A brief review of Majahual Beach

[DoubleDee2]

I hope it is okay to post my question here rather than start a new thread, but we have a group of about 15-20 that plan to do the beach thing is Costa Maya. I am wondering if that is advisable,if we will all get chairs in the same general vicinity or be able to drink at the same bars and eat together or what not? Is it best to just get there and all hop in a bunch of cabs and do you just say to Mahahual beach or do you give a certain landmark destination? Also, can someone please list all of the available activities that can be done and/or rented from this area? (i.e. kayaks, parasailing, jet skis, etc.) Thanks so much!

[YOW]

[quote name='MERED1TH']...In America its also called Freedom of Speech... spend my American money...[/QUOTE]

Where is this country called "America"? Does it say "American money" anywhere on the currency?

[bythehex]

DoubleDee, when we were at Majahual there was a family of 14 on the same cruise with us. They came to the beach, and the people just put tables together for them. I suppose it depends what time you come, the later in the day the more crowded it would get, I would assume. Although to be honest I didn't notice anyone having any problems finding a seat somewhere.

And thank you, NanaDawn, for your kind words. I only posted my experience to share with others, and hopefully help you in deciding what to do when you get to Costa Maya. It's a shame that others had a less than wonderful time there, but mine was a fabulous experience. It's what I wish for everyone.

Sharon H.

[MERED1TH]

[quote name='YOW']Where is this country called "America"? Does it say "American money" anywhere on the currency?[/QUOTE]


Just for the record I do not spend my money in Canada either!

[YOW]

[quote name='MERED1TH']Just for the record I do not spend my money in Canada either![/QUOTE]
Oh no, there goes the economy. I'd better go over to the Prime Minister's (that's kinda like a President for y'all) igloo and let him know. Maybe he can reverse the Canadian position on Iraq, fishing rights, or softwood lumber, so we can get some of those gringo dollars flowing back up here. ;)

[xntric1]

We spent most of the day in Majahual, and rate it as the best part of our cruise!
I will come back later and post full details, but if you are looking for realism, not commercialism, you will not be disappointed. I did see a pair of dirty boys underwear- but it was on the pier to the ship.

[Nana Dawn]

[quote name='xntric1']We spent most of the day in Majahual, and rate it as the best part of our cruise!
I will come back later and post full details, but if you are looking for realism, not commercialism, you will not be disappointed. I did see a pair of dirty boys underwear- but it was on the pier to the ship.[/QUOTE]

Great Xntric1. Looking forward to reading those details and I will be very happy with some realism. I had to snicker at the underwear comment...my guess is that we could find that on any number of beaches in the good 'ol USA where children go to play.

[Murphey]

A wealth of information, thank you. Question: When we make ourselves comfortable under a palapa and order a beer, what is the charge for the use of the chairs for the day?? Thanks!!

[xntric1]

will try to get back this evening and post details.... maybe even some pics if I can get them scanned....

[MiaSRN62]

Can someone please tell me if there are bathrooms at Mahahual beach ? I read online somewhere that someone was told there were none and this made them decide to stay at the beach at the pier ? Thanks for any information.

[peanutprincess1977]

Leaving in 3 days, anyone have any more useful info bout Majahual? I can't wait to get there. Are souvenirs expensive in the town, I would assume that they are at the pier. What kinds of things are available for purchase in town?

[xntric1]

We left the ship early and made our way to the pier area. We did our souvenier shopping (if you want vanilla and you also going to Cozumel, wait to buy it there) - we picked up some silver jewelery and some rock (onyx?) bookends ($5.00 pr). Was not looking for anything special, did not find anything special. The peir was built solely for use by the cruise ship guest. I was not impressed. We then returned our loot to the ship and returned to the pier. From there we made our way around to the taxi stand and paid $3.pp for a ride on a zebra-stripped truck/bus/taxi. It first stopped at a bar (can't remember name) but we ventured on to the 'downtown' area.
It has a main drop-off point in downtown, we got off there (end of the line) and started wondering down the dirt road.

You will be haggled by small-time street vendors, nothing I found to intrusive. I really didn't look at any of the wares they were offering, so cannot comment on prices or what it even was.
We were headed for the Tapas Bar -yellow & blue sign - (I had read about it on here). It is about 1/2 way down the street, on the right (non-beach) side. It has a upper level, where we sat and had a couple of $2.00 beers. We had a roaming guitar player come up and play us a song (I gave him $3). They have food available, and the other couple up there recommended it highly. We were not yet hungry and wondered on our way. We ended up at a place called Pez Quadro (maybe Rez Quadro) on the ocean-side of the street. Their barstools are swings- hubby liked that. They have some lounge chairs in front of the bar, on the beach, (all bars are open-air huts) that we sat in for a while. I had a massage at the stand next to Quadro- they seems to be 'related' somehow. (Note, they have tables set up on the beach, but when I paid, they escorted me across the street, next to the elem school, behind the hotel, on a patio - I felt a bit uncomfortable about this, but hubby (6'4" 230# military officer) was keeping a close eye. All was OK, and actually perferred being a bit out of the main area, in the end.)
After my massage, a swim and a few more beers ($2ea) we made our way back up the road and stopped at the place with the tree trunk bar stools. It is across from the Tapas Bar. It is called El Mexicano. (Yellow and white SOL umbrellas and green chairs/tables) We ordered our lunch from them and it came from the Tapas Bar (same menu). It was good and we had no ill-effects from it.
I did buy 6 Costa Maya hankerchiefs (sp) for $5.00. There is a bathroom at El Mexicano and I believe also at Tapas.
When it was time to head back, we grabbed a regular cab ($2.pp - and we were dbld up with another couple) back to the pier.

Some notes - I did notice a bit of litter along the roadway from the pier to downtown. The ocean water was clean and clear. The downtown area was kept free of litter as well. The people, while trying to make the most from the new revenue stream they have found, seemed friendly and and hospitable. This is not a plush, resort atmosphere. It is a poor community that is just learning "free enterprise". It was a nice break from the ship and in fact, is not even mentioned by the ship.
Hubby wanted a relaxing, do-nothing day for his birthday, and we found it.

[DoubleDee2]

XCentric 1, thanks for the review. It seems like the best thing to do there is just sit back and drink and eat? Or would it be a nice place to take a dip and lay on the beach? WHat other activities do you recall being available...(i.e. renting kayaks, parasailing, etc.)

[xntric1]

We swam and layed in the sun as well and enjoyed it. The water was clear and clean. Chairs were free, but we were paying for the beer!
There was horses available to rent, Jet skis and kayaks. I know some of these you can actually arrange in the pier area (and I imagine at the launch site as well). The kayaks were "Clear Kayaks", which is an excursion you can arrange on the ship as well. It comes with a lunch. The area they serve the lunch is right next to Pez Quadro. The dune buggy excursion leaves from directly across the street.

BTW, the beer is "icey" cold at Pez Quadro. Try the Sol - IMHO better than Corona.

Sorry can't be of more help....we really were laid back that day, which is what the b-day boy wanted! And funny thing is, of 7 days of vacation, it is the one I recall most fondly.