From Frommer's Caribbean Ports of Call:
Costa Maya:
Literally carved out of the jungle, this amenity-filled pier is the only major form of development for miles around, and has pretty much everything you want: sprawling restaurants (one with a balcony, the other with outdoor seating and a stage for live music), an amphitheater for cultural dance performances, two salt water pools, a pool bar, a trampoline, and plenty of shops (over 70 in a mall-like setting). A free tram shuttles passengers from the ship down the long (1/3 mile) pier to the port entrance.
Taxi's are lined up outside the pier, but most attractions are far away and since there is no alternative means of transportation (no busses or rental cars) the prices are high to go to any of the ruins on your own. Reasonable cost of $5 U.S. per person to go to Mahajual. (edited by me for length)
Sample of Cruise Line Shore Excursions:
Mayan Ruins of Kohunlich (7 hrs, $79.00 adult)
Mayan Ruins of Chacchoben (4 hrs, $62.00 adult)
Bike & Kayak (3 hrs, $48.00) Starting off on mountain bikes, you pedal along a dirt road past a small mangrove lagoon with views of the coastline, then through the village of Mahajual, and finally arrive at the beach. After a refreshment break, pair up with a partner for a kayak trip out along the nearby reef. Bike ride back.
Coral Reef Sail and Snorkel (3 hrs, $54.00)
A boat takes you to a nearby coral reef where you can explore with an expert guide. (this is what is most easily done, on your own, when you get to the pier, and much cheaper)
Dune Buggy Safari (3 1/2 hrs, $82.00)
This is a drive-yourself convoy excursion in honest-to-goodness dune buggies (how 60's...), leaving from Mahajual out onto unpaved roads o9n the way to La Palapa Beach, where you'll have time to swim or use the kayaks and volleyball court.
Jungle Beach Break (no set time, $36.00)
A shuttle operates between the nearby Uvero Beach and the pier every 35 minutes, allowing you to come and go as you please. But, would you ever want to leave the snow-white beaches and crystal-blue water, not to mention the chaise lounges and umbrellas, open bar, free snorkel gear, paddle boats, and sea kayaks, jet skis, and power boats you can rent? Changing rooms with showers and a snack bar are on-site (food not included in price). Parasailing is also available.
On Your Own, Within Walking Distance:
You could stay right at the one-stop-shop pier complex and still get a taste of the Mayan coast. A 650-seat amphitheater here offers cultural shows daily, from pre-Hispanic dance drama to a Mexican folkloric performance. There are also activities throughout the day in and around the pier, from guacamole making classes to aqua-aerobics, games, and contests. Check the daily entertainment schedule posted near the restrooms for times and activities.
Immediately next to the pier is a lovely private beach club with umbrellas, chairs, hammocks, swings, and a small restaurant and bar. There's a small fee for day passes. Enter from the parking lot near the excursion bus departure point.
On Your Own, Beyond The Port Area:
The only town in the area is the Mahajual fishing village, which, until recently, did not even have electricity. A single main road is lined with a short row of rustic, screened-in restaurants and a miniscule grocery; across the street is a long white beach lined with fishing boats. (There are several bars along the beach where you can get chairs and umbrellas and stay all day....swim, snorkel, etc)
Great Local Restaurants:
Bandito's Lobster House:
At the pier....serves seviche & excellent guacamole, fish, shrimp and lobster tacos, fire-roasted Baja lobster, sea bass, Mayan fajitas.....
next door... Mamacita's Taqueria:
You can enjoy casual dining and drinks while taking in the excellent views of the coast and port. Try the blackened chicken fundido to start, then the grande baja burrito or the tres taco platter.
Shopping:
Mall-like setting (mentioned above) with 70 shops, many of them familiar to cruise passengers; Tanzanite International, Diamond International, Taxco Factory, etc. For something different, head over to the two nearby palapas (small thatched-roof stands), where local artists craft their wares as potential buyers look on.
Whew....that was fun!
