Yesterday my wife and I rented a golf cart and traveled the same route you did and had an excellent experience. In fact we were highly impressed by how helpful and genuine everyone was that we encountered. The same beach you pictured was perfect, clean, well maintained. You say you don’t swim in the ocean but you were complaining about the barrier that is there to prevent sea weed from getting to the beach. And to ensure safety considering the excursion boats beyond. You’re not in the US, all things considered this location is doing an excellent job of catering to tourists. Seems telling that you were more comfortable in the port shopping area. For those considering taking a golf cart and venturing out I would recommend it. Unless you’re only happy with the “mall experience “.
I’m glad you had a good experience! Maybe we just went at a bad time but people weren’t very kind to us. There was a lot of seaweed on the beach and it was dirty so maybe they are doing a better job of cleaning it now! I do not prefer the shopping area as I like to venture out.
@@theroadtoadventure1026 complete rip off & the cruise ships are in cahoots. They are not blind to the low grade low class everything on all them ports.. the governments should do something about the scam mush conspiracy.
I love Mexico. What you experienced is a tourist area where people aren't only "making money", but they are feeding a family with that money. You can say NO! to those people. The Mayan ruins are an hours drive outside of town. All ship excursions are over priced, but for anyone who is uncomfortable they are a great value when you consider you are paying for your happiness. Try to keep an open mind and remind yourself that you are not in the US. There is good and bad with that. You will experience the pushy vendors in New York City, Rome, Athens, any large tourist city.
I have been to Casa Maya at least a dozen times on various cruise ships and always had a very nice time. You simply go out of the cruise port to the first taxi you see tell them you want to go in town which is about it five minute taxi ride that usually cost about five dollars a person. Tell them you want to go to the beach And it’s a long strip of different hotels clubs and they have a sidewalk in the front and a one side is the beach. The other side is the businesses you can get a massage there for $20 an hour right on the beach that’s right $20 an hour. It’s a very great thing to do very safe very nice there’s very various Stands that sell different things you would expect on the beach in Mexico but I’ve always had a great time. I’m sorry you had a bad one but a little bit of research I think you would’ve found things are not as bad as you say also, just say no thank you just say no thank youagain sir you had a bad time but I’ve been over a dozen and I love it. Also, you can go to see a pyramid you can go with a local or you can use the cruise ship. The local is cheaper they have one that’s about an hour and then one is probably an hour and a half to two hours away. Either way they’re both great.
Here’s someone who needs to go to the pyramids in Egypt to experience some real harassment by vendors. I’m not sure what she was expecting visiting Mexico but there are vendores trying to make a living there.
The excursions are not cheap, but you're paying for three things; convenience, a safe, clean experience, and most importantly, a guarantee the ship will not leave without you. No matter what. If you can reconcile all of that in your mind, you'll enjoy yourself and be okay with the price.
We went out on our own in Costa Maya and had a great time. I'd go back there for sure. Once you get away from the tourist areas the people are a lot of fun and easy going.
I was there a few days ago and the people were amazing. They’re working hard to make a living. There’s good and bad here and there and you have to make good choices and be careful no matter what. I have been there on cruises at least ten times and have done it all there. On my last trip, we stayed at the port shopping, eating and hanging out and looking at the performers at port by pool area etc. You might be better off taking excursion with the cruise line and they can tell you what’s best. Wondering if this was your first cruise out of the States.
I’m thinking the people from Costa Maya will be happy you don’t come back. They are just trying to make a living. All you have to do is say no thank you and keep walking. We as Americans are way better off than they are and being on vacation in these beautiful places that they call home it wouldn’t hurt you to give out tips to as many people as you can. They DEPEND on them!
You are wrong and she is alert to something but she hasn’t exactly figured it all the way out. They’ve been sent there to harass the boardwalk and more importantly the Krazy Lobster. The private beach resorts are owned and run by drug lords in nearly every Mexican cruise port. Surely you’re aware of that. 20 dollar lobster tail, 1 dollar beer and free access to the beach isn’t what they want an owner offering to cruisers. He and the real local business owners like big momma and such are the ones that are trying to make a living and you need to know the difference. You’ll be harassed at any port but not like at Mahahual. This is deliberate strong arming of local business owners and you need to get mad about it just like she did. We as Americans are better off and they depend on us. You’re right about that, but the solution is far more complicated. Walk to the boardwalk. Shop in the stores. Buy an inexpensive lobster meal. Walk back. If the entire cruise would do that out of spite, the real residents of Mahahual would be much better off. And the drug lords would shit in they pants.
Been to CM many times, we go to Maya Chan. Private beach way down the coast...8km past Mahahual down a rough road. FANTASTIC! Food and drinks the beach is not the best but everyone is fabulous. Owners are Canadian, I believe.
Don't read too much into this. Maybe just a bad day for her. We go to Costa Maya just to visit The Krazy Lobster and Mauricio. Food and drinks are reasonable. And the 20.00 for an hour massage...Try getting that on the ship! Yes, there are lots of people selling things but if they get too bad just tell Mauricio and he will make sure you are not bothered. He is one of the most honest and caring guys we have ever met.
@@ShuggargirlThey are everywhere in Mahahual. It’s one of my favorite things to do in the CM port. You’ll see the stands set up, open air and beachfront. 😊
Wow, I cannot even believe that someone would bad mouth the Costa Maya stop. It is our very favorite place to visit on a cruise. We get off of the ship, grab a taxi, outside of the port area, and head to Maulhaul 5 minutes away. I'm not sure what you were expecting from the beach area. There are people selling their wares throughout the beach but a simple 'no thank you' and they go on to someone else. This last trip we spent all day between the Krusty Lobster and Jaime's Blue Reef. I cannot say enough nice things about our day spent there. I hope you have reconsidered your experience there...as for Cozumel, unless you get out of that town via taxi it sucks! We had to Mr Sanchos and spend the whole day there by the beach and in the water....Food and drink included!
So disappointing to hear you complain the whole video!! You say you understand they have to make a living but also understand you’re in a different country smh
Hate to be the one to tell you but that is a public beach. You can catch a shuttle over there for $10 and a taxi back for $20. There is no charge to be at that beach.
I had to watch the video after seeing your tagline, was quite disappointed in your rude, disrespectful evaluation of the area and more so the people of that region. Have been to every corner of Mexico, no it is not the Midwest USA, but the citizens are a gracious and hard working people, to disrespect them this way says more you and your undeserved sense of entitlement. Have been to Costa Maya and to Mahahual, they are absolutely beautiful, in fact making two stops there on side to side cruises next month, looking forward to it. If you wish to be a successful vlogger, this isn’t the way to express your yourself, also you need to fact check yourself, was the cruise port in Costa Maya built by Royal???
I’m sorry you took it this way but as I said it was overwhelming. I understand they are trying to make money but they act like they are entitled thinking by just standing next to something you can make money. No I’m sorry but that’s not right. I have been to several places in Mexico and never experienced something like this.
@@theroadtoadventure1026you claim to be well traveled but this kind of thing happens everywhere in Europe too. Learn to say no or ignore them and move on. They get told no constantly
So you have to be over complementary to be a successful blogger? She has every right to vent her frustration. I appreciate this video because it gives me an honest perspective
“My mom isn’t adventurous” Apparently the apple doesn’t fall from the tree.. geez, spend a little money. I don’t think anyone is surprised you didn’t enjoy your golf cart excursion. You traveled that far to complain?
Unfortunate you didn’t like this port or town. That happens but you do have to expect to be hounded by vendors or those trying to sell you trinkets or even some joy. Let’s put it this way, they at least have something of some sort of value in exchange for money. At home I am constantly seeing beggars, outside the stores or at stoplights looking for a hand out as they stand there smoking cigarettes or tapping their fingers on their cell phones, or the beggars around my town who don’t appreciate what they are given and want more! Or even worse spit on you if you refuse! Better to sell trinkets or entice you into their business than stand there begging. I advise you to take in the atmosphere accept and enjoy.
@@sunnybrucci3453 yes and I do understand how frustrating and sometimes scary they can be. I have less than 20% field of vision and many times I get approached and don’t know someone is coming up on me, kind of makes me take a jump back. I was walking off a dock/pier in Roatan once with my wife and a vendor just about caused me to have a heart attack! But they are at least selling something and not panhandling and trying to earn a buck.
We rented a golf cart - there were three of us who were led astray by guys in white uniforms and on mopeds. They trapped us in a shopping area and laughed when we tried to leave. We almost had to run them over to get away from them. It’s best not to leave the port area in my opinion - or take a cab directly to crazy lobster.
That’s what my friend and I did- cab to the Krazy Lobster, splashed around in the water got some souvenirs from the shops and grabbed a cab back to the port. Wasn’t our favorite day but it was ok. We didn’t feel unsafe but I probably wouldn’t go there again by choice.
My wife & I were walking along that main street nearest to the water. About 3 to 4 blocks down, a guy approached saying "Hey! Remember me from the ship? I have a day off, please come with me so i can show you my family business and meet my grandma" he pointed down a side street, that looked questionable. For a split second I thought he looked familiar and then i remembered, The crew we spoke with were from the Philippines. He was trying to trick us to lure us away down a side street 😮
@@MrChrisg0625 Probably so but he lied. He pretended to work on the ship and pretended he knew us from the ship. When you start with a lie, its downhill from there. I live in a tourist city and i tell my out of town clients to stay on the main drag, avoid side streets, dont wander off by yourself, etc.
Hate to tell you but you missed the best deal there. When you walk in the shopping area, go to the left and get a massage!!! You can even go to the upstairs area that is open to the breeze and the prices are beyond reasonable. I get one every time I go there. Since I have walking issues I can no longer do the upstairs area and do it downstairs. Great massage and a small price!! As far as the title of you video goes.....I thought something bad happened to you. I am guessing you have not traveled much in Mexico because what you encountered is normal. It is a different country and they live different than we do. I have made several friends in Mexica over the years. I understand they do not have the advantages we take for granted in the US and have to work very hard to make a living. They do so is different than what we consider normal. Their ways are different, not bad or wrong. I find most Mexicans are really vey nice, happy people and willing to help others when there is a need.
Sounds like you have thoroughly enjoyed your time there and I am happy that you have! I have lived in Mexico for two months and they were in different cities. Not once did I experience this issue! I have made several friends in Mexico but like I said in the video in this town they were taking advantage of us!
@@theroadtoadventure1026 I’m thinking you probably should just reflect on the comments and make no more comments yourself. You are digging yourself into a deeper hole.
Ok all fair complaints. México is definitely not a place for you then because you will find the same thing in all tourist areas. I have been in Mexico since the start of covid pandemic. All over Mexico. I spent the last 6 months in Mahahual and yes, it's exactly as you described. Worse. I came here to help a friend and ended us getting screwed over by her along with the locals and expats as well. Horrible place but has it's beauty. The seaweed is a big problem too.
Not all Mexico cities are like this. I’ve been to several other places in Mexico and it wasn’t like this. I’m very sorry that happened to you. It definitely has its beauty!! The water was gorgeous
You are right on in your experience. Exactly what we experienced too. Everything you said is true and ignore those negative people. Thank you for making me feel my experience was valid and I didn't imagine it was not my favorite cruise stop
I feel for you. I went to Puerto Vallarta in 1998 and my experience was similar to yours. Every five feet someone was trying to hit me up for money or asking, "Hey, amigo, how's your vacation? Want to rent a jeep?" Very irritating and disappointing. But the low was when my wife and I went to a nice, romantic restaurant on the river. The owner came up to talk to us and asked us how we liked his place and the food. Both were wonderful... until... and I think you can anticipate where this is going... he asked us if we were interested in a timeshare. I was beyond pissed. So, knowing we would be gone the next day, I told him he could pick us up at 3 pm to take a tour. Of course, we were long gone by then. I hope he was blowing a fuse about being stood up... he deserved it. If, and I mean IF I ever go to Mexico again, I'm going to an all inclusive place and am never leaving the property.
I’m sorry you ran into rude people. My daughter and I took a taxi to Jaime’s at the Blue Reef. We weren’t thrilled with the service but the various sellers on the beach were all polite. Persistent, but polite. The taxi rates are set. Anywhere we go, we always ask before we get into the taxi how much it will be. I’m also really surprised at the prices you found. Everything we saw was really inexpensive. We’re you maybe looking at prices in pesos?
My wife Candice, and I are heading on our first ever cruise, first ever vacation together, and are heading on the Carnival Valor out of New Orleans to Costa Maya.. We want to see jungle/pyramids while there and are researching which excursion we should purchase. We came across your channel here, and wanted to ask you which of the excursions would you personally recommend after hindsight? -Nick
Who do you think you are;So judgmental and you should just stay home next time and read. Inform yourself so you will be less ignorant. Also, go with an open mind and a side of adventure. Have fun!!
Im doing the same trip soon. About how long do you have at Costa Maya? We are planning to do an excursion but I'm worried about the time. And many other things. Lol
Rented a golf cart a few times to Krazy Lobster.. golf cart was $60. The Krazy Lobster is a cool local place and we had no problems. You complain way to much in this video..
It's only $5 to film at the Mayan ruins and you don't pay anything if you use a cell phone. You made a poor choice by not booking an excursion. Costa Maya is beautiful. Maybe you should stick to USA if you can't deal with foreign countries.
The flamingos were nice there. You probably shouldn't travel if youre financially strapped. Turtles there are beautiful. Travel inside the U.S. is probably best for you 2 Karen's
Are you sure about the fee to film? I was there last week and filmed with a mirrorless camera not a go pro or cell phone. No one approached me about a fee.
She is right about the added fee via the ship's brochure....not sure who sets the fee or gets the fee....might even be the cruise line. I trust the Mexican's, I don't trust the cruise line. Nickel and dime thieves!
I think you need to realize a few things 1) You’re coming from a country that is VERY unwelcoming of their people, there’s literally a wall to keep them out. With that in mind, maybe be grateful you’re even being allowed to visit THEIR beautiful country. 2). Living somewhere where there’s tourists is very intrusive to locals, I don’t think it’s asking too much to tip locals, even if for nothing more than to make up for the intrusion tourism causes. 3). Excursions cost a lot, yes, but that money is what helps to maintain those places, which would otherwise be trampled and destroyed by entitled, disrespectful tourists. 4). American expats moving to Mexico are causing the cost of living to skyrocket for Mexicans. There’s nearly 2 million Americans living in Mexico, and that’s not counting Americans living in Mexico on tourist visas who make up the largest percentage of Americans living in Mexico… and the amount of foreigners moving to Mexico is just going up and up. And yes YOU aren’t living there, but locals don’t see it that way. Mexicans earn actual change, giving them a dollar or two could literally make it possible for them to feed their family, a cost that is going up because of foreigners… walking away feeling good for helping someone would feel a heck of a lot better than walking away upset that people struggling to get by (due in part to Americans) were bothering you on your vacation.
@@Benjiallen2397 I agree, although for one thing, of everything I commented, I find it odd to comment that, but also, it has to be acknowledged that Americas borders are seemingly biased by race, taking years, in some cases upwards of a decade, for people of certain ethnic and/or national backgrounds to naturalize legally, vs months for people naturalizing from Canada or Europe.
My wife and I travelled all around that area with a rental car from Cancun without an issue. You are targeted because you were gullible. The locals target people like you and that your fault.