Mahahual (pronounced Ma-ha-wahl and spelled interchangeably as Mahajual and Majahual) is a small fishing village turned cruise ship destination and the closest town to Mayan Beach Garden with services. Mahahual is the heart of the Costa Maya -- the section of coast running from the Sian Ka'an to the town of Xcalak, which is close to the border of Belize. The turnoff to Mahahual is located on Highway 307, just past the village of Limones. The exit to Mahahual at Cafetal junction is well marked. The sign at the junction is now spelled Mahahual, so don't be confused with cruise ship spellings that still have it listed as Majahual. Apparently spelling is arbitrary - I've even seen it spelled Magahual on a local map and local businesses have begun to liberally misspell the name as well to promote their businesses.For example, the Material yard in Mahahual is named "Matehual" and a local tour company is name "Mayahual". So I will use arbitrary spelling here - its all the same Majahual!!

Both the Costa Maya and Majahual / Mahahual are currently being promoted as a cruise ship destination. For years, southern Quintana Roo was ignored by investors in love with Cancun. But times are changing and Mahajual is the heart of Costa Maya - Mexico's newest tourist destination.

Majahual was originally a sleepy little fishing village with a couple of small hotels, unpaved sandy streets and a few rustic seafood and italian restaurants. Currently, the streets are under construction and the government is building a pedestrian walkway, or Malecon. The good news is that only foot traffic will be allowed along the beach.

When the Cruise ships are in town, the things change significantly. The quiet waterfront is replaced by wave runners, vendors, people hawking wares and lots of things to do. If you are traveling on a Cruise ship, the itinerary may state that the stop at Majahual is the Costa Maya.

The cruise dock is about 1/2 mile north of Majahual proper. Those visiting the dock can get taxis and shuttles to the town. There is a "touristy" development at the dock with pool, bars and lots of expensive shops. We recommend getting out of the dock area and experiencing the area
There are always some vendors selling souvenirs in Majahual, as they are here in front of the Mahahual hotel. When the cruise ships arrive, the number of shops increases significantly. An artist's craft mall that rents out garage style booths is now open and new palapa vendors booths on the beach will be renting out spaces in the 2008 season.

There are always some vendors selling souvenirs in Majahual, as they are here in front of the Mahahual hotel. When the cruise ships arrive, the number of shops increases significantly. An artist's craft mall that rents out garage style booths is now open and new palapa vendors booths on the beach will be renting out spaces in the 2008 season.

 

 

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