By Barb Nefer
Welcome sign at the Costa Maya port.
Costa Maya is a relatively small Mexican town not as well know by tourists as Cancun and Costa Maya. The Disney Magic occasionally skips Grand Cayman to stop at Costa Maya on its Western
Caribbean itinerary, along with Key West, Cozumel, and Disney's private Island, Castaway Cay. While Costa Maya might not have the huge hotel and restaurant strips that are common in other coastal Mexican towns, it has an unspoiled charm and a wide array of eco-tourism options that make a welcome change of pace. You can get your "touristy" fix in Key West and Cozumel and enjoy a more laid-back experience in Costa Maya.
Features
Horseback eco-adventure shore excursion in Costa Maya.
Disney Cruise Line offers a variety of shore excursions in Costa Maya, most of which are geared to eco-tourism and adventure. For example, you can go horseback riding or explore the terrain in dune buggies or ATVs, and there are water-based excursions such as sailing and snorkeling. You can also explore the area on your own, but Costa Maya is not as built-up as the other ports on this itinerary and doesn't have "walk-up" activities like the aquarium, museums, and conch trains you'll find at the Key West stop on this cruise. There is a small open air market with bars and places to eat, as well as a large public swimming pool and beach area within walking distance of the ship. You'll need to do an excursion or take a cab to see anything beyond that area. If you didn't book an excursion through Disney Cruise Line, you can find vendors selling day trips in the plaza. Be sure that the return time will leave you enough of a time cushion to make sure you don't miss the ship.
Pros and Cons
Costa Maya public swimming pool for cruise passengers.
Costa Maya makes a nice counterpoint on the Disney Cruise Line Western Caribbean itinerary. The other two ports, Key West and Cozumel, are both very built up and crowded and have a "tourist trap" aura. Costa Maya is still relatively uncrowded and unspoiled. There is a dock large enough to accommodate the Magic, so you don't have to take a tender boat to get to the pier. This means you can easily stroll off the ship and back on at will throughout the day if you want to spend some time swimming in the public pool, then come back later to shop.
Like any other Mexican tourist town, Costa Maya has some aggressive vendors. They're not as bad as the ones I've encountered in Cozumel, but it can be intimidating for people who are not used to it. Just say a firm "No" and keep walking. If you don't do a shore excursion, you might quickly get bored just walking around the marketplace and pool unless you pay extra for a cab ride to see more of the area. If you're in port with other cruise ships, the swimming and shopping areas can feel crowded.
Bottom Line
Disney Magic docked with other cruise ships in Costa Maya.
If you've already been to Grand Cayman or generally enjoy Mexican ports, the Disney Magic's alternate Costa Maya itinerary is probably a good choice for you. This port isn't well-traveled yet, so you'll have a chance to experience it before it becomes a carbon copy of Cozumel and other touristy Mexican coastal areas. Don't expect glitz and excitement because you won't get it here. Soak those up while the ship is in Key West and Cozumel. When you get to Costa Maya, plan for a laid-back day with some swimming, browsing, and perhaps an eco-excursion into some beautiful, unspoiled areas. Keep your expectations realistic and you'll have a great time.
Resources
About the Author:
Based in Kissimmee, Fla., Barb Nefer is a freelance writer with more than 20 years' experience. She is also a mental health counselor and travel agency owner. Her work has appeared in such magazines as "The Writer," "Animal Wellness," "SuperVision," "Bird Talk," "SpeciaLiving" and "Twins."
