to do (spend a couple hours at the beach, swim in the pool, shop for tourist stuff) either at the pier area, or for the $5pp/rt at Mahujual village (no pool, but better beach and tourist stuff). Or do them both, you will have plenty of time, at the moment this is not a huge area.

 

Su

[quiltsnh]

We went on the Explorer of the Seas with 27 of our nearest and dearest in April and we all agreed this is a fun and funky place. Some people went to the ruins, some people stayed in the port area and my family and several others took the van to the fishing village.... it was 3.00 to go and 2.00 to come back very easy just go to the back of the pier area and buy an ticket. We had a great day there and still had time to spend in the port area which is a shopping area pool and rest. and bars. I am really glad we went outside the beach area was very nice with service for food and drinks along the water. As long as you buy food/drinks you can use their chairs. The water was nice and the local flavor was a good change from the port area. I felt very safe. I would do both.

[fishoutofwater]

We just got back form Costa Maya in September. Just as you get off you will enter a shopping area. It has a great pool, quite large, lots of shops and an area where they have shows. It is very nice. Lots of tourist stuff! As someone else said you can take a bus, we took an open air bus to the village. I think it was 3.00 per person. We found a table ( not very far down) sat our stuff on it, they let you use their chairs free, water was nice to just play in. It was close enough my husband walked down about 20 yards to get a massage and he could still see us and we could see him. The nachos and dip were very good, the kids liked the frozen drinks. For the price it was well worth the trip!

[OCruisers]

TheBeachBears .... As others have mentioned, do get off the ship!

 

The area at the cruise ship dock which was built for cruise ship passengers would be absolutely great for a 6-year-old. Everything is free except for food and drinks. No problem finding shade. Also, very clean! (It's sort of like an area you'd find at a nice beach resortl.)

 

You may find Costa Maya to be your FAVORITE port stop!

 

Happy Sailing! OCruisers :)

[TheBeachBears]

I really appreciate the input I think my wife is looking to avoid the “Jamaica” incident with pushy people trying to hoist stuff on to us. I think it may be best for use to stay at the pier this time and when we return we will have more to look forward to with our daughter who will be older. I am looking forward to touring the ruins when she can appreciate them…….well maybe not that long how about Para-sailing when she can appreciate that. Thanks for the info I think we have firmed up all of our plans for all of our stops. It’s nice that everyone is so helpful. We are looking at 2007 already (Disney every other year) and Costa Maya may be back on the itinerary.

[airhead22]

There are two "areas" of shopping in the port area. Ir you wander into the pool area, there are flea market type vendors that will try and lure you in. We went (4 females, 2 14 years old) to Mahahual, and we were perfectly comfortable there. There are also vendors there, but they are on the opposite side of the street from the beach. I had read so much about this area that I reallly wanted to see it. I would love to go back. Great massage!!!

[Budget Queen]

try this website: http://www.puertocostamaya.com

 

 

If you don't want to go on the bus ($5) into the fishing village of Majahual (free beach area there), your family could easily spend an afternoon right at the pier area. If I remember right, last year there were some umbrellas too, if burning is a problem. This port is what you make of it...you can call it a beach day or do some shopping. .

 

 

Is this a snorkle area??? And I'll assume $5 each way? Thanks for the reply.

[Once Upon A Time]

I was in Costa Maya this past March and the next time will probably be when there are big resorts along the beach and a town. Before we left the ship, I asked crew members what they thought of Costa Maya... well I should have heeded their advice..."Costa Maya means, don't get off the ship"... Of course, they come week after week, and it is probably boring for them. The pier is set up as a very nice shopping area for cruise passengers...all the normal cruise line sponsored shops; Diamonds International, Tanzanite International, etc. plus native arts.... Also a very nice pool area, bars, etc.( something comfortable for those who just want to get off the ship) Being adventurous, six of us took cabs into Majahual. It is a fishing village, where local vendors set up stalls to sell their handmade necklaces and food items..(at that time, they were all set up on the beach side of the street)..the beach is pretty, but the entire time we were there we had a armed police escort (as did the few other cruise passengers we saw). There were armed military dressed in black with guns drawn walking in a solid line back and forth down the street, while the villagers watched them intently. We made a quick trip down the one dirt and sand street that ran the length of the village along the beach, bought a few things and were quickly escorted by the police back to the area where cabs were lined up and waiting. I don't know if maybe something was going on that we weren't aware of, but it was definately uncomfortable. Others in our group of cruisers who took the tour to the ruins, had a great time.. My suggestion, stay near the ship or go see the ruins.

[wolfganghowell]

We were there last November and because of Wilma's attack on Cozumel, we're hoping Rhapsody fills the void with Costa Maya. We walked the length of the village to a great little beach bar with a swimming area called Pez Quadro. Very clean bathroom across the street, cute little beach hut bar with $2 Sols and an awesome (!!!) massage on the beach. We also swam in the pool at the pier, had some more beer, ate some great nachos,wandered the shops and just enjoyed a totally relaxing beautiful day. Bargain with the vendors in the village - you can get some deals! I would prefer Cozumel but since it won't be possible, I will wish for CM. It is lovely. And we never felt less than safe.

[houstoncruisers2001]

We had a blast in Costa Maya. Relax and enjoy it.

[dkbryan]

While there is not an overabundance of things to do in Majahaul it does have a very nice beach that is shallow quite a way out. You can also get a $20 massage on the beach or your DD could get her hair braided. The ladies that braid hair do it lightning fast. Our youngest paid $20 to get her hair braided with beads. You can see her and other pictures of Costa Maya herea: http://www.redbird.net/dkbryan/html/costa_maya.htm

[Island Annie]

I was in Costa Maya last March (traveling as a single female), got off the ship, walked through the pier area terminal shops, and then took a taxi to the small Fifhing village of Mahahual that so many cc rs have recomended, and found it absolutely "charming".

 

The entire town of Mahahul is not more than 6-8 city blocks long, and the beach runs the length of the town. It's one main road through town is a "dirt" road & actually uses heavy ropes (like those used to tie the ships to the piers) as speed bumps! On the beach, there are several palapa-style beach bar/restaurants, most of which will provide, or rent you a lounge chair for relaxing.

 

I had a VERY good lunch at TAPAS restaurant do to so many favorable comments about it on this board, but have since read that is has closed. (owners have moved to another city) Perhaps if you post a new thread asking if anyone could suggest a good place for lunch you could get some ideas that way.

 

On the 1 main street through town there are also several stores & vendors selling their goods. I found most of the vendors to be very friendly,outgoing, and eager to help you find what ever it is you're looking for, without being "pushy" to buy from them like in many other towns in Mexico.

 

I would have had difficulty finding the taxi stand to get to Mahahual had I not read about it here on the cc board. It is actually located around the back side of the terminal building. (if you walk straight through the terminal towards the very back, you will see a sign that says "to taxis--->"

 

I bought a 1 way ride to Mahahual ($3on a bus), knowing that I could purchase my return ride from a taxi stand located in the middle of town on that main street when I was ready to go back to my ship. (return ride was $2 in a taxi) (each way is only a 10-15 minute ride)

 

I found the beach in Mahahual to be very relaxing, convenient to food, drinks, shopping, and lots of palm trees providing shade if you need it.

 

After spending the day in Mahahual, and taking the taxi back you should still have at least "some" time to spend at the pier area pool & shopping, depending on what time your ship is scheduled to depart.

 

My advice . . . Don't even THINK about staying on the ship on this day. If you do, you'll probably hear many of the people at your dinner table talking about how much fun they had in Mahahul today. and will regret not going there yourself.

 

Looking back . . . Costa Maya/Mahahual turned out to be one of my favorite ports- of- call that week, and I'm now looking forward to my next cruise to include Costa Maya on the itinerary.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

 

Annie

[TheBeachBears]

Without Cozumel Costa Maya just became a lot more popular. We will be getting off the boat. No Dolphins though.

[GCurry]

Get used to it, you ain't in Kansas anymore! Cozumel has the Mexican Navy and plenty of guard posts in the more remote areas. The mainland you'll see army patrols out along the highways. But, don't let that throw you off from having a great time in Majahual, one of my favorite beaches.

Great food, cold beer, wonderful beach, and great snorkeling out past the reef.

Belize City had armed check points going out of town, British Gurkhas that keep Guatemala at bay.

And, any beach in Jamaica will have armed guards to help you have a safe visit.

We take some things for granted here in the States.

[TravelWorks]

In Costa Maya~(Fri- Dec 16, 2005)....we haven't decided what to do...I have never been here before and would really like suggestions...all the boards keep talking about a place named Mahahual (fishing village) ...Also I found out there is a little private resort around 4 miles south of the fishing village called Balamku...which is owned by a couple of Canadians...Do they host groups to their private Beach and resteraunt for the day????Has anyone been here???...I emailed them but have not heard from them at all???....but they run their whole "bio friendly" inn by solar power... so maybe they don't check their email very often....or don't have access to a computer daily?

Also...There is a beach that the "Uni-MOGS" 4 wheel to that is supposed to be beautiful & more private than the one in Majahaul....What is the name of that beach and can we get there some other way????....and spend the day there?

 

Also I have one couple in our group that wants to see the ruins instead of going to a beach that day...WHICH ruins are the best at this port?

 

Is there good snorkeling anywhere??? Coral and fish not far from any beach in Costa Maya??? How much money should we bring here???~Help!

 

Thanks,

AMY