Entrance to Costa Maya

Costa Maya, Mexico Information
Contributed by
Nancy Norris
Nancy@SinglesCruiseCenter.com
http://www.SinglesCruiseCenter.com

Language and Currency
What is Costa Maya Like?
What is the Weather Like?
Where Does the Ship Dock?
Where is the Shopping?
What is There to Buy?
What is There To Do?
Is There Anything of a “Don’t Miss Quality?
Are There Any Great Restaurants or Bars?

Costa Maya, Mexico Port Reviews

Language and Currency

Spanish is the official language, but you will find English spoken within the cruise port/tourist area. Their currency is the Mexican Peso, but the US Dollar is widely accepted.

What is Costa Maya like?

Downtown Majahual

Costa Maya is the section of the Caribbean coast of Mexico running from Sian Ka’an Biosphere south to the town of Xcalak, near the Belize border. Just north of the fishing village of Majahual (also spelled Mahahual), in the heart of Costa Maya, cruise lines have erected a pier and carved out a piece of the jungle to build an artificial Mexican coastal village. Surrounded by jungle, this primitive setting offers a vast expanse of natural scenery.

Costa Maya Pool

A shopping village, outdoor amphitheater, a couple restaurants and bars and a swimming pool have been erected. A makeshift beach was created, restrooms and lockers were added and beach chairs and hammocks were strewn along the coast. Voilà, a new cruise ship port is born.

What is the weather like?

Costa Maya is hot and tropical with average daytime temperatures in the 80’s. The sun can be intense in this region so make sure to use sunscreen and apply it often.

Where does the ship dock?

The ship will actually dock at the specially built cruise pier of Majahual, approximately ½ north of Majuhual proper. This very long pier leads to the shopping and entertainment area, but open cart transportation is provided for those who would prefer not to walk.

Where is the shopping?

There is a shopping village directly to your left at the base of the pier.

What is there to buy?

At the shopping village you can purchase liquor, rugs, leather goods, typical Mexican souvenirs and jewelry. A word of caution about the quality of the jewelry, however, as most appears to be silver-plated. Also, be aware that bartering is expected and you may encounter some rather assertive local hawkers.

What is there to do?

Costa Maya Beach Complex

Chairs and hammocks line the man-made beach for sunning or relaxing, but the rocky beach does not offer good ocean swimming. There is, however a nice salt-water pool with a swim-up bar. A Mayan folklore show is offered for free at the amphitheater. Wave runners can be rented, as can bicycles.

Majahual Beach

Take a taxi ($5 per person) to explore Majahual, the quiet, rustic fishing village nearby. Or rent a golf cart ($12 and hour) if you are more adventuresome and wish to venture from the confines of the “tourist development”. If you do venture from the dockside development, a trip to nearby Uyumil Che (nicknamed the Monkey Farm) can be entertaining. This facility can best be described as a rehab center for injured wild animals, or discarded pets that need to be reinstated to their natural habitat. Bird watchers are delighted with the number of toucans that can be spotted from the nearby jungle. Less than an hour away is Chinchorro Reef Underwater National Park. The world’s second largest barrier reef that protects most of the Costa Maya shoreline is a treasure for divers and snorkelers. Sunken ships abound and the coral reef is magnificent.

Of course, one of the best excursions from this port is a visit to the Mayan Ruins. Chacchoban is the closest, at a little over an hour away and just a bit further is Kohunlich. Exploring the ruins is a great opportunity to garner a glimpse into the past.

Is there anything of “Don’t Miss” quality?

If you enjoy diving than Chinchorro Reef Underwater National Park is a must, but otherwise think of this as a relaxing private island “beach day”.

Are there any great restaurants or bars?

Not to my knowledge, but as this area is developed that may change.