Costa Maya, Mexico; The New Port of Call for Cruise Ships
Written: Mar 01 '07 (Updated Mar 23 '07)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Very safe, well organized and clean
Cons: Disneylike, not the real Mexico
The Bottom Line: Costa Maya is a relatively new port of call that is clean and safe. It's a good place to hang out before or after an excursion.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico |
I recently went on a cruise of the western Caribbean. Two stops were in Mexico. One was the familiar Cozumel. The other was Costa Maya that I didn't know much about. There was a bit of information I could find but it wasn't all that clear. I hope I can give you much more information here.
I've traveled the areas of Cancun down to Playa del Carmen and Tulum a couple of times. This area north of Tulum to Cancun is known as the Mayan Riviera. South of Tulum to the Belize border is known as Costa Maya. This is the last area of the Mexican Caribbean that has not yet been developed. Some people I believe want to change that and make a few pesos too.
A Bright Idea
In 2000 some innovative people decided to develop a new port of call that would be excellent for cruise ships and their passengers. We happened to come in on the Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Sea as part of a seven day cruise. They carved out a section of shore a couple of miles north of a small fishing village by the name of Majahual. You may also see it spelled as Majajual. A long pier that holds three and perhaps four cruise ships leads people from the a deep water port where passengers can simply walk off their boat to a safe environment presenting the Mexican feel and a place where excursions move out in an orderly fashion without competition of locals. It's sort of a Disneylike area. It's not the real deal but it is comfortable, safe and could be very satisfying to those who aren't really willing to travel out of their comfort zone. It was fine for us as a place to relax a bit and for my wife to shop. We did have to get out and see some of the real Mexico though.
What's There?
Costa Maya has most everything many tourist may want in an excursion. A beach area of sand and coral is the perfect place for sunning and relaxing. Unfortunately it isn't a good place for swimming in the electric blue waters though. Other side excursions can satisfy that need. We found plenty of lounge chairs and better yet, for me, hammocks. Many were under shaded areas and palapas. Most people however seemed to want to get lounges around the very large multi-curved pool that is the center point of the "village". Children and adults were in the pool that was quite refreshing in February. The water was extremely clean. Seats in the water were set at the swim up bars. Restaurants sold Mexican fare but burgers and the like could be had too. Entertainment could be heard and viewed in the large dining room areas. There is no charge for lounges, pool use etc. Food and shopping is where your dollars will be spent. Some Mexican beer at the swim up bar after coming back from an excursion to see some ancient Mayan ruins is also a fine option.
Surrounding the pool and restaurants were little shops with vendors calling out to get your attention to deal with them. Haggling prices is an art and is expected. All the vendors we met up with spoke English well. My wife believes she picked up some pretty good deals and felt this place had some of the best shopping opportunities of our Mexican stops, far less in price she thought than when we stopped into Cozumel.
The full Costa Maya area, according to a web site
http://www.puertocostamaya.com was Planned with great attention to detail, Puerto Costa Maya resembles an ancient Mayan city. Three grand pavilions host cultural and gourmet events. Here, local artisans create unique works of art and culture, and guests can learn to make their own souvenirs. I never had that feeling of being in an ancient Mayan city but it was pleasant. Many modern, clean and well stocked restrooms surround the area.
Artisans are also working at some of the shops. My wife purchased some art from man who did some custom work on it for her.
Excursions
Excursions can be arranged on board ship before hand. Once off the ship passengers simply walk the pier to its end where neatly placed signs state the tours that are going out. People gather there and are then taken as a group to transportation to the site or recreation they booked. It is a very orderly process without outside vendors trying to get your attention.
Costa Maya is nearby a couple of Mayan ruins that can be visited including Kohunlich, Chacchoben. Tours go to more private beach areas that include jet skis and such. Many modes of transport can be set up including kayaks, bikes, 4x vehicles, speed boats, air boats, catamaran and more. Our snorkel excursion was cancelled that day but even though we missed the event we did enjoy our time in Majahual.
If plans were not made aboard ship, tours can still be arranged in Costa Maya in their enclosed parking lot and transport area. No taxis are allowed to pick up from there. Costa Maya arranges all trips out. Cabs can take you back.
Last Thoughts
A number of cruise lines make Costa Maya a port of call including Grand Caribbean's Grandeur of the Sea we came in on along with Carnival Cruises and Norwegian Cruises. Others may too. In recommending Costa Maya I do want to make it clear that though you will eat Mexican food, deal exclusively with Mexican people and see shows displaying Mexican culture, it's not the real Mexico. This walled in community of shops and restaurants is a safe place for families with children. There is no traffic or vehicles to worry about and no outside people aside those who work there. The tours do take you to the real Mayan ruins and a ride to the village of Majahual may give a taste of what Cancun was thirty five years ago and Playa del carmen fifteen years prior. Just a note, my wife and I love Playa del Carmen. Even if going on a tour you will probably have free time at Costa Maya where you can spend the American dollar. We enjoyed our time there we also enjoyed Majahual. The $10 massages on the beach made this a worthwhile trip on our own. That's another review at a later date.
Royal Caribbean Grandeur of the Seas
Majahual
10 REASONS why you should go to MEXICO!
Playa del Carmen
Tulum
Cozumel
Recommended:
Yes
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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