Costa Maya and Mahahual Picture 11/10/08

[Ms Belvedere]

Wow Thanks so much for the pictures. Do you know if there is snorkling being offered there? Either just walking in the water or a boat to take you out farther? Thanks!

 

 

I didn't see any snorkeling but we could have missed it. We were trying to take it all in and get pictures, pretty funny after a number of beers. :p

 

I believe they have scuba diving and if they have scuba they should have snorkeling.

 

Thanks again to everyone for looking at the review and pictures!

[jetskier]

Usually Tequila Beach offers snorkeling.

 

Dave

[marci4tony]

The pictures are stunning and I thank you for posting them.

 

I disagree with the assessment of this port.

 

Carnival and Holland American have dumped millions of dollars into this "port" or "walled and army protected fortress" so their customers can have everything they want in port. The Port was beautiful, and I second the original poster - there is NOT A BAD PICTURE POSSIBLE HERE. The only drawback is there is no beach-water access. The sand was imported on top of the rocks. So they compensated with the pools and did a phenomenal job. There is a Costa Maya thread in the "destinations" area, too.

 

Mahajual, on the other hand, is still in the process of recovery. The cab was 4 bucks pp there and 3 bucks pp back. We had eaten on our Chaccoben excursion, so we did not experience the wonderful foods there. On the WEST side of the sidewalk are the restaurants chairs, tables, sandy beach, low sloping surf and very little wave action. Perfect for mom and dad to enjoy a Daquri or Cervesa while they watch their kids play on the beach with sand buckets and wading in the warm water.

 

On the other side of the sidewalk are the vendors. And they are pushy and rude. A simple "no thank you" did not work for me - They would approach us on the sidewalk, invade our personal space, stand in front of us - claining that "cheap pete" is my crooked cousin; my shop is cheaper! - I was even called a name when, after 3 "nos", would not go into their shop. We tried the sunglasses - hence eye contact - no help. And some of the women offering masagges were very "handsy-touchey-feeley" wondered were masagging what??

 

I know that everyone experiences Mahajaul differently, and some have had no problem - but I am not the only one that has had issues. I have actually been contacted by a governmental agency in CM saying they were afraid this may happen and were trying to get it corrected.

 

My input - Remember Mahajaul pre-Dean in your heart and mind as you remember it. BUT EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED. You may thoroughly enjoy it again - you may not. We were one of the first ships back, and we experienced more desperation than the later ships will...they HAVE been without income for 14 months. But the same items we purchased from CHEEP PETE in Maj were half the price in port (after being insulted, mauled and disgusted)

 

There is no doubt in my mind that it will get better with time, and my hat's off to the area for their rebuilding capabilitites. There is still evidence of Mother Nature's fury everywhere you turn - but if one looks close enough, there is also evidence of Mother Nature's love in the small yet significant regrowth.

 

I do not plan to go back for a while - IMO - my least favorite port. Jamaica was HEAVEN - with their "vendors" - in comparison.

[Ms Belvedere]

The pictures are stunning and I thank you for posting them. I disagree with the assessment of this port.

 

I do not plan to go back for a while - IMO - my least favorite port. Jamaica was HEAVEN - with their "vendors" - in comparison.

 

I think cruisers should go to Costa Maya knowing both sides of the coin. Not everyone has the same experience and may react differently when approached by the vendors in Mahahual. We didn't have any issues and, in fact, I bought two bracelets for a nicely reduced price. I'm glad to have found them since they'll bring back great memories everytime I wear them. :)

[SweetpeaOne]

Wonderful pictures. Thanks for sharing..

[zounds]

Love the pics, y'all. We'll be there in 3 wks. Can't wait.

[houstoncruisers2001]

I do not plan to go back for a while - IMO - my least favorite port. Jamaica was HEAVEN - with their "vendors" - in comparison.

 

Progreso was worse as far as vendors on the beach go.

[MEOWSMURPHY]

Thanks for posting the pics..as someone else said...it looks better than before...one of my favorite ports and I can't wait till we are able to return..:D

[Ms Belvedere]

Thanks for the photos, we will be there in january and it so nice to see that it looks so good. can you walk from the port to the village on the sidewalk ? How far is th walk. We took a taxi last time as there wasn't really a way to walk

 

Lacy, it's still the same layout, you should probably take a cab. You can walk if you want but it's about a 20 mins and would be HOT.

 

Have a great time!

[Ralphinsc]

So excited to go after looking at these pics. In less than three weeks I'll be there!!!! :D My wife got a little intimidated at the vendors in Cozumel though I thought they were very, very tame. I guess I might have to stay at the port to keep her nerves from turning her off from the place. Though El Faro looks really nice and those massages sound really good...... :o

[LizaMM]

So excited to go after looking at these pics. In less than three weeks I'll be there!!!! :D My wife got a little intimidated at the vendors in Cozumel though I thought they were very, very tame. I guess I might have to stay at the port to keep her nerves from turning her off from the place. Though El Faro looks really nice and those massages sound really good...... :o

 

You can always give Mahajual a try....the cab ride is so inexpensive that you can go back if you have any problems.

 

of course my experience was pre hurricane but I actually thought the vendors were the friendliest anywhere! They were funny and when I said no thank you there was not a problem. Sounds like things could be different BUT if the ships are going back on a regular basis then maybe it will be calmer.

[Ralphinsc]

You can always give Mahajual a try....the cab ride is so inexpensive that you can go back if you have any problems.

 

of course my experience was pre hurricane but I actually thought the vendors were the friendliest anywhere! They were funny and when I said no thank you there was not a problem. Sounds like things could be different BUT if the ships are going back on a regular basis then maybe it will be calmer.

 

I want to, just don't want to turn the wife off of it. I'll try to get her to hop in with me. I'm sure if we can get a couple of others on our roll call to come along she'll jump right in.

[LizaMM]

I want to, just don't want to turn the wife off of it. I'll try to get her to hop in with me. I'm sure if we can get a couple of others on our roll call to come along she'll jump right in.

 

awwww just show her the pics of that fabulous beach!

 

Going with a group might be helpful.

 

Now I know when I was there when going to Mahajual we all got in a small bus/cab but on the way back it was catch a cab at the end of the street....we actually shared one with a couple of other people. Is it still the same way?? cabs were just waiting there at the end of the road to take you back to the port.

[KelliKevin]

Another Thank-you. We have been praying for the return of our favorite port of Costa Maya for a long time!

Of course, just like everything on these boards, lots of people look for different things in a port and like different things.

Yes, the guards with guns are scary at first. Yes it is poor.

But the beauty of the port without the commercialism has always been enjoyed by us. We loved Mahajaul. It was so laid back and undeleveloped but that is what we were looking forward too! We did not like the Carnival Pool/port village. We wanted to be away from that and experience something different.

Thank you also for the update on the Cat's Meow and other eateries/bars.

I am looking forward to spending my 50th there in March and getting a massage too!

[dstephens0911]

This looks like a great area. I love the pool bar. How do you get to the bar from the ship? Do I need to reserve anything? How are the alcohol prices at that bar? Can you just walk from the bar to the beach?

[Ms Belvedere]

LizaMM, When the cab driver drops you off in Mahahual he'll point out the cabs to you, they're just a short walk from the paved walkway downtown.

 

dstephens0911, the Pool Bar and colorful buildings are right off the ship, just walk from the ship to them, or ride the tram car in minutes. Downtown to the beach where you go into the ocean, you take a cab for $4.00pp. It's $3.00 pp to go back by cab to the port area, a very short distance to downtown but worth the price to take a cab.

 

Hope everyone who's going to Costa Maya has a wonderful time! It's stunning to see and after you've gone you'll be glad you had the chance to be there. Take lots of pictures!

Ms B :)

[MDSue]

The pictures are stunning and I thank you for posting them.

 

I disagree with the assessment of this port.

 

Mahajual, on the other hand, is still in the process of recovery. The cab was 4 bucks pp there and 3 bucks pp back. We had eaten on our Chaccoben excursion, so we did not experience the wonderful foods there. On the WEST side of the sidewalk are the restaurants chairs, tables, sandy beach, low sloping surf and very little wave action. Perfect for mom and dad to enjoy a Daquri or Cervesa while they watch their kids play on the beach with sand buckets and wading in the warm water.

 

On the other side of the sidewalk are the vendors. And they are pushy and rude. A simple "no thank you" did not work for me - They would approach us on the sidewalk, invade our personal space, stand in front of us - claining that "cheap pete" is my crooked cousin; my shop is cheaper! - I was even called a name when, after 3 "nos", would not go into their shop. We tried the sunglasses - hence eye contact - no help. And some of the women offering masagges were very "handsy-touchey-feeley" wondered were masagging what??

 

I know that everyone experiences Mahajaul differently, and some have had no problem - but I am not the only one that has had issues. I have actually been contacted by a governmental agency in CM saying they were afraid this may happen and were trying to get it corrected.

 

I do not plan to go back for a while - IMO - my least favorite port. Jamaica was HEAVEN - with their "vendors" - in comparison.

 

I'm sorry your experience in Majahual was bad. I can only imagine how desperate for income these vendors must be. I spent an entire day in Majahual pre-Dean and had a wonderful day. We had absolutley no problem with pushy vendors. While there was certainly shop owners vying for business, I did not feel at all harassed. While we were sitting at a beach restaurant, we had no problem with vendors. I have learned that a polite no-thank-you and no further eye-contact pretty much ends any further attempt at sales just about anywhere I go.

We met some really nice people in Majahual- my sister bought some embroidered bags from a street-side vendor who says she travels 20 hours by bus to sell her wares. They were cheaper than similar ones on port. I bought a pretty piece of silver jewelry from a nice shop owner named David who took the time to show me how he made his jewelry in his shop [compared to a mass produced product]. No high pressure sales in his shop. I've often wondered how he and his family fared after the storm and hope he has been able to re-open his shop.

I really am looking forward to going back one day and wish the very best for all the residents of this wonderful little town.

[Donnask8pro]

Wow. looks totally back to normal. One of my fav's... I remember dirt streets in Majahaul, no sidewalk in 2005.

[spookey]

Is the pool open to the public and is there a cost? Also, how close is it to the ship?

[Ms Belvedere]

Is the pool open to the public and is there a cost? Also, how close is it to the ship?

 

 

Yes, the pool is open to the public, there is no cost and it's walking distance from the ship. Have fun!

Ms B

 

<Hope this doesn't post twice, the boards are acting up a little tonight.>

[crzycnck]

Thank you very much for all the info and pictures of Costa Maya. My girlfriend and I just booked a cruise with NCL Spirit for Feb and found that of all the ports, the excursions here did not appeal to us at all. With nothing planned we were unsure if we should just stay on the boat. Now I am super excited to just explore the port and the town, so much so I don't know where we should spend most of our time, by the pool or on the beach! LOL Thanks again!!

[Magic City Cruiser]

I was in Costa Maya pre Wilma and I, too, really enjoyed this port. Although, I don't have much to compare it to as I've only been to Cozumel. I'm going to Progresso in January and I sure wish we were going to Costa Maya! I loved Majahual and didn't find the vendors too aggressive. I loved a more authentic mexican "village" even if it was just there cause of the port! I bought a shot glass and it sits on my dresser, with the Majahaul sand still covering the inside:o. It's a lovely souvenier.

It looks beautiful now! Thanks, OP, for posting the pics!

[Ms Belvedere]

Thank you very much for all the info and pictures of Costa Maya. My girlfriend and I just booked a cruise with NCL Spirit for Feb and found that of all the ports, the excursions here did not appeal to us at all. With nothing planned we were unsure if we should just stay on the boat. Now I am super excited to just explore the port and the town, so much so I don't know where we should spend most of our time, by the pool or on the beach! LOL Thanks again!!

 

Try to spend time at both places, the pool by the port and then downtown. We got off the ship and walked all around the port, shopped and then sat in the sun for a while enjoying the music and a few drinks. After about an hour and a half we headed into town on the van and walked all over snapping pictures. We had lunch at El Faro, swam for a little while, walked around some more and then found a cab back to the port where we sat in a different area before heading back to the ship. What a great time, we love that Costa Maya has rebuilt and that we had the chance to be there! I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. :)

Here is one last picture of the waiters waving good bye to us as we left.

[PaulMedik]

Ms Belvedere,

 

Great pics and great to hear that they're back up and running.

 

We liked the dusty streets in town....I'm sure concrete will be OK though.

 

Did you happen to get any pics to the right of the pier where Chac Chi was?

[Ms Belvedere]

Ms Belvedere,

 

Great pics and great to hear that they're back up and running.

We liked the dusty streets in town....I'm sure concrete will be OK though.

Did you happen to get any pics to the right of the pier where Chac Chi was?

 

Edit: After I went back and looked at the pics, there was one that showed Chac Chi to one side. Here it is, cropped and blown up. Not much there but "possibilities".