Costa Maya - Mexico

Costa Maya is a small tourist region in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico, the only state with Caribbean Sea. The area is generally undeveloped but has been growing quickly after construction of a large pier to accommodate cruise ships. Costa Maya includes two small villages − Mahahual and Xcalak and extends physically from Xcalak in the south to the southern border of the Sian Ka'an in the north, a distance of approximately 100 km.


Above: Costa Maya Plaza with ships in the background.

The Costa Maya terminal complex is another self-enclosed area, complete with swimming pools, bars and shopping.


Above: Costa Maya fountain and replica tower.


Above: The many air conditioning units that entice passengers into the cool shops.

Mahahual is a five minute taxi ride away and contains a long strip of beautiful beach which is divided up into different areas, owned by different bars and shops across the pathway.


Above: Ships from Mahahual beach.


Above: The beach pathway at Mahahual.

As well as the Kohunlich Mayan excursion which I've already blogged about, I also went power snorkelling in Costa Maya. We boarded an open-air transport for the short trip to the beach.


Above: Power snorkel transport.

It was very windy (and therefore rough) on the day we did the power snorkelling so people were getting bumped into very spiky coral. The underwater scooters were fun though:


Above: The underwater scooter and beach which we snorkelled from.

I'll leave you with a picture of a Dolphin show at the Costa Maya complex, with the Ryndam and the Nieuw Amsterdam in the background. I'll be back with the final few blogs (including video of the Neptunes) soon!