A bit disapointing today. We came into Costa Maya cruise port around 8am and our intention had been to get a taxi to a local beach for the day as well as visit some handicraft shops, have a general look around.

Unfortunately, we arrived in very warm temperatures but under leaden skies and with a very stiff wind blowing off the sea. A beach day wasn’t really on the cards. There were actually large waves crashing against the shore. Damn.

The cruise port is a purpose built location in an area of flat green wilderness, sand and rock beaches as far as the eye can see. A small village nearby but no development visible really.

We got off the ship and walked up the pier to the shopping/recreation area. There were quite a few shops, a local market, a pool, a dolphin attraction, bars and restaurants. In the distance, in the jungle we could see a water park that was themed like an Aztec temple…. We had a good mooch around. There were flamingos in a little pond. They were beautiful…. felt a bit uneasy that they might have had their wings clipped. Definitely felt uneasy about the dolphin attraction where people appeared to be riding them…

We got back on the ship after lunch and pegged out by the quiet pool. It was sheltered from the wind and quite serene. Read our books and napped. Disappointed that the weather precluded our beach day but frankly the forecasts for the rest of the week are a bit dismal. Hot but wet.

Tonight we all met up for Valentines drinks and then had dinner in Sabatinis, the Italian speciality restaurant. A very good meal, plenty of delicious food and wine. Most enjoyable. I had mainly seafood.

Tomorrow we arrive in Roatan where we are booked to go diving. The forecast is pretty dire. Good job we’re getting wet in a planned manner ‘cos we will definitely be getting wet in every other way.