Click here for my pictures from the Carnival Splendor Inaugural Cruises July 2-25, 2008
Costa Maya Dec 26, 2005
On my recent Grand Princess voyage, Costa Maya was the first stop. We weren't the first ship there, but did have a prime parking space.
There were a couple of other ships there - Carnival Liberty
and Rhapsody of the Seas
I had not made plans ahead, so headed ashore to see what I could see...
ok..
The salt water pool was nice..
Could see the ships
From higher ground
Directly behind the "village", there isn't much...
There are the obligatory arts and crap stores..
I walked around for a while and then signed up for a $15 snorkel trip at this booth.
There are at least two companies doing similar tours.
There is a call center/internet biz at the village
They wanted $6/hr for Internet access as I recall.
Some posted taxi rates:
Another view from the pool
Aha, I see the phone/Internet place charged $1.50/minute to US
I didn't see the cigars stored in humidors...
More ships
It was $5pp rt into "town" $3 for the bus there and $2 for the taxi back.
Tequila Beach Club...
There is some turtle grass there, but why do you think it is called turtle grass?
It isn't that far from the ships
The $15 snorkel boat...
Looking back at Tequila Beach Club
Equipment they supply if you need
Zoomed in on the ship from the pier...
That has got to be uncomfortable
The snorkel trip didn't leave for another hour or so, so had some time to kill..
The town itself doesn't seem to be that much...
The beach part of Mahahual "proper" seemed much more crowded to me..
But also was where the action was...
Buck a beer!!!
Massages seemed to be a common theme...
A luxury hotel...
There were assorted payphones, but I doubt any were bargains...
The beach area in town seemed narrow and crowded to me
Onto the snorkel adventure - it was perhaps a 10 minute cruise from Tequila Beach to the snorkel reef. We spent an hour - perhaps a little more - snorkeling. Not the best nor the worst I have ever done. And for $15 what could I expect ?? But there was life to be seen.
And the snorkel guide fish would point out interesting stuff...
Peek a boo
Fast forward (very fast via 2 buck taxis - they have to make it up in volume...)
Didn't see this on my way out..
Didn't see these anywhere - but knew they should be available - I guess all were gone when I got there the first time...
Prices seem to be higher than I had heard - on it could just be extra special Christmas time gouging ?
Might as well head back to the ship...
But pause to check out one of the artists ($20 a pop as I recall)
good show, though...
What does it turn out to be? I'll never tell...
More of the cruise port...
Hammock city.
buh bye
Once back on board...
Need fooooooooooooood...
aha
Buh bye (echo?) Costa Maya...
Good night !
