Costa Maya, A Very Popular Cruise Ship Port
Posted by Jody on April 23, 2012
Today’s Featured Writer: Mary Hilgart
A very popular cruise ship port, Costa Maya is in the coastal region of the Caribbean in the south of the State of Quintana Roo, Mexico. It runs from Punta Herrero in the north to Xcalak in the south. Costa Maya is separated from Belize by the river Boca Bacalar Chico.
There is a very large coral reef that runs from Belize to Costa Maya which makes this a very popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. You can make out some of it in this picture.
According to the Orcacle Think Quest Education Foundation, the Belize Coral Reef is the second largest coral reef in the world. It is second only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. It is 180 miles long and stretches for the entire length of Belize. It is considered the largest continuous reef system in the Western Atlantic. It is also the largest Coral Reef in the Northern and Western Hemispheres. It is off the shore by about 1000 feet, but touches the shore at Rocky Point.
Costa Maya has only two small fishermen villages – Mahahual and Xcalak. The picture above is the beach at Mahahual which is the main town. It consists of a concrete sidewalk that runs between the beach and a few souvenir shops, beach bars and restaurants.
You can easily see the cruise ship port from the beach, but it would be too far to walk. Costa Maya is an authentic Mexican town, untouched by too much tourism. Our excursion on this cruise ship stop was a dune buggy tour, which was lots of fun, and I would highly recommend it!
Jody said
What a great way to start the week: relaxing on the beach in Costa Maya! I’m sooo looking forward to another cruise. Thanks much for post #4! 😉