Cruise Port Reviews: Costa Maya

Update: Following the damage done by Hurricane Dean in August 2007, Puerto Costa Maya has now reopened. After much anticipation, this popular port is welcoming visitors once again!

As a scuba diver, I often tell people that the best 'scuba dive' I ever did was a snorkeling trip. Of course, this raises eyebrows on some. What I'm referring to is a snorkeling trip we took while at the southern Mexico port of Costa Maya. And folks, believe me, we saw more beautiful marine life in one spot at that little beach pier in Costa Maya than on any one dive I've ever been on. And over the last several years, I've had the opportunity to make numerous dives, including trips to two of the world's largest barrier reefs. Yes, the snorkeling at Costa Maya is that good.

But even if you're not an underwater enthusiast, Costa Maya can keep you entertained. Take a dune buggy safari, do some serious shopping at the many stores around the pier, visit the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins, or relax by the beach. There is plenty more to do here than there is time in a day.

Costa Maya opened its doors to cruise ships in 2001, and has since become one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world. And you'll understand why when you visit.

One of the first things you'll notice, right off of the pier, is the gigantic swimming pool area that snakes between several of the shops and bars. Feel free to dive in -- there's no charge to get wet here. There are also restaurants, and many, many stores on hand for your shopping entertainment.

For our excursion, we chose the 'Jungle Beach Break,' on which we boarded a bus and headed north to a private beach. There was an open bar here, so needless to say, many of those on this trip needed no further entertainment from there.

But as soon as we got off the bus and eyed the long, wide pier running out from this beach, we knew that the snorkeling here was going to be world class -- you see, marine life likes to have places to hide, places to attach and grow, etc...and there was no doubt in our minds that another world awaited beneath this pier.

As soon as we could don our gear and enter the water, we were greeted by some of the most gorgeous marine life we have ever encountered. The water visibility (the distance you can see across underwater) had to be in the neighborhood of 100 feet. There were tropical fish of every shape and color, and the poles supporting the pier were caked over in colorful corals, anemones and sponges. Starfish of multiple colors crawled across everything stationary.

There was so much to see, that I think I must have grown gills trying to hold my breath and stay underwater as long as possible. Although there was plenty to see floating on the surface, we couldn't help but want to dive down for a closer look at things on the deeper end of the pier.

If you've ever wanted to try snorkeling, I can't think of a better place to do it that Costa Maya. If not, you won't be disappointed by the other options this port offers. I know I'll never forget it, either with or without a tank on my back.

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