The place has been built purely to accommodate cruise ship ever growing need for dock at Mexican coast as it provides a perfect gateway to Mayan sites of Chaccoben and Kohunlich where the tourists can learn about Mayan culture.
Around 10 years ago there was practically nothing - small fisherman village of Mahahual and endless swamp. Is it good or is it bad that tranquil village has been turned to tourist trap?! It is just how it is.
For sure lots of locals got a chance to make an extra buck.
Around 10 years ago there was practically nothing - small fisherman village of Mahahual and endless swamp. Is it good or is it bad that tranquil village has been turned to tourist trap?! It is just how it is.
For sure lots of locals got a chance to make an extra buck.
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| A walk towards the end of the beach gives a chance to see what the place used to be like... |
If you are already there – it is not the worst place to be. At the dock side is tourist center with pools and necessary Senior Frogs with all the noise and overpriced watered down drinks. If you need only your magnet to make your day you can get it here and you are free to go back onboard.
The village with beach and restaurants is $2 per person taxi drive or half an hour walk away. It is not a bad walk as developers started to prepare the swamp for American retirees and built good roads to get around. While walking you are able to meet local fauna – iguanas and abundance of all kinds of birds who like the swamp living accommodations as well.
And the highlight of our weekly walk is local Taco stall at about half way to the beach. It is as authentic as it gets as it is meant to feed local taxi drivers and villagers. You have selection of around 9 different fillings (the earlier you come the larger selection you have) and price is same for locals and tourists – 12 pesos or $1. For us $5 makes a memorable lunch.
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| Taco stall owner Jorge |
From there it is another 10 -15 minutes till you find yourself on one of the most picturesque beach. I am not going to say most picturesque in the world as the world appears to be bigger than most people have imagination. But it is pretty close to one…
It also has everything there what an average Northener would expect to have on Mexican Caribbean beach - lots of little bars and restaurants to feed you and keep you happy with tequila shots & cocktails, massage for $20 and lots of space if you prefer snuggle with your partner in private or choose to join happy crowds at Senior Frogs (yes, there is another Senior Frogs on the beach of Mahahual). Plus there are lots of stalls with all kinds of Mexican trinkets to take back home with you.
And it is safe. As the safety issue has been hitting spotlights last few years all over the Mexico it is important point. Maybe it is the location – at least an hour drive from any city, or the presence of army unit, or both factors together but we never saw or heard there any safety issues. And same confirmed some expats from Canada & USA who live there.
Another reason that made is look forward to this port week after week was Black Pearl restaurant. Just walk past the blaring music at Senior Frogs and a couple of local huts, land under thatched umbrellas by the sea or inside, overlooking the beach and do not forget to say hi to the owners, Amber and Christina. While waiting for the smiling pirate at the bar counter to prepare your mean margarita, snack on some nachos (and if you love garlic ask for garlic sauce). Then enjoy seafood nachos or whole-fried fish with garlic sauce (highly recommend both), have another look at the beach and dare not to say life is beautiful.
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| Amber & Christina at Black Pearl entrance |
For more from Costa Maya picture-perfect beach in our Costa Maya album.
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