Costa Maya
Costa Maya in Mexico was our fourth, and final, stop on our 30th Anniversary Western Caribbean Cruise. Previously we had snorkeled the Meso-American Reef, second largest in the world, in Belize and Honduras. Now we would be snorkeling this reef once again but this time in Mexico.
The port at Costa Maya is a relatively new port and was built and is owned by the cruise lines. There are a couple restaurants, a large saltwater pool, beach chairs and several shops. We walked through this area to the bus which would be taking us a short ride away through the town of Muahajal to board the catamaran for our snorkeling excursion.
The town was a small, sleepy fishing village before the cruise ships started arriving - and I am sure it has grown some but it still has that sleepy feel to it. There were a few small hotels, restaurants, bars, homes and a soccer field plus lots of roadside litter and trash. The high cost of tourism.
It was the roughest of our 3 days of snorkeling (causing a few people to lose their footing) but the water was a beautiful navy blue and the coastline scenery was picture perfect. Blue skies with white houses lining the coast.
We received our snorkeling instruction and gear. And after about a 20 minute boat ride we were in the water. This time I saw lots and lots of coral - humongous coral! - and not so many fish. Since the seas were so rough, it was cool to watch the coral and vegetation dance with the waves in the sparkling sunlight under the water. This was my sister-in-laws favorite snorkeling day. So we all had different viewpoints on our favorite. But I really liked them all. How can you beat sun filled skies and gorgeous water?
After our snorkeling, we were dropped off at the port and we looked through a few of the shops. And it was back to the boat for our last day at sea. The end of our cruise. So much fun, And relaxation. And too much food. How privileged we were to be able to take a week to celebrate. Happy 30 years! Here's to 30 more!
The Carnival Glory switches it's itinerary between the Western and Eastern Caribbean. For more information, go to www.carnival.com
Once again, I am linking up with #fridaypostcards. Go check it out!
Also linking up with #weekendwanderlust at www.abritandasouthern.com and #wkendtravelinspiration at www.reflectionsenroute.com. Lots of linking up so go visit all these travel websites!
Snorkelling is one of my favourite activities. I always feel very (experience) rich when we've been snorkelling over a coral reef.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean Jan - it's such a cool window into what we normally can't see!
DeleteI love snorkeling, but only in smooth water. I know it's silly, but when it's rough I prefer to be under the water, where my tank and breathing isn't effected by the waves. Glad you had a good anniversary and cruise.
ReplyDeleteI had a bad experience snorkeling in rough water in Hawaii so I really have to remind myself to remain calm and breathe slowly. This time it turned out alright though. Thanks for the good wish Rhonda!
DeleteBelated Happy Anniversary! A cruise certainly is a fun way to celebrate it. We've stopped in Costa Maya twice but have never set foot in the town or snorkel. We decided to do the day trips to the pyramids and ruins. We liked hanging out at that little docking area. We'll have to keep snorkeling in mind if we stop here next time.
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoyed your day at the ruins - this was a do-over cruise for us as we went on the same exact cruise for our 20th anniversary and were re-routed due to a hurricane - so we did a day at the ruins in a driving rainstorm 10 years before. I loved the ruins but not the weather! Hope you make it back to Costa Maya to go snorkeling someday!
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