Costa Maya, Mexico Excursion Help

Hello all! Me and my friend are going on the Glory on March 4th to Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Isla Rotan, Honduras; Cozumel, Mexico and just this morning we found out that our Belieze stop is now going to be Costa Maya, Mexico. We were really looking forward to snorkling on the barrier reef in Belieze. I was wondering if anyone has been to Costa Maya and could recommend any excersions? I would prefer to book through Carnival since this is going to be my first cruise. We are pretty adventuras and love to try new things. We also want to get a variety of different activities in our 7 day trip. We are going to the Coral Garden and Stingray City in Grand Cayman, Zipling and Gumbolimba Park in Isla Rotan, Beach Buggy tour and snorkling in Cozumel but have no idea about Costa Maya. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. IM SO EXCITED!!!!

Bubbles21:

We were really looking forward to snorkling on the barrier reef in Belieze

Only two Es in Belize.

The same reef that runs past Belize runs past Majahual - the town a mile south of the port facility called Costa Maya.  In Majahual it's also easier to get at, and considerably cheaper.  Last I knew, if you had your own gear, it cost nothing to walk the mile-plus down to the town and wade out into the lagoon.

Majahual is a great place to sit on the beach and do nothing.  If you don't want to walk, a cab is a few bucks.  Beers on the beach are cheap, as are massages, tacos, kayak rentals and snorkel gear rentals.

And when you get tired of relaxing in Majahual, Costa Maya has a big pool with a swim-up bar and shopping.  ...you need to get out of the pool to shop, though.

Thanks so much for the tip! I had no idea that the same reef in Belieze is also in Majahual. I will definately look into that. A massage on the beach with food and drinks sounds wonderful. Thanks again :)

Sorry you're going to miss Belize, but Costa Maya can be cool too.  If you like Mayan ruins, I can highly recommend the Kahunlich Ruins tour - we just got back from a cruise in December and we LOVED the tour. The guide was excellent and the ruins incredible - plus it's one of the few ruins where you can still climb up the steps of the ruins.

We have also done the Gumba Limba park in Roatan (be sure to keep hold of glasses around the monkeys :)) and I've done Sting Ray City 2x in Cayman - those are great excursions!

I got a 30 minute massage in Costa Maya for $20 and a HUGE pina coloda for $5.  Just chill out and enjoy their beaches and prices

You could have had two pina coladas and saved ten bucks!

The Mayan Ruins are fantastic.   

Bubbles- Just curious...did Carnival give a reason as to why your port was changed?? We are headed to Belize on the Dream Mar.3rd (will be there actually on the 6th) but also our other stops include Cozumel, Roatan and Costa Maya. Any feedback from Carnival??

Boatbaby:

Yes Carnival had sent me an email. They had said that the Belize port was overbooked and therfore had decided to change the itinerary. I'm not sure if this applies to yours also but there were numerous sailings changed. Hope his helps

We did the snorkel in Costa Maya in August.  I would not recommend it.  You basically get put onto an open air bus and driven out of the port for like an hour.  You go to the beautiful beach and put on your snorkel gear.  They tell you once you are in the water to not put your feet down to not disturb the reef.  Then you swim in single file around a large circle the guide takes you on.  Such a disappointment.  The only fish I saw was a lion fish.  Snorkeling was better in the bahamas.  I would sit on the beach for free in Costa Maya or swim in the free pool.

If you want take a day in relax on a private beach faraway from the small city of Mahahual there is a new Beach Resort 20 minutes from the port.

The name is Almaplena Eco Beach Resort. Just 30 yards from the beach there is a coral reef... only need to bring your snorkeling equipment.

In your website you can reserved.

Bye